How Often Should Pearls Be Restrung?
Short answerGIA advises having pearls that are worn often restrung once a year. Over the years the string on a strand stretches and weakens, and the strand starts to show too much string between the pearls. A jeweler can restring pearls easily. Experts recommend a knot between each pearl, so the pearls don't rub against each other and you don't lose them all if the string breaks.
- GIA advises restringing pearls that are worn often once a year.1
- Over the years, the string on a strand stretches and weakens; a strand that shows too much string can easily be restrung.2
- Experts recommend a knot between each pearl, to keep the pearls from rubbing against each other and to keep you from losing them all if the string breaks.2
- Wet silk thread can stretch and attract dirt, so a washed strand should dry on a towel and not be touched until it is completely dry.1
- If strung pearls have been washed, the string should be completely dry before they are worn.3
- GIA recommends having jewelry checked every six months.1
On this page
A strand of natural pearls or cultured pearls is only as strong as its string. Over the years the string stretches and weakens, but pearls can easily be restrung.2
How often to restring#
GIA advises restringing pearls that are worn often once a year, and having jewelry checked every six months.1
The sign a strand needs restringing#
Look at the string between the pearls. As the string stretches, a strand starts to show too much of it, and GIA’s answer to that is to have the pearls restrung; your local jeweler can advise.2
Knotted
- A knot between each pearl
Stretched string
- Bare string shows between the pearls
- Time to restring
No knots
- The pearls touch and can rub
- A break can lose them all
Text version of this diagram
Three short lengths of strand. In the first, pearls sit on a thread with a small knot between each pair. In the second, the same pearls and knots have drifted apart along the thread, leaving gaps of bare string, the sign that the string has stretched. In the third, the pearls are strung without knots and sit right against one another.
Why pearls are knotted#
GIA says experts recommend a knot between each pearl. The knots keep the pearls from rubbing against each other, and if the string breaks, they keep you from losing all your pearls.2
Protecting the string between restrings#
Water is hard on the string. Wet silk thread can stretch and attract dirt, so after washing a strand, lay it on a towel and don’t touch it until it is completely dry.1 If strung pearls are washed, GIA says to be sure the string is completely dry before wearing them.3
Protect the pearls too. Many chemicals and all acids can damage pearls, including hair spray, perfume, cosmetics and even perspiration,3 so put pearls on after perfume and cosmetics, and wipe them with a soft cloth after wearing.2 The page how to clean pearls gives the full routine.
Older strands#
Older strands need extra care. GIA notes that aging, dehydration and sometimes heavy bleaching during processing can make some pearls more fragile.3 The page inherited and antique pearls covers what else to check.
Questions people ask#
How do I know if my pearls need restringing?
Look at the string between the pearls. Over the years the string stretches and weakens, and GIA treats a strand that shows too much string as one to restring. Pearls that are worn often should be restrung once a year in any case.1 2
Why are pearls knotted?
Experts recommend a knot between each pearl. The knots stop the pearls from rubbing against each other, and if the string breaks, they keep you from losing all the pearls.2
Who restrings pearls?
A jeweler. GIA says pearls can easily be restrung and suggests asking your local jeweler for advice.2
References#
- Gemological Institute of America (GIA), News & Research (2015). Tips on Caring for Jewelry. Source · Archived copy (accessed 2026-10-26)
- Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Gem Encyclopedia. Pearl Buyer's Guide. Source · Archived copy (accessed 2026-10-25)
- Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Gem Encyclopedia. Pearl Care and Cleaning Guide. Source · Archived copy (accessed 2026-10-26)
- Written by
- Learn About Pearls editors
- Fact-checked
- Learn About Pearls editors,
- Reviewed by
- Simon,
- First published
- Publisher
- Unique Pearl, a pearl jeweler
Revision history
- : First published. First published
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@misc{lap-care-restringing-pearls, title = {How Often Should Pearls Be Restrung?}, author = {{Learn About Pearls editors}}, year = {2026}, howpublished = {\url{https://learnaboutpearls.com/care/restringing-pearls/}}, note = {Learn About Pearls, published by Unique Pearl}}
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