Add-A-Bead or Add-A-Pearl Necklace

[Katriona]

Does anyone know of anywhere that still sells pearls drilled for the add-a-bead or add-a-pearl necklaces (popular back in the 80’s?)

http://www.liketotally80s.com/add-a-bead-necklace.html
Googling has only turned up beading sites where they’re drilled for stringing on a strings, not for a chain.

[Fried_Dough_Ho]

I make jewelry for a living and most local jewelry stores who does repairs should be able to drill a pearl for you to whatever size you need to go over a chain.

I drill pearls all the time and the biggest hassle with the do-it-yourself necklaces is that you want a hole in the pearl that fits over the chain, but not the clasp – so you don’t want a monstrous hole in the pearl.

Also, the bigger the hole drilled in a good pearl the more it potentially degrades the value of the pearl because you are creating a bigger exposed area to its interior, thereby potentially causing the nacre to chip.

[Markxxx]

From the George Burns and Gracie Allen Show (radio)

Gracie) You don’t have to get me a birthday present this year

George) But Gracie I originally got you a pearl necklace and every birthday I add to it.

Gracie) That’s the problem George, the string is now four feet long and the pearl hangs down too far

…and now back to your regularly scheduled thread

[Katriona]

@Fried_Dough_Ho

I make jewelry for a living and most local jewelry stores who does repairs should be able to drill a pearl for you to whatever size you need to go over a chain.

I drill pearls all the time and the biggest hassle with the do-it-yourself necklaces is that you want a hole in the pearl that fits over the chain, but not the clasp – so you don’t want a monstrous hole in the pearl.

Also, the bigger the hole drilled in a good pearl the more it potentially degrades the value of the pearl because you are creating a bigger exposed area to its interior, thereby potentially causing the nacre to chip.

Good to know - thanks!

[Katriona]

@Markxxx

From the George Burns and Gracie Allen Show (radio)

Gracie) You don’t have to get me a birthday present this year

George) But Gracie I originally got you a pearl necklace and every birthday I add to it.

Gracie) That’s the problem George, the string is now four feet long and the pearl hangs down too far

…and now back to your regularly scheduled thread

Hahahahahahahaha!

[Bad_News_Baboon]

Typically, fine pearls are strung onto silk with a knot in between. This is done so that the pearls do not rub against each other. Pearls delicate. I used to work in jewelry and I saw many beautiful pearls ruined by hairspray, etc. Rings with pearls typically showed the worst damage.
In short, if you are buying fine quality pearls, reconsider the chain.