Bought damaged 30"+ Mikimoto necklace - worth repairing?

[TallBlonde]

I just got a long (30"+) but damaged Mikimoto necklace. Single strand is broken and one pearl may be missing. There is something black/burnt looking between two other pearls, not sure they can be saved. All of the pearls are like 7mm. Clasp is vintage 14k. Color is pinky cream. Great luster and quality otherwise.

I contacted Mikimoto and they said it'll be ~$600 for me to get it a certification card and restring it. Is this worth it? I don't want to put a bunch of money into it if it won't even be valued at that.

Appreciate the help and guidance of the pearl experts here!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Obviously it needs to be restrung to be worn, but you can restring it yourself for very little money.
Many of us restring our own pearls; it isn't hard!

See my tutorial:

Thread 'Stringing Tutorial with photos: Stringing on Serafil, Beaders Secret & Power Pro'

Dec 2, 2012

How to string (or restring) your pearls on doubled Pattye's Serafil, Beaders Secret, and Power Pro​

This is not hard-- really! It is harder to describe it than to do it. Anyone can learn to string their own pearls!
If after reading through this, it sounds too daunting, I suggest making a mini-strand for practice first. Make one 12-15 pearls long just so you can practice how to knot the end 3 pearls on each side and attach the clasps; the middle pearls are easy to knot.

To just practice knotting (without bothering with clasps), make an overhand knot, string on a pearl (or...

• Pearl Dreams
• Replies: 394
• Forum: The Lowly Beaders' Club

• 

Of course you won't have a certificate, but since you are planning to wear it, not resell it, you could just skip the certification. And if you ever do want to sell it, the Mikimoto clasp will show what it is. The certificate would only show replacement value, not resale value. At resale you would just get what the market will bear-- whatever people are willing to pay at the time.

 

[J.lee]

pictures! The discoloration may just be dirt and grime. I restrung my mother in law's miki and they came out great. It's really not hard to do but if you don't think you can do it, I believe @pattye has a restringing service. Hopefully she can chime in.

 

[pattye]

TallBlonde, Welcome! Sounds like you have lovely Miki pearls to work with, and I agree with the others, do
give restringing a try! No need to spend $600.

Thank you for the mention, J.Lee, yes I do restring and also offer a Kit with the basics to diy, following the directions in Pearl Dreams excellent tutorial.

Mikimoto announced in 2023 they were using polyester thread instead of silk; we've been using high end poly for 14+ years and find it much easier to work with compared to silk.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I had not heard that Mikimoto is now using polyester theread. It's about time!
Silk may be traditional but it is not the best material for knotting!

 

[jeg]

I took this pic at the Mikimoto museum when I was there in 2023. It mentions Mikimoto using polyester thread made from recycled bottles, which I think makes it even more special. While visiting the pearl farms last month, I was really moved by their conscious effort to care and protect the environment and to recycle everything possible.