Want to string a tiny set of pearls for my daughter (baby)

[thisismyname]

I'm getting married in Oct after living my whole life thinking marriage wasn't for me! I've had a change of heart!

My 5 daughter's are standing up with me. They range in age... 23, 15, 12, 6, 5mths. My oldest daughter likes pearls. I bought her a starter set a few years ago. The middle 3 think pearls are for old ladies. The baby can't express that opinion yet, so I was thinking of stringing a set of 3mm (or less )round or off round freshwater pearls for her (she's only wearing it for photos... unless she grabs at it, then I'll take it off her) I think she'll need 11" of pearls plus knots and clasp (and maybe an extender) 12" finished... roughly.

I'm planning to order extra pearls to save in case she wants these restrung when she older but I also like the idea of keeping them as a baby set for her to pass on someday.

Anyway, I've never beaded or strung pearls before!!! I bought myself a pearl set 25 years ago when i first started working and have worn it often without ever knowing much about pearls until recently!!!

I've been reading the tutorials and have a joined a few jewelry making and pearl forums to learn as much as I can! It's as interesting as diamonds! I had no idea!

Does anyone have any ideas for my project? Directions? Input of any kind?

 

[molinePDG]

Generally speaking for your own sanity and practicality of stringing, 4mm is about the lowest I personally would recommend for stringing if knotting in between every pearl at least. If you don't knot in between every pearl, it's a bit different, but sometimes the knots can make those tiny pearls look very odd.

Cool idea!

 

[thisismyname]

Generally speaking for your own sanity and practicality of stringing, 4mm is about the lowest I personally would recommend for stringing if knotting in between every pearl at least. If you don't knot in between every pearl, it's a bit different, but sometimes the knots can make those tiny pearls look very odd.

Cool idea!

Great! Thank you for the suggestions! I figured there was a "too small" of a size to begin with but didn't know what that was. Thank you!

 

[Begonia]

Just putting this out there. Japanese delica beads are a nice option to knotting. Has the look of a knot without all the labor. I'm at work right now but I'll send a pic later if you're interested. They're put in between the pearls and reopen the idea of 3mm as they drape well vs knotting tiny pearls (where the drape is often not nice).

 

[thisismyname]

Just putting this out there. Japanese delica beads are a nice option to knotting. Has the look of a knot without all the labor. I'm at work right now but I'll send a pic later if you're interested. They're put in between the pearls and reopen the idea of 3mm as they drape well vs knotting tiny pearls (where the drape is often not nice).

Thank you! I appreciate the suggestion! I don't know any of these details yet, so it's very helpful!

 

[Begonia]

Sorry this took 24 hours longer than expected. I work shifts and yesterday disappeared somewhere! Here are some photos. I'm using Japanese Miyuki round seed beads on these older pearls. I hope I've captured the effect well enough!

 

[thisismyname]

Sorry this took 24 hours longer than expected. I work shifts and yesterday disappeared somewhere! Here are some photos. I'm using Japanese Miyuki round seed beads on these older pearls. I hope I've captured the effect well enough!

That's a sweet idea!!! Thank you for coming back to show me. I really like this option!!!

 

[Begonia]

Seriously, I'm a competent knotter and this is a an alternative I'm using regularly. Quick, with a similar effect but oh so easy.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Sorry this took 24 hours longer than expected. I work shifts and yesterday disappeared somewhere! Here are some photos. I'm using Japanese Miyuki round seed beads on these older pearls. I hope I've captured the effect well enough!

do they still hold the peals like a knot if the strand breaks ?

 

[Begonia]

do they still hold the peals like a knot if the strand breaks ?

No. They don't. This is softflex and unlikely to break altho I restring every few years as the cord ages.