For our concert operas, singers are not in costume, but wear concert dress attire, which usually means handsome suites and gorgeous gowns. Every once in a while, we need something to set the scene, a sash, a crown, or in this case; the necklace that the Queen of Sheba bestows upon Adoniram.  So we asked out FABULOUS costume designer, Brooke Stanton to make one for us. In her usual fashion, Brooke posted her process in making this necklace!

How to make a necklace for the Queen of Sheba, step # 1: research

Original poster for the opera, 1862

Queen of Sheba meets Solomon by Giovanni De Min, 1846

Ethiopian Coptic Necklace

Halle Berry as the Queen of Sheba, 1995

How to make a necklace for the Queen of Sheba, step # 2: make a pilgrimage to the jewelers’ candy shop.

— at Beaucoup Beads.

How to make a necklace for the Queen of Sheba, step #3: visit with Marie, who had the PERFECT African focal bead!

with Marie Flaherty at Native.

How to make a necklace for the Queen of Sheba, step #4: assemble ingredients.

How to make a necklace for the Queen of Sheba, step #5: Complete!