Graduated Orchestra

If one were to thread an orchestra necklace, with the graduation being the single of largest pearl in the middle with 3 descending sizes on each side, ending with the rope of 8 mm pearls, how would one double string the 8mm rope and double (or triple if needed) the ascension of larger pearls?

Thanks in advance, I am wickedly excited!

Hi audiB, do you mean an opera length necklace? If not this, can you show us a photo of the orchestra necklace?
Pearl Dreams has provided an excellent detailed stringing tutorial here
It will be easiest to string if the holes are very close to the same size. If the holes in the larger pearls are are bigger, you may have to add a 3rd string through that section of pearls and knot together with your main threads.

And someone...can't remember who... suggested stringing using the method that lines up the pearls on one thread...then check it on your neck before you go back thru & knot it. That has saved me more than once.... At least I did NOT have to cut knots...just rethread pearls! (Sometimes pearls aren't quite matched in size or color & you need to move them.)

audiB said:

If one were to thread an orchestra necklace, with the graduation being the single of largest pearl in the middle with 3 descending sizes on each side, ending with the rope of 8 mm pearls, how would one double string the 8mm rope and double (or triple if needed) the ascension of larger pearls?

Thanks in advance, I am wickedly excited!

Click to expand...

Bit of an older thread here, but I wanted to post these graduated necklaces. The drill on the larger beads was significantly larger than on the smaller sizes, so as Pattye mentioned I simply laid in another strand of thread for the portion where it was needed, and then ended it when the size decreased again. It’s a few more ends to fuss with, but it works perfectly and ensures you can use the beads you have. If you don’t already, I’d encourage testing knots on a few beads of each size to make sure you have it figured out before you start stringing and knotting. Also you can add in strands of different weights to adjust the knot size only as much as is required- if there’s only a little difference you might get by with adding a 40 weight thread, if there’s a larger discrepancy you might need a 20. And while I didn’t do so on the one pictured here, this adding in of strands is also a way you can shade the thread color along with the beads. If I did this one again I might use a few strands of 40 weight help together starting with all of them white, then changing them to a blue color one by one as the color intensifies. Knotting with more than 2-3 threads can be fussy, but sometimes it’s what’s needed and for me it’s always been worthwhile.


First is labradorite, second is aquamarine.

Beautiful necklaces, ifutzwithfire, and gorgeous ombre, too! Thank you so much for sharing your creative and successful process! I agree, it's absolutely worthwhile!