How to Repair a Pearl Necklace

The delicate nature of a pearl necklace makes it susceptible to breaking while wearing it. If your pearl necklace breaks, consider mending it yourself before you take it to a jeweler for repairs. Whether you need to replace a broken clasp or restring the pearls, you can repair it yourself with a few simple instructions.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• Super glue
• Crimp bead connector
• Jump ring
• Clasp
• Pliers
• Silk thread
• Beading needle

Instructions

Replace Broken Clasp

1. Cut the knot off the thread between the broken clasp and the closest pearl. Discard the broken clasp.

2. Remove the pearl nearest the clasp. Check to make sure the thread is not too long after removing the pearl. Cut the thread, if necessary.

3. Tie a standard double knot in the end piece of thread where the new clasp will be attached. Fray the tip of the thread on the outside of the knot.

4. Place a dab of super glue on the tip of the frayed thread. Put the crimp bead connector over the super glue and squeeze it tight using the pliers. Hold in place for 30 seconds, then set aside to dry for one hour.

5. Open the jump ring wide enough so that it can fit over the connector, then attach it.

6. Attach the clasp to the jump ring. Grasp the jump ring with the pliers and gently but firmly squeeze the ring together until it closes completely.

Restring Pearls

1. Remove the clasp and pearls from the broken string. Set the pearls aside in the same order they were removed.

2. Cut a piece of thread in a color as close as possible to that of the pearls. Cut the thread about three times the length you desire the necklace to be.

3. Cut another piece of thread, about 10 inches in length. Separate the 10-inch piece into four thin strands. Place one of the strands through the needle. Tie it in a knot to form a loop through the needle’s eye.

4. Fold the piece of thread that will make up your necklace in half. Insert the end with the two loose pieces of thread through the loop on the needle’s eye.

5. Insert the threaded needle through the hole in the clasp and pull it through. Insert the needle back through the loop in the necklace thread to attach the clasp to the string. Tie a tight double knot in the thread near the clasp.

6. Working in reverse order, insert the needle into the hole of the last pearl that was removed from the original necklace. Gently slide the pearl all the way down the thread.

7. Tie the thread into an overhand double knot directly near the pearl to prevent it from rubbing against other pearls and tarnishing their finish. Restring the rest of the pearls in order, tying a knot after each one.

8. Attach the other piece of the clasp, tying a double knot in the thread to secure it.

9. Cut off any extra thread and place a tiny drop of super glue on the end of the thread.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase supplies, such as a crimp bead connector and a jump ring, at a crafting or fabric store that sells jewelry-making supplies.

References

• Kari Pearls: How to Restring Pearls
• Scientific Psychic: How to Knot a String of Pearls