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Expert March 2018

How To Temparily Shorten a Pearl Necklace

PrettyinPink, on February 23, 2018 at 8:32 AM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 8

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Does anyone know how to temporarily shorten a pearl necklace? My grandmother left me a Mikimoto pearl necklace that I would love to wear it in a month for my wedding, but it is too long. I've seen some necklace shorteners on Amazon and Etsy, but didn't know which one would work well for a pearl necklace? It is very delicate and has a weird clasp and I don't want to risk breaking it. There seems to be a regular circular one and a infinity shaped one and wasn't sure which one would work best? The pearls are pretty standard size. Thanks.

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8 Comments

Latest activity by Orchids, on February 23, 2018 at 3:24 PM

Devoted January 2016
COWS · on February 23, 2018 at 8:51 AM
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I would take it to an actual jeweler for their opinion. They probably already have these mechanisms that work and can find one that fits the size pearls you have. (Mine did a great job shortening a necklace that was too small into 2 bracelets, but that was a permanent change lol)
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Champion August 2017
Mrsbdg · on February 23, 2018 at 9:16 AM
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Jeweler here!

Has the strand been restrung in the past 10 years?
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Expert March 2018
PrettyinPink · on February 23, 2018 at 9:37 AM
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I’m not sure, but I’m assuming not.
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Champion August 2017
Mrsbdg · on February 23, 2018 at 9:45 AM
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How long until your wedding day?

Please please please get these restrung. Silk naturally degrades over time and shorteners put a lot of stress on the silk. If you don't get the silk replaced you run the risk of breaking the strand and losing your pearls. Ask for it to be restrung on natural silk with a knot between each pearl. This will take approximately 2.5-3 months for most jewelers.

i would also ask the jeweler to get a silicone shortener. Mikimoto pearls are extremely extremely extremely valuable and you don't want to scratch them with a metal shortener. Pearls are very soft and those metal shorteners can rub them and cause damage.

Hope this helped!
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Super October 2018
MaltedMilk · on February 23, 2018 at 10:31 AM
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I can tell you: You helped me!!! I have a real pearl necklace that I want shortened!! I received it as a gift for my high school graduation (in 1983) and I can tell you I have never had them restrung.
Thank you so much!! It would kill me to have those bad boys break!!!
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Expert March 2018
PrettyinPink · on February 23, 2018 at 11:01 AM
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Unforunately, my wedding is next month and I don't know what to do with limitd time. Thank you though!
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Champion August 2017
Mrsbdg · on February 23, 2018 at 11:08 AM
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I would still take them to the jeweler to inspect the silk. If it's in good condition because they were appropriately stored they still may be able to order you a silicone shortener in time. Best of luck! Love putting my jewelry expertise to use. I got out of the business three years ago and miss it so much!
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Master March 2018
Orchids · on February 23, 2018 at 3:24 PM
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Thank you for this information! I have a cherished pearl necklace that I'm taking out to be looked at TODAY because of your recommendation. Not planning to wear it for the wedding, but I would be devastated if anything happened to it.
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