The clasp of my necklace is broken: what to do?

The clasp of your necklace or your bracelet no longer holds, opens on its own, or has it completely broken? It's one of the most common problems in jewelry — and one of the easiest to fix. The jewellery item 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 a jewellery item because of a clasp failing.

A clasp broken, is it repairable?

Almost always, yes — and that's good news, because the rest of the jewellery item is generally not affected. Depending on the case, the craftsman repairs or replaces the clasp :

• The clasp itself is broken (spring out of service, lobster clasp which no longer closes): we replace it with a clasp new adapted.
• The clasp is intact but detached from jewellery item : this is thejump ring who gave in; we resolder it (it is then rather a welding).
• The clasp is worn and opens by itself : we replace it before it makes you lose the jewellery item.

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

Why a clasp Does it open on its own or does it break?

The clasp is the most requested part of a jewellery item : we open and close it at each port. It is therefore logically the first thing to wear out. The most common causes:

• The spring of lobster clasp fatigue 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.
• Thejump ring wears out by friction and ends up opening, releasing the jewellery item.
• The clasp is undersized for the weight of necklace : a clasp too light on a large mesh opens more easily.

A clasp which “opens on its own” is therefore not inevitable: it is a sign that it must be replaced or reinforced, before losing the jewellery item.

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

This is the most common and simplest case. No need to give up jewellery item that you love because only one small part has failed: the change of clasp give back to bracelet or at necklace a new and reliable closure, without modifying anything else. It is a quick and economical repair, much more advantageous than buying the jewellery item.

What clasp choose?

The good clasp depends on jewellery item and use. Some benchmarks:

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

If you often close your jewellery item alone and the small mechanisms bother you, say it: we can favor a clasp easier to handle.

How much does it cost to change clasp ?

The change of clasp 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 clasp chosen and the metal of jewellery item. If you have several pieces of jewelry to process, the shipping costs Colissimo only count once.

How to avoid losing a jewellery item because of the clasp ?

A clasp defaulter is the leading cause of loss of jewellery item. A few simple reflexes avoid it:

• Check regularly that the lobster clasp returns to the closed position and that thejump ring is not opened or worn.
• If in doubt, have the clasp without waiting: a clasp whoever “hangs” or remains ajar will eventually let go.
• Choose one clasp adapted to weight of jewellery item : a large stitch deserves a clasp robust.
• Gently clean the mechanism from time to time to prevent it from getting clogged.

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

How to change a clasp without moving?

Our change service clasp by post works everywhere in France:

• You complete the online form (type of jewellery item, material) and add a photo of the jewellery item and its clasp.
• You receive a label Colissimo prepaid by email, and you post your jewellery item.
• Our craftsman installs the clasp adapted 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?

Our workshop takes care of all repairs by post. Find all our services on our workshop page : jewellery soldering broken, pearl restringing, replacement of missing stone, or watch battery replacement. And if your concern concerns a clasp of earrings, our article on the different types of earring backs could enlighten you.

In summary

A clasp broken or which opens on its own can almost always be repaired or replaced, from €15 (around €24.90 all inclusive by post), and the rest of jewellery item is generally not affected. It is a quick, economical and above all preventive repair: a clasp which weakens ends up making you lose the jewellery item. If you have the slightest doubt about its closure, it is better to change it without delay.

Frequently asked questions

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

Yes, almost always. Depending on the case, the clasp is replaced by a new suitable model, or re-welded if it has simply become detached from the jewellery item. The rest of the necklace is generally not affected.

Can we replace the clasp of a bracelet without changing the jewellery item ?

Yes. The change of 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 it cost to change clasp ?

The change of clasp starts at €15 online at Azuline, i.e. approximately €24.90 all inclusive by post. The price depends on the type of clasp chosen and the metal of jewellery item.

Why my clasp does it open by itself?

Most often because the spring of lobster clasp fatigue, the mechanism becomes clogged, or thejump ring is worn out. A clasp which opens alone must be replaced without delay so as not to lose the jewellery item.

How to avoid losing a jewellery item 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 jewellery item, and gently clean the mechanism from time to time.