Broken jewellery can be heartbreaking, especially if it holds sentimental value. Whether it’s a snapped chain, a loose gemstone or a bent ring, repairing broken jewellery can often be simpler than you think. With the right tools, materials and techniques, many jewellery repairs can be tackled at home.

Common Jewellery Breakages and How to Fix Them

Broken Chains

Chains are one of the most common jewellery items to break, especially if they’re delicate. Here’s how to fix them:

What You’ll Need:

How to Fix:

  • Minor Breaks: Use jewellery pliers to open a jump ring, connect the broken ends and close the jump ring securely.
  • Major Breaks: If the chain is badly damaged, you may need to solder the ends back together. For this, a soldering kit and some practice are essential.

Loose Gemstones

Over time, gemstones can become loose in their settings. Here’s how to secure them:

What You’ll Need:

How to Fix:

  • Prong Settings: Gently push the prongs back into place using a prong pusher.
  • Bezel Settings: Use a bezel roller to press the metal bezel tightly around the stone.
  • Glue Method: For costume jewellery, a dab of strong jewellery glue can secure the stone in place. Be sure to clean the surface before applying glue.

Broken Clasps

A broken clasp can mean a necklace or bracelet becomes unusable, but it’s an easy fix.

What You’ll Need:

How to Fix:

  • Remove the broken clasp using pliers.
  • Attach a new clasp using a jump ring.
  • Ensure the jump ring is tightly closed to prevent further breakage.

Essential Jewellery Repair Tools

To handle basic repairs, you’ll need some essential tools:

  • Pliers: For opening and closing jump rings.
  • Soldering Kit: For more advanced repairs.
  • Triblet and Mallet: To reshape rings.
  • Jewellery Glue: For costume jewellery repairs.

When to Seek Professional Help

While many jewellery repairs can be done at home, there are times when it’s best to seek professional help. If your jewellery is valuable, antique, or has significant sentimental value, a professional jeweller will have the expertise to repair it without causing further damage. Additionally, complex repairs such as re-tipping prongs, resizing rings or replacing missing stones should be handled by a professional.

Preventing Future Breakages

Preventative care can help reduce the risk of future breakages:

  • Store your jewellery in a secure, padded box.
  • Avoid wearing delicate jewellery during activities that could cause damage.
  • Regularly inspect your jewellery for signs of wear and tear.
  • Clean your jewellery carefully to avoid weakening settings.

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Author: Sian Brown
Written by

Sian Brown

Sian has been hand making her award winning jewellery in the West Midlands for over 12 years. Sian spent 10 years in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter before relocating to a quiet Worcestershire village.