Pearl necklaces are traditionally strung on silk thread with a small knot tied between each pearl. Over time, that thread stretches and weakens, which means restringing is a normal part of owning pearls, not a sign something went wrong.
Signs It's Time to Restring
Watch for a visibly stretched or loose-looking strand, pearls that shift or gap unevenly, a thread that looks discolored, fraying or dirty, or any time you can see the thread between pearls more than you'd like. If a strand has not been restrung in several years of regular wear, it is worth having it checked even without obvious damage.
Why the Knots Between Each Pearl Matter
Traditional stringing ties a small knot between every pearl. If the thread ever breaks, the knots stop pearls from scattering and rolling away, and they also prevent pearls from rubbing directly against each other, which protects their nacre from scratching over time.
How Often Should You Restring?
For pearls worn often, jewelers commonly suggest restringing roughly every one to two years. Pearls worn only occasionally can usually go longer between restrings. When in doubt, a quick visual check for thread stretch or discoloration will tell you most of what you need to know.
Can You Do It Yourself?
Restringing by hand with silk thread and individual knots is a slow, practiced skill, so most people have it done professionally rather than attempting it themselves, especially for strands with valuable or sentimental pearls.
Taking good care of a strand is part of what makes it last for years. Browse our necklace collection for baroque pearl and shell designs.