Bring everything
Every pearl you found, the clasp, and the old thread if it is still in one piece. The thread tells us the original length and spacing, and the clasp is often worth reusing. Pearls from one strand are matched and graduated — replacing a missing one is much easier when we can see its neighbours.
Why silk stretches and breaks
Silk is used because it is soft enough not to abrade the pearls and it drapes properly. The trade is that it absorbs skin oils, perfume and hairspray, and it stretches with time. Most strands want restringing every couple of years if they are worn often.
If the pearls have started to sit apart with gaps showing, that is the warning before a break.
Knotting between each pearl
Two reasons, both good. A knot between each pearl stops them rubbing against each other, which is what wears the nacre. And if the thread does go, the knots mean you lose one pearl rather than all of them across a car park.
This one is not same day
Hand-knotting a strand takes time and the thread needs to settle. You will get a collection date when you drop it off, written on your ticket, so there is no guessing.
Questions we get asked
Should pearls be knotted between each one?
Yes for almost every strand. It stops them rubbing and it means a break costs you one pearl, not all of them.
How often should pearls be restrung?
Every couple of years if worn often, sooner if you can see gaps opening between them.
Can you reuse my clasp?
Usually, if it is sound. Bring it with the pearls.
How long does it take?
This is not a same-day job. You get a collection date on your ticket when you drop it off.
Not sure we can fix it?
Send a couple of details and we will call you back. Or just walk in — it is quicker, and we can actually look at the piece.
Drop it off, shop the mall, wear it tonight
We are inside Orland Square Mall in Orland Park. Walk in during mall hours, no appointment. Most repairs are finished the same day and a good number while you wait.
Where we are
Julio's Jewelry, 800 Orland Square Drive, Orland Park, IL 60462 — inside Orland Square Mall. Mon–Thu 10am–8pm · Fri–Sat 10am–9pm · Sun 11am–6pm. We are also at North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 W Cermak Rd, North Riverside, IL 60546.