{"id":20134,"date":"2022-12-05T09:00:54","date_gmt":"2022-12-05T14:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/?p=20134"},"modified":"2023-07-01T09:09:48","modified_gmt":"2023-07-01T13:09:48","slug":"how-to-re-glue-your-pearl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/how-to-re-glue-your-pearl\/","title":{"rendered":"HOW TO RE-GLUE YOUR PEARL"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"How<\/div>\n

Pearls come loose…<\/h2>\n

\nA LOT!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nEspecially from rings, since they are often getting hit, bumped, knocked around<\/strong>. Or if they get submerged in water<\/strong> or get wet. Pearls are organic<\/strong>, and water makes them expand and come loose.<\/p>\n

\nSo many people look down at their hands and see that their pearl has fallen out<\/strong>, spins in the mounting, or is just plain missing.<\/p>\n

Not Good!<\/h2>\n

\n(Which is why you should check your pearls often<\/strong> to make sure they’re tight and don’t twist)<\/p>\n

\nNow, you could take this ring (or pendant or earrings), into a jewelry store, drop it off to them and pay to have them re-glue your pearl<\/strong>…<\/p>\n

BUT WHY?<\/h2>\n

\nWhen you can do it yourself<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\nNot only can you DIY<\/em><\/strong>, but it’s pretty simple<\/strong>, doesn’t cost much, and saves you a trip to the jeweler (plus, it only takes a day<\/strong>, versus 2 weeks to repair).<\/p>\n

\nSo let’s get to it, this is how you reglue your pearl:<\/strong><\/p>\n

1) Chip off the Old Glue<\/h2>\n

\nThis is the most important step<\/strong> (and delicate). You’ll need to be ultra careful<\/strong> and chip off the old glue (which is probably yellowed and brittle). You’ll need to grab an object like a bench knife<\/a>, or a pocket knife<\/strong> (swiss army’s<\/a> work fine), and (without harming the soft pearl), pick off the layers of glue<\/strong>. Don’t pull too hard, and don’t dig into the nacre<\/strong> (the shell of the pearl). Pearls are very soft<\/strong> (a 2.5 on the Moh’s Scale<\/a>) and will scratch easily<\/strong>, so be cautious when you try to remove the old mounds of glue.<\/p>\n

\nA small blade, even a watch case opener<\/a> will work, to gently break the excess glue off<\/strong>. Just go slow and steady, for if you damage or nick<\/strong> the pearl in any way, it can not be repaired!<\/strong> (but you can buy a new pearl<\/a> to replace it!<\/strong>)<\/p>\n

2) Clean the Jewelry!<\/h2>\n

\nMost pearls have a hole in them<\/strong> that drops down over a post (to help hold it in place). The pearl is actually glued onto that post, and the post (and the base of the jewelry; a cup, head, or basket) will often contain excess glue<\/strong> as well. <\/p>\n

\nThis all needs to be removed<\/strong>. The pearl will need a clean contact<\/strong> to not only hold fast in the mounting, but not leave gaps or stick up higher<\/strong> because of the old layers left behind.<\/p>\n

\nPull or crack this dried glue out of the metal and from around the post. Then clean the jewelry to remove any dirt or debris<\/strong> so the areas are as clean as can be. Ultrasonic Cleaners<\/a> are great for this, just don’t put the pearl in!<\/strong> (only the mounting)<\/p>\n

\nNow place the pearl onto the jewelry, just to make sure that the fit is flush and ready to go (before you glue it<\/strong>).<\/p>\n

3) Get yourself some GLUE<\/h2>\n

\nThey sell special jeweler’s epoxy glue<\/a> that is made for glueing delicate objects like pearls<\/strong>. Not only is it durable, clear<\/strong>, but it won’t harm the stones, and creates a very strong bond.<\/p>\n

\nYou can use super glue<\/a> if you wish, but super glue is more liquidy<\/strong> and tends to go everywhere (including your fingers<\/strong>). <\/p>\n

\nPut some glue in the pearl hole (use a toothpick if necessary<\/strong> so it doesn’t run about). Put a little glue around the base of the pearl too, but only where the pearl will actually touch the mounting<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

\nPut more glue (not too much<\/strong>) onto the jewelry itself (where the pearl will rest)…<\/p>\n

\nThen, put the pearl onto the post and squeeze<\/strong> it into place. If glue squishes up around the edges, quickly wipe it away<\/strong> (otherwise it will dry like that and become quite noticeable<\/strong>).<\/p>\n

4) Press the Pearl Tightly<\/h2>\n

\nApply constant pressure<\/strong> to the pearl (holding the top of the pearl and the the base of the ring and squeezing together<\/strong>. Hold it in place until the glue has dried (jewelers often use pearl tweezers<\/a>, a wedge<\/a>, or even a clamp or bench vise<\/a> to hold the pearl while it dries). If you use a vise or clamp of any sort, make sure you put some kind of padding or towel<\/strong> in between the vise and the pearl, just so you don’t leave any marks or dent the pearl <\/strong>in the process.<\/p>\n

5) Don’t Touch It!<\/h2>\n

\nYour pearl jewelry is not ready to wear<\/strong>. It needs to sit for at least 24 hours <\/strong>for the glue to dry totally. This gives the item time enough to harden, cure, and create a lasting bond<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

\nThat’s what jeweler’s do. It’s pretty quick and simple; if you have the right tools:<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n