To get the sturdy shape of the necklace I used about 4 lengths of wire together and formed it into the shape of a horse shoe. Then I attached the clasp on each end. Starting from one end, with one strand of wire I threaded different beads (in the same colour group) on and twisted the wire around the 4 lengths and went from one end ot the other and back until I was happy with the size.
I also used some wire in the same colour of the beads instead of the silver wire. I love chunky jewellery so the bigger the better.