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Pattye, first let me clarify what I was doing probably goes beyond the typical definition of reaming. I was taking a regular drill hole and enlarging it to 2-3 mm for use on leather. I was using my reamer like a drill to create a side to side channel through the pearl and it was during this...

OK, I'm willing to respond to nacre nerd and seems a perfect chance to ask my nacre question. I've recently started using an electric reamer to enlarge the holes on some freshwater pearls. FWP' s are frequently stated to be solid nacre, yet when reaming there is a definite pocket of empty. I...

RIO also sells grommets that are 3mm OD which should fit most large holed pearls and give you that finished look. I've been looking for the grommets to use on single pearls strung to float on a chain. I agree with you, why is the drilling on large hole pearls so messy and rough? It's like the...

Absolutely love the multicolor. They have soooo much personality. The first strand projects summer and the sea, while the other strand emotes autumn and the mountains. Not sure if that was deliberate in your design, but each of the strands surely speak to me. Congratulations, they are...

I've actually combined both technique 1&2 in the same piece. Before you think I'm loony, the piece I was knotting had a sterling silver bow flourish in the center. That meant I had a need to back tie from the bow, which would place the doubled up threads just a few pearls off the center...

Had a few minutes to checkout Pinterest this week. Given that my son got married in October, Pinterest believes I'm still interested in all things wedding and is flooding me with wedding fashion. Instead of last season's strapless, nearly everything is backless, like totally bare from...

Looks a bit awkward to work with. Checked out several demos-everyone working with 5 or 6 beads on their strand. What happens when you're knotting a 24 inch strand and have 18 inches done? That's a lot of pearls to be wrapping around and dropping behind for each knot. Couldn't tell if the...

There are specific scissors/cutters for PowerPro. They are scored or hatched on the blade. I bought mine online, but understand sporting good stores sell them for cutting fishing line.

A little late to the game on this one, but think I've found a good approach using Beaders Secret. I had sent a note to Pattye asking about her technique since I noticed that with glue the Beaders Secret cut fibers seemed to swell. While Hypo hardened them for neat cutting, there was still a...

Checked out Derek's pearls. LOVELY and incredibly reasonable. I'm definitely going to plan to incorporate one of the drops in a design soon. Appreciate the tip. PG is such a great resource.

Sounds like they do indeed make metal plugs from Cecilias post below. And how can you beat Pattye' s suggestion - just fill it with a gem!! I'm off to experiment with digging a gem hole in my pearl!! FRESHWATER only to start!!

Thanks Cecilia, that's a nice solution for finishing an earring, rather than leaving a hole. I noticed a pair or two of earrings I picked up in Manila have open drill holes on the undersides. And while you can't really see them during wear, they bother me because I see them taking the...

Pattye, that's a brilliant idea when needing to plug a single drill hole!! I just dumped a 14k gold ring for scrap that had 9 or 10 small diamonds. Hated the ring and decided to convert the ring into "pearl money". Idiot that I am I never thought of recovering the diamonds are reusing them on...

Hey Pattye: I had in fact just finished reading Caitlins post about sculpty. My needs are not nearly.as dramatic but I sure enjoyed Caitlins fearlessness!! So freshwater or Tahitian, if you had a predriiled hole and wanted to use a top mount what would you do with the bottom hole which will...

Riverman Dave, There are some pretty amazing faux pearls out there, particularly among those produced in Japan 30-50 years ago. They have the weight of real pearls, and can have almost near perfect luster/shine. I handle freshwater pearls almost daily and I have to tell you that on occasion I...

On eBay Augustus-Collection and Druzydesign both sell small quantities from singles to groups of 5-6 pearls and both carry some of the slightly more exotic colors and shapes. You can find Kasumi,Edison, Tahitian, South Seas at prices that are fair and would still allow you to price your...

I have in fact designed a head pin into the solution in the past, but what I am referring to is a compound that is intended to fill and disguise the drill hole. I just don't know what's it's called or how well it works. This morning browsing one of Pearl Guides expert contributors with N...

I've seen occasional references where a drilled through pearl is used in an earring leaving a remaining drill hole to be plugged. What material is used for the plug, and how resilient is this fix? Is this considered an acceptable practice or does it reduce the value of the end product? THANKS...

These are amazing tips, can't wait to try them, especially using the microwave!! I have a pair of earrings that someone tried to do a dodgy repair on, and there is glue showing everywhere!! Can't wait to see how this technique will work. Thanks Cydanco, Wendy and Paul. I knew there had...

Cynthia, can you share what you find about getting in? Are commercial credentials required to get through the door, or only to purchase at wholesale prices? I'm looking at the calendar to plan my next Manila trip, and have been known to connect through Hong Kong for a few days!