A little help in assembling a necklace

[Lady_Disdain]

This is a bit more complex than anything I've done with pearls and I have some questions (as well as being very grateful for any advice).



First, those are little 3mm pearls. Should I be knotting between every pearl? My guts say yes but I wonder if the knots would be too visible.

Second, the spacer bars. I imagine that the holes should be drilled as close to the diameter of the holes in the pearls as possible, so that the string will fit snugly as well. I was also planning on rounding them out with a round burr, so there won't be any edges to cut the silk (or equivalent - I am thinking of experimenting with Beader's Secret). Should I knot before adding the spacer bar? Can I string the bar straight on the silk or should I add something for protection?

Finally, assembly order. Will it be easier to work one strand at a time, all the way around, or to do them incrementally (knot all of them to the first spacer bar, add bar, knot all the strands up to the second bar, add bar, etc)?

Hmmmm, writing it all out like this makes me wonder if I am not going in over my head.

 

[Marianne]

Dear L-D that is a beautiful design! Excellent plan to have the spacer holes as smooth as possible and that way using Beader's Secret would most likely be safe. The choreography for knotting with multiple strands and spacers should be interesting, but doable look forward to seeing the progress on this lovely project!

 

[JerseyPearl]

I do not know anything about jewelry assembly, so please forgive my butting in and not answering your questions...but I just had to chime in on your lovely design. It looks classically fresh! What stone/pearl do you envision using in the center drop? And are the bars hammered metal? I cannot wait to see the finished product!

 

[Lady_Disdain]

Thank you, Marianne and JerseyPearl!

The bars are silvered fused with gold dust, so there is both colour and texture. The center stone will depend on the pearls themselves and what works with their tones. I am hoping for some creamy pearls, so I can use yellow gold and a gorgeous rhodocrosite as the center stone. I decided to first do a trial with all silver fittings and silvery freshwater pearls, just to make sure everything works. Once everything is figured out, I am going to order the "real" pearls.

 

[pinkjewel]

Although I used to make jewelry and sell it, I haven't knotted pearls. But when I've looked at other 3mm pearl necklaces most are not knotted at each pearl. The problem you then run into is you would only be able to knot a few pearls (say, 5) on either end and then at each spacer bar or I think the spaces would look odd. So the question is would that be enough? I kind of think it might not be. If I were making it (provided I knew how to knot pearls-lol) I would knot each one. I don't know if you'd need to add something to the metal, but I wouldn't think so. When I strung jewelry I never ran into problems with metal spacer bars but I used Soft Touch or was it called Soft Flex-( I can't remember-lol) beading wire which may be stronger. As to the order, I'd do each row starting top to bottom. And it's a beautiful design!!! Can't wait to see how it turns out!

 

[GemGeek]

The design looks terrific. I think Hisano could give you better advice on how to string it. You have to keep adjusting it as you go, so it may be that you have open threads at each station until you get it right, then tie them off all at once. Only knot two or three pearls so you can tie off by going back through them. A neck form would really help. Great idea to test it first.

 

[Marianne]

Neck form is a great idea! (I use my dress maker's dummy )

 

[pattye]

Lady D~

What an elegant design, just amazing! Just some thoughts about putting this together: Even tiny differences in the size of pearls will make a difference when you switch from cfwp to another kind of pearl, as far as the fit and drape. Probably I'd choose to do a temporary on designer wire (without knotting) but with the actual pearls. That would allow you to adjust the shape to your neck. Knotting between each pearl on fine thread would likely add 1 1/2 inch to the top strands andeven more to the bottom strands.

As far as knotting, probably work each section at a time to the spacer bar from the center out, knotting between each pearl.

What sort of 3mm pearls are you planning to use? What fun to design a piece this complex and unique!

 

[Katbran]

Do you guys think it's necessary to knot the little pearls, I was wondering if it wouldn't work to just knot before and after the spacers. Just let the little guys stack up. That way you don't add the extra length .... and it would be easier lol The drape factor might not be in play due to the design? I'm just guessing here..never tried anything like this..

 

[pkinnew]

I love the design - modern and feminine! I am the last person to give advice on construction of this beauty but I can't wait to hear how it goes! Good luck!!!

 

[pearlescence]

Might it be possible to protect the silk or whatever thread with french wire inside the spacers?Depending on the size of their holes it should slip inside, especially as you plan a small 'countersink'
I think you will have to knot each or none. Some would, as you say, look weird
You will probably need very accurately sized and matched pearls as this design will show up any off rounds or variations in size, although a small graduation from top strings to the bottom ones might be possible.
It could all work perfectly first go or be a nightmare..good luck!

 

[pattye]

Katbran, imo, knotting between each pearl is optional. Pearls that size (3mm) might look best stacked. Than comes the decision whether to finish with designer's wire (no knotting) or thread. Hole size could play in the decision, too.

Wendy, hadn't thought of graduated pearls for this design, but that could be very interesting!

 

[CathyKeshi]

This is an intricate, beautiful and daring design ... have no technical advice but am loving the opportunity to "read along" ... Thanks All!

 

[pinkjewel]

Katbran, imo, knotting between each pearl is optional. Pearls that size (3mm) might look best stacked. Than comes the decision whether to finish with designer's wire (no knotting) or thread. Hole size could play in the decision, too.

Wendy, hadn't thought of graduated pearls for this design, but that could be very interesting!

Pattye- I sent you a pm yesterday (or maybe it was the day before) asking about a project and whether you thought beaders secret would work- did you get it? I could send my question to your Etsy store if that would be better

 

[pattye]

Pinkjewel, Very very sorry, didn't notice your pm. Will answer right away!

 

[pinkjewel]

thanks!!!

 

[BrendaPC]

Amazing design, very feminine and elegant! cant wait to see the finished result. I agree about stacking the pearls, for small size pearls i think knotting would make it look a bit bulky and add unecessary length. please do post updates!

 

[Lady_Disdain]

So, here are the supplies for the all silver version.

3-3.5mm rounds. They vary from teal to lavender to greyish blue. For some reason, the front row of pearls is misbehaving - they are pretty pastel like the others, not greyish slurge
1.95 Blue spinel


Stacked is the way to go. They look better and drape better.

 

[GemGeek]

Cute pearls. This is going to be a great start!

 

[pattye]

Lovely color combination, a great start, I agree!