Is your string of pearls starting to look… stringy? There’s nothing as sad as a row of pearls that need some attention, and a snapped string could mean the loss of some precious gems from your string.
Sometimes you’ve had a string of pearls for so long, you’ve forgotten what they used to look like. But take a second look, and search for these signs. Any one of them could indicate a need to restring:
Restringing is the perfect opportunity to replace damaged pearls, to clean and shine pearls that have lost their luster or have become discolored.
The pearl value will determine the type of thread you use. Here are some guidelines on how to choose the right thread:
For valuable pearl necklaces, silk is best. High-quality silk thread will last much longer than other types of thread. Ask your retailer for a thread that is made specifically for pearls, as the thread needs to be very thin, yet very strong. Small pearls need a two-strand silk thread so that the necklace can reveal the pearls’ beauty but not the knots. Larger pearls will need a three-strand silk thread, for a stronger string.
For necklaces that contain both pearls and other stones you can use cotton wire, nylon, fishing line or copper wire. These are all strong enough to carry the weight of the heavy stones.
For expandable bracelets or necklaces, use expandable silk or nylon thread. It’s convenient to wear and use but remember that it will damage easily and is likely to get caught on other jewelry. For this type of thread, you might need to restring more often.
Ask your local jeweler for help or, if you’d like to try it yourself, click here for step-by-step instructions on how to restring your pearls at home.