[Jewelry making - Article 00031] - Re: [Orchid] To knot beads, or not to knot beads?

[Amery]

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>     I figure amber and pearls are probably better off knotted. But what
>     about semi-precious beads like amethyst, garnet, fire  opal, etc.? 

Sojourner,

    For me, if the beads are nice enough (pretty enough) to warrant
    using  them in my designs, I would almost always knot them. I feel
    they hang  prettier and have a nicer flow when knotted. Also, if the
    necklace  breaks, which they do from time to time, the customer will
    only lose  one bead.  Bonus when you have to reknot!  Sometimes, for
    much  heavier beads that silk cord will not hold I will use  the
    nylon  coated steel wire, which I don't think you can knot. I am
    hesitant to  say you "can't knot it", because I have learned that
    anything is  possible! 


>       Is there a Mohs hardness level above which you don't have to
>     knot and below which one should ALWAYS knot? 

    Originally, pearls were always knotted so they wouldn't rub together
     and damage each other, and then there's the breakage thing- so when
     the strand broke they wouldn't go all over the place. I don't know
    if  there's a "professional standard" for knotting according to
    hardness,  as I am not a professional beader.  I would also consider
    the price.  Are the stones being used quality enough to warrant the
    extra price  for the labor of knotting? 

    No matter how nicely or professionally one knots, one will always 
    have some pieces come back for restringing. People are a little
    rough  on jewelry sometimes. I get some returns from the silk cord
    breaking.  So, when I sell pieces strung on silk cord I include a
    little care  card for the retailers to give to the customers
    (hopefully they do). I sell to a lot of boutiques who are not
    jewelers or jewelry stores,  so with every opening order I also
    include a care sheet so the  retailers can be informed and inform
    their customers as to the care  of knotted jewelry. A lot of people
    don't realize that you shouldn't  wear all your jewelry in the
    shower, pool, ocean. 

Just my 2 cents. I'm so glad I could contribute!
Good Luck!
Amery
Silverlake, CA

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