Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A

What size silk thread should I use for stringing peridot chips for a necklace?

Purely Silk™ is a great choice for stringing gemstone chips. Peridot mini chips have a slightly smaller hole than some gemstones. We suggest you use Purely Silk size D, with a Tulip #11 needle. You’ll need a needle threader to get the thread through the eye of the needle. It’s a delicate balance between thread and needle size when stinging small gemstones. Size D has enough body to string with, while being small enough to go through both the needle and the chips. For beads with slightly larger holes, Griffin silk thread in size #2 or #3 can be used. For more information about thread diameters, view “Types and Sizes of Beading Thread and Stringing Material.”

- Elaine