My necklace is broken: can we repair it?

Your necklace broke, the chain link let go, chain is in two pieces at the bottom of a drawer? Before considering it lost, know that a large majority of broken necklaces and bracelets can be repaired very well — often almost invisibly, and for a modest price. Here is in which cases repair is possible, how it takes place, how much it costs, and when it is better to give up.

A necklace broken, is it really repairable?

In most cases, yes. The repair of a chain or a bracelet relies on soldering: an artisan jeweler brings the two ends together and re-solders them with the appropriate metal. Well done, the weld is solid and discreet. The most common — and completely fixable — cases are as follows:

• A chain link open or broken. The most common case: a ring of the chain has opened or broken. We close it and resolder it.
• The chain broken in two. The two strands are joined by a chain link rewelded.
• The clasp detached from the chain. The ring that connects the clasp at necklace gave in; we resolder it (and if it is the clasp itself which is broken, it is rather a change of clasp).
• The pendant or the charm that came loose. The bail (the ring of pendant) is re-welded on the chain.
• A bracelet broken. Same principle as for necklace.

Will the repair be visible?

This is the number one fear, and the answer is reassuring: on the vast majority of jewelry, a well-made weld is almost invisible to the naked eye. On a chain, the soldering point blends into a chain link. On polished silver jewelry, a light polishing (finishing) after soldering helps to standardize the appearance and erase the heating trace.

You have to remain honest: on certain very thin, very shiny pieces, or with a particular finish, a trained eye can sometimes guess the repaired area by looking very closely. But in everyday use, no one sees it.

Does the metal change anything?

Yes, the metal determines the welding technique, but most common materials are repairable:

• Thesterling silver welds very well. This is one of the simplest cases.
• The gold-plated also repairs itself; you simply have to be careful to preserve the layer of gold, which a craftsman knows how to manage.
• Thestainless steel is welded depending on the type of part.
• Thesolid gold repairs perfectly, but requires quote specific due to the value of the metal.

On the other hand, certain pieces are poorly suited to welding: jewelry made of very thin or hollow metals, certain costume jewelry made of low-end alloy, or pieces that are already very damaged. In these cases, the craftsman will tell you frankly rather than attempting a repair which will not hold.

How much does it cost to repair a necklace or a bracelet broken?

Welding a jewellery item is an accessible repair. At Azuline, the price starts at €15 online. By mail, add €9.90 for the Colissimo prepaid round trip.

The exact price depends on the type of jewellery item, metal and the complexity of the case. If you have several pieces of jewelry to repair, the costs of Colissimo only count once: only the price of each repair is added up.

Why a chain does it break (often in the same place)?

Understanding the cause helps prevent it from happening again. A chain usually gives way due to wear: over time, friction thins some links, especially those that carry the most tension — near the clasp, or where a pendant. This is why a chain often breaks twice in the same place: the chain link neighbor, weakened by the same use, gives up in turn.

During the repair, a good craftsman checks the general condition of the chain and can alert you to a weak area before it gives way. To limit breakage: avoid sleeping with a necklace At the end, wear it under a sweater that hangs, and store it flat rather than in a ball to avoid knots which weaken the links.

Repair or buy: how to decide?

The question is legitimate, especially for a jewellery item of low value. Some honest benchmarks:

• The jewellery item has sentimental value (gift, inheritance, souvenir): repair almost always makes sense, because a jewellery item identical is by definition irreplaceable.
• The jewellery item is made of precious metal (gold, silver): repairing almost always costs much less than buying the equivalent.
• It's a jewellery item fantasy without particular attachment and of low value: there, the calculation may lean towards repurchase, especially if the piece is very damaged.

If in doubt, the easiest way is to ask for an estimate: you will then know if the repair is worth it before committing.

How to repair a jewellery item broken without moving?

No need for a nearby jewelry store. Our welding service by post works everywhere in France:

• You fill out the online form and add photos of your jewellery item — ideally an overview and a close-up view of the broken area.
• You receive a label Colissimo prepaid by email, and you post your jewellery item.
• Our artisan jeweler carries out the welding and sends you the jewellery item — generally within 5 to 10 working days round trip.

You know the price before you pay, and you are notified if anything is out of the ordinary.

And for your other jewelry?

If your problem is not a breakage but something else, our workshop takes care of all repairs by post. Find all our services on our workshop page : change of clasp, pearl restringing, replacement of missing stone, or even watch battery replacement.

In summary

A necklace or a bracelet broken is, in the vast majority of cases, repairable by welding — almost invisibly and for a modest price, from €15 (around €24.90 all inclusive by post). The money, the gold-plated, steel andsolid gold repair themselves; only very fine, hollow or low-end alloy jewelry sometimes poses a problem, and in this case you are notified and reimbursed. For a jewellery item of sentimental value or precious metal, repair is almost always the right choice.

Frequently asked questions

Can we repair a chain broken?

Yes, in the vast majority of cases. A chain link open or chain ruptured are re-welded, generally invisibly. Only very thin, hollow or low-end alloy jewelry may not be suitable for soldering.

Will the solder show on my jewellery item ?

On most jewelry, a well-made weld is almost invisible. On polished silver, a light polishing after soldering evens out the appearance. On very thin or shiny parts, a very attentive eye can sometimes guess the repaired area up close.

How much does it cost to repair a jewellery item broken?

Welding starts at €15 online at Azuline, i.e. approximately €24.90 all inclusive by post (Colissimo round trip included). The exact price depends on the metal, type of jewellery item and the complexity of the case.

Can we to solder a jewellery item in money or gold-plated ?

Yes. Thesterling silver welds very well, the gold-plated also preserving the gold layer. Thesolid gold can also be repaired but requires a quote specific due to the value of the metal.

Should I repair or buy a jewellery item broken?

For a jewellery item of sentimental value or precious metal, repair is almost always more advantageous and allows you to preserve an irreplaceable piece. For a jewellery item fantasy of low value and very damaged, repurchase may be more relevant.