Featured Coral (?) Necklace - Worth the Repair?

Leslie. Thanks so much for your detailed and technical response. This is a world I do not inhabit - give me a nice spreadsheet instead. While doable by someone with experience, my hands are not as flexible as they once were. That's why I dont' try to do these kind of things anymore. I want to wear this necklace, but I didn't want to leave it up to the beader on what to do. That's not tarnish, it's spray painted antiquing. You gave me some excellent ideas and I most appreciate you taking the time to look my necklace over so carefully. You are a doll. Kiko

 

I agree with KOMO, knotting is not necessary on these. The reason that knots are used between pearls to prevent them from rubbing against each other to protect the thin nacre layer, also to prevent you from losing all your pearls if the string breaks.

 

Good information. I saw a high end red coral necklace that discussed knotting, but perhaps that was just a sales pitch. Thank you

 

Debora, Thanks for all your ideas. You have such a lovely mind and can see many aspects of the same subject. I'm really hoping that she didn't go under. I'll check today. Kiko

 

Hi Kiko,
I agree with trying to restring it yourself. They are very pretty beads, look like they could be coral, but even if not, if you like them that is all that matters. You could use a matching piece of narrow satin ribbon (perhaps doubled) attached to the ends of the beads, once you have restrung them, that would be pretty instead of the heavy chain. You can then either tie a bow at the back of the neck, or use some sort of fastener at the back. You can also get a very fine coloured flat cord that looks like suede, or another kind of round silky cord, and there is also coloured see-through organza ribbon, which you can mix and match with. As the beads are heavy, this would work well, having two or three strands together. You can chose what length you personally want the necklace to be, depending on what you plan to wear with it. Adding a short length of fine chain at the back means you can make it shorter or longer, as you wish. There are no "rules". Your bead shop will advise. Using a soft thread, as suggested by Lesley, for stringing the beads, and knotting between each bead gives a nice, expensive-looking, professional look. Knotting is usually used on expensive beads (and heavy beads), in case they break, then you don't lose the whole string. Or you could put tiny silver spacer beads between each piece of coral. If you go for the satin ribbon idea, you will need to finish each end of the beads (once strung) with a ring large enough to pass the ribbon through. Hope that makes sense. From the photos, you already have two rings and a back fastener, which you can re-use, if suitable. You may also be able to mend the broken bead with superglue or two-part clear epoxy glue. Why not have fun and play around with them? You have nothing to lose. Stringing is expensive, and this might be a whole new hobby for you. Look on YouTube and ask in your beading shop. Google for suppliers of "findings" (jump rings/fasteners,etc.) to get ideas. Lots of advice out there these days. Go for it!! Have fun. Lorna

 

if you wanted to elongate the length of the coral....maybe you could add a bead between each one...??
That red is pretty strong......a small colored glass bead between each one could soften the look .........??? eh??

You now have options to create a new design....!!!

 

How's that for a new direction ??

 

Komo. You've outdone yourself now! What a great suggestion!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your example really brings the idea into focus. Thank you so much!

 

Lorna
Thanks so much for coming up with all these options. I had no idea that these were available. I'm not quite sure what all these things you talk about are but I'll make a list and explore the options at the bead store. I'll certainly look at some youtube videos too before I go. You have sparked my interest in seeing what I can do to make this more of my vision. When I bought it, I just saw a clump of beads and an ugly chain at the back. Now I see great possibilities for something special. Thank you very much for your time and ideas.
Kiko

 

You have raw material ....& now have become a jewelry designer !!!

You don't even have to use ALL the coral.....just what fits into your new design.

Endless possibilities ...........

Good Luck...& have fun !!!

 

I'll show you what I come up with.

 

You're very welcome, and I hope it works out for you. Your bead store may do a restringing service if you don't feel confident doing it yourself, and may be affordable - rather than taking it to a jewellers, who may charge a fortune. Some of these bead stores do workshops for teaching jewellery-making techniques, so may be happy to help you. It's worth asking. But you could have a little play yourself. Just be sure that they are strong when you are finished, and they don't end up scattered on the pavement!! I really like the photo that Komo has posted. That's what I meant you could do with "spacer" beads rather than knotting in between each coral. You can get real silver ones, which would add a touch of class. It looks really pretty. Good luck. Lorna

 

Lorna
Thank you very much. I appreciate your thoughts and consideration on my project. I'm not sure that this would be a good place to start with learning how to bead and make jewelry. A few practice pieces be the way to go before trying to work on something like this. I agree Komo's idea is very well taken. I have to make some decisions and you have given me lots of ideas.

 

Just in case no one else said it, the coral is dyed Chinese red. It wasn't crazy expensive. If it were mine I'd just restring it, but I do it all the time anyway. Old school button thread works a treat. What someone else said about adding organza ribbon is a good idea if you can wear the ribbon. I react sometimes to anything touching my neck. (probably a fabulous added gift from the MS or whatever caused it.)

 

Evelyn, Thanks for weighing in. I value your opinion. I figured that was not a natural color, but I don't have anything like this in my jewelry case. I have admired your skills in working in the resale jewelry trade. You certainly have an eye. Kiko

 

Thanks - desperation meets inspiration and a magpie addiction. (LOL)

 

I'm with evelyb, it is dyed coral. And I'm with those who said kno knotting kneeded.

Lorna and komo's suggestion of adding spacer beads is a great idea, to add more pizzaz. It would work because the branches are drilled at the ends.
The current chain is attached to clamshell findings that cover the end knots of the thread, so you don't have to worry about pegs in the end beads.

Good luck with the bead store, I hope they can string it for you and make it into a
lovely wearable necklace.

 

This will be lovely when restrung. It would look amazing against a black top

 

AJ, I appreciate your comments especially about the chain which I have been fretting about. It really won't show, especially if I add beads. I'll have to look at length before I go. Kiko