The Making of a Paspaley Strand
PRECISION MEETS POETRY
A Paspaley Strand is a feat of craftsmanship honed over generations. From the precise arts of pearl drilling and stringing to the intuitive clasp and Strand Signature® hallmark, every element reflects our pursuit of perfection.
This mastery ensures every strand is destined to be worn, and treasured, for lifetimes to come.
Pearl Grading
The Virtues Within
At the heart of every Paspaley Strand lies an uncompromising standard of quality. Each pearl is meticulously graded by our master pearl graders according to five key virtues: lustre, complexion, shape, size and colour. This rigorous evaluation ensures pearls chosen for strand composition, reflect unparalleled harmony of lustre, rhythm and tone.
PEARL MATCHING
Visual Harmony
A Paspaley Strand is defined by both the individual character of each pearl and the perfect selection and matching of many. Either formed from the bounty of a single harvest or assembled over multiple years, a strand is born with patience - pearl by pearl.
Exclusive Paspaley strand designs, such as the Rhapsody, Wild, and Delfini concepts, combine cultured and keshi pearl types. While pearls can never be identical, their interplay must flow with visual and tactile coherence. This level of precision demands both technical mastery and a deeply trained pearl eye.
PEARL MARKING
PRECISION BY HAND
Before a pearl is drilled, it must be marked – a delicate process that demands patience and skill. Marking is vital to the balance of a drilled pearl’s position within the strand. At Paspaley, pearl marking and drilling are performed by our industry leading specialists. Through quiet precision, we ensure every pearl sits in perfect harmony.
Discreet Innovation
THE KEY-END CLASP
For over 30 years, Paspaley has elevated the pearl strand clasp. The key-end clasp mechanism, originally developed in 1989, was introduced by Paspaley as an innovation to pearl strand design. This element remains integral to our strands today, opening and closing with seamless invisibility.
The intuitive clasp “press and release” action ensures security and interchangeable styling. The Paspaley signature gemstone set into the adjacent shoulder pearl bears the Paspaley hallmark, guiding the wearer by touch.
Designed with versatility in mind, integrated strand sections and Paspaley jewelled elements can quickly and easily be added or removed. The clasp pearl may also be worn separately, on a leather key-end chain for a refined, everyday look.
The Vital Knot
The Art Of Stringing
The technique of stringing and knotting is as vital to the strand as the pearls themselves. The ideal tension is critical, allowing the strand to hold its form, drape gracefully, and protect pearls from wear. Over decades of refinement, Paspaley has perfected our own innovative stringing methods that deliver durability and aesthetic harmony.
THE PASPALEY METHOD
Paspaley’s stringing method optimises the balance of tension and drape across all strand lengths. Shorter strands are strung with firmer tension for structure, while longer strands retain fluidity.
Our proprietary stringing method uses a stringing material that enhances durability without compromising visual refinement.
STRENGTH IN SUBTLETY
From the concealed tension in the string to the silent click of the clasp, every detail in a Paspaley Strand is crafted with intention. Beneath a strand’s fluidity lies engineering, innovation and heritage – the unseen elements that define true craftsmanship. This is the science behind the art: where nature’s rarest treasures are shaped by hand into enduring works of beauty.
Connect with a Personal Shopper
To enquire about our latest strand creations, or request personalised assistance, please contact our Personal Shoppers personalshopper@paspaley.com
THE FIVE VIRTUES
Each Paspaley pearl is hand assessed by our master graders according to The Five Virtues.
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