I learned how to restring and knot my own pearls using instructions from RUclips, Pinterest, and other websites. It's not perfect, but it makes them wearable again. Mostly I learned how because my local jewelers were always dunking my pearls into the ultrasonic cleaners and it would eat away at the luster, leaving a chalky white surface. If you can find a good jeweler who knows how to treat pearls--and other soft gemstones like coral--always use their services! It's worth the investment to restring a good pearl necklace.
Donna! What a marvelous question. On a well-knotted necklace, untying that knot is close to impossible. First, the knots are very tight. Second, over time it becomes even harder! So, the only option would be to cut the pearl off but that still leaves you with 7mm -8mm of thread. It just isn’t enough. Now, once, we had a customer with a very long necklace and she wanted to tie the two ends together. Again, it was impossible. However, we were able to thread that last pearl with thread and basically we reknotted on top of two or three knots at the end of the necklace. We didn’t feel good about it and we couldn’t guarantee how long it would hold. But, if there is enough space inside the pearl to get another bit of thread through, that is a possible patch job. To do it right, it really is best to reknot the entire necklace!
The Pearl Girls, yes, I agree that reknotting the entire strand is the best option and the price doesn’t seem exorbitant considering the cost of a new strand. Although I also understand researching the least expensive repair first. That said my first thought is what a shame to have a broken strand that isn’t being worn. Hope the owner finds the best solution for her lovely pearls.
Love to hear your sweet voice. Can’t wait to hear about the Traveling Pearls next adventure.
Tanks you so much for that information!!!
I learned how to restring and knot my own pearls using instructions from RUclips, Pinterest, and other websites. It's not perfect, but it makes them wearable again. Mostly I learned how because my local jewelers were always dunking my pearls into the ultrasonic cleaners and it would eat away at the luster, leaving a chalky white surface. If you can find a good jeweler who knows how to treat pearls--and other soft gemstones like coral--always use their services! It's worth the investment to restring a good pearl necklace.
What do you do shen someone wants 14k solid gold clasp ? I havent bin able to locate any 14k solid gold french wire.
Everyone I know uses gold fill french wire! It amazes me how many repairs we do where the wire has turned! It looks so icky!
Would talking one pearl off the short thread end be an option where they can be tied or a new clasp then added?
Donna! What a marvelous question. On a well-knotted necklace, untying that knot is close to impossible. First, the knots are very tight. Second, over time it becomes even harder! So, the only option would be to cut the pearl off but that still leaves you with 7mm -8mm of thread. It just isn’t enough. Now, once, we had a customer with a very long necklace and she wanted to tie the two ends together. Again, it was impossible. However, we were able to thread that last pearl with thread and basically we reknotted on top of two or three knots at the end of the necklace. We didn’t feel good about it and we couldn’t guarantee how long it would hold. But, if there is enough space inside the pearl to get another bit of thread through, that is a possible patch job. To do it right, it really is best to reknot the entire necklace!
The Pearl Girls, yes, I agree that reknotting the entire strand is the best option and the price doesn’t seem exorbitant considering the cost of a new strand. Although I also understand researching the least expensive repair first. That said my first thought is what a shame to have a broken strand that isn’t being worn. Hope the owner finds the best solution for her lovely pearls.