If you’ve just received a beautiful new pearl necklace or bracelet and noticed it has a few unexpected bends or “kinks,” you’re not alone — and more importantly … it’s not a flaw.

A common concern among new pearl jewelry owners is that their necklace isn’t lying flat or seems to ripple or “kink” instead of draping smoothly. But in most cases, those little waves are a natural part of the break-in process and even - a quiet sign of quality craftsmanship.

Recent Pure Pearls customer who sent in a photo of her Hanadama Akoya Pearl Bracelet showing "kinking" and tight knotwork.

Newly strung pearls, especially when knotted with high-quality silk thread, can sometimes appear to kink or bunch in places. This is due to the tension of freshly tied knots — each one carefully and tightly tied by hand to protect your pearls from rubbing against one another.

Professional pearl stringers often use silk thread with just the right amount of give, and when those knots are fresh, they hold a slight tension that prevents the strand from draping immediately. It’s not unlike a brand-new leather bag that needs a little time to soften and conform to use.

Add to that the natural shape and weight of pearls, and it makes sense that your necklace might not lie perfectly flat straight out of the box. But just as silk flows more gracefully with wear, so too will your necklace in time.

Not at all!

In fact, the opposite may be true. A pearl necklace with minor kinks when new often indicates it was tightly and carefully hand-knotted, which is exactly what you want for both appearance and longevity.

Loose knots, or the absence of knotting altogether, may prevent kinks—but they also allow the pearls to rub, damaging the delicate nacre around the drilling shaft where the pearls are knotted or mounted for pendants or earrings.

Tight stringing isn’t just a mark of skilled craftsmanship — it’s also a thoughtful gesture toward your pearls’ long-term care. Because silk naturally stretches and loosens with wear, pearl necklaces should be restrung every year or two to keep them secure and looking their best.

By starting with snug, precise knots, we’re helping you extend the life of your strand, preserving its beauty while gently delaying the need for maintenance. It’s a quiet way of saying: we’re thinking ahead, so you don’t have to.

Think of new strand kinks as a temporary sign that your pearls were given the care they deserve.

Your pearls will begin to relax naturally over time as the silk thread responds to your body’s movement and warmth. For most strands, this “break-in period” lasts anywhere from a few wears to a few weeks.

Just like fine clothing or shoes, a little gentle wear helps the silk soften and settle into the natural drape of your neckline. You’ll likely notice the strand becoming more fluid and graceful with every wear.

A commenter on a pearl forum recently posted: “Regarding the uneven knotting, when a strand is newly strung it is often strung tight, giving the appearance that the strand is a bit kinked (or uneven). … If you continue to wear the strand it should loosen up on its own in just a few days.”

If you’d like to encourage your necklace to relax a bit more quickly, here are a few gentle tips:

With just a little patience, your pearls will find their perfect shape and will lie beautifully around your neck or wrist.

Examples of pearl strands showing poor knot work that's not tight or consistent enough. The insert is a strand showing silk that has stretched too far, creating the "sliding pearl" effect. Both examples should be restrung professionally so the knots are tight and even.   

While most kinks are normal, here are a few signs that may indicate your necklace needs a professional restring and repair job done:

If you notice any of these issues, it may be time for a quick restringing — a simple service that ensures your pearls stay safe and beautiful for years to come.

A few kinks in a new pearl necklace or a pearl bracelet may surprise you at first — but they’re often just a quiet signal that your pearls were strung with intention, care, and craftsmanship. Like all fine things, they simply need a little time to settle in and begin their story with you.

Want to learn more about keeping your pearls beautiful for years to come? Visit our Pearl Jewelry Care Guide for expert tips and gentle care advice.