[Jewelry making - Article 01726] - Re: [Orchid] Pearls: To Knot or Not

[David L. Huffman]

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Hi Dale;

>     He informed me that graduated pearls do not "lay right" if they
>     are knotted. What do you think? 

    Sounds like hearsay, another one of the many pieces of
    misinformation floating around the trade. When a strand of pearls is
    newly strung, they have a little "wobble" to the strand which soon
    straightens out. Some stringers tie weights on the strand and hang it
    to straighten it, which is inadvisable as it quickens the breakdown
    of the silk. All quality pearls should be knotted with French wire at
    the clasp ends. Get out a loupe and take another look. I've seen
    pearls strung with knots that were quite fine and at first glance, it
    appears that the strand isn't knotted. If they're actually not
    knotted, I would suggest you not sell them. 

    Why are pearls knotted? Because, if the silk breaks, you might lose
    a single pearl if you can't find it, but if they're not knotted,
    they're going to be all over the floor, and good pearls are
    expensive. 

    By the way, have any of you stringers out there tried those new
    widgets that Otto Borel is selling that are supposed to take the
    place of French wire/bullion? They look like little stirrups that the
    silk sits in. 

David L. Huffman
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