Nacre abrades
Nacre is a layered organic surface and it scratches against anything with a woven texture. A coarse lining will dull a strand over months of storage.
Microfibre suede and velvet are the two safe choices. Both have a nap short enough and soft enough not to mark the surface.
A strand needs a keeper
A strand laid loose in a long box gathers at one end in transit and the pearls rub against each other.
A keeper holding the clasp keeps the strand laid out along its channel. For a graduated strand this matters even more, because the order of the pearls is part of the piece.
Graduated versus uniform
A uniform strand can sit in a straight channel. A graduated strand is thicker in the middle, and a straight channel of one depth leaves the centre proud and the ends loose.
A shaped channel solves it; tell us which type the box is for.
Humidity and storage
Pearls do not like being sealed dry for years. A box intended for long storage should not be airtight, and a lining that holds moisture against the strand is worse than one that breathes.
At a glance
| Factor | What it needs |
|---|---|
| Nacre | Short-nap suede or velvet only |
| Transit | A clasp keeper |
| Graduated strand | A shaped channel |
| Long storage | Not airtight |
Frequently asked questions
What lining is safe for pearls?
Microfibre suede or velvet. Avoid anything with a woven texture.
Do I need a keeper for a short strand?
For anything that ships, yes. For a box that goes straight into a customer's hand, less critical.
Can one box take several strand lengths?
With a channel sized to the longest and a keeper positioned for it, yes — though a shorter strand will sit loosely.
What about pearl earrings and a strand together?
A set box with separate seats. The strand channel and the earring seats are cut in one tray.
Tell us what you need
Tell us the piece, your brand and the quantity you have in mind. We’ll send photos of our work and one clear, all-in quote.