Pearl threading - Bookings now open for 2010!

Instructor

Julianne Richards, of Pearls Melba teaches pearl threading in a friendly and informative way. Julianne visits Tahiti and Hong Kong regularly to bring back hand-picked pearls from the source. She will have more strands of pearls available for sale if you wish to purchase them to continue with your newly-learned skill.

Aims of the course

  • To knot a strand of pearls to a professional standard.
  • To learn the proper care of pearls.
  • To learn about Freshwater, South Sea and Tahitian pearls: where they come from, how they are grown.
  • How to tell real pearls from artificial.

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To facilitate learning, we have introduced two streams to our classes. When enrolling, please state which stream is most appropriate for you.

Stream A

For people who have some experience of beading or threading beads or pearls. Stream A students will complete a fully knotted necklace during the class.
 

Stream B

For people who have no experience of beading. Stream B students will be taught the technique of pearl knotting and use the technique to start and finish the necklace, however, the main part of the necklace will be threaded, not knotted.

If you and your friends wish to enrol together and find that your levels of experience cover both streams, that will be fine, as long as we understand who is doing which stream of the class. You will all receive the same level of tuition and the same course materials.

Prerequisites for both streams

A reasonable dexterity of hand, due to the size of the pearls and the fineness of the thread. Remember to bring your glasses if you need them, as it is detailed, close-up work.

Essential items

  • Fine point tweezers
  • A beading mat or clean, plain tea towel or other cloth (this will be your work surface)

The above two items may be purchased on the day, or you should bring your own if you have them. The tweezers are an essential tool for the method we teach.

Included in the cost

  • Kit to achieve course objectives above:
    • One strand of quality freshwater pearls
    • Silk thread
    • Sufficient bullion (French wire) for project
    • Parrot clasp (choice of 9ct gold plated or sterling silver)

    • Plus:

  • Printed instructions
  • List of suppliers
  • Certificate of Achievement

Optional items available for purchase on the day

  • Bead stopper
  • Beading mat
  • Extra silk thread
  • French wire
  • Small pointed scissors
  • Silk pouch for finished necklace
  • Extra Freshwater pearls.

Cost

$200.00

Next scheduled sessions for 2011

See the Calendar on the Tuition page.

Enrolment

Email us here to get your name onto the list for the next workshop.

Location

All tuition is conducted at The Goldsmith's Gallery at San Remo, Australia.

See the Contact page for our exact location.