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GRIFFIN Natural Silk Bead Cord: The Complete Buyer’s Guide

GRIFFIN has been making bead cord in Pforzheim, Germany since 1866. That’s five generations of one family, all dedicated to getting the thread exactly right. If you’ve ever held a card of their 100% Natural Silk, you’ll understand why it’s still the first choice for jewellers who care deeply about their work - whether you’re knotting a classic pearl necklace, some heirloom Akoya pearls or tackling your very first gemstone bracelet.

This guide covers everything you need for GRIFFIN silk cord for jewelry making: Sizes, colours, needles, storage, and its features.

What Makes GRIFFIN Natural Silk Cord Different?

GRIFFIN 100% Natural Silk is made from filament silk - thread drawn from the very centre of the silkworm cocoon, where the fibres are longest, strongest and most lustrous. This isn’t spun silk, which is the cheaper option that tends to pill, fray and lose its sheen over time. Filament silk keeps its lustre and doesn’t deteriorate in the way spun versions do, which is why it’s the only material that really makes sense for fine jewellery built to last.

Each card is triple twisted using GRIFFIN’s Z-Twist method, which gives the cord its round profile, resistance to tangling and firm, predictable knot behaviour. A fine twisted beading needle is pre-attached to one end, so there’s no double threading required and you can get straight to work.

What’s on each standard card:

  • 100% Natural Silk
  • Triple twisted 
  • 21 natural colours, plus rainbow and neon variations
  • 13 sizes from No. 0 through No.16 (0.30 mm to 1.05 mm)
  • Each cord is 2 metres with one stringing needle attached
  • White also available with two needles for double-needle knotting
  • All colours ecologically dyed

Why Silk Cord Is Still the Traditional Choice for Pearls

Jewellers have been stringing pearls on silk for centuries, and there’s a very good reason that hasn’t changed. Silk’s natural protein structure is chemically compatible with pearl nacre, meaning it won’t cause surface degradation over time the way some synthetic cords can - and that risk is real with lower-quality materials.

There are four things silk does that keep it genuinely irreplaceable for pearl work. It drapes naturally, allowing a pearl necklace to move freely and sit flat against the collarbone rather than holding a stiff, artificial shape. It holds a tight knot between each bead without slipping, protecting pearls from abrasion and keeping the spacing consistent even with daily wear. Its subtle sheen and soft texture complement the organic lustre of pearls in a way no synthetic truly replicates. And because silk is a natural fibre, it doesn’t trap moisture against the skin - which matters for necklaces worn regularly.


Choosing the Right Carded Silk Bead Cord Size

The Silk bead cord should be large enough to hold a secure knot between beads, but small enough to pass through the bead hole twice - once each direction when knotting. The most commonly used sizes and their ideal jewelry applications:

  • For Sizes  0, 1, and 2 ( 0.30mm to 0.45mm)   - Very fine seed beads and small and delicate freshwater pearls
  • For Sizes 3, 4, 5 and 6 ( 0.50mm to 0.70mm) - Average-Sized Pearls and lighter gemstone beads
  • For Sizes  7, 8, to 16 ( 0.75mm to 1.05mm)  -  Larger sized cultured pearls and most standard gemstone beads

Quick test: thread the cord through the bead hole. It should pass through with slight resistance. If it goes through too freely, move up a size. If it won’t pass through at all, move down one.

The Full Color Palette: All 21 Explained

GRIFFIN 100% Natural Silk Bead Cord comes in 21 natural colors and is available in 13 different thread sizes, each ecologically dyed for lasting tone without compromising the silk itself. The color palette covers everything from the classic neutrals that jewellers reach for most often to bolder, more expressive choices:

  • White: Classic White Pearls, Akoya and South Sea pearls; clinical, luminous and always professional
  • Light Pink: Pink Opal, Morganite, Rose Quartz, Light Pink Pearls.
  • Dark Pink: Rhodolite Garnet, Fuchsia Jade, Dark Pink Pearls.
  • Coral: Coral beads, Carnelian, Sunstone.
  • Red: Ruby, Red Garnet, Red Jasper, Red Coral.
  • Garnet: Deep Red Garnet, Pyrope, Garnet-colored Glass.
  • Yellow: Citrine, Yellow Jade, Yellow Opal.
  • Amber: Amber, Honey Jade, Fire Opal.
  • Blue: Lapis Lazuli, Blue Chalcedony, Sodalite.
  • Dark Blue: Sapphire, Dark Lapis, Blue Lace Agate.
  • Lilac: Amethyst, Lavender Jade.
  • Amethyst: Amethyst, Purple Fluorite.
  • Turquoise: Turquoise, Amazonite, Aqua Terra Jasper.
  • Jade Green: Jade, Aventurine, Chrysoprase.
  • Green: Emerald, Green Aventurine, Malachite, Peridot.
  • Olive: Olive Jade, Green Onyx, Serpentine.
  • Cornelian: Carnelian, Red Agate.
  • Beige: Cream/Champagne Pearls, Tan Jasper, Sandstone.
  • Brown: Smoky Quartz, Tiger Eye, Brown Agate.
  • Grey: Grey Pearls, Labradorite, Hematite.
  • Black: Black Onyx, Black Pearls, Lava Rock.

