Panic sets in. You put on your favorite bracelet and then... Crack . It breaks in your hands. Or worse, you notice that it's hanging by a thread.
You love this bracelet. It might be a gift or a lucky charm.
First reaction: "Is he finished?"
Second reaction: "How do I fix it?"
Good news: Don't throw away your bracelet! In most cases, it's repairable. Sometimes you can do it yourself in 5 minutes, sometimes at a jeweler's for a reasonable price.
⚡ In Brief: How to repair a broken bracelet?
A quick diagnosis to determine what to do:
The ring is open : Easy home repair with two pliers (twisting technique).
The clasp is broken : Buy a replacement clasp and replace it yourself.
The chain is broken. : Head to the jeweler for a soldering job (expect to pay €30 to €60).
The cord is worn out Replace the thread and retie the sliding knots.
In this guide, we will detail these solutions and give you the exact prices for the repairs.
Diagnosis: Where is the breakdown?
Before taking out your tools, carefully examine your jewelry. There are 3 classic points of breakage.
🔍 Type 1: The Junction Ring Has Opened
The ring is still there, but there's a gap between the two ends. The clasp or chain has come loose.
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Verdict: ⭐ Easy - Repairable at home.
🔍 Type 2: The clasp is broken
The carabiner mechanism no longer "clicks" or the spring is broken.
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Verdict: ⭐⭐ Average - Replacement needed (Home or Jeweler).
🔍 Type 3: The Chain Is Broken (Broken Link)
The chain is cleanly cut in two. The metal is shattered.
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Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Difficult - Professional welding required.
Case #1: DIY Repair (What You Can Do)
If it's an open ring or clasp that needs changing, you can do it.
The Equipment
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2 flat jewelry pliers
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Patience
The Tutorial: Reclosing a Ring / Changing a Clasp (The Correct Technique)
⚠️ Warning: 90% of people make the mistake of stretching the ring. You should never do that, otherwise it loses its round shape and becomes fragile.
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Enter the ring on each side of the opening with your two pliers.
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Twist (twist laterally): one hand goes forward, the other backward.
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Insert the clasp or link.
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Close by twisting. in the opposite direction. The two ends must touch perfectly (you should hear a small "click" of friction).
Are you having the same problem with your necklace chain? Find out how to change a necklace clasp here .
⚠️ What You Should NEVER Do
Before considering professional repairs, avoid these 3 fatal mistakes:
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❌ Superglue: Don't put Never Glue on gold or silver jewelry. It doesn't hold, it looks messy, and it will prevent the jeweler from making a clean solder joint later.
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❌ The Soldering Iron: An electronic soldering iron heats up to 400°C. To solder gold, you need 1000°C. You'll just blacken your jewelry.
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❌ Force: If a clasp no longer closes, do not bend the mechanism. Replace it.
Case #2: "Pro" Repair (When to Go to the Jeweler)
If the chain is broken or the metal is shattered, a Welding . It's a precision job that requires a blowtorch or a laser.
How much does a repair cost at a jeweler's?
Here are the average prices observed in France in 2025 for gold.
| Type of Repair | Average Price | Average Delay |
| Simple soldering (broken gold chain) | €30 - €60 | 3 to 7 days |
| Laser Welding (high precision) | €50 - €80 | 3 to 7 days |
| Gold Clasp Replacement | €40 - €100 | Immediate (if in stock) |
Note: The price varies depending on the complexity and weight of the jewelry.
Case #3: The Cord/String Bracelet
Is your cord bracelet worn out? It's the easiest to repair.
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Buy thread (waxed cotton or nylon) at a haberdashery.
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Cut the old cord.
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Carry out sliding knots (macrame) to close it.
Why Did My Bracelet Break? (Prevention)
Is your bracelet repaired? Great. But to prevent it from happening again, understand the cause.
1. Normal Wear and Tear
After 10 or 15 years, gold will wear down from friction. This is normal, but regular maintenance can slow this process. To care for it, consult our guide: How to clean a gold chain effectively > .
2. The Problem of the "Hollow"
This is the number one cause of premature breakages. hollow bracelets (Empty tubes) crush and break very easily. Once crushed, they are often irreparable. The difference in strength compared to a solid model is enormous. To understand the investment, read our article on the true price of a solid gold ring > .
The Solution: Invest in the Massif
If you're tired of repairing your jewelry, choose solid gold . It's more expensive to buy, but it's indestructible.
A solid reed or a massive chain can be repaired indefinitely and will not break.
Is your bracelet beyond repair or do you want peace of mind?
💎 Discover our 18k Solid Gold bracelets, guaranteed to last >
Quick FAQ
Can gold plating be repaired?
It's difficult. The heat from the soldering will burn the plating and leave a black stain. Often, the cost of the repair exceeds the value of the piece of jewelry.
Is a weld visible?
If done properly by a jeweler, it is virtually invisible. The piece of jewelry is polished after soldering to restore its shine.
My lucky bracelet broke, is that a big deal?
Legend says it absorbed the negativity for you. Fix it to continue the adventure!