When and How to Restring Your Pearl Necklace

Pearl necklaces are strung on silk or nylon thread that, like any material, wears out over time. Regular restringing is essential maintenance that protects your valuable pearls from loss or damage. Yet many pearl owners don't realise their necklace needs attention until it's too late—when the strand breaks and pearls scatter across the floor.

This guide will help you recognise when your pearl necklace needs restringing, understand the professional process involved, and know what to expect when seeking this service.

Why Pearl Necklaces Need Restringing

Quality pearl necklaces are traditionally strung on natural silk thread, chosen for its strength, flexibility, and lustrous appearance that complements pearls. Some modern strands use synthetic materials like nylon, which offer different characteristics.

Over time, several factors weaken stringing material:

• Body oils and perspiration: Absorb into the thread, breaking down fibres
• Perfumes and cosmetics: Chemical exposure deteriorates thread
• Regular wear: Natural stress and stretching from movement
• Age: All organic materials degrade over time
• Storage conditions: Humidity and temperature fluctuations affect thread

The knots between pearls (on properly strung necklaces) also loosen and wear, potentially allowing pearls to rub against each other and cause damage.

Signs Your Pearls Need Restringing

Regular inspection helps catch wear before it becomes a problem. Check for these warning signs:

Visible Thread Wear

Look closely at the thread, particularly near the clasp where stress is greatest:

• Fraying or fuzzy appearance
• Discolouration or staining
• Visible fibres breaking apart
• Thread appearing thin or worn

Stretching

Signs that the thread has stretched beyond acceptable limits:

• Visible gaps between pearls (more than 1mm)
• Loose knots that allow pearls to slide
• Necklace hangs longer than when purchased
• Thread visible between pearls when strand is straight

Knot Problems

Examine the knots between each pearl:

• Loose knots that don't sit snugly against pearls
• Knots pulling into pearl drill holes
• Missing knots (may indicate previous breakage)
• Uneven knot sizes

The Time Factor

Even without visible wear, preventive restringing is wise:

• Frequent wear (weekly+): Restring every 1-2 years
• Occasional wear (monthly): Restring every 2-3 years
• Rare wear (special occasions): Restring every 3-5 years
• Inherited/vintage pieces: Restring immediately if history unknown

The Professional Restringing Process

Understanding the restringing process helps you appreciate its value and ask informed questions when seeking service.

Step 1: Assessment

A professional will examine your necklace, checking:

• Current thread condition
• Clasp function and security
• Individual pearl condition
• Drill hole wear

Step 2: Pearl Layout

Pearls are carefully removed and laid out in order. Quality necklaces are often "graduated" (larger pearls at centre) or specifically arranged for colour matching, so maintaining order is crucial.

Step 3: Thread Selection

The professional selects appropriate thread:

• Silk: Traditional choice, lustrous appearance, requires more frequent replacement
• Nylon: More durable, slightly stiffer, good for heavy pearls
• Griffin silk: Pre-threaded needles, consistent quality

Thread colour is matched to pearl colour—white silk for white pearls, cream for cream pearls, etc.

Step 4: Stringing and Knotting

Each pearl is strung with a knot tied between it and the next pearl. Proper knotting:

• Prevents pearls from rubbing against each other
• Limits loss if strand breaks (only one pearl escapes)
• Keeps pearls properly spaced
• Allows flexibility and drape

Step 5: Clasp Attachment

The clasp is securely attached, often the most vulnerable point. Quality restringing includes checking or replacing clasp hardware as needed.

Step 6: Final Inspection

The completed strand is inspected for consistent knot size, proper tension, and secure clasp attachment.

Finding Qualified Restringing Services

Not all jewellers are skilled at pearl stringing. Look for:

• Pearl specialists: Jewellers who specifically work with pearls
• Experience: Ask how long they've offered stringing services
• References: Testimonials from pearl owners
• Proper facilities: Clean workspace, good lighting, organised process

What to Avoid

• Mall kiosk services with quick turnaround promises
• Jewellers who rarely handle pearls
• Anyone offering to string without knotting (except for very small pearls)
• Unusually low prices that suggest corner-cutting

Cost Expectations

Professional pearl restringing typically costs:

• Standard freshwater/Akoya strand: $40-80
• Longer strands (opera/rope): $60-120
• Multi-strand necklaces: $80-150+
• Valuable South Sea strands: $100-200+ (extra care required)

These prices typically include:

• Quality silk or nylon thread
• Hand-knotting between each pearl
• Clasp inspection and reattachment
• Basic cleaning

Additional charges may apply for:

• Clasp repair or replacement
• Rush service
• Insurance during service

Can You Restring Pearls Yourself?

DIY pearl stringing is possible but challenging. Consider the risks:

• Improper knotting can damage pearls
• Poor technique risks breaking during wear
• Valuable pearls warrant professional handling
• Proper tools and materials add up

If you're determined to try, practice on inexpensive beads first. Professional restringing for a quality strand is generally worth the investment.

Caring for Newly Restrung Pearls

After restringing, help your pearls last longer between services:

• Allow new thread to settle for 24 hours before wearing
• Store flat, not hanging
• Wipe with a soft cloth after each wearing
• Apply perfume and hairspray before putting on pearls
• Avoid exposing thread to water

Regular maintenance protects your investment and ensures you can enjoy your pearls for years—or generations—to come.

Have questions about your pearl necklace's condition? Contact our team for guidance.