01684 574077
There's a horrible sinking feeling that comes with reaching for your necklace and finding it's snapped. Maybe it caught on a jumper, got tangled in a drawer or simply gave way after years of wear. Whatever happened, the first question is usually the same: can it be fixed?
The good news is that in most cases, yes, a broken gold chain can be repaired. Here at Parrys of Malvern, chain repairs are one of the most common jobs we see, and many chains can be restored so well that you'd never know they'd been broken. Let's look at how chain repairs work, which chains are trickier to fix, and how to help stop it happening again.
The way a chain is repaired depends on where it has broken and what style of chain it is.
If a single link has snapped or opened up, a jeweller can usually close it and solder it back together. Solder is a special alloy that melts at a lower temperature than the chain itself, allowing the link to be joined neatly without damaging the rest of the chain. Once it's been cleaned and polished, the repair is often very hard to spot.
If a link has been lost or is too damaged to save, a jeweller may be able to remove it and join the chain back together. This makes the chain very slightly shorter, but on most necklaces the difference is barely noticeable.
The small ring that connects the clasp to the chain is called a jump ring, and it's one of the most common places for a chain to fail. These are usually quick and simple to replace or solder closed.
Sometimes the chain itself is fine and it's the clasp that has let go. Clasps wear out over time, especially on chains that are worn every day. A worn clasp can be replaced with a new one in a matching carat of gold.
Most chains can be repaired, but some styles are more of a challenge than others.
Curb, belcher and trace chains are made from individual interlocking links, which makes them some of the easiest chains to repair neatly.
Figaro chains follow a pattern of longer and shorter links, so a repair needs to keep that pattern looking even.
Rope chains are made of links twisted together in a spiral. They can be repaired, but it takes care to keep the twist looking smooth and continuous.
Box chains can usually be repaired, although the square links need to be lined up carefully.
Snake and herringbone chains are the trickiest of all. These chains are made from flat, tightly packed sections rather than separate links, so once they kink or snap it can be very difficult to repair them invisibly. In some cases, the damaged section can be removed and the chain rejoined, but it may not look quite the same afterwards. If one of these chains is badly damaged, replacement may be the better option.
Kinks are especially common in herringbone and snake chains. Small kinks can sometimes be gently eased out, but a sharp or deep kink can weaken the chain and may leave a permanent mark. If your chain has kinked, try not to bend it back yourself, as this can make things worse. Bring it in and we'll take a look.
Every repair is different, but the price usually depends on:
A simple link repair on a sturdy chain is usually straightforward, while a delicate or complex chain needs more time and skill. We'll always look at your chain first and explain what's involved before any work begins.
In most cases, yes. Gold is valuable, and repairing a chain is usually much more cost effective than replacing it. Many chains also carry sentimental value, such as a christening gift, a present from a loved one or a family piece passed down through the generations. Those are memories worth holding on to.
That said, if a chain is very worn, thin or has broken in several places, it may be close to the end of its life. In that case, we'll give you honest advice. You may prefer to choose a new chain from our gold jewellery collection, and as we also purchase gold, your old chain may still be worth something.
If your chain snaps, a few simple steps can make the repair easier:
Gold is a soft metal, especially in higher carats, so a little care goes a long way:
Parrys of Malvern is an independent, family-run jeweller at 115 Church Street, in the heart of Great Malvern. Since 1952, we've been helping local people repair and restore their jewellery, from everyday chains to treasured family heirlooms.
Whatever has happened to your chain, we'll look at it carefully and give you friendly, honest advice. You can find out more about our jewellery and watch repair services on our website.
If your gold chain has broken, visit us at Parrys of Malvern, 115 Church Street, Malvern, WR14 2AJ. We're open Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30am to 4.15pm. You can also call us on 01684 574077 or get in touch online.
Bring it in, and we'll help get it back around your neck where it belongs.
