My necklace clasp is broken: what should I do?

The clasp on your necklace or bracelet no longer holds, opens by itself, or has completely broken? This is one of the most common problems in jewelry — and one of the easiest to fix. The jewelry itself is often intact: only the clasp is in question. Here's how to know if it's repairable, how much it costs, and how to avoid losing jewelry due to a faulty clasp.

A broken clasp, can it be repaired?

Almost always, yes — and that's good news, because the rest of the jewelry is generally unaffected. Depending on the case, the craftsman repairs or replaces the clasp:

• The clasp itself is broken (spring out of order, carabiner that no longer closes): replace it with a new suitable clasp.
• The clasp is intact but detached from the jewelry : it is the connecting ring which has given way; we resolder it (it is then rather a welding).
• The clasp is worn and opens by itself : we replace it before it causes you to lose the jewel.

In all these cases, the jewel finds a secure closure, matching its metal (gold, silver, steel).

Why does a clasp open by itself or break?

The clasp is the most heavily used part of a piece of jewelry: it is opened and closed each time it is worn. It is therefore logically the first thing to wear out. The most common causes:

• The carabiner spring tires over the years and no longer returns correctly: the clasp remains ajar.
• The mechanism becomes clogged (dust, cream or perfume residue) and ends up blocking or poorly closing.
• The connecting ring wears out by friction and ends up opening, releasing the jewel.
• The clasp is undersized for the weight of the necklace: a clasp that is too light on a large link opens more easily.

A clasp that “opens by itself” is therefore not inevitable: it is a sign that it must be replaced or reinforced, before losing the jewel.

My bracelet is intact, only the clasp is broken: what should I do?

This is the most common and simplest case. There's no point giving up a piece of jewelry you love because just one small piece has fallen off: changing the clasp gives the bracelet or necklace a new, reliable closure, without changing anything else. It's a quick and economical repair, much more advantageous than buying the jewelry again.

Which clasp to choose?

The right clasp depends on the jewelry and the use. Some benchmarks:

• The carabiner : versatile, safe, suitable for the majority of necklaces and bracelets.
• The spring ring : discreet, for thin and light chains.
• The toggle clasp (T) : decorative and easy to handle with one hand, ideal if you have difficulty with small clasps.
• The box clasp, sometimes with security: for more precious jewelry or large bracelets.

If you often close your jewelry alone and the small mechanisms bother you, say so: you can choose a clasp that is easier to handle.

How much does a clasp replacement cost?

Changing the clasp is an accessible repair. At Azuline, the price starts at €15 online. By mail, add €9.90 for the prepaid Colissimo return trip.

The exact price depends on the type of clasp chosen and the metal of the jewelry. If you have several pieces of jewelry to process, Colissimo costs only count once.

How to avoid losing a piece of jewelry because of the clasp?

A faulty clasp is the leading cause of jewelry loss. A few simple reflexes avoid it:

• Check regularly that the carabiner returns to the closed position and that the connecting ring is not open or worn.
• If in doubt, have the clasp replaced without waiting: a clasp that “hangs” or remains ajar will eventually break.
• Choose a clasp adapted to the weight jewelry: a large link deserves a sturdy clasp.
• Gently clean the mechanism from time to time to prevent it from getting clogged.

The cost of changing a clasp is out of all proportion to the value – sentimental or commercial – of a lost piece of jewelry. It’s a small, very cost-effective preventive expense.

How to change a clasp without moving?

Our mail order clasp change service works everywhere in France:

• You fill out the online form (type of jewelry, material) and add a photo of the jewelry and its clasp.
• You receive a prepaid Colissimo label by email, and you post your jewelry.
• Our craftsman fits the appropriate clasp and returns the jewelry to you — 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?

Our workshop takes care of all mail-order repairs. Find all our services on our workshop page : broken jewelry soldering, re-threading of pearls, replacement of missing stone, or change watch battery. And if your concern concerns an earring clasp, our article on the different types of earring backs could enlighten you.

In summary

A broken clasp or one that opens on its own can almost always be repaired or replaced, starting at €15 (around €24.90 all inclusive by mail order), and the rest of the jewelry is generally not affected. It's a quick, economical and above all preventive repair: a weakening clasp ends up causing you to lose the jewel. If you have the slightest doubt about its closure, it is better to change it without delay.

Frequently asked questions

The clasp on my necklace is broken, can it be repaired?

Yes, almost always. Depending on the case, the clasp is replaced with a suitable new model, or re-soldered if it has simply become detached from the jewelry. The rest of the collar is generally unaffected.

Can we replace the clasp of a bracelet without modifying the jewelry?

Yes. Changing the clasp restores a new and reliable closure without modifying anything to the rest of the bracelet. It's a simple repair, much more economical than a purchase.

How much does a clasp replacement cost?

Changing the clasp starts at €15 online at Azuline, i.e. approximately €24.90 all inclusive by mail order. The price depends on the type of clasp chosen and the metal of the jewelry.

Why does my clasp open by itself?

Most often because the carabiner spring tires, the mechanism becomes dirty, or the connecting ring is worn. A clasp that opens on its own must be replaced immediately to avoid losing the jewelry.

How to avoid losing a piece of jewelry because of the clasp?

Check regularly that the clasp closes well, have it replaced if in doubt, choose a clasp adapted to the weight of the jewelry, and gently clean the mechanism from time to time.