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.