Pick a heatproof container at least 4" wide at the narrowest point, so there's room for a proper melt pool. Pour the pearls straight in, no melting needed first. Fill to your desired level.

Anchor the wick at the centre, base flat against the container floor. Trim to about 1cm before lighting keeps the flame steady and the burn clean.

Light it and let it go. No priming, no waiting for a "first full melt" ritual pearls burn evenly from the first light, every time.

Once it burns down, you're not done relight if the wick's still got life, or swap in a fresh one for a brand-new candle in the same container. Starting over? Let the leftover wax dry, crush it by hand, and pour again.