Necklaces and bracelets are probably the most sought after pieces of jewelry and pearl jewelry making will test your patience as you string the beads. You choice is always whether to tie a knot between each bead or not, but there are two good reasons to do so. First, having a knot between each one prevents them from hitting together and getting scratched or broken. The second reason is that if the string breaks you will usually only lose one pearl instead of them all.
How many pearls you will have to string for a necklace will depend on the size of the pearls and size of the necklace to are making. A 16-inch necklace will be typical with the length extending to 18 inches once the clasps have been added. The number of pearls needed will be determined by their size. Most of those into pearl jewelry making will use one size of pearl, usually about six millimeter, but there are others who use larger, or smaller ones.
Buying Pre-Drilled Pearls Eliminates Work
When you buy pearls for your jewelry there are suppliers who sell them already drilled. At the cost difference many choose to pay the extra for pre-drilled while others believe pearl jewelry making involves all aspects of working with the pieces. If you plan to drill your own you may start out with a hand drill and single-size bit. Once you decided you like what you are doing, you may go with an electric drill to make the process faster.
When it comes to knotting the pearls, whether on a necklace or bracelet, pearl jewelry making it is going to take time to do it right. Each pearl will need to be knotted with the knot drawn snug to the pearl. It should not be too tight, simply snug, or you risk the chance of breaking the cord. Typically, a tri-cord string is used and what size will depend on the size of the pearls and the size of the hole drilled through them.
