Learn about Pearl & Bead Restringing

Pearl necklaces and bracelets that are worn on a regular basis will also require care and maintenance to assure they keep looking their best and are secure.  Remember that pearls are the last item of jewelry you put on and the first item you take off at the end of your day.  Lotions, perspiration, oils, and perfumes are absorbed into the silk that secures your pearls in place.  Prolonged exposure weakens the silk and causes it to “relax”, lengthening the distance between pearls and their knots.  When this happens, your pearls not only look in need of restringing, but it’s also a warning sign that your pearl necklace is about to break.

Depending on the amount of wear your pearl necklace and/or bracelet receive, simply look for the following to determine if yours needs to be restrung;

Gaps between the pearls.  This means the silk may have stretched to its limit.
The knots between the pearls look fuzzy and/or dirty.  Fuzzy knots means the silk is already tearing.  Dirty knots are a sign of dirt build up and most likely will not come clean with just a cleaning.
Missing knots.  Your necklace or bracelet may have been accidentally stressed and caused a knot to tighten and forced into the hole in the pearl.
Damaged pearls.  Unlike diamonds that can withstand every day wear and tear, pearls are organic and may incur damage by way of chips, scratches, and other mishandling.
Mismatched pearls.  Pearls that develop a buildup of “gunk” may be permanently discolored as a result if not regularly cleaned.