Daily Wire Tip Jan. 27: Restringing Pearls

By on January 27, 2010
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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
January 27, 2010

Question:

What type of material should I use to restring pearls?

Answer:

Although some folks like to use synthetic materials, it is my opinion that pearls (especially nice ones) need to be strung on double silk cord. A knot should be placed between each pearl to prevent them from rubbing against one another, as this will eventually wear off their nacre. Over time silk will stretch a bit, therefore it is important that the knots be placed as tightly to the pearl as possible.

I did an Internet search using the phrase ‘restring pearls’ and found some great sites with free tutorials showing exactly how to restring these beautiful orbs. (Although there are specialty tools offered, my mother restrings pearls and makes her knots using a simple hatpin.) Wire-Sculpture also has a great article with all kinds of information regarding pearls here: https://wire-sculpture.com/pages/pearl_particulars.html

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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One Comment

  1. avatar

    Marty

    January 28, 2010 at 7:41 pm

    Another meaning to “Restring pearls” might be that you use silk or polycord and string them together just as you would when using beading cord. To achieve the affect of a knotted look–you can use a seed bead in between each pearl.
    I prefer and teach a simple method of knotting pearls with a pair of tweezers using one strand of silk rather than the two strand method.
    It just becomes a matter of what works the best for you and the overlook of your pearls.