Favorite Pearl Projects & How-to Tips from Readers

re: Favorite Pearl Projects & How-to Tips from Readers

Cote86 — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 10:49:19 GMT

Amongst all the jewellery items pearls are the most attractive and expensive items, I have been also searching for various types of pearls in many nodes to make an effective pearl necklace project, these provided instruction in the post could be more better for a pearl project using crystal pearl.

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re: Favorite Pearl Projects & How-to Tips from Readers

Marie St. Claire — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:23:31 GMT

Re silver and pearls: Not only can silver polish damage your pearl, but so can sterling silver itself cause problems. Pearls can be discolored by silver tarnish, so here are some things to consider with material selection.

1) If you're using silver-plate, oxidized sterling or any grade of sterling below 999 (fine silver), try not to place these materials directly adjacent to the pearl, even if separated by a knot. Consider using a small seed beed or cystal as a seperator. Silicone spacers will work, also, but if I'm using pearls and sterling, I try to keep all materials in the precious or semi-precious quality.

2) If you're making a precious/semiprecious project, my opinion is that it's usually worth it to spend a few extra pennies to use fine silver, instead of sterling. This will ensure that your pearls will maintain their integrity without discoloration or degradation from tarnsh and will eliminate the need for silver polish. Argentium silver would also work, but I've only seen or used it in sheet or wire form.

One of the greatest qualities of pearls is that their luster improves with repeated wearing. This is due to 2 factors: a) exposure to relative humidity and b) absorption of minute quantities of natural skin oils. So, just as in voting (sorry, but I'm from New Orleans), wear your pearls early and often. And as always, wear your creations with pride!!

re: Favorite Pearl Projects & How-to Tips from Readers

Leslie Rogalski — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 03:41:21 GMT

Glad you all enjoyed this blog! They are truly timeless and multi-stylish. Do not rub pearls on your teeth at a show, ew, thanks for that warning, Deb. You are spot on to suggest finding a trusted source--ask another jewelry maker or your LBS owner. Remember about checking the nacre around the pearl holes. Cheryl, Google pearl or bead bumpers , or ask at your LBS. Thanks for your comments! Leslie

re: Favorite Pearl Projects & How-to Tips from Readers

cheryl@197 — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 22:29:22 GMT

Great article! Can anyone tell me where I can get some of those little silicone bumpers to place between the pearls instead of a knot?

re: Favorite Pearl Projects & How-to Tips from Readers

Elizabeth@153 — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:59:32 GMT

Thanks Deb, I always wondered how to tell if the pearls where real or not. Have a Merry Christmas Everyone. Elizabeth

re: Favorite Pearl Projects & How-to Tips from Readers

Cat_P — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:45:56 GMT

I love pearls! They can be varied in jewelry so well, classic, contemporary, fun, modern,retro, you name it! I love using pearls in all different combinations! Thanks Leslie! :)

re: Favorite Pearl Projects & How-to Tips from Readers

DebWAZ — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:43:45 GMT

Elizabeth, I'm not Leslie, but I can tell you. If you rub pearls against your teeth, you can tell if they are real or not because real pearls will be slightly gritty. You will hear a scratchy sound. HOWEVER, I would be cautious about doing this at a show or even in an LBS. Think about how many hands (germ filled hands) have touched them, then remember that the warehouse where they were stored and where the ship they were transported on were less than sanitary. EEWWW. Another way to tell is to very gently rub 2 pearls together. Glass or shell pearls will be slippery, but you can feel that the surface of a real pearl is gritty. There will be a slight vibration you'll feel in your arm. This method takes practice, but IMHO, it's better than exposing yourself to who-knows-what diseases. IMHO, the best (or at least the most sanitary) way to tell if a pearl is real or not is to buy from a vendor you trust, whether it's online or an LBS or at a show. If someone represents something as a real pearl and it turns out to be fake, remember it and avoid them. My line of thinking is "if they are misrepresenting (or lying about) the pearls, what else are they lying about?" White buffalo "turquoise", strawberry "quartz", or ?

re: Favorite Pearl Projects & How-to Tips from Readers

Elizabeth@153 — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:24:17 GMT

Hi Leslie I was hoping you could give some tips on how to tell if a pearl is real or not..I've seen people rubbing pearls on their teeth, what are they trying to find out? Thanks Elizabeth

re: Favorite Pearl Projects & How-to Tips from Readers

Ann@215 — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:08:37 GMT

My first pearl project is still my favorite. A simple string of pastel teardrop shaped glass pearls that are knoted and strung into a rope. Everyone that sees them loves them. I use both fresh water pearls and glass perals in my work. I like the shapes of some of the freshwater pearls and I use them with seedbeads and to accent pendants that I make from old glass crystals from lamps.