Why knotted, and why it matters
A knot between each pearl does two jobs. It stops the pearls grinding against each other, which is what wears the drill holes and dulls the surface. And it means that when the thread eventually goes — and it will — you lose one pearl rather than watching the whole strand roll across the floor.
Stringing without knots is faster and cheaper. It is also why people end up on their hands and knees in a restaurant. We knot.
How to tell yours need doing
Pearl silk is a natural thread and it behaves like one. It stretches, it absorbs everything it touches, and it gets dirty from the inside out. The warning signs are easy to read once you know them:
- Gaps opening up between the pearls where the silk has stretched.
- Thread that looks grey or fuzzy, particularly in the last few inches near the clasp.
- A strand that hangs limp instead of curving when you hold it up.
- Any give at all when you gently pull two pearls apart.
Perfume, hairspray, body oils and sweat all attack the silk, and they all land on the part of the strand that sits against your neck. That is why the thread nearly always fails there first.
How often
Roughly every two years if you wear them regularly, and sooner if you wear them often in warm weather or put perfume on afterwards rather than before. Pearls worn once a year to a wedding can go much longer. We will tell you what to expect for the way you actually wear yours.
Beads and gemstone strands
The same work applies to glass, stone and gemstone strands. Heavier beads are harder on thread than pearls are, and a strand of anything substantial should be checked more often than people think.
Length and clasps
Restringing is the natural moment to change the length — shorten a strand that has always sat awkwardly, or add to it if you have the pearls. It is also the moment to replace a tired clasp, since the strand is already open. Doing both at once costs less than doing them separately later.
What will it cost?
How many strands, and are they knotted between each pearl? Has the silk stretched, discoloured, or snapped outright? Knotted again, or strung straight through? Is the clasp being reused or replaced? Real pearls or beads — they are not handled the same way? That is exactly why we would rather see it than guess at it. Come and find us at Orland Square Mall — most repairs are finished in thirty to sixty minutes while you are walking around.
Restringing is priced by the length of the strand and the number of pearls. Bring it in and we will give you the exact figure at the counter, with no obligation.
Straight to your question
- My pearl necklace broke and pearls went everywhere
- My pearls look loose, the string has stretched
- Should pearls be knotted?
- Pearl jewelry repair
Questions we get asked
How often should pearls be restrung?
Roughly every couple of years if you wear them often, sooner in warm weather. Perfume, hairspray and body oils all attack the silk, and they all land where the strand sits against your neck.
How do I know mine need doing?
Look for gaps opening between the pearls, thread that has gone grey or fuzzy near the clasp, or a strand that hangs limp instead of curving. Any of those and it is time.
Why knot between each pearl?
Two reasons. The knots stop the pearls rubbing against each other, and if the strand ever breaks you lose one pearl rather than the whole necklace.
Can you make the strand a different length?
Yes — shorter, or longer if you have the pearls. Restringing is the natural moment to do it, and to replace a worn clasp while the strand is open.
How long does restringing take?
This is careful hand work rather than a while-you-wait job. We will give you a collection date when you bring it in, and it goes on your ticket.
Bring it in — or ask first
Walk in during mall hours and we will price it at the counter, in writing, before anything is touched. If you would rather ask first, send a couple of details and we will call you back.
Bring it in today, 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 many while you wait. Or send a few details and we will call you back with a price.
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.
Pearl and bead restringing brings customers in from Palos Park, Homer Glen, Frankfort, Lemont, Burr Ridge and well beyond the local towns.