How to Repair a Broken Necklace

How to Repair a Broken Necklace

So, you've broken that necklace you treasured and aren't
sure what to do about it? Repairing broken necklaces is
often easier than you think. Whether you've broken the clasp
or snapped the necklace itself, collect up the pieces and
this article should help you get it as good as new in no
time.

!! Steps !!

!! Broken Clasp !!

This clasp was removed by opening the jump ring. Find how your clasp
is attached and remove it. In most cases this will simply be a case
of opening a jump ring or ring on the clasp with pliers and then
removing the clasp [1]. However, if your clasp is attached in a more
complex way, you may have to cut it off. (Strong wire cutters will
usually work for this due to the soft metals used in most jewellery.)

* These clasps are different sizes, but the same colour, so
the replacement will be fine. Acquire a new clasp. These are
available from most craft stores and all specialist beading supply
stores. Take the clasp you removed with you when buying a new one
for reference to colour. Different alloys [2] are different
colours and a different coloured clasp will make it obvious that
your necklace has been repaired. If you had to cut your clasp off
or open a ring in the clasp, you may need to buy a jump ring as
well as a clasp so you can attach it to your necklace.

Attach the new clasp by opening the jump ring or loop on the clasp
and sliding it onto your necklace. Close the ring or loop to
finish your necklace.

!! Broken Chain !!

* Twist open the link that came apart, or the one next to it if it
is badly damaged or lost, with needle nose pliers [3]. If the link
is badly damaged, you should now remove it.

* Attach the other piece of chain by sliding it onto the link you
opened.

* Twist the link back together again to secure the chain. Ensure
that it and the link it is attached to close tightly. (It may be a
good idea to check the other links too, so you can tighten them
before they too fall apart)

!! Snapped Elastic !!

* Lay out the beads [4] in their original order.

* Cut a length of elastic about 4 inches (10cm) longer than was
originally used for the necklace.

* Thread the loose beads back onto the elastic length.

* Tie the ends together so that no elastic is visible, be careful
not to stretch the elastic too much as this can cause it to break
again. Tie the knot a few times to prevent it coming undone.

* Cut off the excess elastic.

!! Broken String !!

* Lay out the beads in the original order.

* Cut a length of string (which is thin enough to go through your
beads) which is a few inches longer than the original necklace.
Fasten the clasp to one end. Most string necklaces use a calotte (a
finding with a hook and two round pieces which are folded together
to cover a knot) to attach a clasp in a professional manner.

* Slide the calotte onto the string.

* Tie a knot [5] at the end of the string a few times so it is
secure.

* Cut off any excess string.

* Fold the calotte over the knot.

* Thread the beads back onto the string.

* Finish your necklace with another calotte in the same way as
outlined in step 3.

!! Video !!

!! Relateds !!

* Make a Beaded Necklace [6]

* Make a Hemp Necklace [7]

* String a Crystal Bead Necklace [8]

* Stop a Necklace from Catching Hair [9]

* Make a Chinese Sliding Knot [10]

!! Article Tools !!

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Links:
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[1] http://www.wikihow.com/Image:100_3024_569.JPG
[2] http://www.wikihow.com/Image:100_3025_105.JPG
[3] http://www.wikihow.com/Use-Eyelet-Pliers
[4] http://www.wikihow.com/Create-Beads
[5] http://www.wikihow.com/Tie-a-Knot
[6] http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Beaded-Necklace
[7] http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Hemp-Necklace
[8] http://www.wikihow.com/String-a-Crystal-Bead-Necklace
[9] http://www.wikihow.com/Stop-a-Necklace-from-Catching-Hair
[10] http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Chinese-Sliding-Knot