Restringing jade

[MMtwo]

Hi all,

I’ve been on a jade kick lately and found what I believe to be untreated lavender jade from a pawn shop on eBay, priced just for the value of the clasp. After consulting with a gemologist who specializes in jade, she also thinks they may be natural. I’m over the moon because this would usually be out of my price range. Each bead is about 8mm in size. The variance in color suggests a failed dye job, and the slight differences in each bead’s color point to them being natural, I think.

I’ve been considering re-stringing them before sending them to Mason Kay. I’ve already ordered the purple Serifil from Pattye.

Here is my dilemma: a few beads have uneven holes, and I’m worried this will affect the stability of the knots. Any tips for this issue?

Also, I’m thinking of removing the two darkest beads to improve uniformity. Would you recommend doing that, or should I leave them in? I believe removing the darkest two would greatly enhance the strand’s appearance.


Vendor's photos

 

[pattye]

Beautiful jade beads, wish I knew more about jadeite jade! If you have plenty of length, of course remove the dark beads.
As for the beads with uneven holes:
1. Test with your planned thread size (thank you so much for your purchase!) and make sure knots block the holes well. If the hole is large, perhaps it can be used near the clasp if doubling back through beads to finish.
2. I have occasionally had to insert a tiny seed bead or 2 to fill in a "blown out" drill hole. This will allow the knot to sit level with the edge of the hole, and be inconspicuous in the finished necklace.

 

[MMtwo]

Beautiful jade beads, wish I knew more about jadeite jade! If you have plenty of length, of course remove the dark beads.
As for the beads with uneven holes:
1. Test with your planned thread size (thank you so much for your purchase!) and make sure knots block the holes well. If the hole is large, perhaps it can be used near the clasp if doubling back through beads to finish.
2. I have occasionally had to insert a tiny seed bead or 2 to fill in a "blown out" drill hole. This will allow the knot to sit level with the edge of the hole, and be inconspicuous in the finished necklace.

Oh perfect! Thank you so much. The seed bead idea is a great one. I also like that idea for using the larger ones to double back. Looking forward to getting the beads here and start stringing. Thanks, for the help, as always Pattye!

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

Non-uniform colours may support natural colour. And yes, bad dye might too. Beads are less likely to be resin filled, which is likely why your expert suggested natural. All good observations.

Undersized holes can be made bigger with a diamond round file, but may affect how the bead nests later.

It's a pretty strand.

 

[MMtwo]

Thanks for the input, @Lagoon Island Pearls. I definitely want them restrung before I send them in. If they are A jade, I don't want the ID picture to have the old string and dark beads. I'll pop back in when I know.

Good to know how to make the holes a little bigger if needed.

 

[MMtwo]

Ended up the bead holes were way too big, so went with silk thread. I send them into Mason Kay and heard this morning they are untreated A jade, so I am very excited. I will probably re-knot them again, my work is not great, but it worked.

 

[StarryPearl]

Ended up the bead holes were way too big, so went with silk thread. I send them into Mason Kay and heard this morning they are untreated A jade, so I am very excited. I will probably re-knot them again, my work is not great, but it worked.

View attachment 471701

Wow! Then they are worth a fortune! Congrats!

 

[pattye]

What awesome news about your gorgeous jade beads, MMtwo! What does Mason Kay charge for the evaluation?

I'm stringing jade today, doubled size 20 isn't quite thick enough, so will add a 3rd thread same color, size 30, strung through all the beads before starting the actual knotting and incorporated in with the knots throughout the strand.

Has anyone figured out a good way to measure hole size?

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Pattye, I suppose if one had pieces of wire in various known thicknesses one could use them to see how large a hole is.

 

[MMtwo]

Wow! Then they are worth a fortune! Congrats!

Thank you! its settling in. I was given an offer on them that was not chump change. It gives me an ballpark, so I will make sure I do not lose them. For now I will happily wear them. Kind of glad they would fly under the radar and most folks would not know what they are. I have alerted my family if I kick off, don't take them to good will .

What awesome news about your gorgeous jade beads, MMtwo! What does Mason Kay charge for the evaluation?

I'm stringing jade today, doubled size 20 isn't quite thick enough, so will add a 3rd thread same color, size 30, strung through all the beads before starting the actual knotting and incorporated in with the knots throughout the strand.

Has anyone figured out a good way to measure hole size?

Thanks Pattye! I think a triple 20 might work for mine too, but I am not a strong enough beader to have confidence for that yet. I will probably restring again to work on my knotting skills. The written report is currently 110, but you can also request a result by email for 70. There is also the return shipping & insurance. I started asking for the email, but when I found out they were untreated, requested the written report.

I found a tool: aperture gauge, but looks like it starts at 1mm

 

[StarryPearl]

What awesome news about your gorgeous jade beads, MMtwo! What does Mason Kay charge for the evaluation?

I'm stringing jade today, doubled size 20 isn't quite thick enough, so will add a 3rd thread same color, size 30, strung through all the beads before starting the actual knotting and incorporated in with the knots throughout the strand.

Has anyone figured out a good way to measure hole size?

I use pearl drill bits to measure hole size.

 

[pattye]

Excellent suggestions for measuring drill hole size, Pearl Dreams, MMtwo and Starry Pearl! I'll have to dig out my drill bits, which are seldom used. I've been using a tapered darning needle and a high quality digital gauge to measure drill holes.

How exciting to think there are more beautiful jade strands lurking out there waiting to be discovered and rescued!

 

[jeg]

Wow, the lavender jade is so beautiful and a fantastic find!

 

[MMtwo]

Wow, the lavender jade is so beautiful and a fantastic find!

Thank you. I am so excited to get them home… soon I hope.