Miss Miriam's Hands Aren't What They Used to Be

[danachit]

I'm restringing a strand of Miki Moto's for a woman who is 85 years old. Her fingers aren't as nimble as they once were and she was strugging with the round clasp from the first restringing.

I've been looking at various clasps and the traditional fish ones seem so tiny and I'm concerned she won't be able to manuever the minute size.

I finally ordered one from Bella's that is a bit larger, but not so much so as to compromise the integrity of the strand.

How have yall handled restringing strands for the elderly? (if this were a turquoise, coral or various other gem, I'd be tempted to attach a sterling magnet clasp! )

 

[knotty panda]

Magnetic clasps are an option as Miki's have sterling clasps. Sometimes there are health considerations with magnets though. Toggles are an acceptable substitute. With Miki's you should never replace a Miki clasp with a clasp which is not a Miki. And unfortunately, the only place to get a Miki clasp is at Miki's. When the clasp and pearls are separated, the pearls no longer have any value. Why? Because Miki can't tell the difference between their pearls and anyone else's pearls. A fact that is touted on this forum constantly and borne out by how Tiffany and Miki appraise their pearls -- by their clasps.

Personally, I would restring the piece with the original Miki clasp and always have a loving daughter, son, husband, granddaughter, friend, put the piece on. You get the picture. A nice tradition of sharing an intimate moment helping grandma. I know, I'm such a softie.

However, if they insist on you restringing it rather than returning it to Miki for restringing, by all means make sure you impress upon them that the clasp should be kept in a safe place. Regardless of how this forum feels about PPBs, I'm sure your client believes her Miki's very valuable. You have an obligation to protect her interests.

 

[boo]

...she was strugging with the round clasp from the first restringing.

KP, It sounds like the original clasp has already been replaced.

 

[Caitlin]

I am getting old and I vote for a magnetic interlocking clasp rather than being dependent on someone else. She can do it herself.

If you have the box and/or the miki clasp, and any paperwork keep them and when she is done with the necklace, restring it back if it is to be sold.

Sterling interlocking clasp $6.99 at Artbeads no postage. fast delivery: http://www.artbeads.com/iscl-0028.html This clasp will not come undone by pulling or yanking, you have to break it open. It has ridges which prevent it from coming apart when yanked. I wear them everyday. Just make sure the magnets are in there tight. If not a drop of superglue is a good idea. That is the only problem with those clasps- the magnets some times come unglued. They usually don't get lost because they are stuck on the other magnet.......

I have a pacepaker and it is ok with this klind of clasp- I asked the company that makes the pacemakers amd was told that it is no longer a problem. So even though the artbeads magnetic clasps have a pacemaker warning, it is not necessary for that strength magnet.

 

[knotty panda]

KP, It sounds like the original clasp has already been replaced.

I wasn't sure if that's what she was indicating or not. If it's not a Miki clasp, then there's no problem. She can use whatever her client wants.

 

[danachit]

The Miki clasp broke and truth be told...is too small for her hands to manuever. The pearls aren't that great quality. She bought them from Sears for about $400. They look about A- AA from what I've seen on here.

She has all her receipts and tags and the broken clasp. She just wants to wear her pearls and be able to manage the clasp. I understand wanting to maintain the 'Miko Moto' identity, but more than that she just wants to enjoy her pearls.

 

[danachit]

Hi all ~ I wanted to update you on what ended up happening with Miss Miriam.

We picked out a larger slide-in clasp that appeared easy to manuever. She took it home to practice and returned it, saying she just couldn't manage it and would I just string the necklace on a traditional fish-hook like we started with. So that's what I did.

I know she wanted the pearls on something traditional, even though it meant she most likely wasn't going to be able to work it. And sadly to say, within the month, she was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer that had spread. My guess is that she has put the pearls away for one of her grandaughters.

I'm tempted to go buy a sterling silver magnetic clasp at Hobby Lobby, string up some of my fattest shiniest pearls and give her a beautiful necklace to wear right now, one she can manage and not give a hoot over the miki-moto-ness.

Bless her heart. She's such a strong woman and independent as all get-out, with a backbone strong as steel. I feel so sad for her right now. Yes, I think I will make her a necklace and tell her to never take it off. She'll look like a queen day and night.

 

[jerin]

Hi Danachit,

bless you for wanting to make that lady happy for the time that is given to her. And please, pot a pic of the necklace so we too may see what it looks like.

 

[boo]

What a lovely idea. I am sure she would wear them happily.

 

[knotty panda]

I can't believe Ms. Miriam's thread has become active again. A couple of days ago I noticed Fire Mountain has 14KT magnetic clasps. And last night I almost posted that information. Then today, here she is, in my heart again. Please tell her our thoughts, prayers, and love is with her. Please do keep us posted on her condition.

 

[danachit]

Thanks for the heads up, knotty. I'll go look there right now. She's such a dear.