Question about restringing etc

[mvpearl]

Hi. I am new to the forum. I don't really wear pearls but have been lucky enough to be in a country where SSP are available and my experience in buying is in learning from a couple trusted vendors, reading/self educating, and frequently just looking/comparing/handling the pearls. My question is whether I need to have the new pearls restrung once I get to the U.S.? When I buy them they are restrung and knotted by the vendors.. I assume with synthetic string. They do it really fast so I never thought about time/labor. How much would it typically cost to have it restrung and with a gold clasp in US? I may just bring it to a jeweler here to put on a gold clasp. Thanks for your advice!

 

[Sanippy]

Welcome to pearl guide! We'd love to see your pearls!

Are the pearls new or pre-loved? If they've been recently strung I wouldn't think they'd need re-stringing any time soon - unless you're unhappy with the job that was done? ETA: never mind just realised you'd like the, re-strung with a better clasp.

I'll let others comment on the cost of restringing, I'd guess that it would vary from jeweller to jeweller. But a lot of members here do their own stringing! It took me a while to get the hang of it but I love doing it now.

Here is a useful tutorial: https://www.pearl-guide.com/forum/s...-Stringing-Pearls-on-Power-Pro-Beaders-Secret

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Restringing can be pricey; I do my own as well. You would be surprised how easy it is.

Synthetic thread won't stretch the way silk does. I prefer it over silk, personally.

 

[mvpearl]

Ok thank you! You both inspired me.
I can buy a cheap FW strand here and practice!

 

[mvpearl]

I can't figure out how to post pictures from my phone on this site.

 

[Red]

I use the desktop version of Pearl Guide, rather than the mobile version, even on my phone. Then I can more easily post photos to Pearl Guide.

 

[lilliefuzzysocks]

There are many ways to knot the silk/beaders secret, so if one way doesn't fit for you don't give up. Beaders secret don't stretch and the knots don't get fuzzy. I use two types of knotting but usually use my tricord knotter for consistent fast results. https://youtu.be/jvZ1FE25AMM

 

[Sanippy]

Good luck!Please post photos and ask questions along the way!

I buy all my stringing supplies (beaders secret, needles, gimp) from Patricia Saab (Pattye here). In fact I'm using this stuff as we speak! I'm restringing a rope of silver pearls using Beaders Secret in grey.

https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/PatriciaSaabDesigns



I find it's also useful to have the following on hand:

- sharp, small scissors (I use embroidery scissors)
- thread zapper
- awl (only for emergencies)
- tweezers (rarely use mine but can be helpful)

 

[SunSeeker]

Welcome to pearl guide! We'd love to see your pearls!

Are the pearls new or pre-loved? If they've been recently strung I wouldn't think they'd need re-stringing any time soon - unless you're unhappy with the job that was done? ETA: never mind just realised you'd like the, re-strung with a better clasp.

I'll let others comment on the cost of restringing, I'd guess that it would vary from jeweller to jeweller. But a lot of members here do their own stringing! It took me a while to get the hang of it but I love doing it now.

Here is a useful tutorial: https://www.pearl-guide.com/forum/s...-Stringing-Pearls-on-Power-Pro-Beaders-Secret

"new or pre-loved" - love that!

The link in hanadama's post is very detailed and extremely helpful (thank you so much for the original post, Pearl Dreams)! I prefer Beader's Secret over silk b/c it doesn't stretch and has wonderful drape. I also occasionally use powerpro for heavier pieces. But powerpro has a stiffer drape and is not nearly as soft as BD. You'll likely assemble and re-assemble several pieces as you develop your own technique and muscle memory. Also, Cailtin and Lloyd have posted videos on youtube that may be helpful to you as well. Good luck!