Restoring Vintage Miriam Haskell Earrings: A Refinishing Guide

Question
I have a pair of vintage faux pearl Miriam Haskell earrings and the pearl finish has come off on some of the "pearls".  The pearls have an uneven finish (they are not smooth) which I think works to my advantage.  How would you recommend I touch up the earrings?  I think I would have to refinish the entire pearl surface, rather than just the areas where the paint has come off. Thank you very much.

Answer
Hello Linda and thank you for your inquiry. Refinishing costume pearls is something I have not tried to do. If they are for your own use, you might try some pearlized nail polish or artist iridescent paint available at a craft shop. In order to refinish all of the pearls, you would probably have to disassemble them and re-do. If you intend on reselling them I would sell them as is. Most collectors want them left with the peeling pearls intact. There have been some loose Haskell pearls for sale on the auction ebay.com. If you think you can rebead them, you might want to give some of them a try. Hope this helps and good luck !

Sally
jarrettsjade.com