[Jewelry making - Article 00084] - [Orchid] Drilling holes in pearls

[Helen Hill]

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    Yesterday I was in full flow, making my mother a rose quartz and
    fresh water pearl necklace for her birthday. Everything was going
    fine until I tried to drill bigger holes in the pearls as I wanted to
    make links using silver rather than string them on thread (the rose
    quartz will be bezel set in sterling so I wanted to make a sort of
    pearl chain to go up both sides from the bezel set rose quartz pieces
    to the clasp). I broke about six very pointy diamond burrs and of
    course ruined the same number of pearls as the bits of burr were then
    stuck in the holes. 

    I had sixty pearls to drill and had only managed to do seven and
    only had one suitable burr left. I was tearing my hair out when I
    suddenly remembered someone said to do it under water!!! Doh! Doh!
    Doh! Boy did I feel stupid. I managed to do the remaining 53 pearls
    with no problems whatsoever and still have a burr left to fight
    another day. It was much easier, less messy and in any case, I wasn't
    too keen on the smell of powdered nacre! 

    I won't be so stupid next time, that's for sure. 

Helen
UK
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