| I think the problem is that there are many different methods of stringing and knotting pearls- and as for how you attach the pearl strand to the clasp - more permutations still.
I've seen good work done with a patent tool which could get you arrest for carrying a dangerous weapon, the Chinese style seems to be to pick have continuous strands and feed the whole length of pearls through the knot each time. I use a very fine darning needle to keep the knot 'open' and moveable until I am ready to place the next knot..slide out the needle and simultaneously pull the thread and shove the next pearl into place - makes good tight strands. I've seen tweezers used for this too, as a variation.
At the ends you can just tie off, thread back through if the silk is fine, or enlarge the end pearl holes, use french wire or not, use calottes, crimps.
I would love to see the back of the Queen to see how her pearl necklaces are made...or the Duchess of Cornwall who nearly always wears pearls (often the same three strand with the amethyst clasp)
I'm adding a photo of her wearing this |