Jewelry repair
Pearl and bead restringing.
Silk stretches and wears with time, so pearl strands loosen and can eventually break. Restringing puts the pearls or beads on new thread, usually with a knot between each one so they don't rub or scatter if the strand breaks.
When you might need it.
- Gaps have opened between the pearls or knots
- The thread looks dirty, frayed, or stretched
- The strand has broken, or the clasp is loose
- You'd like the length changed
What’s involved.
Taking it apart
The strand is carefully cut and the pearls or beads are kept in their original order.
Restringing
The pearls or beads go onto new silk or wire, knotted between each where that suits the piece.
The clasp
The clasp is re-attached and checked, or replaced if you'd like.
Preliminary pricing.
Your preliminary price range is free and comes from your photos. The final price is confirmed after we inspect the piece in hand, and no work starts until you approve it.
What affects the price
- The length and number of strands
- Knotted or unknotted stringing
- Whether the clasp is reused or replaced
- Any change in length
If you’re mailing it in
If a strand has broken, send every pearl or bead you found, in a sealed bag.
Start with photos. Don’t ship anything until we’ve agreed on shipping and insurance with you.
Get a free estimateCommon questions.
How often should pearls be restrung?
It depends on how often they're worn. Strands worn regularly often need it every few years. Loose knots or gaps are the sign.
Can you restring beads that aren't pearls?
Yes, most bead strands can be restrung. Heavy beads may suit wire better than silk.
Related services
- Clasp replacementWorn or broken lobster, box, toggle, and safety clasps replaced to suit the piece.
- Gold chain repairBroken links, failed clasps, shortening, and soldering on fine and heavy chains.
- Antique and estate restorationOlder and inherited pieces repaired with care to keep their original character.
Send photos. Get a price. Decide from there.
The estimate is free and takes a few minutes. You’re under no obligation to go ahead.