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Centuries ago, when knighthood was reportedly in flower, noblewomen made fragrant beads of petals plucked from castle rose gardens. Strung together into rosaries (from the Latin rosarium, meaning garland of roses or rose garden), the beads assisted the devout in saying their prayers. Indeed, many believed that the lovely perfume, released into the air as the beads were handled and wor n, wafted to heaven and disposed God to listen kindly to all entreaties.

Today, religious rosaries are commonly composed of different materials. Yet rose-bead necklaces still deserve attention, because they make charming, unusual personal gifts and unique craft items. What's more, the scented chains are quite easy to fashion if the basic material-a goodly quantity of rose petalsis available.

SIMPLE SUPPLIES

To make naturally aromatic necklaces, you'll need a few simple tools: an electric blender or a ceramic mortar and pestle . . . a saucepan (preferably glass, enameled, or-to make black beads-cast iron) . . . a wooden spoon . . . and a No. 1 or 2 knitting needle or a similar sharp, pointed object with which to make a hole through each bead. For materials, you'll need nylon monofilament line and several quarts of rose petals. You may also choose to use some rose oil to strengthen the scent, and a clasp to finish of your necklace.

A FRAGRANT HARVEST

The first step is the pleasant task of gathering rose petals. Try to get the strongest-smelling, "rosiest" blossoms you can obtain. Don't worry too much about color: As a rule, darker roses have a more powerful scent than lighter ones, but there are many deeply fragrant pink, white, and yellow varieties as well . . . and the beads will dry to a dark red, brown, or black, no matter what color the petals are. Once you've gathered the blossoms, pluck of the petals (about two quarts' worth) and put some into the electric blender. Add water -1/4 cup for every 2 cups of petals-and chop the mixture fine. (The nonelectric alternative to this procedure is to mash the petals in a ceramic mortar, and then to add water. This is the traditional way to do it . . . but a blender will save time.)

Now, heat the rose pulp in a saucepan over medium heat. The old recipes say to use a cast iron pot if you want your beads to turn black. (The iron oxidizes, and thereby darkens, the pulp.) However, my beads made from both red and yellow petals turned dark, dark red (almost black) without any special help. Whichever container you choose, do not boil the mixture, or its scent will be destroyed. Just stir it with a wooden spoon until it's the consistency of clay and doesn't stick to the side of the pan. At this point, remove the pot from the stove.