Need advice on stringing material

[claudenancy]

Pictures did not come through: I am about to try again

 

[claudenancy]

Possibly I should add that the new pearls range from over 13 to over 14 mm with variation on each pearl less than 2 percent. Because of their size, I am especially concerned with providing adequate space between the pearls as well as good flexibility.

Thanks.

 

[Caitlin]

I think you are right that it would be better not to knot--especially since I may remake it to add pearls. So my options would be Powerpro, silk, or something like softflex if I do not knot.

(Powerpro)is unforgiving and difficult to cut without damaging a pearl (primarily a problem, again, if I knotted.)

(silk) Its problems include the fact that it stretches over time, can absorb liquids, body oils and other such contaminants, may be cut and damaged by sharp or rough places on gold or stone beads, and is more likely to break.

I believe that there was information somewhere that there was "pearl dust" evident after pulling apart a temporary pearl string that had been done on beading wire, but I do not remember the specific context.

Has anyone ever taken apart pearls that had been strung on powerpro to see if there was any pearl dust?

PowerPro is only unforgiving to the hands, it is a bit rough. It is relatively easy to take out tangles . I have never damaged a pearl by cutting it between pearls. The important thing is to have scissors that work properly. I use those little sharp U-shaped pinch scissors- thread cutters. It cuts the P-P right on the very tip. They wear out, but only cost $3-5, so I buy several at a time. I'd say it cuts at least a thousand knots before it gets too dull for the powerpro though it is still sharp enough for most threads. Those children's scissors are for cutting the string off the roll, not dismantling knots. I rarely use mine- I think they are meant for fishermen!

I have seen that dust on wire-strung freshwater pearls only, though it is minor. (Mother of Pearl nuclei don't seem to do that.) I have never seen pearl dust by taking apart power-pro knotted FW pearls and I have taken apart many power-pro knotted strands. What I do find sometimes is some dust on the first two pearls, where the P-P thread went through twice. It only happens on the first two pearls, not on the final 2 pearls. Just yesterday I concluded the dust is from the PowerPro itself. It is easy to clean and does not come back.

edited to add:
Your thinking is really coming along. I love to use the Big-little-big little pattern. I just did one with turquoise square tube-shaped beads with a small pearl between each. I knotted on each side of the little pearl. The softness and drape of the necklace is enhanced with knots, so it is worth it.

I think tying one knot under the gold bead, you'll have to leave small gaps of string and it will be hard to get it right. However most gold beads have slightly larger holes (excellent to use at the start and finish). With the larger holes, the knots on each side of the bead will disappear as the next pearl is put on. I doubt that gold will scratch the pearls, more likely, the pearls will wear the gold, esp the hi-karat stuff.

Good luck.

 

[lisa c]

Oh, so beautiful! Is the finished necklace on show us your pearls, or in your profile?