Our Favorite Pearl Beading Patterns for Jewelry

If someone were to ask me what the most classic jewelry piece was, I wouldn’t say something that incorporates diamonds, but rather pearls. Pearls are a must-have in any jewelry collection. Pearl beads come in all sorts of colors and add just the right amount of shine to a piece of jewelry. We rounded up five of our favorite peal beading patterns for all occasions and for beaders of all skill levels. 

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Each pattern is available on its own or as part of the Beadwork Favorites: Pearl Bead Pattern Collection.

Waves of Pearls Bracelet

Stitch up a flexible cuffed bracelet with the Waves of Pearls Bracelet, designed by Sue Neel. Sue incorporates ladder stitch and one of her favorite bead-weaving techniques, herringbone stitch. Once you start on this bracelet, it comes together quickly with increasing and decreasing herringbone stitch. The pearls catch the eye and break up the simple design for a nice contrast.

Related: How to Drill Pearls

Galactic Pearls Bead Necklace

Wear a galaxy of pearls along your neck with the Galactic Pearls Bead Necklace by Sue Neel. This piece is not your ordinary pearl necklace. The large pearls are reminiscent of planets, surrounded by sparkling seed beads. This pattern uses circular brick stitch, seed beads, and different sizes of pearl beads. Sue gives several useful tips for this specific beading project that will help you get a polished final product. 

In Orbit Bracelet

Becky Mitchell’s In Orbit Bracelet is truly out of this world. Honeycomb beads, combined with seed beads, crystal bicones, and pearls, create a shining project. The honeycomb components remind Becky of spaceships, while the other components are like planets. This bracelet comes together using square stitch, circular netting, and right-angle weave variation stitch techniques. To adjust the bracelet size, Becky recommends adding smaller components or changing the clasp. 

Pearly Peaks Bracelet

Cotton pearls make for a lightweight project and add a unique sheen to jewelry pieces. The Pearly Peaks Bracelet, by Lisa Krupp-Dooley, calls for a variety of shaped beads and different sized cotton pearls. This dimensional bracelet pattern can easily be adapted to create a pair of earrings with instructions included in the project. To ensure that each component has a dome shape, Lisa recommends that you use firm tension throughout the project. For a more budget-friendly design, you can substitute the cotton pearls with Wonder beads or Swarovski pearls. 

Netted Pearl Bead Earrings

I’m a fan of projects that look like they took a lot of time to make, when they actually can be finished in no time. The Netted Pearl Bead Earrings, designed by Jill MacKay, are quick to make—you can wear them shortly after you start! This beginner-friendly project uses tubular netting techniques and wireworking, and combines lustrous pearl beads with seed beads. The size difference of beads add interest to the project. To make the earrings look polished, Jill says to maintain even, medium tension when working the tube.

Classic pearls don’t have to be boring! Elevate a casual look with unique beaded pearl jewelry. You can change the look of any of these projects and adapt them to your own style with a simple change in the pearl color or seed beads. The Pearl Bead Pattern Collection will have you stitching several new pieces to add to your everyday jewelry collection. 

Related: Tips for Caring for Pearl Jewelry