Pearls, A Lasting Love Affair
We are drawn to the sensuous beauty of a pearl, to its soft contours, and most of all to the warm, persistent light that seems to glow from within this unique gem.

Pearl Basics
Although the five criteria for selecting the best pearls—luster, surface, shape, color, and size—matter most when buying fine jewelry, they are still important when you choose pearl for your own jewelry-making.

The Projects
Classic

Classic Pearl Knotting
The classic strand of pearls features a knot between each pair of pearls, to protect each pearl’s surface from scratching on its neighbors and to prevent a broken strand from spilling the entire necklace.

Purple Pearls
For the style of classic pearl knotting without the intricate handwork, string Delica beads in a matching or complementary color between each pair of pearls.

Dark Beauties
In this long Tahitian-like strand of beads, the look of classic pearl knotting is replicated with a new product that emulates the look of knots.

Coin of the Realm
Using a simple coin pearl with a red pearl accent, these simple yet chic earring look fabulous in any part of the world, no matter what the currency.

Mother-of-Pearl Radiance
Long considered less desirable that true pearls, mother-of-pearl is made of the same material-nacre-and can glow as beautifully as its much-prized cousin.

The Midas Touch
A fresh take on the Edwardian dog collar, this delicate but distinctive necklace makes a statement.

Cuff Deluxe
Burgundy seed beads form the base of this cuff and bring out the spectrum of glorious colors in these side-drilled coin pearls.

Special Occasion

Champagne Necklace
Scattered pearls, wrapped with wire to sparkling ribbon, appear to bubble up like champagne in a glass flute.

Sacred Vows Lariat
Two become one in this wedding necklace perfect for the bride.

Lavender Bouquet
Inspired by new love, this delicate but versatile piece is filled with special details.

Pearl Fusion
The combination of peach pearls and turquoise nuggets begins in a handcrafted pendant and continues throughout this multistrand necklace.

Copper Romance
Large pearls and small beaded rings in hues of copper, bronze, and almond are embellished with dashes of dark Tahitian blue.

Midnight Tassel
A dangling handstitched tassel of seed beads and black pearls punctuates this spectacular necklace, which alternates oval and top-drilled pearls separated by sophisticated wavy jump rings.

Fashion-Forward

Chain Reaction
Huge links of oval silver chain are divided by small classic white pearls, large sexy black pearls, and spunky teal pearls.

Global Pearls
Materials and colors fuse together flawlessly in this chunky treat of the wrist.

Catch of the Day
Pearl and silver charms are captured in this seven-foot-long “net” of braided cord, which is designed to wrap several times around the neck.

Off the Grid
Begin with a base of green and orange seed beads stitched into a right-angle weave grid, and embellish it with a scattering of dark green pearls.

Ocean Wonders
A reminder that pearls are merely one of many gifts from the sea, this shell pendant is engraved with images of the ocean’s bounty.

Wild Trellis
This very organic bracelet is a symbol of growth and regeneration.

Center of Attention
Circles of chain broken up with wire-wrapped pink pearls lead to a centerpiece composed of more circles for a fun, flirty piece, perfect for a night out on the town.

Brilliant Bangle
Six colors of seed beads blend to bring out the glow and nuance of each of three colors of pearls.

Very Berry
Tiny pink pearls stitched into berrylike clusters are the impetus for these “oh so very” dangling chain earrings.

Techniques and Findings
Related Reading
Resources
Index