Mixing and matching - stringing a mix of beads and pearls safely

[moneymeister]

Hi friends. I recently picked up a nice vintage string of 7.5mm akoya pearls. I would like to re-string them into a mixed necklace with a few gold or gemstone beads. How to you mix beads with different holes sizes for knotting? What spacers are pearl safe? Thanks in advance!

Seller auction pics:

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I would avoid silver as it tarnishes and could transfer some tarnish to the pearls. Hard to clean, too.

I have used vermeil or gold filled beads and find they usually work fine between gemstone beads. I think they would be ok between pearls also.

If you want to really play it safe you could use silicone bead bumpers/bead huggers. They come in different colors. Beadalon calls theirs "bead bumpers" (buy on Amazon or Beadalon website) and Fire Mountain Gems calls theirs "bead huggers". https://www.firemountaingems.com/search?searchtype=Shop&keywords=bead+huggers

 

[KarinK]

Be aware of gem stone beads with sharp edges that can cut through a thread. You may need wire.

 

[moneymeister]

I would avoid silver as it tarnishes and could transfer some tarnish to the pearls. Hard to clean, too.

I have used vermeil or gold filled beads and find they usually work fine between gemstone beads. I think they would be ok between pearls also.

If you want to really play it safe you could use silicone bead bumpers/bead huggers. They come in different colors. Beadalon calls theirs "bead bumpers" (buy on Amazon or Beadalon website) and Fire Mountain Gems calls theirs "bead huggers". https://www.firemountaingems.com/search?searchtype=Shop&keywords=bead+huggers

Thank you, this is so helpful. The funny thing is I completely forgot about bumpers and have some in my beading kit! It's been a few years since I did any beading or stringing. It is a great solution. My goal is to have a casual string, which may be a reach with more uniform pearls. I thought maybe adding irregular shapes would help. But what...

 

[moneymeister]

Be aware of gem stone beads with sharp edges that can cut through a thread. You may need wire.

Good point! I didn't think of that. Thanks.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

True about wire being safer with beads that may have sharp edges. I like 49 ply Beadalon-- it's both strong and flexible. If that is overkill for the size of your beads/pearls, they sell beading wire that has a smaller gauge and fewer ply. The thinnest I've used is called Soft Touch.

To connect the wire to the clasp, I like to use screw type crimps. There is a tiny screw along the side of the crimp. You loosen it, pass the wire through the main hole of the crimp same as through any other bead, then through the clasp, then double back through the crimp. Then you tighten the side screw with the tiny screwdriver they sell (it's the size of an eyeglass frame repair screwdriver) to secure the 2 wires. For extra security you can add a drop of Hypo Cement (glue) before tightening the screw. These crimps also come in several colors.
Sources:
• Screw-Tite Crimp beads: https://www.firemountaingems.com/search?searchtype=Shop&keywords=screw+crimp+beads
• Scrimps (made by Beadalon): on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=scrimps+crimp+beads&crid=176R2LXTHWB0G&sprefix=scrimps+crimp+beads,aps,82&ref=nb_sb_noss

 

[moneymeister]

The pearls came today. They are a nice strand of Akoya. The holes check out and the seller included an old appraisal from 1990. The luster is nice,
but not as sharp a luster as my other graduated strand of white akoya. They are pretty clean though. Wait, do they look like Akoya to you?

 

[moneymeister]

True about wire being safer with beads that may have sharp edges. I like 49 ply Beadalon-- it's both strong and flexible. If that is overkill for the size of your beads/pearls, they sell beading wire that has a smaller gauge and fewer ply. The thinnest I've used is called Soft Touch.

To connect the wire to the clasp, I like to use screw type crimps. There is a tiny screw along the side of the crimp. You loosen it, pass the wire through the main hole of the crimp same as through any other bead, then through the clasp, then double back through the crimp. Then you tighten the side screw with the tiny screwdriver they sell (it's the size of an eyeglass frame repair screwdriver) to secure the 2 wires. For extra security you can add a drop of Hypo Cement (glue) before tightening the screw. These crimps also come in several colors.
Sources:
• Screw-Tite Crimp beads: https://www.firemountaingems.com/search?searchtype=Shop&keywords=screw+crimp+beads
• Scrimps (made by Beadalon): on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=scrimps+crimp+beads&crid=176R2LXTHWB0G&sprefix=scrimps+crimp+beads,aps,82&ref=nb_sb_noss

Thank you for the kind details and help with this. I will check out the scrimps.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

In your hand some of the pearls look egg shaped in the photo. That may be camera distortion, but if not, they could be FWP.
But if so then you have a solid nacre strand so it's all good.
They look nice!

 

[moneymeister]

In your hand some of the pearls look egg shaped in the photo. That may be camera distortion, but if not, they could be FWP.
But if so then you have a solid nacre strand so it's all good.
They look nice!

I think it's distortion. I tried to candle next to my Akoya and they did look similar. Oh well... this is exactly why one should buy from a good vendor or be prepared for mystery pearls . The appraisal simply says "cultured pearls", so not so helpful. You have a great point - it can be a win/win.

 

[pattye]

My vote goes to Akoya, a very pretty strand! I've just recently used scrimps on Pearl Dreams recommendation. They make an attractive and secure finish. Some designs really must be strung on wire.

 

[evinz]

Believe it or not, I was watching this auction -- I recognize the photos. I'm so glad these pearls found a nice home!

 

[moneymeister]

Believe it or not, I was watching this auction -- I recognize the photos. I'm so glad these pearls found a nice home!

Oh small world! Thanks, I was glad to get them. There were quite a few watchers.