whoops. wrong link here's the one I meant to paste http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/by/167982
Posts by Creature of Whim
Crimson rose makes a lot of amazing chokers and necklaces here is a link to her projects, maybe they might help you get inspired. http://www.graciousrain.com/2010/04/27/seed-paper-tutorial/
You can make your own or get a pattern from http://gonnafly.squidoo.com/perler-bead-patterns , then you tape the pattern to the bottom of the graph so you know which beads go where.
Etsy has some pretty good stuff that's not to expensive. Just go to the supply section.
If it's copper based you could rust it by leaving it out in the open and keeping it moist.