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Direct Links to popular gemstones and cabochons:
Amazonite
Opals, Boulder
Parrot Wing Understand mm sizes: Quick guide: 1" = 25mm 1/2"=13mm 1/4"=6.5mm Change can help: 1 quarter= 24.2 mm 1 dime= 18mm Both coins: 42mm |
These pearls are just wonderful. They're not the cultured saltwater pearls your grandma wore; and except for the blacks, they are not dyed or treated. They're freshwater pearls from China, and they come in a variety of natural colors, from pink, to mauve, a silvery color, to almost white. Because their color is natural, every strand is unique, and the tiny variations in color and shape are to be expected. For further information about evaluating pearls, click: Pearl Buying Tips. Unfinished Pearl Strands Half-Drilled Pearls Bouton (Blister) Pearls Info on Pearl Stringing
Previous Page: Opals Next Page: Purples & Blues
These pearls offer exceptional value. While they can be treated like beads, all pearls benefit if knots are placed in between them to prevent the nacre from wearing off. Most of these can be knotted on a #2 silk cord. These strands all run about 16" in length. Knotted strands for all of these pearls will be approximately 18" long when finished. Click on photos to enlarge images.
PRL7A $42.00
PRL18 $45.00
Pink symmetrical, potato-shaped pearls, 6-7 mm, 16" strand In my estimation, these are really lovely pearls with a beautiful pink color and
luster.
If you've never considered it before, you might want to think about using half-drilled pearls in your work. Solder on a short length of hardened wire, and you have an instant post to which you can glue a half-drilled pearl. Half-drilled pearls also make classy earring studs, and with the right finding, you can convert them into a pair of dangle earrings with your own fabricated or wire-wrapped pieces hanging beneath. The possibilities are endless.
Natural mauve pair 6.5-7mm, half-drilled To make instant earrings, mount these on gold or silver
posts with pearl cups.
It is tradition to string pearls on silk cords separated by knots. They don't have to be done this way--Just last week I saw a huge exhibit of jewelry (including many long pearl necklaces) at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, and not a single pearl was knotted because the artists didn't care for that look. But knotting serves the purpose of keeping the pearls from rubbing against each other, which can eventually wear off a bit of the nacre, the natural covering that gives the pearl its opalescence. A recent invention has made it easy for even novices to learn to knot pearl strands. It's a little hand tool called the "Tri-Cord Knotter," and it's available at most jewelry supply houses, includingRio Grande. You can also buy silk cord, french wires, clasps, and other findings there.
Previous Gemstone Page: Opals Next Gemstone Page: Purples & Blues Tips on buying gemstones, plus a gem directory: Designer Gems To review your purchases, click: Questions? Need a finished strand NOW? I might have it...E-Mail Me.
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Heart of Stone Studio Gemstones
Cabochons
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