Traditional Pearl Stringing with Anja Moehler

Delivered in person at the Goldsmiths’ Centre, this course will help you to:

• Broaden your skill set and incorporate pearl stringing techniques into your designs.
• Understand the properties of pearls including its limitations in jewellery making, handling and care and in pearl related repair services.
• Grow constant business opportunities by working with the timeless and increasingly popular material: pearls.
• Enhance your service offer by enabling you to incorporate beads, pearls and other gemstones into your designs and develop repairs services or respond to bespoke client enquiries.
• Be free yourself from other service providers, allowing you to quote and turn-around processes faster for your clients.
• Build trust with your customers and share knowledge regarding pearl jewellery and its care to solidify relationships.
• Increase your independence throughout your design, making and production processes, allowing for more creative freedom i.e., wedding / bridal jewellery collections.

• An introduction to pearls as a gemstone, gemmological facts as well as their use in jewellery, showcasing some iconic and historical pieces.
• The materials, tools and techniques used for pearl stringing. You will be shown jewellery pieces that have been strung using different techniques.
• Trouble shooting, tips and hints for pearl and gemstone bead stringing, care for pearl jewellery, including a Q&A session.

Through demonstration and instruction, you will be taught the practical skills to professionally string pearls and gemstone beads using three different techniques:

• Basic stringing technique from start to finish, including knots in between pearls. You will complete a partially knotted pearl bracelet.
• Technique to string pearl jewellery pieces without a clasp, i.e. for endless pearl necklaces.
• Advanced stringing technique to string and secure fully knotted pearl jewellery pieces. This is ideal for larger pearls, heavier gemstone beads, or shorter pearl sections, such as in between chain links or jump rings.

All materials and equipment will be provided. If you prefer to bring your own pearls, the tutor will examine these and will confirm whether these are suitable for this course. Please note that we cannot guarantee that your pearls can be used.
Make sure you come to the course with freshly washed hands as pearl stringing is a very delicate craft and we are handling white threads and pearls, which are susceptible to the minute particles, like hand creams, hand gels, dust etc.

Optional:

• Spectacles or head visor (if required) to work on small details.
• Notebook and pen.

What will I be provided with?

• All stringing tools and equipment needed to string pearls.
• A selection of approximate 6mm and 8mm cultured freshwater pearls A (C) grade 4.
• Sterling silver findings.

This course is designed for beginners and intermediate learners:  

• Beginner: Limited prior experience required.

Participants at the beginner level should have a basic understanding of workshop practices and some exposure to handling tools and materials. This level is ideal for those who may have minimal practical experience but are looking to expand their knowledge and skills. The course will focus on building confidence in using essential tools and techniques, such as piercing, filing, and basic soldering, while reinforcing key workshop procedures like safety, measuring, and assembly. Instruction will guide participants through fundamental tasks, emphasising accuracy and good habits as they develop the ability to work more independently.

• Intermediate: Practical experience and understanding of listed skills required.

Participants at the intermediate level should have prior experience in a workshop environment and the ability to work independently on fundamental tasks. They should be comfortable with processes such as piercing, filing, and soldering, and possess a working knowledge of workshop tools and techniques. This level focuses on refining basic skills, introducing more complex tasks, and developing the ability to troubleshoot and work with greater precision and autonomy.

We believe that talent should not be held back. Here at the Goldsmiths’ Centre, we are open, accessible and inclusive to all. Our Access Grants help anyone to build thriving creative careers, supporting jewellers, silversmiths and allied industry practitioners to access our training courses for free.

If you need help to cover fees for our business and technical skills short courses, please apply for one of our Access Grants. To find out more and read our application criteria, click here

The Access Grants are delivered by the Goldsmiths' Centre and funded by the Goldsmiths’ Company Charity.