Here are the most common repair methods your bench jeweler will use to mend chains:
These types of chain are usually repaired simply by removing the broken link or links, cutting open an intact end link and reassembling the chain by connecting the other end through the open link and soldering it shut. Sometimes the bench jeweler will place a shield as a heat sink over the adjacent links so they won't melt or freeze together during soldering.
Many bench jewelers hold a razor blade against the chain, using the hole in its center as a "window" for the torch to protect the other links from melting or freezing to each other.
The bench jeweler then smoothes, polishes and cleans the repair area.
The karat-gold chain often becomes a slightly different color where the
repair was performed. Often, when chain is made originally, it may be goldplated
to give the entire assembly of chain, clasp and jump rings a uniform color,
so you may need additional goldplating to return the chain to its original
This style of chain is repaired by reassembling the links so the repair is undetectable. When the bench jeweler bends open the closed, unsoldered link, it becomes weakened and must be soldered shut for maximum strength.
Flat and Woven Links
The bench jeweler first removes the damaged links, cuts
open the adjacent links on one end and reweaves the chain, resoldering the
newly connected links. If a chain such as a herringbone or S-chain becomes
kinked, the bench jeweler can hammer it lightly with a mallet over a hard
surface to flatten and realign the links.
Take-In Tips for Chain Repair
Here is an example of the how the karat gold S-chain shown near the bottom of the previous page should be described on a take-in envelope:
Description: Yellow metal S-chain, measuring approximately 1.5mm wide and 18 inches long. Break is 6.5 inches from the spring ring.
Instructions: Repair by re-soldering break in the chain.
Notes for Take-In
Like most jewelry, karat-gold chains break for two reasons: stress and wear.
The stress can be as simple as catching the chain on a cabinet knob or a coat sleeve and having it pulled to the breaking point. And haven't you seen a small child use his mother's chain as a "pull-up" to her arms or an attention-getter? Now that's stress!
A break for either reason is an indication that other areas of the chain probably will fail, and soon. The problem is it's almost impossible to predict or detect where the next break will occur.
Inevitably, the customer will come back and say the next break occurred where you fixed it. It's important, therefore, to protect the store from having to repair the next break at no charge by following these rules:
JA Quality Assurance Guide:
Visible Butt Joint
When repairing the chain, the bench jeweler removes the damaged links, opens the adjacent links and reassembles the chain before soldering. A visible butt joint appears when the bench jeweler files both ends of the chain links flat and solders them back together, making the repair obvious and providing a weak result. This results from errors in workmanship.
If the bench jeweler did not reassemble the links properly, they will not align evenly and smoothly. Consequently, the chain will not lie flat on the neck and won't have the appearance of smooth continuity.
Exposed Fragments of Chain
This error in workmanship results from improper joining of the links,
whereby fragments protrude from the body of the chain itself. This chain
will be extremely uncomfortable to wear.
If during the soldering stage of reassembly the bench jeweler solders the links incorrectly or does not properly protect links next to those being soldered, the links may "freeze" or permanently lock together. Occasionally the two links immediately adjacent to the repaired area will freeze together, but not several on each side as illustrated.
Out of Round/Misaligned Jump Rings
A fast and sloppy job of attaching jump rings to attach the clasps on the ends of the chain will detract from the overall appearance and quality of the chain.
Tool Marks and Discoloration
When the chain is reassembled and finished, it must be free of all marks from pliers, files and other tools. The color and finish of the repair area should match the color and finish of the rest of the chain.
Loss of Chain Pattern
When the original chain pattern is no longer visible at the point where the repair took place, it typically means the bench jeweler used too much solder and flooded the pattern, rendering it no longer visible.
© 1998 Jewelers of America
Standards as described for the JA® Bench Jewelers Certification