When to knot and when not to knot

[claudenancy]

Hi: I am a newcomer here, and have read with interest all of the how to posts. I attended a class at a lapidary school in the area recently. I was just learning, and one of the first things that was taught was knotting. I need to practice for sure!

However when we began to design our own pieces, one of the necklaces that I designed was of a mixture of pearl shapes, mostly keshis. We had a long discussion as to whether I should use knots for either strand in the set. For a number of reasons, some of which related to the arrangement and design of the necklace, I decided not to. Reasons included the juxtaposition of horizontally drilled pearls next to "petal pearls", which, because of their irregular shape and head, have drill holes that may be angled a bit toward front or back which would place knots in an awkward position, the fact that I was creating a flower integral with the string, which pretty much ruled out silk as a stringing material, the fact that I was using different hues of pearls and alternative stringing materials are available in limited colors, and that especially in the upper strand, knots or even spacers would break the "flow" of the design.

I just wondered if others ever have this dilemma and if so, which criteria you use to decide. Are there alternatives which we did not consider?

The necklace that resulted is posted under "orient on keshis" in the cultured pearl category.

Thanks for any thoughts that you might have.

 

[Caitlin]

The traditional look for round white pearls is to knot them with silk. Today the classic pearls are still knotted, but there is no requirement. People often use wire or don't knot and don't use silk any more. It's wide open.

Another alternative is one I have used more than once. I put a few strategically placed knots because unknotted baroque pearls can pack down against each other.

 

[claudenancy]

thanks Caitlin: That is an excellent suggestion. Probably a question that can't be answered very easily, but how do you determine best knot placement to prevent packing? Its okay if the answer is too complex for an online response!

Thanks again for helping a newcomer!

 

[knotty panda]

Not sure I understand what you mean by "packing," but if you mean what I think you mean, the strand should be secure but still supple.

 

[pattye]

Welcome Claudenancy,

Perhaps what was meant is that the baroques can turn and "settle" in a way that takes up less room on the thread, leaving a gap. I have had this happen, especially with some of the smaller belly drilled keishi, so I have learned to make sure they are turned to fit snuggly against each other. Sometimes I hold them up to the light to check the spacing. The knot would keep the pearls from shifting, but also add a hinge for flexibility every so often. As I am a beginning knotter still in the practicing stage, I tend to use tiny silver beads as spacers, 1-1.3mm.

There is always the issue of what stringing medium and what size, especially when using a mix of gems and various size pearls. For me, it is trial and error! And perhaps a little artistic license! I keep a few short lengths of various sizes of wire around so I can grab and try different patterns, and check wire size on all the beads and pearls I will be using. On more than one occasion I have restrung the whole piece.

 

[knotty panda]

Oh, I see. Caitlin mentioned packing. I think what she is describing is called random symmetry and is generally used for tiny gemstone knotting. Thread on an odd number of beads, and place a knot. Individually knotted doesn't look as nice and you're ready for the funny farm by the time you're done. You can put the knot anywhere you like to prevent packing. You're the master. You're in control.

 

[claudenancy]

thanks again Knotty Panda and Pattye. I think I now understand the reasoning for placing an occasional knot or spacer. I did try to pair pearls so they fit together nicely but never thought about them packing or settling into a more rigid arrangement. Pattye, I like the option of spacer beads--especially since I need much more "knotting" practice before I attempt a difficult project. I was just looking at your jewelry--beautiful. I love the one with the hill tribes flower set with a pink pearl as well as the multi-colored pearl one.

 

[pattye]

I'm still chuckling about being a third-graft pearl, larger but less lustrous!!
So true as I near another birthday------------

Thanks for your kind compliments about my jewelry, Claudenancy. I look forward to seeing more of your creative and gorgeous necklaces! I continue to learn lots from all the ideas shared here, and appreciate it being done with a generous spirit.

 

[GemGeek]

Me too! My complexion just isn't what it used to be -- I need some TREATMENT!!!

 

[pearlescence]

Hi. I usually knot. The only time I don't knot between each pearl is when they are below 5mm. Then I am usually using a finer silk anyway and I'll put a knot every five pearls or so, to stabilise (keeps any stretching balanced between the knots rather than having all the pearls slide along en masse leaving a big gap) and in case of breakage - still only a few pearls lost.

 

[pearlescence]

Oh, I've changed into a first graft from a designer and retail expert! Promotion or demotion?

 

[jerin]

Hi. I usually knot. The only time I don't knot between each pearl is when they are below 5mm. Then I am usually using a finer silk anyway and I'll put a knot every five pearls or so, to stabilise (keeps any stretching balanced between the knots rather than having all the pearls slide along en masse leaving a big gap) and in case of breakage - still only a few pearls lost.

I do it as well - partly to balance and partly because if the necklace should break, I would lose to many of the pearls and beads that are not secured.

 

[claudenancy]

Hi all: In a subsequent post I will show my most recent pearl necklace. I ended up using a 49 strand .012 nylon coated wire. Ultimately this choice was dictated by my inclusion of gem beads as spacers between the pearls. I was concerned that they would cut the silk. Also they have very small holes, and I anticipated problems stringing them since the holes are irregular. I still have another necklace on the design board that I anticipate using silk for the final stringing. I have a real inclination to use gemstones with pearls-which complicates choices of material.

 

[claudenancy]

Here is my latest necklace that incorporates pearls: The pearls are natural color platinum pearls with blue overtones from Care E.. THese are strung with untreated Celyon sapphire beads from Care, small untreated Burma sapphire rondelles, faceted tanzanite beads, 22k gold beads set with sapphires, white gold beads and findings, and 22k gold spacers. It is a quiet necklace, but with a little interest. Not hard but it sat on the design board for a very long time.

 

[GemGeek]

Very beautiful. Sounds expensive. Heck, it looks expensive!!! Yum!

 

[jerin]

Lovely colours! Are you going to keep it for yourself or are you selling it?

 

[Hanaleimom]

It is really gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.

 

[barbie biggs]

Me too! My complexion just isn't what it used to be -- I need some TREATMENT!!!

I thought the PEARLS were the treatment!
Get it right you're a work of art!
Get it wrong you're the Joker!

When I'm wearing great pearls nobody looks at me anyway!
(It's almost as good as having a baby with you, people seem to feel free to ooh and aah).

Claudency: Lovely, lovely platinum pearls. Nice design.

barbie

 

[Caitlin]

That is first class bead work! Except with precious beads. Very nice rhythm in the placement of the beads.

 

[claudenancy]

Thank you so much for your generous comments! I really enjoyed making this one. Jerin, I really had not thought about selling it! So far I am mostly making jewelry for myself (inspired by my small stash of unset gems--but I confess since I have started I have bought more). I am making things for a few friends and relatives--but mostly at cost of materials. I am sure my husband would be thrilled if I started selling things though!!!