The loss of the necklace drastically altered the Loisels’ lives, transforming them from a comfortable existence to one of severe poverty and relentless hard work.

After discovering the necklace was lost, they replaced it with a chaplet of diamonds costing thirty-six thousand francs. Loisel used his father's eighteen thousand francs and borrowed the rest by making ruinous promises to usurers and the whole race of lenders.

This massive debt forced them into a life of grinding poverty for ten years. The husband worked evenings and nights, even doing copying at five sous a page. Mme Loisel transformed into a strong, hard woman of the poor household. With her hair badly dressed, skirts awry, and red hands, she washed floors with large pails of water and spoke in a loud tone, losing her former grace entirely.

After ten years, they finally restored all the money. However, Mme Loisel seemed old and completely changed. When she met Mme Forestier, her friend could not even recognise her, uttering a cry of astonishment at her appearance. Thus, a small thing like the necklace completely ruined the course of their lives.