There are numerous ways to string pearls. Stringing pearls is a necessity for anyone involved in the making of jewellery or for yourself as a hobbyist! Remember – be patient, it is a skill to learn and takes a while to master. It is very therapeutic and once you learn it provides a great deal of satisfaction.
Buying Tools and Materials for Pearl Stringing
There are some tools and materials you may wish to buy depending on which method you learn:
Pearl-knotting tool, French wire or gimp, flush cutters, fine shears, scissors, tweezers, carded silk cord with needle, clasp, lighter, clear nail polish or glue, pearls.
Tips
- Any type of pearl can be used, as long as they are not so small that they might break during the stringing process.
- Silks for stringing are available in a wide array of colours. When matching silk diameter to the pearl, a good rule of thumb applies as follows: the thread number should roughly correspond to the pearl diameter. For example, No 6 thread can be used with a 6 mm pearl, but also No 5 or 7 thread is also a good size. Check by sliding the pearl on to the thread- there should be a slight resistance without too much force needed to pass it along the silk.
- Pearl-knotting tools are easy to use and can do the work of the traditional awl & tweezers method, giving you consistent, tight knots in a fraction of the time. With some practice, you’ll find your own speed, rhythm and technique you prefer.
Caring for Your Pearls
We recommend to restring your pearls every year as this will prolong their life and to keep them looking their best.
Three reasons to knot between each pearl:
1. Pearls are delicate and knotting prevents the pearls from rubbing together and causing damage to the nacre.
2. If your string of pearls breaks then only one of the pearls will fall.
3. It achieves a lovely flexibility and movement for your pearl string.