Collection: Earrings

Don't ball up your jewelry and leave in a web sink

You’re bursting with delight at the awesome artisan necklace you just purchased. It’s your new "go-to" piece of handcrafted jewelry. You wear it every single day… never take it off… even at night, on your daily run and in the shower. 

Sadly, after a couple of months, you notice your favorite shiny accessory has lost a bit of its luster. But… what can you do about it? How do you find its inner shine again without resorting to toxic chemicals? 

Fear not. Here are several great tips for keeping sterling silver jewelry looking great. The first step is to inhibit tarnishing.

1. Avoid sterling.

What?????? We hear you. But you LOVE sterling silver! White gold is nice, but oh-so spendy. If your local artisan shop knows its precious metals, they will likely have some (if not all) of their silver designs fabricated with Argentium silver. It’s real silver, but that teeny-tiny bit of tarnish-loving copper that makes sterling… well… sterling, is replaced with germanium. Germanium and oxygen are a true love affair on a bed of silver. Together they can all but banish tarnish. Ask for Argentium whenever possible.

2. Zip it up!
But what about all that awesome sterling you’ve already bought? Easy. Store your sterling silver jewelry in zip-style baggies. You know… the kind you buy for sandwiches? They’re affordable, easy to find and perfect to keep your semi-precious metal jewelry from coming in contact with oxygen and moisture - it’s two most evil adversaries. They’re also super convenient for travel.

3. Take it off. Take it all off.
We know you love to wear your “signature” necklace all the time. But really… take your jewelry off every night, before showering and swimming. After you remove it, take an old t-shirt and just give it a quick wipe to remove your natural body oils, fragrances and lotions. Now see tip #1. Seriously, it’s your best defense.

If you aren’t the type to embrace preventative routine or simply don’t have the time, here are several tips for cleaning your silver, safely and organically.

4. Brusha-brusha
This is for light tarnish. Take your favorite minty toothpaste (paste… not gel or whitening strips) and rub with a clean t-shirt onto your sterling silver. Rinse and dry.

5. The Big Soak
Mix 1 cup of boiling water, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of baking soda together. Then slowly pour the mixture into a foil lined pan. Slowly add the 1/2 cup of vinegar, place jewelry so each piece touches the foil. Let sit for 5-10 minutes. Rinse in water and dry. Buff with a clean t-shirt. Love that shine!

6. Ionic, not Sonic.
If you have a lot of silver jewelry that includes beads, crystals, gemstones or diamonds and you want to make sure the color stays bright and safe… go online and buy an ionic cleaner. Do NOT buy a sonic cleaner - that technology uses vibration to remove dirt and might harm pearls, turquoise, opals and other soft stones. Ionic is like magic. It’s just soap, water and electricity. Immerse your jewelry piece, press a button, watch the bubbles and VOILA! Like new.Our only recommendation for an ionic cleaner is the Speed-brite Ionic Cleaning System - it’s totally safe, delightfully organic and works like a shining dream.

All stringing is personally done by Lisa's hands with a pair of tweezers. The process is not rushed... each bead gets individual attention. 😍  It's an old-school method resulting in a long-lasting result.

No Roses Studio is a member in good standing of
The International Gem Society 

Lisa's pearl expertise is a "secret find" among L.A. stylists, top brand jewelry designers, pearl lovers, and celebrities - even top-tier jewelry design brand houses! Check out how happy Marion Ross (aka "Mrs. C" on Happy Days) is with her re-strung ninety-inch pearls necklace Lisa did just in time for a book signing tour.

BOOK A PEARL STRINGING APPOINTMENT WITH LISA

No Roses' pearl stringing expertise includes:

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Basic Bead / Pearl Stringing Prices

Lisa's professional by-hand re-stringing service prices vary depending on the length of the strand(s), size of pearls, number of pearls, price of the clasp used, and whether other types of beads will be added.

The most common are single strands, knots in between each pearl or bead that measures between 4mm and 10mm in diameter. Lisa can easily quote a price once she examines the existing strand(s), pearls, or beads through photo or video consultation.

