Drilling Freshwater Pearls: Affordable Methods & Tools

Question
I am looking for an inexpensive way to drill mainly freshwater pearls.  My plan is to purchase pearls with standard size holes and drill the current hole to make it 1.5mm and 2.5mm (and maybe even 3mm)for my jewelry designs.  I have met someone who uses the one from Alohapearls but that is a little expensive for my budget. I didn't know if I could find some type of pearl holder and just use a rotary drill since I don't plan to actually drill loose pearls. Thanks in advance for any information you might help me with!
ang

Answer
Hi,

If you are only drilling a few you can hold them with you hand if they are already drilled.  You just need a dremel with the flex shaft.  Buy a set of diamond drill bits and just bore out the hole while holding the pearl.  Just use a bit that is slightly larger so you can very easily make the hole larger. In other words stair step it one step at a time until the hole is the size you want.

Regards,

Steven D.Covey