Q&A for How to String Pearls

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Question

How do I restring fresh water pearls without a clasp?

Community Answer

On the last three pearl, ream the hole just a bit and pass your cord from both ends of your strand -- in opposing directions -- through these last three pearls, knotting as you go. It's very hard to get these tight Tight TIGHT, but persevere. Once knotted, apply GS Hypo glue, let dry and trim.

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Question

Can I string pearls without adding anything between them?

Community Answer

Real pearls, or high-end costume necklaces almost always have a knot between each bead. If the string breaks, the beads do not all fall. It also protects the finish on high-end costume from becoming worn, and from real pearls becoming scratched.

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Question

How do I figure out what thickness silk thread to get?

Community Answer

As a general rule, silk thread gauge roughly corresponds to diameter of bead in mm, +/- one unit. E.g. for a 6 mm bead, sizes 5, 6 or 7 will work. Optimally, a very slight resistance should be felt when the thread is pulled through the bead.

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Question

The silk that came with the pearls seems too thin for making knots. They get lost in the pearl as the next pearl is knotted. How do I keep than from happening? Do I dare double string the pearls before knotting?

Community Answer

Yes it is a good idea. However the knots should be small and discreet.

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Question

Can pearls be shortened without completely restringing them?

Community Answer

Any job worth doing is worth doing well. Don't trust the strength of the original stringing — restring the entire strand. It's too risky to do it any other way. The original stringing may be frayed or old, and if it doesn't hold, you may lose beads/pearls, trying to make a fast repair.

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