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Category Archives: Manufacturing Tips
Gemology Giant on Pearl Stringers
As many of you know, G. Frederick Kunz was one of the most influential gemologists of the 19th and 20th centuries. Among his many achievements, he and his friend Charles Hugh Stevenson wrote “The Book of the Pearl, the History, … Continue reading
Posted in Jewelry History, Manufacturing Tips, Pearls
Tagged G. Frederick Kunz, pearl stringers, stringing pearls, The Book of the Pearl
Looking at Other Work
Jewelry designer, Emily Maynard, is receiving attention for her “transformation of flea market beads into eye-catching earrings or reinvigorating an estate sale necklace with a blingy brooch turned pendent.” Recycled jewelry does have some cache, but the use of a … Continue reading
Posted in Jewelry Design, Manufacturing Tips
Tagged beaded jewelry, beads, clasp, crimps, Emily Maynard
Versatility of Pearl and Bead Stringing
A recent catalog from Gump’s, the wonderful San Francisco store, illustrated some of the new jewelry the store is offering. In looking at the images, I realized they’re a marvelous example of just how versatile pearl and bead stringing can … Continue reading
Posted in Jewelry Design, Manufacturing Tips
Tagged Gump's, jewelry design, Murano Glass
Crimps Ruin this Necklace Design
I named this little company “Professional Pearl and Bead Stringing” for a reason. I wanted to distinguish it from other types of pearl and bead stringing, specifically the all-too-widespread practice of teaching one technique, such as using crimps, and then … Continue reading
Posted in Jewelry Design, Manufacturing Tips
Tagged crimps, findings, jewelry design, jewelry making, jump rings, wire
Bead Stringing Needles, Bead Strand Lengths and Theft
Here is a copy of a note I sent out to my students. I thought it might be of general interest. I wanted to update you on a couple of developments occurring in the trade affecting pearl and bead stringers … Continue reading
Determining Number of Beads for Necklace Length
You don’t always need to know exactly how many beads you’ll need for a necklace. But sometimes you do. Stuller, a wholesale jewelry supply company, recently developed a series of charts showing the number of beads per inch required to … Continue reading
Key Concept for Making Jewelry
There are some tools and concepts that all jewelry makers, including pearl and bead stringers, should be familiar with. One of these is the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. The Mohs scale is named for Frederick Mohs, a German geologist, … Continue reading
Posted in Business, Gemstones, Manufacturing Tips
Tagged beads, breaking, gemstones, hardness, Mohs Scale, scratching, toughness
Why Bead Stringers Must Know How to Knot Between Pearls and Beads – Part Two
Knowing how to knot between beads is foundational for gemstone protection and to prevent loss. It is also an important skill that enables the professional pearl and bead stringer to extend his or her design and manufacturing capabilities. Knowing how … Continue reading
Why Bead Stringers Must Know How to Knot Between Pearls and Beads
Knotting between Pearls and Beads is Foundational When I taught pearl and bead stringing classes at my gallery, which I did for more than ten years, occasionally I’d have a student who was content to stop after learning how to … Continue reading
Posted in Manufacturing Tips
Tagged knotting, knotting between pearls and beads