The colourful side of pearl knotting

Pearl knotting with silk thread is traditional skill that looks both looks great and has practical advantages. The knots in the thread act as spacers protecting your pearls from rubbing together plus if you break a strand only one pearl will drop off and have to be chased across the floor – rather than the cascade of beads film makers love to create.

However, there is more to pearl knotting than simply pale pearls and white silk. Once you learn the knotting technique, you find it works equally well with semi-precious stones to create beautifully spaced necklaces and that by using coloured silks you can create striking necklaces. You can also use thicker cords or even silk or leather to create knots, which means one technique can add a great deal to your beading repertoire.

Here we’ve put together a selection of jewellery using knots as spacers in different ways to give you some ideas.

1. This Lavender jade necklace uses a toning thread for its knots.
2. The fuschia pink thread makes a dramatic contrast with the blue green stones in this prayer bead necklace
3. Black silk has been used to tone with the tourmalated quartz in this mala necklace
4. Knots in leather cord have been used in this chunky adaptation – Earthy Leather Cord Wooden Bead Bracelet
5. Ribbon makes a good alternative to thread for feature knots as in this faceted gem bracelet
6. Or you could make the knots the main feature in this Chinese macramé and black ceramic bead necklace