When a pearl necklace or bracelet breaks, it can be a devastating loss. Your beloved jewelry is quite literally in pieces, and you’re not even too sure where to begin in regards to fixing it. Fortunately, a jeweler can restring it for you and even strengthen its original design to prevent this from happening again. Read on to learn more about how you can fix your pearls and get an idea of the pearl restringing cost.
The Pearl Restringing Process
Once you’ve scooped up all of the pearls you can find, the jeweler will assess the damage before restringing. If most of the pearls are intact, the jeweler can simply take the materials and restring it with a new base string. However, this process isn’t as simple as it sounds; there are a lot of options available that can improve the integrity of your piece and prevent any future loss of your pearls in the event that it breaks again. Here are five factors that affect the process and pearl restringing cost.
1. Length
The length of the piece determines the base cost for the restringing. As it is priced per inch, the repair will be more expensive for a longer piece as it will require more work. Longer strands generally cost more than shorter ones. See our current service page for pricing based on the length and options selected. For more prices, you can check out our pearl restringing service here.
2. Type of string
Silk string is most commonly used for pearl restringing due to its strength and texture, which does not wear down the pearls from the inside. As a preventative measure, the jeweler can restring the piece with more than one string. This proves additional security; if one string breaks, the other will still hold the necklace or bracelet together.
Other types of string are available as well, if your piece does not utilize silk. Wire, elastic, and other cords will cause the price to fluctuate depending on the availability of the string. Another expensive alternative is restringing on a gold chain, which has to be fine enough for the pearls to fit.
3. Knotting
The most secure stringing method is knotting. Knotting means that the jeweler places knots in between each pearl, so if the string breaks at any location the pearls will not slide off and scatter everywhere. There are different options available for knotting, including single knot and double knot. For an even more seamless appearance, a skilled jeweler can string it so that the knots are barely visible between the pearls. Opting for knotting will increase the price by a few dollars per inch, as the labor involved is more costly than a simple restringing.
4. Stringing Design
The design of your item will also affect the restringing cost. For instance, if you have a graduated pearl necklace, the jeweler will have to sort out the loose pearls and string them in order from smallest to largest. More elaborate pieces including tassels, multiple strands, and complicated beadwork will be more expensive to restring due to the complexity of the work required.
5. Clasp Replacement
Aside from your pearls, a clasp replacement might be necessary if you lost or damaged your clasp. This little bit of metal that holds your necklace or bracelet together can vary in cost depending on its design, material, and size. Standard pearl clasps, specially designed for pearl necklaces, range from $50 to $80 if they are 14k to 18k gold. A mystery clasp, which is a special type of clasp that is drilled into the two end pearls of a necklace to “hide” the clasp design, can start at $150 for installation and/or repair. For more on our clasp replacement service, click here.
The Turnaround Time
Our pearl and bead restringing service typically takes approximately 7–10 business days after we receive your item. Shipping time is separate. Complex strands, knotting, or a clasp that needs sourcing may affect the estimate; we will contact you if further work is needed.
Now you have a better idea about what determines the pearl restringing cost! If you’d like to get started with fixing up one of your pieces, check out our pearl restringing service here, or drop us a line below if you have any questions.
Community Discussion
Questions, experiences, and expert answers from the QJR community.
I have a broken string of pearls from my deceased mother in law and another one from her aunt thatI was considering having 5 necklaces with floating pearls on a chain made for my granddaughters. Is that something that can be done?
Hi, Donna! Thank you so much for your comment. 🙂 We reached out via email with the next steps to help you out 😀
Who does this in Leesburg, VA.
Hi Mackie! We do not have a verified Leesburg shop to recommend, but we offer pearl restringing by shipment. Email a photo of the strand, its length, and whether any pearls or the clasp are missing to [email protected] so we can help you choose the appropriate service. You can see the relevant service here: https://quickjewelryrepairs.com/repair/restring-pearls/.
I inherited a 60″ pearl necklace that is broken and knotted so it makes a doubled strand. It has no clasp, just pearls. Would like it restrung into two necklaces with clasps or a double strand with a clasp. How much would it cost?
Hi Lauren, We’ll reach out via email to request photos!
This info was so helpful! Just purchased a pre-owned necklace that is gorgeous at a fantastic price. I will have it re-strung, single knotted and have pearls added to make it an inch longer. Can you give me an estimated cost?
Hi Cynthia, Keep an eye on your email for a follow up message!
I have a necklace of fresh water seed pearls about 18 inches long. It has turned gray between the small pearls and needs to be redone. Can you do that and give me any estimate?
Hi Missy, We’ll reach out via email with further details!
I have a single strand that needs to be restrung how much would the cost be
Hi Paulette, do you know roughly how many inches of the strand needs to be restrung? We charge by the inch!
Where are you located? I have a strand of black peacock pearls with the matching bracelet that are broke in the middle of the stream. What would the cost be to restring both pieces?
HiFrances, We are located in New York City at 902 Broadway New York, NY 10010.
Our restringing service starts around $4 per inch. Here is a link to place an order, please fill out accordingly and let me know if you have any other questions!
https://quickjewelryrepairs.com/repair/restring-pearls/
I have my pearls, my mothers pearls and her mother’s pearls. Graduated.
Would like incorporated into one string with the smallest pearls left off to make earrings. They are 16″ strands. I like the clasp on mine best. Can it be re used.? Feel safest with knotted.
Hi Sue, we can definitely do that! We’ve reached out to you via email.
Great information! Thank you!
Showing 9 threads with 17 comments · page 1 of 1