Jewellery Chain Repairs by Serendipity Diamonds: Expert Fixes for Broken, Snapped & Worn Chains

Expert Chain Repairs for Broken, Snapped & Worn Chains — With Before & After Results

Whether your favourite chain has snapped during wear or a clasp has worn thin over time, the right jeweller can restore your piece to its former beauty. Serendipity Diamonds is a jewellery company specialising in repairing many types of gold and silver chains.

Our expert workshop offers soldering, clasp replacements, link repairs, chain length adjustments, and professional polishing — ensuring your jewellery remains secure, wearable, and sentimental for years to come.

What types of chain repair do we provide?

The following list covers some of the chain repairs we provide. Repairs are carried out in our Ryde workshop on the Isle of Wight, with more complex, specialised maintenance carried out in our UK workshop in Birmingham’s iconic Jewellery Quarter.

Replacement catches

We provide replacement catches for most chain styles in Platinum, Silver or Gold. We replace trigger clasps, for example. These can be lobster-claw catches, trigger catches, toggle, hook or magnetic clasps. For trigger catches and lobster-claws, this can be due to a broken internal spring, wear, or the need to replace a small catch for a larger (easier-to-open) clasp. A replacement clasp in 925 Sterling Silver typically costs around £30.00, including a re-polish, and takes between 1-2 weeks, depending on our workload.

New Jump Rings / Larger Jump Rings

A jump ring is a small metal loop — usually circular but sometimes oval — used in jewellery-making to connect components. The name “jump ring” comes from the way it “jumps” open and closed when handled or cut from a wire coil.

Jump rings connect clasps to the chain or provide a loop through which a pendant chain passes. They vary in size and, based on their size and weight in Gold, vary enormously in price.

Just like many other parts of a chain, jump rings wear and thin—especially when made from 925 Silver or 9ct Gold. A replacement jump ring often extends the lifespan of a chain or bracelet.

Some clients ask us to add a jump ring to allow a pendant to sit correctly when attached to a chain. Other clients request a larger jump ring to accommodate a thicker necklace chain.

Replacement Chain Ends

Most chains feature a tapering folded section of Gold or Silver at each end. One chain end has a jump ring fitted. The other chain end receives the trigger catch to secure the chain during wear. In addition to jump rings, the narrower section of the chain end, in contact with the jump ring or clasp, wears over time. If the metal becomes too thin, the chain is likely to break and require replacement.

What is the best size for a replacement catch?

A replacement catch should match the size of the original broken catch. Or at least, the size should be similar, even if a touch larger. On finer chains, a large clasp can move around from the back of the neck to rest near the pendant. For this reason, consider the weight of any replacement catch.

Replacement catches for Pearl necklaces.

In addition to restringing pearls, we also provide replacement catches for Pearl necklaces. Single and multi-strands of Pearls can be fitted with a traditional catch. Alternatively, for older clients with arthritis, we often fit magnetic catches to make life easier when putting on and taking off the jewellery.

Can all chains be repaired?

No. Not all chains are suitable for repair. If all links are worn and thin, we often recommend clients sell their chain for scrap value and consider buying a new chain. Other chains, such as snake chains, finely linked or mesh chains, cannot be repaired owing to their complexity. Any repair will be too visible across the mesh’s even surface. If you are in doubt, send a photograph. Other chains we don’t repair include hollow chains, but this can often depend on the design and size.

Can I send a photo of my broken chain for advice?

Yes. This is perhaps the easiest way to get advice initially. Take a clear photograph of the chain and break. Email this to us (info@serendipitydiamonds.com) and our workshop will take a look and advise.