Pearl Stringing

Pearl Information:

How long does it take to restring a strand of pearls?

Pearl Basics

Pearls are one of the few natural gemstones that is a gift from another piece of nature sharing this earth with us. Pearls are tiny irritants that get into a particular breed of oyster, of which there are many and each type makes a different color or shape of pearl, which over years of hard work turn that irritant into a beautiful representation of healing and our ability to be beautiful no matter the circumstances. Most pearls today are cultured, which means farm grown. Every oyster doesn't make a pearl that is exactly the same size, the same color, the same sheen and lustre, so it takes many attempts, thousands even, to get a strand of pearls. Cultured pearls takes the human risk of diving and rushed nature of natural pearl harvesting. Expect that your pearl strand is a cultured pearl, instead of what is referred to as "natural" or non farm grown. A natural strand of pearls can sell for over $20,000. Because of the rarity of naturally occurring pearls, a process of cultivating pearls was introduced in the early 1900s. In this process, a small bead of polished shell is inserted into an oyster or mollusk to act as an irritant and produce a pearl, which can take up to 24 months. These pearls are referred to as cultured pearls. Pearls are classically elegant and never go out of style. You can read more about pearls below

There are different types of pearls, and they can come naturally shaped round, oval, and baroque which is a very free form style of growth. These can come naturally white, ivory, golden, gray, yellow and others, and pearls can be dyed to many different colors.

How to Wear Pearls

Pearls should be worn as often as possible! They are from a living thing and thrive and shine from the oils from your skin. A safety deposit box that is improperly climate controlled can destroy a strand of pearls. Your pearl necklace should be the very last piece you put on as you dress, and the very first thing you remove when you come home. Applications of makeup with pearls on can cause the pearls to become discolored and dyed, along with staining of the silk.

Repairing a Pearl Strand

Pearls are normally strung by tying small knots between each pearl on fine silk threading. Silk is soft and wont hurt the pearls, can be died to match the pearls nicely, and has excellent tensile strength. Think of the silk as a set of tires on a vehicle, the car will last a very long time, but the tires need care and maintenance or even replacement every few years. Silk stretches and discolors, clasps break or fall off, so most of the time in any pearl or bead strand repair, a restringing is necessary.

Repair Pricing and Time

Pearl stringing is normally charged by whether you want your pearls knotted or non-knotted. No knots, or partial knots means if your necklace breaks many pearls will scatter and may be lost. Knotted means only one pearl would go rolling if your necklace were to break. Once broken, the entire strand will need to be restrung. There is not enough good silk to ensure a proper knot without having a lump in the necklace. Pearl stringing can start off at only $20, and can be done as quickly as 3 days.

If you want, you can schedule an appointment in the box to the right to have your pearls repaired in our Asheville store, or you can browse our pearls available for sale online.

More Pearl Information

Types of Pearls

Akoya

These pearls were the first type of pearl to be cultured. Japan and China are the main producers of these pearls. They are consistently round, which makes them perfect for strands. Colors range from white to cream, though some can be gray or black.

Freshwater

The freshwater pearl is usually slightly less round, smaller in size, and possesses less luster than other varieties of saltwater pearls. These pearls are usually cultivated in China and provide a value-priced option.

Instead of growing inside an oyster or mollusk like other pearls, the mabé pearl actually grows against the shell of the oyster, creating a dome-shaped pearl. This pearl is harvested, then assembled. The nucleus is removed and replaced by resin, while mother-of-pearl is used to cover the flat back. Mabés traditionally have high luster and lower prices than round pearls.

South Sea

These pearls are cultured in the northern waters of Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. These pearls are considerably larger than Akoya pearls and much more sensitive during the cultivation process. South Sea pearls are naturally white, cream, or golden in color.

Tahitian

These pearls are slightly smaller than the South Sea pearl, but are also sensitive during the cultivation process. The colors of black, silver, and gray occur naturally and they are cultured in Tahiti as their name implies.

Color

Pearls are produced in a variety of colors, as noted in the types of pearls. Most range from white, cream, and yellow to pink, silver, and black. Most pearls will have both a primary color, the first color you will notice, and a secondary color, the overtone you notice when you take a closer look. Color variation does not decrease the value of the pearl, but is important when matching pearls to be used in strands, earrings, bracelets, etc.

Luster

A pearl's luster is the result of multiple layers, also called the nacre (NAY ker), that the oyster or mollusk secreted to make the pearl. The thicker the nacre, the more luster a pearl has. You will notice the luster as the deep sheen that reflects light on the surface of the pearl.

Shape

Pearls come in a variety of different shapes. The most coveted of these is round. Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea pearls are most often the roundest of the pearls. Other shapes can make beautiful jewelry as well, sometimes providing you with different price options.

Surface

Because pearls rely on an uncontrollable environment in which to grow, very rarely will you find a perfect pearl. The surface of a pearl may not always be smooth, often including spots, bumps, etc. The beauty of these pearls may be enhanced by the ability to sometimes be camouflaged during the stringing and setting process.

Size

The size of the oyster or mollusk that a pearl is produced within will have a direct effect on the size of the pearl. The size alone may not greatly impact the price of a pearl, but when you combine it with a perfectly round shape and beautiful luster, the value will dramatically increase.