Chain Soldering

Chain Soldering Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to solder a necklace?
2. Can a gold chain be repaired?
3. Is it OK to sleep with a gold chain on?
4. How do you fix a broken gold chain link?
5. Where can I get my chain fixed?
6. Why does my gold chain keep breaking? 

#1 How much does it cost to solder a necklace?

The cost to solder a necklace depends on what type of metal your necklace is and the severity and location of the break. Based on experience, prices can range from $25 to $225. The best solution is to have one of the on-site jewelers at Joseph’s Jewelry examine your chain necklaces and bracelets and provide you with an estimate.

#2 Can a gold chain be repaired?

Yes, a gold chain can be repaired. And, like with most things, the simpler your gold chain is the easier, faster and less expensive it is to fix. Link, cable and box chains, commonly worn solo or with a pendant, are the least difficult to fix. If a link breaks, you may be able to reattach it yourself. However, hollow/rope, herringbone and wheat chains are trickier and may require soldering. To ensure your gold chain looks the same as the day you first wore it, have it fixed by one of the jewelry repair specialists at Joseph’s Jewelry.

#3 Is it OK to sleep with a gold chain on?

Sleeping with a gold chain on is purely a matter of preference.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Do you have sensitive skin?
• Are you a restless sleeper?
• How fragile is your gold chain? If you wear your gold chain to bed, you may wake up with irritated skin, an indentation around your neck or a bent or broken chain. Gold is durable, but daily exposure to soap, body oil, even sweat, causes gold to lose its luster. Just like you, your treasured necklace deserves a breather.
• Clean and polish your gold chain on a regular basis or have us do it for you. While we’re at it, we’ll check for weak spots.

#4 How do you fix a broken gold chain link?

The best way to fix a broken gold chain link when one of the links has pulled apart is to hook the closed link opposite the break to the open link. Then take a pair of needle-nosed pliers and squeeze the ends together, making sure the ends of the links are flush with each other. Gently pull from either side to test your repair. If the links come apart, try again.

You can fix a broken gold chain link that’s bent by flattening and straightening it out, but the link where the “bend” is will always be weak. More serious breaks require soldering. To ensure your special chain looks like new, leave the repair of bent or broken chain links to one of the specially trained experts at Joseph’s Jewelry in Stuart.

#4 Where can I get my chain fixed?

You can get your chain fixed at the jewelry repair store near you, at Joseph’s Jewelry in Stuart. We’ve been repairing jewelry on-site since 1990, and our jewelry service staff is especially proficient at restoring all types of gold chain necklaces – from light cable chains to solid rope chains. Even if you purchased your gold chain necklace at another jewelry store, we’re happy to repair it.

#5 Why does my gold chain keep breaking?

The same qualities that make your gold chain beautiful – light and delicate – also make it easy to break.

If your favorite gold chain keeps breaking, here are five ways to protect it:

• Undo the clasp rather than pull the chain off over your head.
• Remove your gold chain before swimming or playing sports.
• Remember to take off your gold chain before going to sleep.
• Kids love shiny objects, so don’t wear your gold chain when holding or
  playing with a child.
• When in doubt, take it off!