Hand-knotted jewelry is a beautiful and timeless art form that has been practiced for centuries, exemplified by the traditional pearl necklace. It involves the use of beads or gemstones, which are meticulously knotted together to create unique and intricate jewelry. In this blog post, we will explore the qualities and techniques that make hand-knotted jewelry so special. 

Qualities of Hand-Knotted Jewelry

The first quality that sets hand-knotted jewelry apart is its durability. Because each bead or gemstone is individually knotted, the piece is less likely to break or lose stones if it gets caught on something or is accidentally dropped. The knots between each bead or stone also help to distribute the weight of the jewelry evenly, so it is more comfortable to wear.

The second quality that makes hand-knotted jewelry special is its flexibility. The knots between each bead or stone allow the piece to move and bend with the wearer's body, creating a comfortable and natural fit. This flexibility also means that the jewelry will last longer because it is less likely to become stiff or brittle over time.

Techniques of Hand-Knotted Jewelry

The basic technique used to create hand-knotted jewelry is relatively simple, but it requires a great deal of patience and attention to detail. The first step is to choose the beads or gemstones that will be used in the piece. These can range from tiny seed beads to large, faceted gemstones. The materials can range widely in value, and the artisan's choices in matching or varying color and size are a big factor in the success and value of each hand crafted article. 

Next, a strong, flexible thread, such as silk or nylon, is cut to the desired length. The thread is then threaded through a beading needle, and the first bead or stone is added. The thread is then knotted tightly against the bead or stone to secure it in place.

This process is repeated, adding one bead or stone at a time and knotting between each one. As the piece grows, the knots between each bead or stone become more critical, as they help to ensure the piece's stability and durability.

When the piece is complete, the thread is knotted securely and woven back through the beads or stones to hide it. The ends are then trimmed, and a clasp or closure is added to finish the piece.

In conclusion, hand-knotted jewelry is a beautiful and timeless art form that requires patience, skill, and attention to detail to create. The qualities of durability and flexibility make hand-knotted jewelry special and unique. Kyoko Honda makes not only classic hand selected pearl necklaces, but also stunning work with gemstones using their natural palette of colors.

Explore a selection of Kyoko Honda's hand-knotted jewelry work