Personally, I would have it re-strung just because the threading used to string it may very well have become weak with age, and it would be tragic to have it break and lose some of the pearls. Have it restrung the way you want it--your grandmother would love that you have kept her treasured piece safe and would prefer that you did it so that you would actually WEAR it rather than leaving it sit unworn but treasured in your jewelry box.

Thank you Clairsie,

Your answer has touched me to tears as I have deeply pondered the value of this antique necklace, as it is in its original form as Grandma wore it. She wore it all the time or I should say it was her favorite of all her pearl necklaces. It is in good condition with the exception of the clasp, which is a beauty as well.

I knew it the moment it was presented to me, many years after she crossed over. I cried then too.

She was a tiny thing and I am more ample. She wore it nicely around her neck and it is near to choking me. I have worn it long, through opening the necklaces up between the clasp. It is lovely, however not comfortable to wear in such fashion. Although, that would be an interesting necklace jewelry fashion if it could be made comfortable.

Although, the reason for my not continuing to wear the necklace in such fashion is because of the worn clasp coming open. Of course, it merely slips down into my cleavage yet when pearls slip they slip soft, so I do not want to lose any part of the necklace or cause it to become broken since it is so old.

I would love to know how to DIY restring pearls, I know some of it, have searched for supplies on eBay.

Somewhere online I remember seeing that some pearls are strung with horse hair.

And then again, the wondering of how much this antique pearl necklace may sell for since times are working up to becoming excruciating.

Yet then my heart speaks to me and I wonder what Grandma would think.

Knowing her, she may be sadden upon it being gone since she was the original owner and I am the second. However, I also think considering that big purse that weighted at least 35 pounds or more she use to haul around with her no matter where she may go, might just tell me to sell and make things as good as I could.

It is a hard decision to consider, one I shall continue to ponder.

What do you think?

Also, if anyone wants to write any articles on restringing pearls and such that would be cool.

Thanks again!

I need to correct myself, I am the third owner, since the second owner was her youngest grandson and his wife, my youngest uncle. He had no girls, I am his oldest niece that side of the family and his oldest brothers, oldest daughter. The oldest great granddaughter in that line of only 5 girls, out numbered vastly by boys.

Therefore, I am the third owner, yet the second female owner since my uncle had no girls and would never consider wearing it himself nor would his wife.

Grandma & I, are the only gals to have ever worn it.

Personally, I would resist selling it, unless you have numerous other pieces that you treasure so much. I absolutely agree that Grandma would be the first to say, "if the money could make a huge difference to you, sell the dang thing!"--after all, she lived through the First Depression. But although it may be valuable, unless it is thousands of dollars, that money will only do so much for you, and then the piece will be gone forever.

OR, as you're already knowledgeable about jewelry-making, do the homework on re-stringing the pearls yourself, set the clasp aside (to have it repaired at a time when you have more funds) and simply close the strand and wear the strand without worrying about the clasp. Or, check ebay for a vintage reproduction pendant or brooch (example as running today: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130301791997&ssPageName=MERC_VI_RCRX_Pr12_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT&refitem=130309006413&itemcount=12&refwidgetloc=active_view_item&usedrule1=CrossSell_LogicX&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget&_trksid=p284.m184&_trkparms=algo%3DCRX%26its%3DS%252BI%252BSS%26itu%3DISS%252BUCI%252BSI%26otn%3D12">http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130301791997&ssPageName=MERC_VI_RCRX_Pr12_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT&refitem=130309006413&itemcount=12&refwidgetloc=active_view_item&usedrule1=CrossSell_LogicX&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget&_trksid=p284.m184&_trkparms=algo%3DCRX%26its%3DS%252BI%252BSS%26itu%3DISS%252BUCI%252BSI%26otn%3D12 ) and attach the pearls to each side of the brooch. You could anchor the brooch just below collar-bone level so it won't "travel" and have matching earrings that would make a stand-out set--and still always have the option of putting it back in its original state.

Great idea, thanks!