As a rule I find that 2/0 Blades are the best for most types of Pearl Work. They are fine enough to cut tight curves but not so fine as to have a tendency to "wander" when cutting straight lines. However for Shell Laminate Material - which due to it's wafer like construction tends to offer less resistance - I prefer to use finer blades such as 3/0 or even 4/0. Much finer blades are also available - but due their fragility I have found them to be - in essence - entirely impractical.