7-12mm diameter pearls or beads: $6/inch*
3-6mm diameter pearls or beads: $10/inch*
Graduated strands (any size): $12/inch*
Complex designs, or bead weaving: $20/inch**
*Price assumes knotting between each pearl or bead and using your existing clasp. All other designs or adding a new clasp will require a custom quote.

Pearl/Bead Stringing Q&A with Lisa Sirlin-Hall of No Roses Jewelry Studio Los Angeles

Can you work with faux pearls?

Absolutely. I can do wonders with Swarovski and glass “pearls” and even sentimental plastic, ceramic, and wood beads. I'm happy to evaluate them at no charge via video or photos. The price is the same for all beads regardless of the materials.

Do you use one of those knotting machines/tools?

I knot and string every single strand by hand (NO KNOTTING MACHINES!) The old-fashioned method takes time but ensures total control over the knots, the luxurious-looking result, and the long-lasting structure of your pearl strands.

My necklace always seems to break at the clasp - Is that a “weak spot”?

It’s true, the weakest point of any bracelet or necklace is the point where the clasp attaches to the strand. To mitigate breakage, Lisa spends extra time covering the stringing material with the tiniest coiled gold or silver wire. This prevents the metal clasp from rubbing against the stringing material, making your necklace or bracelet MUCH more durable.

BOOK A PEARL STRINGING APPOINTMENT WITH LISA

I lost the clasp on my pearls! Can you replace it?

Definitely! I have a small selection of clasps in stock in both sterling silver and gold filled. If you prefer 14k or 18k yellow, rose, or white gold, that can be ordered. I also have some very strong magnetic clasps perfect if you or your gift recipient have difficulty opening and closing clasps.
The traditional type of clasp used for pearls is a "fish" shaped safety clasp, because even if it becomes unfastened the hook usually still catches on the clasp for added safety, but many clasp types can be used. I can quickly quote you a price on the clasp of your choice.

How long does a re-stringing take?

My turnaround time is typically about 1-2 weeks and maybe longer during the holiday season and peak wedding season. I *can* accommodate some rush jobs, so definitely let me know right away about your timing needs.

Will knotting my pearls add length?

The short answer is: Yes. On average, for every 15 inches of beads (sizes 6-10mm) knotting will add 1 inch. The smaller the beads, the more knots and the more length the knotting will add. Our advice? Remember to calculate the length of your clasp and add another 3/8” for the addition of the end tips when figuring the final length.

One of my pearls is a bit flawed. Can my strand be shortened?

Shortening offers the opportunity to either get rid of a few flawed pearls or to remove some to use to make drop earrings or a pendant. Most of my clients hope I can simply remove a few pearls, rather than a full-restringing. This is not possible IF you want to ensure the integrity of the strand. In 95% of cases, the entire piece must be re-strung because the ends must be woven back through the 5-7 pearls or beads.

My grandmother’s pearls are too short. Can you make them longer?

BOOK A PEARL STRINGING APPOINTMENT WITH LISA

Lengthening with just the existing pearls can sometimes be done if pearls were never knotted - adding knots will increase the length by about an inch or slightly more. One quick alternative is to lengthen the strand with an extender chain. I can also increase the length of your pearl strand by adding some smaller pearls or gemstones near the clasp. Talk to me about your options and preferences.

Can Lisa create jewelry that doesn't include Pearls?

Yes! Lisa is a goldsmith and modern jewelry designer. She can work with you on engagement rings, wedding bands, special gifts, or even something unusual - whatever your options and preferences.   

Lisa Sirlin-Hall
Expert Pearl Stringing Pearl Re-stringing Los Angeles
No Roses Artisan Jewelry Studio
Lisa@NoRosesJewelry.com
1 ( 818 ) 900-4481‬

BOOK A PEARL STRINGING APPOINTMENT WITH LISA

CHAT WITH LISA FOR A STRINGING QUOTE