My most recent DIY project was this choker.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/bjalli/hcc2.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/bjalli/hcc3.jpg
Unfortunately (for my bank account) this was not a cheap necklace. I spent over $150 on supplies but I got exactly what I wanted.
All of the beads are crystal and all of the metal parts are sterling silver (any other metal gives me a rash) and the pendant was made from silver art clay.