How to Mount a Pearl
Pearl is unique among the recognized birthstones as the only gem to be produced by a living animal. When irritated by an embedded grain of sand or other particle, oysters secrete a coating, called nacre, that covers the embedded object one layer at a time, thus forming a pearl. The more layers a pearl has, the larger it is. Cultured pearls are formed by embedding a sphere of material in the oyster that acts as a base for the nacre coating. Nacre is porous and easily bonds with glue. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Clean the jewelry mount surface with soap and water. Dry it with a soft cloth and blow away any remaining dust particles with canned air.
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2
Wipe the surface of the pearl with the soft cloth to remove any greasy residue. Rotate the pearl to expose the portion of the pearl to be mounted in the jewelry setting. Not all pearls are round and have symmetrical edges. If necessary, move the pearl around in the setting to find the optimal position.
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3
Apply a small dot of jeweler's glue to the jewelry mount.
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Position the pearl above the mount with the downward side of the pearl facing the jewelry. Gently press the pearl into the glue and hold it in place for as long as the glue manufacturer's directions stipulate. Most jeweler's glue requires only a few seconds to secure the pearl in place.
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Allow the pearl setting to thoroughly dry and cure before wearing the jewelry.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not wash pearls in detergents or solvents. Chemicals and abrasives dull pearls' natural nacre coating. Clean them with cold water and a soft cloth when necessary.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Thomas Northcut/Digital Vision/Getty Images