Beyond the core 21, GRIFFIN also makes Rainbow and Neon variations - multicolour cords that create ombre and variegated effects along the length of a strand. There’s a separate guide dedicated to those if you want to explore the trend in detail.

GRIFFIN Silk bead cord is available in packs of 10 and 5 Pieces with different sizes and colors.

One Needle or Two?

Every card comes with one beading needle pre-attached as standard, and that covers the vast majority of knotting techniques most jewellers use.

Single needle (standard): Use for conventional pearl stringing, through-knotting and needle-and-awl methods. The working end carries the needle; the other end is used to secure the clasp or beginning knot. Available in all 21 colours and all 13 sizes.

Double needle (white only): GRIFFIN offers two stainless steel needles only in white color silk cord, one at each end. This is designed for double-needle knotting techniques where both ends of the cord are worked simultaneously - preferred for certain professional knotting styles and for attaching clasps using a centred reef knot.

If you work mainly with double-needle techniques and need a specific colour, it’s easy enough to attach a second needle to any single-needle card using a flexible wire beading needle, available separately.


How to Store Your Silk Bead Cord Properly

Natural silk is a protein fibre and, like all natural materials, it needs a little care to stay in optimal condition. The good news is that with sensible storage, GRIFFIN silk will hold its strength, sheen and working properties for many years.

  • Keep away from direct sunlight: UV exposure degrades silk fibres and causes colour fading. A drawer, box or fabric pouch is ideal.
  • Maintain moderate humidity: Silk performs best between 40 and 60% relative humidity. Extremely dry environments cause brittleness; too much moisture can encourage mould.
  • Avoid temperature extremes: Store at room temperature. Prolonged heat weakens silk fibres.
  • Keep away from chemicals: Perfumes, cleaning agents and even skin oils can affect the integrity of silk. Always handle with clean, dry hands.
  • Store flat on cards: GRIFFIN silk comes on structured cards for good reason. Don’t unwind and re-bundle them, as this introduces unnecessary tension and tangling.
  • Rotate your stock: For professional use, retire any silk that looks dull or feels brittle. Fresh cord performs better and looks better.

Top Features Of GRIFFIN Natural Silk Thread

Crafted from 100% natural silk, every thread boasts exceptional strength, tear-proof flexibility, and an extraordinarily silky brilliance that sets your jewellery apart.

  • 100% Natural Silk
  • Extremely silky brilliance
  • Lovely and silky smooth
  • 13 different thread sizes
  • Excellent beading characteristics
  • Special beading needle attached 
  • No need to double thread
  • No tangling, no knotting
  • Twisted three times to avoid fraying
  • 21 brilliant colours
  • Premium quality
  • Strong, tear-proof and flexible


Where to Buy

GRIFFIN Natural Silk Bead Cord is available through authorised stockists worldwide - specialist bead shops, professional jewellery suppliers and selected online retailers across the world. Look for the official GRIFFIN card with the needle pre-attached. That’s the surest indicator you’re getting the genuine article rather than an imitation.

For professional studios and frequent users, GRIFFIN products are also available in bulk. Contact your regional GRIFFIN distributor for trade account and volume pricing details.

Craft with confidence. Discover the full GRIFFIN Natural Silk range and choose the size and colour that fits your next jewelry craft.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What sizes does GRIFFIN Natural Silk come in?

    GRIFFIN 100% Natural Silk is available in 13 sizes, from No. 0 (0.30 mm) to No. 16 (1.05 mm). Choose based on your bead hole diameter - the cord should pass through twice with slight resistance.

  • Is GRIFFIN Natural Silk suitable for pearl stringing?

    Yes, absolutely - it’s the benchmark product for traditional pearl stringing. The natural silk fibre is chemically compatible with nacre, holds secure knots between beads and provides the suppleness a well-draping pearl necklace needs.

  • How long is each card of GRIFFIN 100% Natural Silk?

    Each standard card provides a length of 2 metres of cord with one beading needle pre-attached. White is also available with two needles for double-needle knotting techniques.

  • Does GRIFFIN silk fade over time?

    All GRIFFIN silk colours are ecologically dyed for lasting colour integrity. With proper storage away from UV light and chemicals, the colours remain stable. Normal wear and ageing may cause a gradual softening of tone over many years, as with all natural fibres - but this happens slowly and naturally.

  • Can I use GRIFFIN Natural Silk for knotting between beads?

    Absolutely. Knotting between beads is one of its primary applications. The Z-Twist construction ensures the cord holds knots tightly without slipping, even after repeated wearing and cleaning.

  • Is GRIFFIN silk vegan?

    Is GRIFFIN silk vegan? No. Natural silk is derived from the silkworm cocoon and is therefore not vegan. GRIFFIN’s NylonPower Bead Cord is the recommended vegan alternative, offering comparable performance across the same colour and size range.

  • How should I choose between GRIFFIN Natural Silk and NylonPower?

    Choose Natural Silk for traditional pearl and gemstone jewellery, heirloom pieces, or where a natural material is preferred. Choose NylonPower for vegan jewellery, modern designs, or when a slightly more elastic cord is beneficial. Both offer the same professional quality - the decision really comes down to tradition, ethics and the specific piece you’re making.

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