Matching an existing strand of Black Akoyas to make a double strand?

[dkan 168]

Hi peeps,

Is this doable, to try and match an existing 7-8mm black Akoya strand so that I can make it into a double strand?

I thought about making it into a double-strand bracelet, however, I do not wear pearl bracelet much except for going out in the evenings.

It is of huge sentimental value, however, the size of the pearls are on the small side on me nowadays Hence I thought about making it into a double strand by trying to find another strand that matches it.

Thanks for your advice in advance.

DK

[Pearl Dreams]

I would hope that if the vendor had your strand on hand as reference, they could match it. Why not call or message them and ask?

[dkan 168]

I would hope that if the vendor had your strand on hand as reference, they could match it. Why not call or message them and ask?

I have planned to send the strand in for matching, however, I am not sure if this been done by anyone on PG before. Hence I thought I should seek advice on here first.

DK

[pattye]

Hi DK,

I do think it is worth a try.. If unable to match, would you consider adding a complimentary high quality gemstone, enough to make a double strand? I don't recall if you like that look or not.

[Sueki]

Or a row of white akoyas, or alternating whites, or Knotty's suggestion of half black, half white rows, alternate sides, for the black and white look.

[dkan 168]

Hi DK,

I do think it is worth a try.. If unable to match, would you consider adding a complimentary high quality gemstone, enough to make a double strand? I don't recall if you like that look or not.

I wear a lot of colours normally, and limit the colours of my jewellery to black, white, red and pink, usually only 1 colour in a piece at a time if you know what I mean.

Therefore, mixing it with other gemstone, or white pearls, probably means very limited wear opportunity.

I could do it with white Swarovski crystals, and plaini white gold beads I suppose

I thought about making it into a double Tin Cup rope, however, that too will have very limited wear opportunity

If it is too difficult, then I would probably make a Tahitian pearl enhancer to perk it up a bit

DK

[dkan 168]

Or a row of white akoyas, or alternating whites, or Knotty's suggestion of half black, half white rows, alternate sides, for the black and white look.

The Cruella de Vil look? My hair fits the bill, no need for any special colour treatment that's for sure!

May try pairing it with the strand of 6.5-7mm ivory/white that is going to be displaced by the arrival of the bigger CFWPs Thanks for the suggestion Not half and half though

DK

[pattye]

I wear a lot of colours normally, and limit the colours of my jewellery to black, white, red and pink, usually only 1 colour in a piece at a time if you know what I mean.

Guess I was thinking of more of a tonal look, like maybe micro-faceted black onyx, or faceted black tourmaline (gorgeous!) with some nice spacers. It's just a personal thing with me, but I do prefer genuine gemstones to Swarovski especially with fine pearls---there are also gorgeous microfaceted rock crystal quartz (clear), and white topaz, which would still give a very neutral look.

[dkan 168]

I like the double strand black and white look, tried it as soon as I got home, here are the pics of before and after, please excuse the chunky neck





I would need to re-string both using a double strand clasp as they do not nest properly at present. Hopefully, I could get one with my findings order before it is shipped to me

Thanks everyone for your help and advice

DK

[dkan 168]

BTW, they are both 18in at present, however, they look more like 16in on me

DK

[barbie biggs]

Hello DK:
At the risk of sounding like a shill for Pearl Paradise ( I usually do), they have something like a million pearls in their vault. They also carry several different shades of akoya in the black. I got a luscious teal strand from them last year. It works great twisted into a torsade with a white strand.
Your idea of using a pendant is also lovely. You could collect many over time the way some people collect earrings and that would give you any number of options for ways to wear your black akoya. And you could collect earrings to match the pendants!
A smaller, high quality strand is a great way to showcase a single more dramatic piece or group of pieces.
You might call one of the vendors on this guide and ask if they are interested in matching for you.
Hope this helps. Have you looked through the forums in "Show us your Pearls"? There are some great ideas there.
barbie

[dkan 168]

Thanks Barbie for your ideas and advice

I have never worn matching jewellery sets in my life, and I shan't start now

I just don't like the matching look, and prefer to mix and match all the time.

Likewise, I have never been keen to wear a strand of pearls with an enhancer.

I believe I am going to settle for the double strand with the white nesting inside the black. This combination appeals to my eyes

As for pendants, try stopping me to expand my collection!

I have just won a baroque SSP on eBay in the shape of a cute little chick, and have started to make enquires about customising it into a pendant with beak, wing, tail in WG, and a small ruby or diamond as eye. Here is a pic of the pearl, sooooo cute!



DK

[barbie biggs]

How about a great pendant and unmatched earrings? Sort of a pirate look? I'd love to indulge in this but haven't the guts to try it out.
barbie

[pattye]

DK,
Really love that B&W look! Very nice on you--see, you came up with a great solution yourself! And thanks a bunch for modeling!

[Hanaleimom]

Am I the only one who cannot see any picture that DK posted?