Necklace Repair

July 28, 2011 9:58 AM

Where in LA can I get a bead necklace restrung inexpensively?

My sweetie gave me a coral necklace with a silver clasp. Unfortunately, the clasp isn't sterling silver and my princessy skin is allergic to whatever metals it's made of. So, I want to find a place in LA where they can put on a new sterling silver clasp or restring the whole necklace if that's easier. I'm thinking maybe a bead shop...? Or a jewelery repair shop...? I'm looking to spend as little as possible (maybe that goes without saying) and I live near Hollywood. Ideas? Thanks in advance!

posted by tacoma1 to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (6 answers total)

Is there something special about how it's strung that you're not comfortable doing it yourself? You can get a new clasp from craft and hobby-type shops, including sterling silver clasps. You can also get new wiring or threading, if the existing one would be too short if you were to cut the string/line.
posted by filthy light thief at 10:04 AM on July 28, 2011

Response by poster: That is a good idea...however, I've never been a beader or jewelery maker and I'm not sure how I'd securely fasten the new clasp onto the string/line (just knot it?). I'll think about doing it myself but basically I want it to be done very well and I'm not sure I'm quite up to the job.
posted by tacoma1 at 10:18 AM on July 28, 2011

Best answer: Most bead shops are happy to do stuff like this for about five bucks. Check on Yelp to see who's in your area and call ahead to make sure that they'll do it and are open. They can also advise you on clasps that won't irritate your skin. Most bead shops also sell a special varnish used to coat allergenic metal bits. But call, seriously, because pretty much all bead shop employees really like to help with this kind of stuff.

Re-stringing it yourself isn't hard, but do ask the shop for advice. They can help you out with knotting or crimping or whatever method you need to keep all the beads from coming apart.
posted by corey flood at 10:18 AM on July 28, 2011 [1 favorite]

Oh, I forgot to add that because the price of silver is pretty high right now, sterling clasps may or may not be pricey. It will depend on the size.
posted by corey flood at 10:20 AM on July 28, 2011

Best answer: Downtown LA has a large jewelry district with lots of places that will sell you a clasp, restring, knot between beads, etc.
posted by Ideefixe at 11:01 AM on July 28, 2011

Adding to corey flood's second comment -- if you find a sterling silver clasp too expensive, you could try nickel-free base metal, aluminum, or surgical grade stainless steel (all of which are probably less likely to irritate your skin than sterling silver, actually -- it depends on the exact composition of the sterling, which varies). Just an FYI from a fellow jewelry lover with sensitive skin!
posted by bettafish at 5:17 PM on July 28, 2011