Pearl Knotting One-Day Workshop

Cranbrook Academy of Art
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
July 22, 2026

Trade screen time for studio time. In this one-day Cranbrook workshop, participants are guided through the timeless technique of hand-knotting pearls, creating two necklaces in an intimate, hands-on environment. The workshop begins with a brief introduction to pearls—their origins, material qualities, and long relationship with jewelry—along with a look at the enduring history of the pearl necklace across cultures and centuries. From there, participants are guided through the technical foundations, including how to select pearls or beads, choose appropriate thread, tools, and clasps, and consider factors such as proportion, weight, and durability. After a step-by-step demonstration of the knotting process, participants will begin creating their own necklace. Each participant will make two necklaces: a hand-knotted pearl necklace with a classic clasp, using the traditional technique of knotting between each pearl, and an endless knotted bead necklace constructed without a visible beginning or end.