Recent content by Pearl Dreams

Nice! I find the best way to avoid leaving too much space at the final knot is to leave only just the space needed to get the needle into the end pearl, between the gimp and the pearl. With a thinner thread you can also use a thinner gimp (I use Fine) which is a little more flexible, so you...

There is an excellent series of articles about mabe and blister pearls, beginning here: https://www.pearl-guide.com/threads/i-introduction-to-blister-and-mabe-pearls-ultimate-guide.454956/

Yeah, no return policy either. I saw the listing days ago. ;)

He hedges his bets in his description, calling them both akoya and freshwater-- and his length is wrong-- and that clasp is not quite like other ones of that brand that I've seen-- but I'd say yes, they are akoyas, just a bit baroque.

I just want to add that while the necklaces are nice, they are not likely to bring a lot of money on resale. Unfortunately pre-owned (used) pearls don't tend to hold their value. If you or she are still wondering about what they might bring, do a search on eBay for similar SOLD necklaces. That...

The two necklaces and the studs are cultured freshwater pearls from China. They are solid nacre, and the color of the pink ones is natural. The bracelet appears to be imitation pearls, and apparently have already failed the "rubbing test", but I will give you more 2 simple tests you can do to...

They are real. Yes, there is some nacre missing here and there and some blemishes but if you like them, they will do! To clean them, swish some mild soap in a bowl of water (I recommend distilled) and let the pearls sit in the soapy water for 15 minutes or so to loosen any grime that has built...

I wonder if they are natural Pteria sterna (Sea of Cortez) pearls? @CortezPearls, can you weigh in? It's the Independence Day holiday here in the US so it may be a little while before he is free to reply, but he's the guy to ask! ;)

I can certainly understand the sentimental value in these. How would you feel about making a bracelet out of them instead of a necklace? Or a tin cup (station) necklace? I suggest this because it looks to me like some of the pearls may have lost some of their nacre and may need to be omitted...

For decades, FWP were tissue nucleated in the mantle tissue, which is adjacent to the inside of the shell. This is why some FWP have flat sides. SS keshi would not typically be forming adjacent to the inside of the shell. I would not expect them to have flat sides. Could they EVER have a flat...

Post photos when they arrive! :)

I have seen that clasp in the Mikimoto book The Pearl Necklace-- on South Sea pearls.

You can string them with knots only at the ends-- between the final 3-4 pearls on either end, which is a Japanese technique. Then you won't be looking at any knots at all. It would make the necklace a little shorter-- about an inch.

Do you think these vintage akoyas look cheap? I strung them with 10# test Power Pro: How about these? I restrung these Freshadamas (gem grade freshwaters) with 20# test Power Pro. Certainly you can pay for someone to restring them, but it can be expensive. But perhaps not where you are...

It's really easy to restring. It's just overhand knots! No special tools needed. I favor synthetic thread. It doesn't stretch like silk and is easier to work with. Can you get Power Pro fishing line locally? It makes great knots. I've used 10# test for small pearls and 20# test for slightly...