Pearl & Bead Restringing
Restoring Pearl & Bead Knecklaces
Pearls and beads are unique in the world of jewellery; they are typically strung on organic silk or high-quality thread rather than being set in metal. Over time, these threads can stretch, fray, or become discoloured by perfumes and natural oils. To prevent the heart-break of a snapped strand and the potential loss of precious gems, we offer a professional restringing service in our Square Mile workshop to ensure your jewellery remains both beautiful and secure.
Our Specialist Stringing Services
Restringing is a meticulous craft that requires a steady hand and an eye for symmetry. We provide several methods tailored to the specific needs of your piece:
- Knotted Restringing: The gold standard for fine pearls. A tiny, precise knot is tied between each individual pearl. This prevents them from rubbing against one another and ensures that, should the strand ever break, you will only lose a single pearl.
- Plain Stringing: Ideal for smaller beads or semi-precious strands where knots may be distracting, this provides a sleek, continuous line of colour.
- Multi-Strand Alignment: We specialise in the complex restringing of double and triple-strand necklaces, ensuring each row sits perfectly flush against the neckline.
- Clasp Replacement & Reinforcement: We can repair existing clasps or provide new gold and silver fasteners to improve the security of your necklace or bracelet.
- Gimp / Wire Protection: We use “gimp” (fine coiled wire) at the ends of the strand where the thread meets the metal clasp. This protects the silk from friction and significantly extends the life of the restringing.
The Importance of Regular Care
Because silk is a natural fibre, it progressively weakens with wear. At our London showroom, we recommend having your pearls inspected regularly. A well-strung necklace should hang naturally without stiff kinks or excessive gaps between the pearls. If you notice the thread is looking grey or the pearls are sliding loosely on the string, it is time for a professional refresh.
Our Reviews & Testimonials
At City of London Jewellers, we believe that exceptional service and exquisite craftsmanship speak for themselves. Peter, our dedicated owner, takes immense pride in every piece of jewellery that leaves our workshop, and even more so in the relationships we build.
We are truly humbled and proud to have earned 130+ Five-Star reviews on Google, a testament to the kind, personal service and unmatched quality we strive to deliver every single day. But don’t just take our word for it – discover what our wonderful customers have to say about their experiences with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have my pearls restrung?
This depends on how often you wear them. For a necklace worn frequently, we recommend restringing every twelve to eighteen months. If you only wear your pearls for special occasions, once every few years is usually sufficient to ensure the silk remains strong.
Is it really necessary to have knots between the pearls?
For high-quality pearls, we highly recommend knotting. Not only does it protect the pearls from scratching each other’s lustre, but it acts as a vital security measure. It also allows the necklace to drape more elegantly against the body.
Can you restring beads other than pearls?
Yes, we restring all types of gemstones, including amber, turquoise, amethyst, and jet, as well as glass and decorative beads. Each material is assessed to determine the most suitable thread and tension.
Can you change the length of my knecklace?
Absolutely. If your necklace feels too tight or you would like to shorten it into a bracelet and a shorter strand, our experts can adjust the length during the restringing process. If you wish to lengthen a strand, we can assist in sourcing matching pearls.
Should I clean my pearls before bringing them in?
Wait for a professional assessment. Pearls are porous and easily damaged by household chemicals or abrasive cloths. As part of our service, we can provide a gentle, professional wipe-down to restore their natural iridescence before they are re-strung.
Do you provide new clasps if mine is broken?
Yes, we carry a selection of high-quality gold and silver clasps. If your current clasp is an heirloom but is no longer secure, our workshop can often repair the internal mechanism to keep the original piece intact.
