My pearl necklace is broken: should I redo it?

Did your pearl necklace break, the thread came loose and the pearls rolled everywhere — or did the row become dangerously loose? Good news: a pearl necklace or bracelet can be completely redone, and it regains its original appearance. It’s even one of the most classic maintenance actions in jewelry. Here's when you need to rewire, how it's done, how much it costs, and how to do it without having to travel.

A broken pearl necklace, can it be repaired?

Yes, almost always. Remaking a pearl necklace is called rethreading : the craftsman removes the old worn thread and threads the pearls again on a new thread, with a suitable clasp. As long as you kept your pearls, even a completely broken necklace will be put back together.

If a few pearls have been lost, this is not a problem: you re-thread with those that remain (the necklace will simply be a little shorter), or you can sometimes find additional pearls to complete it. The main thing is to collect all the beads you have before sending.

When should you restring a pearl necklace?

It's not just a broken collar that needs re-threading. Several signs indicate that it is time to think about it, ideally before the breakup:

• The thread is visible between the beads. When the row relaxes, we see the thread between each bead: it has lengthened and weakened.
• The necklace has lost its hold and hangs limply instead of falling regularly.
• The thread is grayish or frayed near the clasp, where it experiences the most tension.
• The knots between the beads have disappeared or have become loose (on knotted collars).
• The necklace is several years old and is worn regularly: silk thread has a limited lifespan.

Preventive re-threading costs the same as re-threading after breakage — but it prevents you from losing pearls in the wild. If you see the thread between your beads, don't wait.

Why does the thread stretch or break?

The thread of a pearl necklace, traditionally made of silk, is a natural material that works. Over time, it stretches under the weight of the pearls, and it absorbs moisture, perspiration, perfumes and creams — everything that wears it down and weakens it. This is why a pearl necklace worn often must be redone periodically: this is not a defect, it is normal wear and tear of a living material.

With or without knots: what to choose?

This is the main question when rethreading, and both options are legitimate:

• With bows (a knot between each pearl, on silk thread): this is the traditional method, recommended for valuable pearls. The knots prevent the beads from rubbing together, and above all, if the thread breaks, you only lose one bead instead of the entire row. This is also what gives this lovely soft drape to pearl necklaces.
• No knots (on wire or cable): faster and a little more economical, suitable for light or fancy beads, and bracelets. The result is more rigid.

For a pearl necklace you care about, re-threading with knots is usually the best choice. If you are hesitant, let us know: we will advise you according to your preferences.

How much does pearl re-threading cost?

Rethreading is an accessible service. At Azuline, the price starts at €15 online. By mail, add €9.90 for the prepaid Colissimo return trip.

The exact price depends on the length of the necklace (therefore the number of pearls), and the choice with or without knots - knotted re-threading requires more work. A bracelet is logically less expensive than a long necklace.

Can we re-thread old or family pearls?

Yes, and it is even one of the most frequent cases. An inherited pearl necklace often has a very old thread that needs to be remade so it can be worn safely again. Pearls go through the decades without any problem: it’s the threads and clasps that age. Re-threading a family necklace means giving it new life without changing anything that matters – your pearls.

You can also benefit from rethreading to shorten a necklace that's too long, or replace a tired clasp at the same time.

How to put your necklace back on without moving?

Our mail order rethreading service works everywhere in France:

• You fill out the online form (type of jewelry, approximate number of pearls, with or without knots) and add a photo of the jewelry flat.
• You receive a prepaid Colissimo label by email, and you post your necklace with all its pearls.
• Our craftsman redoes the thread and returns the necklace to you — generally within 5 to 10 business days round trip.

Remember to carefully collect all your pearls, including those that have rolled under a piece of furniture, before mailing your shipment.

And for your other jewelry?

Our workshop takes care of all mail-order repairs. Find all our services on our workshop page : broken jewelry soldering, change of clasp, replacement of missing stone, or change watch battery.

In summary

A broken or loose pearl necklace can almost always be re-threaded, starting at €15 (around €24.90 all inclusive by mail order). Redo the thread as soon as you see it appear between the beads, without waiting for it to break. For a valuable necklace, choose rethreading with knots: it protects the pearls and limits losses in the event of breakage. And a family necklace with old thread regains its full appearance without losing any of its original pearls.

Frequently asked questions

Is a broken pearl necklace repairable?

Yes, almost always. As long as you have kept your pearls, a broken necklace can be completely reconstituted by re-threading it on a new thread. If a few beads are missing, re-thread with those that remain.

When should you restring a pearl necklace?

As soon as the thread becomes visible between the pearls, the necklace becomes loose, the thread turns gray near the clasp, or the knots loosen. Preventive rethreading avoids losing beads.

How much does pearl re-threading cost?

Rethreading starts at €15 online at Azuline, i.e. approximately €24.90 all inclusive by mail order. The price depends on the length of the necklace and the choice with or without knots.

Rethreading with or without knots: what to choose?

With knots (traditional method on silk thread) for valuable pearls: the knots protect the pearls and prevent you from losing everything in the event of breakage. No knots for light, fancy beads or bracelets: faster and more economical.

Can we re-thread old or family pearls?

Yes, it is very common. The pearls go through the decades, it is the threads and clasps that age. Re-threading an inherited necklace brings it back to life without touching the original beads.