A Non-Beader's Guide To Jewelry Repair
"Help! I've got a broken necklace, a watch that doesn't work, a ring that's all misshapen! Is there anything I can do to fix them?"
Broken clasp on a necklace or bracelet. If it's costume or something you feel comfortable fixing yourself (i.e., it's not your Great-Grandmother's heirloom pearl necklace!), try an easy fix first. If the clasp is broken beyond repair, you will probably need to restring the piece. If it's large enough to fit over your head or closed fist and the beads are fairly light, using StretchMagic is a good choice. You don't need any special tools, and you don't have to try to put on a clasp. Plus, your piece will be "endless" - that is, it will be a continuous strand of beads. StretchMagic is inexpensive, and one roll will restring several necklaces or bracelets.
Replacing a clasp is a bit more complicated, and does require tools and some know-how. Read our project sheet on Clasp Bracelet 101 for more details on crimping, measuring out beading wire, and finishing the bracelet or necklace. You CAN repair a piece with as little as a small flat-nosed pliers, crimp beads, and a spool of beading wire.and of course a replacement clasp!
Watch that doesn't work. Probably the battery. If you can remember where you bought the watch, the best bet is to take it back to that store and have them pop the back off and replace the battery. Some watches, especially more expensive or waterproof/resistant models, require special tools or you may damage the water resistance or the watch itself. If your watch has a small slot on the back, usually near the stem, you can attempt to pop it off yourself using a small screwdriver designed for repairing eyeglasses. Be gentle but firm, and if you can't get it off easily, take it to a jeweler or a jewelry store. Once opened, the battery may require a tiny bit of prying with the screwdriver. Be careful not to damage other workings of the watch! There is a number etched on the battery, you should be able to determine the battery you need to purchase from this number. Most batteries are well under $10.
Any other problems with a watch, or a watch that still doesn't work after replacing a battery, should be taken to a jewelry store or a professional jeweler.
Misshapen ring. Some people like their rings shaped like a square or a triangle. I happen to prefer mine finger-shaped, which is pretty round. If you have a ring (again, not an heirloom or your wedding ring, PLEASE.leave those to the professionals!) that has lost its circle-shape, you can try to gently put it back in shape again. Find a dowel, metal or wooden handle of a kitchen utensil (I have a Pampered Chef wire whisk which works great for this!) or any other sturdy, round item that your ring will fit on. Using a rawhide or resin hammer, gently tap the ring back into shape around the round handle. If you don't have a rawhide or resin hammer at your disposal, you can use an unmarred steel headed hammer, or cushion the ring with a towel. The main thing is to not damage the ring with the head of the hammer - even the smallest nicks in the surface will pit and mar your ring.
Emergency fixes. Keep a pair of needle nose pliers and some 6mm jump rings on hand in your tool chest. You'd be surprised how many things you can give new life to by just replacing a jump ring.
Superglue can be used to repair Cabochons that have come loose from their settings, again, ONLY if it's not an expensive Cameo that your husband's aunt gave you on her deathbed! Also use it for securing knots on string or StretchMagic necklaces or bracelets. Nail polish works great to secure knots too. Just hold the knots away from your beads or stones until it's completely dry.
I've been told that pencil erasers (the little pink round ones on the end of a #2 pencil) can stand in as earring backs if needed!
With a little imagination and just a bit of know-how, you can probably make a number of repairs yourself if you want to invest in a few tools or supplies. On the other hand if you know a beader, most are happy to do repair or replacement for a nominal fee.
