This is one of my ‘business’ necklaces. I very rarely have to dress up for work so my business attire consists of some basic black and white pieces and then I add some simple, colorful jewelry like this so I look a bit less like I’m attending a funeral… I’d really like to repair it so I can keep wearing it.
Here’s some detail of the damage, it appears that it was strung on some sort of coated string with a knot made between each bead, and that coating has started to disintegrate.
It obviously needs to be re-strung, but I have no idea what material I should use. The beads themselves are plastic and have fairly large holes. Thoughts?
I like silk cord for most of them or a nylon or waxed linen but silks my preferred. They are plastic beads so don’t need the silk but I find it easiest to work with and doesn’t stretch much with time.
Just get a similar color to the beads so it hides the knotting between each. Really depends on the hole size but you can probably get a good thickness of cord like size 6, 4 or even larger.
Do you like the weight of the necklace as it is now? Adding beads will make the necklace a bit heavier and will move as a whole. The knotted beads will be lighter,move individually with a better drape. Trying to think of a visual example- you move suddenly and the whole necklace moves vs the necklace stays in position but the individual beads move. Which ever you prefer.
Depends how sharp/rough the inside of the bead is. Fishing wire is an option or strong waxed thread. Instead of knots you could add a small size seed bead as spacers or small druks/round beads. For materials see www.beadaholique.com they have many pretty beads and all sorts of pinks.
@WingsoftheWind
I have what looks like the perfect color jewelry cord to match your beads. I got it for a project 18 years ago, used what I needed, and have no expectations of ever needing the remaining 8 yards or so.
It’s the Beadsmith Beadstring no-stretch nylon, size 8, in a slightly coral pink.
PM me your snailing address if you want it! Free! It’ll fit in a regular envelope.
I’d really like to repair it so I can keep wearing it.
