[The Pearl Outlet]

Yes, cups could be used to hide imperfections and they would make assembly faster, but they are less secure, the epoxy may fail, especially with so many cups, and the look is very different.

[waimeamomi]

I don't know anything about pearl drilling (that's on my list to learn, maybe) but maybe with the smaller pearls you could make holes big enough for chain to pass through. I've done some necklaces like that. You then use the little (2mm?) crimp covers to hold the beads in place on the chain. You don't have to cut the chain or do the wire wrapping. Or if you want to job out some of your necklaces, this teacher can always use the extra $$. Especially now that I've developed pearl passion!

[pearlescence]

Black tincup -seven 10mm round AA grade pearls. . These pearls are aubergine black with some rose and green overtone in places. All metal is sterling silver and the necklace is 55cm long.
White tincup - 10mm to 11mm white pearls plus one smaller pearl hanging at the back from the toggle clasp. Rose light in the lustre. silver
I've also made tin cups in rolled gold and vermeil.
Test wearing them, they feel great and summery since they are lighter in look and feel than a full strand

[pearlescence]

OOOoopps, forgot to post the white picture

[knotty panda]

Terry: I prefer that cup look. Makes it look more finished. You could wire the cups on either end of the pearl rather than gluing on posts. I have to tell you, I got some studs from Jeremy I guess 6 months ago. I wear them 24-7. They are as secure as when I received them. I am very, very impressed. Argentium is practically tarnish proof and the same price as sterling. Plus it's easier to wrap than 14kt which will keep the labor cost down.

[pattye]

Really, I think they are just different looks, with a lightweight chain between the pearls, and no end cap or roundel or spacer, it is especially light, airy, summery. When one starts adding caps and more metal, or heavier chain, varying the size of the pearls, and all that, it is just a style preference. On this variation of a tin cup, I used silver roundels next to the pearl.


Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

[Caitlin]

Hi Wendy and Pattye.

Those are both lovely pieces. I am liking tin cup better and better. I would love to wear any of those!

[Nerida]

I agree with Caitlin - this thread has made me like this look more and more! Wendy, I think your pieces are lovely - I especially like the detail on the clasp and closure of the white one.

Pattye - I LOVE that necklace!! Are we going to see your work soon on Terry's designers' market??

[pattye]

Nice big pearls you used Wendy! Nice proportion of chain size to pearl, too. I lost part of my post somehow when Firefox timed out, and just now realized it, sorry.

Nerida, I am working on a couple of designs to submit for Terry's consideration. Pieces that can be reproduced with consistency, but be quite different from what he is offering is a challenge. So many times I have only bought a few strands of pearls or gems, with no assurance of getting any more. However, there is a Gem Faire coming up in 2 weeks---thanks much for the encouragement. My intention is to get a couple of designs off to him this July for sure!

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

[Heidi]

Hi Pattye -

I hope you do find some sources that will help you create some pieces to share with a wider audience. Your sense of color, in particular, really sets your designs apart. I'm lucky just to have seen that one OR sunstone necklace in person...