[Jewelry making - Article 00568] - [Orchid] Drilling pearls

[Lunarcowgirl]

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Hi Everyone, 

    I have been making pearl holes larger with micro carbide taper tip
    drill bits. 1/8th shank.  I have looked in Rio for a large
    assortment (to take the hole of the pearl and increase it to fit a
    24gague wire or so. Rio has a sets but its not a large assortment. I
    was hoping for 1/8th since most of my stuff is 1/8. I have a collet
    for 3/32 though. Quick change handpiece is a soon future investment. 

    I am wondering if anyone else uses any other drill bit that makes
    this job easier/faster? If so where can I get them? I have been
    enlarging the hole of strung pearls. I would also use them to half
    drill some south seas pearls. 

    Also on that note, when I bought south sea pearls (all drop shaped)
    the dealer told me that they would grind down the tip on a diamond
    lap and then drill the hole. I wouldnt let them do it. Is this how
    they would normally treat such a pearl if they wanted to set it in a
    ring? I thought this would be bad practice since the pearl would then
    be exposed, granted covered wtih glue. 

Thanks for any responses. 
Jane 



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