How to Attach a Pearl to a Ring Post

Pearls are created over time in the muscle of an oyster.

Pearls are natural gems, created in the mantle or muscle of fresh and saltwater mollusks such as oysters. Calcium carbonate, the same material as the oyster's shell, accumulates around an irritant inside the oyster, usually a grain of sand. After pearl harvesting, a hole gets drilled into the pearl, several millimeters or entirely through, for use in jewelry making. Drilling is usually done in a rough or irregular area of the pearl, called the "birthmark." Creating a pearl ring is a quick task with the appropriate materials and a little know-how.

Things You'll Need

• Gold, silver, white gold or platinum ring setting with a pearl post
• Pearl with pre-drilled dowel hole the same size as the ring post
• Pearl epoxy
• Paper mixing pad
• Toothpick
• Cotton-tipped applicator
• Ring box

Instructions

1. 

   Ring settings come in a variety of metals and designs.

   Select a gold, silver, white gold or platinum ring setting with a post from a jeweler or artisan specializing in ring designs. The post must be notched or twisted to support the pearl glue in securing the pearl to the ring.

2. Inquire as to the size of the post, as the dowel hole in the pearl will need to be the same size for a proper fit.

3. 

   Pearls are usually partially drilled for rings and earring, or completely for necklaces.

   Select a pearl that fits in and complements the ring setting chosen. The ring setting can be taken along to choose a pearl and ensure proper fit on the post. Pre-drilled pearls are available from jewelers, many bead stores and merchants specializing in pearl jewelry.

4. Dispense a small amount, of pearl epoxy on the paper mixing pad. Most epoxies for jewelry come in two parts, base and accelerator. Dispense equal amounts of each.

5. 

   A simple wooden toothpick is perfect for mixing pearl epoxy.

   Use the toothpick to combine the pearl epoxy thoroughly. It will be fairly heavy and gel-like.

6. Scoop up some epoxy with the toothpick; applying it to the inside of the dowel hole in the pearl and on the ring setting post.

7. Put the pearl, dowel hollow side down, over the post and push it down into place. Epoxy will likely leak out from under the pearl onto the ring setting.

8. 

   Cotton-tipped applicators work wonders for excess cement removal.

   Use a cotton-tipped applicator to remove excess epoxy from the ring setting and pearl.

9. 

   A ring box allows the pearl exoxy to completely set undisturbed.

   Put the ring between the folds of the inside of the ring box to keep the ring upright while the epoxy sets. Do not close the ring box.

10. Allow the epoxy to set at least 24 hours before removing the ring from the box and wearing.

References

• Pippin Bass: What is a Pearl?
• Fire Mountain Gems:Gluing a Half-Drilled Gemstone or Pearl onto a Peg Earstud
• PJM Articles/Archives: Professional Setting of a Half-Drilled Round Pearl

Resources

• Oriental Pearls: Home
• Kari Pearls: Types of Pearls
• Shecy Pearls: Pearl Type