Janie's Stringing: Member Profile

28 Jul 2023

Janie Stansbury and her business, Janie's Stringing, have been members of the NAJ for over twenty years. In that time, she has helped countless retailers, designers, and the general public bring their pearl and beaded jewellery back to life with her expert restringing service.

We sat down with Janie to find out a little bit more about her business and career.

What does your business do?

“We specialise in pearl stringing, bead restringing and jewellery repair. We aim to complete work within seven to ten days.

"We restring necklaces and bracelets, both knotted and un-knotted and can redesign pieces if desired. While we specialise in restringing pearls and semi-precious stones, we can work with fully-drilled beads, including glass, cultured, and faux pearls.

"We specialise in matching lost pearls and other types of beads as closely as possible. In addition to pearl restringing, we design and make original beaded jewellery pieces. We can supply a range of base metal clasps and silver clasps, pearls, cultured and simulated pearls."

Image: Janie Stansbury and Lola

When and why was your business founded? 

"I founded the business in 1994. I had learnt my trade in Hatton Garden, working for several different companies and eventually managing a now-defunct pearl business. Following redundancy, I set up Janie's Stringing and haven't looked back."

Can you describe your average customer?

"The majority of my customers fall into two categories - retailers who require restringing services for broken necklaces and designers who send me the necessary components to create the designs on their behalf. 

"Since the Covid pandemic, I have had a lot more interest and work from the public, too."

Why do you enjoy working in the jewellery industry?

"I enjoy returning a customer's sentimental or precious necklace and bracelet to its original glory. Over the years, I have received some lovely emails and stories about the items I have restored."

Why are you an NAJ member?

"It reassures prospective customers that I am a trusted member of the jewellery profession."

Tell us something about yourself or your business that would surprise our followers.

"I have been told some of the items I have restored were for members of the Royal family, but unfortunately, I do not know which ones!"

View Janie's Stringing

Source: National Association of Jewellers