Restring Pearls Using Mystery Clasp

[Margaret Alderman Ford]

Why did I take this job!? I can figure anything out in restringing pearls...but not this 'cotton pickin' mystery clasp. The pearls with the clasp have been soaking in Rio Pearl Remover for 2 days and no luck. The gold clasp will not come out of the pearls. I have drilled the silk cord out of the beads...but that is as far as it goes. Please let me know if there are any other techniques.
Thank you, Margaret

 

[pattye]

I recall Gemgeek saying it took Jeremy a week to soak loose some earring findings of hers to be reused. He was using "Attack," if I recall correctly. No first hand experience myself (as yet) with such a daunting task!

 

[GemGeek]

I don't know how to help, but you have my utmost sympathy. Thanks for sharing - I'm sure everyone else will appreciate the warning. In the meantime, someone may come up with an answer.

Good luck,
Blaire

 

[BeadersSecret]

I have rethreaded on these clasps many times, some of the clasps are more pearl threader friendly than others.


Some of these where designed by Escher in collaboration with Houdini - and you really need to know the "trick" of that design - and therein lies the million dollar question.

These types of jobs I always charged at a premium - I usually send the clasp to a jeweller to dimantle first as I know my own limitations.

Some of these clasps if dismantled incorrectly - can set you back time and money.

Sorry cant be more help then this - there isnt really a quick fix.

 

[purlgurl]

I have rethreaded on these clasps many times, some of the clasps are more pearl threader friendly than others.


Some of these where designed by Escher in collaboration with Houdini - and you really need to know the "trick" of that design - and therein lies the million dollar question.

These types of jobs I always charged at a premium - I usually send the clasp to a jeweller to dismantle first as I know my own limitations.



QUOTE]

You can see why Bernadette is my pearl Guru... she has seen it all before, and has magic fingers. All this, in addition to an amazing control of colour, and a wicked sense of humour.

 

[pearlescence]

Thanks for the alert on these clasps. I've not encountered one yet but am now ready to run in the other direction if one comes anywhere near me!

 

[Margaret Alderman Ford]

UNCLE!!! The mystery clasp pearls are being shipped to The Pearl Outlet. It was suggested by the folks at The Pearl Outlet that I should place the pearls with the clasp in them into a microwave safe container with plenty of water to cover the pearls and hit the microwave for 3 minutes, until the water is boiling and that should release the mystery clasp. Nope! Did not work. Tried that 5 times. So if TPO can't release the clasp from the pearl then the customer will have to purchase new pearls and have new mystery clasp inserted into the pearl. This time with a glue that will release with a hot tub.
Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

 

[pattye]

Wendy,
I think in this case, I might be able to out run you!

 

[GemGeek]

Thanks Margaret for letting us in on your problem. At least we'll be able to make an informed decision because of you. Good Luck!