Best way to join crochet circles for jewelry?

[Elorahd]

I'm working on some crochet necklaces like this:

http://archive.berroco.com/exclusives/uffizi/uffizi.html

 

and I'm wondering what is the best way to join these circles together? Right now I'm just sewing them together but the knots are coming undone and it's kind of a mess. I'm afraid they're all gonna fall off. Has anyone worked with this and found a good, strong way to join things like this?

[Granny Square]

I think I'd use a surgical knot (like a regular knot with an extra twist), leave long ends and weave them in multiple directions.  Or, might be too late now, but join as you go?

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surgeon's_knot

[Elorahd]

Ok, I'll try the surgical knot but how do I weave in ends with something so small and/or open? I'm afraid it'll show.

[Granny Square]

You could try unply-ing your yarn and use only a couple of strands for the 'thread', so it's less bulky; the stitches will be less obvious and it will be easier to disguise the tail weaving.  I don't just slide the ends under stiches, I sew them through the plies of the stitches, and reverse direction to lock the ends into place.  It looks like these motifs have a right and  wrong side, it's a little easier to work it in from the wrong side so the right side doesn't show.

[Elorahd]

I'll try that. Thanks.

I notice that some crochet jewelry I've seen in stores is kind of stiff. Mine could use something to weigh it down a bit, especially the bottom pieces. Is there something special I need to use to do this?

[ReniC]

Another method is with clear beading thread. After knotting, weave needle through the backside, back and forth just like with yarn or crochet thread.