How to choose a string of pearls - articles about jewelry and decorations

A string of pearls is a classic necklace that suits everyone, always. It will complement a strict business suit, a frivolous sundress or a sheath dress. Pearls beautifully highlight the skin, highlight the whiteness of the teeth and the sparkle of the eyes.

A pearl necklace can look different. There are several criteria that you should pay attention to when purchasing.

Pearl type

Pearls happen:

Natural or wild. A small grain of sand gets inside the shell of the mollusk, causing irritation. It produces a secret called nacre: it covers a grain of sand in layers, turning it into a pearl.
Cultured. It is formed in the same way, but with a small exception - a grain of sand is added to the mollusk on purpose. Most pearls used in jewelry are cultured.

Natural and cultured pearls look the same, but wild pearls are more expensive.

Pearls are also divided into sea and freshwater. The first is cultivated in oysters, the second in mussels. Freshwater pearls come in different shapes, colors and sizes, but on average do not exceed 7 mm in diameter. Pearls grown in salt water reach larger sizes.

Jewelry of ancient times and modern times

People learned to make beads many thousands of years ago. And, of course, even the fashionistas of those early years were faced with a reasonable question: “What should I string the beads on?” Jewelry cable, which can now be easily bought in hardware stores, was completely different in the old days.

The first beads were strung on threads or veins. For strength and durability, the base was waxed, this protected the threads from rapid chafing. And the beads themselves were made from completely different materials. These were bones, stones of suitable shape, wood. With the growth of skill and the development of handicrafts, glass beads appeared, as well as products made of various metals, including precious ones, and beads.

Necklaces, beads, pendants - all these accessories have not lost their relevance for many millennia. And no wonder, because few people wear precious jewelry every day. Costume jewelry can also look very attractive, and handmade products are absolutely exclusive, unique things that any girl will be happy with.

Color

Experts distinguish 120 shades of pearls. It is not only white, but also:

golden;
gray;
pink;
black.

When choosing a pearl necklace, you should consider the color of your skin and the jewelry that will be used in the look.

For women with warm skin tones, pearls of golden, brown, and beige colors are recommended. as well as champagne and ivory. Dark-skinned ladies usually prefer golden-yellow stones.

Cool-toned skin requires the same jewelry. A necklace with white, blue, gray or silver pearls is appropriate.

What thread to use to collect beads from natural stones

Beads can be assembled on various threads: nylon, nylon, natural silk, waxed fiber and so on. And this is not counting all kinds of fishing lines and cables, so there is plenty to choose from.

It is best to collect beads from natural stones on a polyester thread. It is quite plastic, unprecedentedly strong, and does not become shaggy when stringing. But you need to take into account: the thicker the thread, the better the beads lie. Therefore, it is not always possible to use a needle and you have to resort to other tricks.

The easiest way is to string beads made from natural stones onto a fishing line or a special jewelry thread - no needle or other equipment is required. However, it must be taken into account that these materials have some rigidity, which is not welcome with all bead designs.

Pearl shape

The pearls that make up the necklace can be not only round. Other popular forms:

oval - the length is much greater than the width;
drop - one end is rounded, the other is pointed;
button - a round pearl with asymmetrical curves;
Baroque is a natural form, with many curves and dents.

The shape of the pearls is chosen taking into account the preferred style. For official events, standard, round pearls are suitable. An informal look can be complemented with baroque pearls or other original shapes.

How to tie beads? Knots for beads

The durability of the decoration depends on the strength of the knot. Waxed cords are usually tied with a winding knot , which is attached to the lock. The fishing line is tied after each bead and the ends of the last connecting knot are burned to prevent untying.

You can tie a knot on beads in the simplest way - a straight knot , the so-called reef knot . These are two half-knots, each of which is sequentially tied in different directions, one above the other. The knot is hidden in fixing beads - crimps.

The slip knot , a more complex knot, involves working one thread on top of another. Such a knot moves along the thread. Two sliding knots allow you to create beads of varying lengths.

Example of straight and sliding knots:

A knot with an outline can be used to tie beads with large beads. Such a knot is not hidden in crimps, but displayed outside as a decorative element.

A strong, reliable knot looks neat, dense, without protruding ends.

You can learn more about all the techniques mentioned by studying materials from specialized resources for hand-made craftsmen.

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Works by designers from the JEWELIRUM catalog

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Ring with enamel, PNJewelry
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Ring, Khramtsova Jewelry
Wedding rings to order, obruchalki.com
Wedding rings to order, obruchalki.com
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Earrings, Yuri Bylkov
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Titanium pendant, LanaMuransky
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Cufflinks, jewelry mechanics, VLADIMIR MARKIN
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Children's earrings, combinable, FASHBY
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Architectural bracelet, Elizaveta Malafeevskaya MANU_L
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Necklace made of polymer clay, LICORNE ART
Brooch made of polymer clay, LICORNE ART
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Bracelet, avant-garde. VALERY SEREDIN
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Ring, TON ANT
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Architectural necklace, ANCHOR
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Necklace, GOHFELD JEWELLERY
Massive ring, YAKISCHIK
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Architectural ring, ONE DAY ART
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Comments

Vladislav
I have a question: how can I make sure that the thread with the beads does not come loose? Often, after manufacturing, unsightly gaps appear on the thread...
4 years ago Reply
juvelirum
Vladislav, perhaps it makes sense for you to check on specialized hand-made forums
4 years ago Reply
Read also: Who is opalite stone suitable for - magical and healing properties

Pearl size

The diameter of the pearl varies on average from 3 mm to 12 mm, although specimens larger and smaller than this value are found. It is believed that the size should be proportional to the facial features. If you have full lips, large eyes and a nose, your pearls should also be large, and vice versa.

An interesting effect can be achieved by combining pearls of different sizes in one necklace. With its help, you can visually highlight the décolleté area, giving it additional volume.

Length

A string of pearls, like other types of necklaces, comes in the following lengths:

Choker. The shortest of the pearl chains sits close to the base of the neck. Length - 25-37 cm.
Princess. Gained popularity in the 1940s. Located just below the dimple between the collarbones. Length - 40-48 cm.
Classic. The pearl strand is of medium length, ending in the center of the chest. Length - 50-60 cm.
Opera. Decoration with a length of 75 cm or more, depending on the build. Ends below the chest line.

A pearl thread can be worn in several rows, turning a thin necklace into a voluminous and bright decoration.