How To Fix A Broken Necklace
Fixing broken necklaces can often be a challenging and highly frustrating task that not many want to take the time to deal with. But while it’s sometimes easy to say goodbye to your broken jewelry and toss it away, what about when you’ve broken a brand new popular piece, one of your favorite pieces, or- heaven forbid- a beloved family heirloom? Thankfully, there are several methods you can utilize to repair your broken necklace, and our experts here at LaCkore Couture are happy to help walk you through the steps you can take.
Related: How to Untangle a Necklace
MOST COMMON NECKLACE BREAKS
Before we dive into the process for repairing your necklace, it’s important to cover the most common ways that a necklace can break. Knowing the different types of breaks will help you know exactly what to look for so you can properly repair your necklace.
Some of the most common necklace breaks include:
- Chain break
- Clasp break
- Beads or gems falling out
Now, each of these breaks will require a different fix. Don’t worry, we’ll give you the best methods to repair each of these breaks down below.
Step By Step Process for Fixing a Broken Necklace
Some types of breaks are easier to deal with than others, and it largely depends on the kind of necklace you’re trying to fix and the damage it has undergone. Take the time to follow each of the steps below carefully, and you’ll have the best possible chance at salvaging your beloved accessory and saving yourself a dreaded trip to the trash can.
1. Examine the Break
The first step of the necklace repair process involves gathering all of the pieces of the necklace and carefully examining them to get a sense of the damage. To figure out if a repair is possible, you’ll first need to determine what the repair will involve. Since most necklace breaks involve their chain, that’s what we’ll be focusing on below.
2. Determine if the Repair Will Be Acceptable
Once you’ve determined the issue, you’ll need to figure out whether a repair will result in a piece of jewelry you still consider acceptable. This part is vital if you’re dealing with a broken chain since the repair will leave the necklace shorter than before the break. You may also find that you’ll need to end up removing one or more links because the chain style uses an alternating link pattern.
3. Get the Necessary Tools
Next, you’ll need to gather all of the tools required to conduct the repair. Ideally, you’ll want to use jewelry cutters and small jewelers pliers, though regular side-cutter and needle-nose pliers will also work. You may also be able to use sharp fingernail clippers and tweezers if you’re trying to fix a chain with small enough links.
Related: How to Store Jewelry
4. Determine the Best Method of Jewelry Repair Based on the Specific Chain
Different necklaces utilize different chain styles, and some chain styles will naturally require different types of repairs. The following are some of the most popular chain types and how you can fix them.
Snake Chain Necklace
These delicate chains are fan favorites because of their elegant appearance, but that can also make them scary for people who break them because they look irreparable. Thankfully, snake chains can easily be soldered with the correct heat to create a seamless appearance.
Ball Chain Necklace
While ball chains are super cute and don’t tend to tangle easily, they are somewhat fragile compared to some other necklace chains. Depending on how one breaks, it can usually be fixed using soldering.
Box Chain Necklace
Box chains are usually very resilient due to the sturdy shape of the links. Because of this, they typically don’t require any soldering when they break and can generally be fixed with a quick pinch from a pair of pliers.
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Curb Chain Necklace
Curb chains are big, bold, and rarely break because of their chunky design. On the off chance they break, however, they can usually be fixed with a pair of pliers, much like box chain necklaces.
Rope Chain Necklace
Like snake chains, rope chains appear almost impossible to fix when broken, but they can be soldered back together. That said, they typically require a bit more work because of the complexity of the chains. Depending on how significant the break is, it may be best to seek out the services of a jeweler who can “weave” the links back together before soldering them.
Cable or Link Chain Necklace
Cable and link chains are the most simple necklace chains and typically don’t require any soldering repair work when broken. Open links can usually be closed with a pair of needle-nose pliers without issue.
5. Test The Chain
The final step of the repair process involves testing the chain with a gentle tug to ensure that your fix will remain stable and let you continue wearing the piece without issue. The repair may not look perfect, but it should be a secure fix!
Chains that Are Challenging to Repair
Some necklace chains are challenging to fix, and it may be better to leave these repair jobs up to professional jewelers to avoid making matters worse. These kinds of chains are usually;
- Plated
- Hollow
- Have highly complex designs
- Are made of strange metal
Related: The Ultimate Guide on How to Clean Gold Jewelry
HOW TO FIX A BROKEN CLASP
A clasp break can be frustrating, especially when you’re on the go! Thankfully, while you may not be able to fix it as soon as it happens, this is one of the easiest breaks to fix.
Depending on how the clasp broke, you’re more than likely going to need a new clasp. Finding one that matches the original clasp can be challenging, especially if you have a particularly unique clasp or one made of a more rare material.
However, if you truly want to save your necklace, then no one will notice if you’ve had to attach a new clasp that isn’t a perfect match. We’re going to get into the steps for how you can repair a broken clasp.
1.Gather Your Supplies
The first step is to gather your supplies! Thankfully, for a repair job such as this, you only need two pairs of jewelry pliers and a replacement clasp. Most people use a lobster clasp when doing a replacement, but any replacement clasp will work.
2. Remove The Broken Clasp
If the broken clasp didn’t fall off entirely on it’s own, then you’ll need to remove it. This is fairly easy to do. You’ll need to use the jewelry plies to pinch either side of the jump ring (where the clasp attaches) and apply pressure to open the ring. Once the ring is open, you can remove the clasp.
3. Replace The Clasp
Now that the broken clasp has been removed, you can slip the new one onto the jump ring.
4. Close the Jump Ring
The final step is to take your jewelry pliers and pinch either side of the jump ring once again. Use a rocking motion with your hands to bring the ends of the jump ring together again so it’s tightly closed and doesn’t bend out of shape.
It’s really that easy! You can replace a broken clasp in a matter of minutes with the right knowledge and materials.
HOW TO REPLACE BEADS OR JEWELS
When beads or jewels have fallen off a necklace, your first thought might be to grab some glue and simply stick them back on. However, that’s not the best idea.
Trying to replace beads or jewels that have fallen out of their setting can be a delicate process. Using glue or other adhesives won’t reliably hold your jewels in place and could even cause your necklace to look junky.
If you have a precious necklace where a jewel has fallen out, then your best bet is to take it directly to a jeweler. They’ll have the proper tools and knowledge to replace it.
When to Call the Jeweler
You’ll want to call a jeweler if you’re dealing with any of the chains in the above section that are usually too challenging to repair at home. You should also consider reaching out to a jeweler if your necklace is expensive, an antique, or is not something you’re willing to risk damaging further.
How Long Will It Take for A Jeweler to Repair a Necklace?
The length of the jewelry repair process depends on a wide array of factors, such as the kind of repair needed, the complexity of the piece itself, and more. In most cases, however, jewelers should be able to get your piece fixed up and returned within a few short days. However, you can always ask them about rush orders and services if you need it back sooner.
Final Thoughts to Keep in Mind
We wish you luck in repairing your broken or damaged jewelry, and we hope that this article has been a helpful resource to get you started! If you’re unable to fix your necklace, wish to replace it, or just want to add a new stylish accessory to your collection, please consider exploring our fabulous collection of handmade artisan necklaces, bracelets, and rings from our shop at LaCkore Couture!
Are you currently searching for a gorgeous replacement for an older piece of broken jewelry you weren’t able to fix? Check out the stellar selection of handcrafted, artisan necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more from our jewelry experts at LaCkore Couture today.
