From a brief introduction to pearls, their shapes and diverse varieties, and what different lengths of necklaces are called, it is straight on with the projects. These are classified into three broad groupings, classic, special occasion, and fashion-forward. Each section is started with a short mood-setting piece, fondly imagining the reader hosting a garden party, as a wedding guest or attending the opening of an avant-garde exhibition. Interleaved with the projects are plenty of photos of the pieces and interesting snippets about pearls, their place in history and the like. The projects are diverse, and range from classic techniques such as knotting to threading onto ribbons, as well as in combination with other beads and stringing materials. At the back of the book are various methods used to make the projects, such as peyote stitch, right angle weave, wire-working, and using cones and glue. There is a bibliography for further reading, and a list of suppliers, all in the US. I’ve got a lot of books on making jewelry, but this is surely one of the most attractive -and user friendly to boot. If this has whetted your appetite, check out its sister volume Create Jewelry - Crystals to put those sparklers through their paces.

If you cannot find pearls and jewelry making supplies locally try SearchPress.com for a list of suppliers.