Transitioning into pearls — seeking hands-on experience in Vancouver, Canada

[Designandalchemy]

I’m currently completing the Pearls As One course and am looking to transition into pearls professionally. My background is in interior design, and I’m now seeking hands-on experience working with pearls and pearl jewellery.
For those familiar with Vancouver, Canada - are there jewellers, pearl stringers, or other avenues you’d recommend for gaining practical experience in a city without pearl wholesalers? Most of the stores here are Cartier, Tiffanys, etc. Thank you for any insight.

 

[KarinK]

Most of us buy pearls we like and learn how to string, wire, etc. because we want to repair, modify or design our jewelry. I recommend getting some cheap materials from Etsy and practice. For some, this has led to an, at least semi-professional, path (looking at Pattey), others just have really big collection and could be doing it professionally if they wanted to (looking at jeg)

 

[Designandalchemy]

Most of us buy pearls we like and learn how to string, wire, etc. because we want to repair, modify or design our jewelry. I recommend getting some cheap materials from Etsy and practice. For some, this has led to an, at least semi-professional, path (looking at Pattey), others just have really big collection and could be doing it professionally if they wanted to (looking at jeg)

Thank you Karin that seems to be logical advice. Are there many professional stringers on this forum? You mentioned Pattey….