You Must Obey the Pearl

Fabulous Grey Pearl

I love pearls. I live and do my Jewelry thing in Santa Barbara, right next to the ocean. I’m required by law to love pearls. I love that they’re organic and come from living creatures from the sea. No other gemstone is like a pearl. They’re totally unique. And as pearls are unique, they require special care.

Naturally Fragile

The outer surface of pearls is called nacre. It’s shiny and what gives pearls their luster. Unfortunately, it’s a bit porous and scratches easily. Adding knots between each pearl separates them and keeps them from scratching against each other.

Fully Knotted Pearls

If your necklace breaks, the knots also keeps all the pearls from sliding off all at once. Which would not be good in the middle of a crowded dance floor!

Re-Stringing With Knots at Every Pearl

Even good, white, silk stringing string wears out over time.  Knots eventually stretch out, abrade, fade, and get dirty. Don’t let this happen! New white knots next to your pearls not only secure your precious little gemstones, the contrast enhances their beauty.

If you think your pearl necklace or bracelet is looking old…restring it!

Safety Knots for Little Pearls

Pearl Multi-Strand Necklace with Safety Knots

If pearls are very small, individual knots between each pearl aren’t aethetically pleasing or practical. Usually what we do in this case is add a small knot every half dozen pearls or so.

Hinky, Jinky, Just-Strung Pearls

Sometimes pearls necklaces hang funny after they’ve been restrung.  Don’t dispair, this is normal. The knots are simply new and tight and will relax after they’ve hung for a while.

Wrapping it Up

Now you know why this Santa Barbara Jeweler insists on knotting your pearls instead of just using some fishing line. Remember the law, “Love Your Pearls!”