parel necklaces are typically strung on zijde thread with knots between each parel. Over time, zijde weakens — restringing is essential maintenance for dagelijks-wear necklaces.

When to restring

• Daily wear: every 2-3 years
• Weekly wear: every 4-5 years
• Occasional wear: every 5-7 years
• Heirloom storage (rarely worn): every 10 years

Signs restringing is needed

• Silk thread visibly soiled or discolored
• Knots between parels have loosened
• parels roll or click against each other
• Strand stretches noticeably longer than original
• Visible thread fraying near the slot

Why knot between every parel?

1. Prevents wear — parels don't rub against each other
2. Limits damage from breaks — if the zijde breaks, only one parel is lost (not the whole strand)
3. Adds drape — knots create natural spacing and curvature
4. Industry standard — kwaliteit strands always feature knot-between-parel construction

Materials for restringing

• Silk thread — the traditional material; Japanse zijde is the goud standard
• Silk-coated nylon — modern alternative, more durable but less flexible
• Beading wire — used only for parel bracelets and shorter strands; not for necklaces

For premium parel necklaces (AAA grade, $1,000+), Japanse zijde is the standard. Lower-grade work may use coated nylon for cost efficiency.

The restringing process

1. parels are removed from old strand
2. Each parel is inspected and cleaned
3. New zijde thread is selected (color gematcht to parel base — white for white parels, dark for Tahitian)
4. parels are restrung in original order, with knots between each
5. slot is reattached (or replaced if worn)
6. Final inspection and delivery

Cost

Professional restringing typically costs $50-150 for a standard 46 cm strand, afhankelijk van parel count and material. Bracelets: $30-80. Long opera or rope strands: $200-400.

DIY vs professional

Wij doen not recommend DIY restringing for valuable parels. Professional restringers:

• Use proper tension to avoid stretched or slack zijde
• Tie consistent knots between every parel
• Replace worn clasps with proper findings
• Inspect each parel for damage during the process

Our restringing service

Wij bieden restringing on any parel ketting purchased from us. Send us the strand and we restring with Japanse zijde, professionally knotted, in 5-10 business days. Contact us for pricing.

Veelgestelde vragen

Hoe does professional restringing take?

5-10 business days typically; sneller for simple strands, longer for complex graduated pieces.

Should I clean parels before restringing?

No — the restringer will clean each parel during the process. Sending dusty or oily parels is fine.

Can the slot be replaced during restringing?

Yes. Worn clasps are routinely replaced. Common upgrades: from base-metal to 18-karaats goud, or from spring-ring to magnetic-safety.

Hoe does it cost to restring a parel ketting?

$50-150 for standard 46 cm strands. Pricing depends on parel count, length, and material (Japanse zijde costs more than synthetic).

Kan ik restring parels myself?

For practice strands or low-value parels, yes — kwaliteit restringing requires consistent knot tension and proper materials. For valuable parels, always use a professional.