Pearls

Pearl is the only gem produced inside a living organism.

Natural pearls are formed when an irritant like a piece of shell, a scale, a parasite, becomes lodged inside an oyster or mollusk. It forms a nucleus that is coated over several years with layers of nacre inside the oyster.

The size and shape of the nucleus and the region of the ocean where the mollusk lives all affect the size, color and shape of the pearl.

It takes 2-3 years to grow a pearl.

The largest pearl was found in the Philippines in 1934. It weighed 14 lb and measured 9.5" x 5.5"

PEARL KNOTTING: Knots in between pearls are necessary to help protect the pearls from scratching each other. It also helps secure the pearls and minimizes the chance of losing some of the pieces in case the necklace or bracelet breaks.

If worn often, pearls need to be restrung annually. Pearls strung in silk need to be restrung every 2-3 years to avoid breakage. I have performed pearl knotting and restringing services to bead shops through the years. If you need help with pearl knotting and restringing, I charge a minimal fee:

KNOTTING: (with knots in between beads) Price includes silk thread & gold French boullion wires for a clean, professional look and long life.

$1.95 per inch simple designs (one pearl size and color)

$1.95 per inch for simple designs (one pearl size and color)

$2.30 per inch complex designs (graduated size, graduated color, or when a pattern is to be followed)

RESTRINGING: (plain stringing, no knots in between beads)

$10 per strand for bracelets

$15 per strand for necklaces - 18 inches or shorter; 85¢ per inch thereafter.

Clasp, if needed, is additional. A wide variety of clasps is available, including 14K-18K gold. Please email me for a quote.
There is a minimum fee of $15 for necklaces and $10 for bracelets
A sales tax applies for Nevada residents
Shipping, if requested, is additional. (charged at cost)
Our goal is to provide prompt, reliable, quality service.

Prices may be subject to change without prior notice. If you have any questions, like to exchange ideas, or want to place orders, please email me.

Please note that all photos on this page are copyrighted.