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Pendant Repair

Jewelry Discussion
#1

I am trying to restring a pendant for a dear friend. It is costume
jewelry but is of great sentimental value to her. It is a Monet
necklace that has a Lucite or plastic insert shaped like a shell.
This “shell” slides into a holder that the bead strings funnel
through. How can I remove this Lucite “shell” without damaging the
piece so that I can run the bead cord through there? I am also
trying to purchase a copy of the Premier Issue of Art Jewelry
Magazine. It came out approximately November 2004 and the publishing
company does not have any back issues. I have attached a picture of
the piece. Thank you.

[Attachment has been removed]

#2 
        . . . This "shell" slides into a holder that the bead
strings funnel through.  How can I remove this Lucite "shell"
without damaging the piece so that I can run the bead cord through
there?

If the “shell” and the “holder” would not be damaged, you might try
soaking it in vinegar to release the adhesive. Perhaps check with
your friend about trying a drop or two of vinegar at the junction of
the two materials on the back of the piece to check for both adhesive
softening and for damage to materials.

Judging from the image you listed with your first post, the "holder"
seems to have holes at the side for the original stringing. If the
adhesive cannot be safely removed, you might drill through the shell
so that you can simply string through the piece. Use a slow speed to
avoid either burning or cracking the plastic.

HTH
Pam Chott
www.songofthephoenix.com

#3

Could you drill out the lucite for the cord and leave the shell
where it is?

Janet

#4 
This "shell" slides into a holder that

if the holder part is metal and you heat it with a pencil heat gun
that will release epoxy or cyannocrylate