Where to send pearls to be strung in the UK?

[WeeGem]

I'm not sure if this is the correct forum to ask this, but does anyone have an idea where I can send some pearls to be professionally strung in the UK? I have a lot of beautiful keishis that I'd love to have made into a necklace next year.

Thanks!

 

[Sueki]

Hello WeeGem,
Before I learnt to knot, I took my pearls to my local jeweller, who would then send them to be re-strung.
If you are near to an independent jeweller, they should be able to help you.
Failing that, I really don't know where else you'd go...
You could try local craft and antiques fairs - years ago, I used to deal with a jewellery dealer who had once worked as a bead stringer for one of the better costume jewellery houses, and she would happily string / re-string beads and pearls.

 

[WeeGem]

Good idea Sueki, thanks! I do like to go to the craft fairs so I'll see when the next one's up....

 

[knotty panda]

If there is a bead store close to you, you might try there as well. The bead stores over here have employees who knot and teach knotting classes. They may be able to help you as well.

 

[Sueki]

Good luck, and I hope you find someone.
At least you'll have fun while looking...
And you might want to learn to do it yourself, too, which is also fun.
The Henrietta Virchik ( think that's spelt correctly ) book is excellent.
I'm off to watch the latest Tudors episode now.

 

[WeeGem]

Thanks Knotty....the craft stores here are few and far between, but I think a nice road trip is in order

Sueki, I've Sky+'d all the Tudor episodes but I haven't had time to watch them! After my road trip I'll lock the door, close the drapes, make some popcorn, and indulge I'll see if I can get the book from Amazon.

 

[GemGeek]

I've been waiting for The Tudors to come back on Showtime cable channel here in the USA. Trust me, one of the first things I checked out was the pearls... after Jonathan Rhys Davies, that is! (Sp?) I hear he prefers men, but who cares?

 

[Sueki]

Oh, Blaire,
Now you've spoilt it for me....
Oh, well, never mind. I wasn't really looking at him - just the pearls.
I have never seen so many pearls, and such large sizes, worn by so many people at the same time and in the same room.
At times, it seems the entire set is draped with pearls.

 

[GemGeek]

At times, it seems the entire set is draped with pearls.

<sigh> If the show becomes more popular, it might also send the message, overtly or subliminaly, that the viewer should get some pearls!