Got a string of pearls you've never worn. Here's a simple way to make them over using basic needle tatting techniques.

You'll need a string of pearls, any size will work, I used 6.5mm-7mm cultured pink pearls.
small beading needle
cotton crochet thread size 20 (or 10 is you have larger pearls)
tatting needle size 7 (or 5 if you're going with big pearls and size 10 thread)

Basic needle tatting knowledge is needed and can be acquired in my learn needle tatting instructable.

Step 1: Dismantle Pearl Necklace

First step is to rip apart that necklace...carefully of course. Once those pearls are separated, you will need to load them onto your thread. You will want a small beading needle since pearls tend to have small holes.

String them all on even though you may not want to use them all, there is no cutting and tying until the end of the necklace.

Step 2: Getting Started

You will want to pull out well over the amount of thread you need onto the needle side. My finished necklace was around 44" so I pulled out around 60" at that point start with a small ring of 6 double stitches(ds) close and tie.

Step 3: The First Pearl

Pull the first pearl down to the ring. Carefully tie the needle thread around the core thread keeping that thread straight.

Place the needle on the pearl and start the first chain. I chose to do 15 ds between each pearl, but you can chose to do more or less to create the look you'd like. Close and tie.

Step 4: More Pearls

Continue in this manner until you've reached the length you'd like. You will notice that the chains will curve and turn. Personally, I like the randomness of curves, the tighter you pull the chains the more curved they will be.

Step 5: Finish With a Loop

When you're done, finish with a ring. This will be what you use to close the necklace with. I closed with a ring of 20 ds close, tie and cut. Hide the ends by running the needle under that last few and the first few ds.

If you are using other sizes of pearls, simply adjust the number of stitches of the loop so that it fits snug over the pearls.

Finished necklace looks great worn long or doubled. Of course you can use this technique to make shorted necklaces, bracelets or anklets. Give those pearls a new life.

If you decide you like this look, but don't want to do it yourself, I can always do it for you, just ask!