First time stringing help

[jaqjaqjaq]

Hello

A few questions if you wouldn’t mind helping me out! I was given a storage bin of freshwater pearls with items needed to string them. I’m not really sure which items to pull.

A few questions I have:
• Nylon cord or silk string? Does the mm matter? Do I need to double back on the cord/string?

• I found these really pretty quad spacers that were used to string another necklace in the box. Do you think these will be too much to add or should I just string a dainty strand of pearls?

• With pearls this small do I need to double a knot between each pearl if I don’t use a quad spacers?

I’m probably overthinking this lol - I’m sure these aren’t expensive pearls, they’re natural fresh water and that’s about all I know. I don’t have a ton of pearl knowledge…would love to make a nice little necklace that doesn’t fall apart

Thanks in advance!

 

[jaqjaqjaq]

Never mind on the quad spacers - the 14k gold ones are close to $2 a piece and I would need quite a few!

 

[pearlsngems]

I wrote a tutorial on stringing. If you google the following words, you will find the tutorial on the other pearl forum (per Pricescope rules we are not allowed to link t another forum):
"Stringing Tutorial with photos: Stringing on Serafil, Beaders Secret & Power Pro"

I would definitely try to use Serafil / Beader's Secret (a synthetic thread) rather than silk. It's much easier with the synthetic thread. I don't like how nylon thread feels.

I'd use the Fine size thread for that size of pearl. Personally I would knot between each pearl for appearance and flexibility, but you could also just make a knot every 5 pearls or so. And yes, I recommend doubling back through the first and last 3-4 pearls. Then you don't need to use glue to secure the final knot.

Consider using Fine flexible wire needles and Fine gimp (a.k.a. French wire) to finish it.

 

[jaqjaqjaq]

I wrote a tutorial on stringing. If you google the following words, you will find the tutorial on the other pearl forum (per Pricescope rules we are not allowed to link t another forum):
"Stringing Tutorial with photos: Stringing on Serafil, Beaders Secret & Power Pro"

I would definitely try to use Serafil / Beader's Secret (a synthetic thread) rather than silk. It's much easier with the synthetic thread. I don't like how nylon thread feels.

I'd use the Fine size thread for that size of pearl. Personally I would knot between each pearl for appearance and flexibility, but you could also just make a knot every 5 pearls or so. And yes, I recommend doubling back through the first and last 3-4 pearls. Then you don't need to use glue to secure the final knot.

Consider using Fine flexible wire needles and Fine gimp (a.k.a. French wire) to finish it.

Thank you so much for responding! I have a lot of reading to do and some supplies to purchase it would seem There’s so much information online these days and easy to get overwhelmed!

 

[pearlsngems]

The ladies who sell the thread also sell the needles and gimp.

 

[jaqjaqjaq]

The ladies who sell the thread also sell the needles and gimp.

I had to look up French wire/ gimp and I do have that in the storage bin with all the supplies! It’s soooo tiny!

Do you use SS clasps or gold?

 

[pearlsngems]

I have used sterling silver, 14K gold, and 14K gold filled, depending on the strand.
Gold is so expensive now that rhodium plated silver can be a very good choice.

 

[jaqjaqjaq]

I have used sterling silver, 14K gold, and 14K gold filled, depending on the strand.
Gold is so expensive now that rhodium plated silver can be a very good choice.

I have a Stuller account, limited to mainly findings, so I may be able to get some simple clasps that won’t break the bank. Gold prices have held me back from completing new projects with my loose stones, sadly.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

I have a Stuller account, limited to mainly findings, so I may be able to get some simple clasps that won’t break the bank. Gold prices have held me back from completing new projects with my loose stones, sadly.

these pearls will scratch the itch then
i hope you have fun, please post pictures as you finish strands
good luck
you will do fine

 

[Lentibulariaceae]

Hello hello! I am a pearl knotter as a hobby. There are only five things I use: pearls, #4 size griffin silk thread, G-S hypocement (for the end knots), beading tweezers, and a clasp.
There’s tons of great YouTube videos on supplies and how to do it. It’s extremely simple, just really tedious.
I have used single knots for all my projects so far, including some with very small pearls.

 

[jaqjaqjaq]

Hello hello! I am a pearl knotter as a hobby. There are only five things I use: pearls, #4 size griffin silk thread, G-S hypocement (for the end knots), beading tweezers, and a clasp.
There’s tons of great YouTube videos on supplies and how to do it. It’s extremely simple, just really tedious.
I have used single knots for all my projects so far, including some with very small pearls.

Thank you! I’ve been watching videos since posting - I am a little confused on one part…do you apply the hypocement on each knot or only when you’re doing them at the top of the necklace near the clasp?

 

[Lentibulariaceae]

Thank you! I’ve been watching videos since posting - I am a little confused on one part…do you apply the hypocement on each knot or only when you’re doing them at the top of the necklace near the clasp?

Only on the top knots near the clasp!