Chain is one of my favorite components to use. Add several chains in a single design or go big and you've got a statement necklace! Alternatively, bling it up with lots of crystals! The tutorials here are not hard to make but will require some patience to put them all together. This lovely set is called the Contessa and it is from the Cousin site.
Can't deal with too many itty bitty chains? Compromise and use chain with bigger links and make it a multistrand one. Cousin's Bits and Pieces Golden Delight necklace tutorial has 2 toggle clasps which do double duty as design focals. Neat!