Broken Gold Chain? Repair Cost & DIY Options (2026)
Can you fix a broken gold chain? Understand when to use pliers ($5) vs soldering ($50). A triage guide for broken jewelry.
Our team of certified gemologists and jewelry experts provides in-depth analysis to help you make informed purchasing decisions.
Broken Gold Chain? Repair Cost & DIY Options
Chains break. It is the most common failure in jewelry. Whether it got snagged on a sweater or yanked by a toddler, a broken chain is usually fixable.
The first step is Triage: Where did it break?
The "Clasp Break" (DIY Fix)
If the chain is still in one piece, but the loop connecting it to the clasp has opened or snapped, you can fix this yourself.
This connects via a "Jump Ring"—a small circle of metal with a slit in it.
- Buy a Replace Jump Ring: Ensure it matches your metal (14k Gold or Gold Filled).
- Use Two Pliers: Grip each side of the jump ring slit.
- Twist, Don't Pull: Twist the ends away from each other (like opening a spiral staircase), hook the chain on, and twist it back.
- Never pull the ring apart (widening the "O"). You will distort the circle and it will never close perfectly again.
Cost: $5 for parts.
The "Link Break" (Requires Soldering)
If the chain itself has snapped in the middle, you cannot fix this at home.
- No Glue: Super glue does not hold metal due to shear force. It will fail immediately and ruin the gold.
- No Home Iron: Jewelry soldering requires a torch at 1,300°F and specific gold solder alloy. A soldering iron for electronics isn't hot enough.
You must take this to a jeweler. They will clean the ends, apply flux, and use a laser or torch to fuse the links back together.
Cost Guide to Repairs (2026)
Prices vary by location, but here are standard ranges:
| Repair Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Simple Chain Solder (Sold) | $30 - $50 |
| Complex Chain Solder (Rope/Box) | $45 - $75 |
| Clasp Replacement (Lobster) | $40 - $150 (Varies by gold weight) |
| Restringing Pearls | $3 - $6 per inch |
Is It Worth Fixing?
- Solid Chains: Yes. The repair is permanent and invisible.
- Hollow Rope Chains: Maybe not. Hollow chains are made of gold foil. Once they stretch or crush, they are structurally compromised. A jeweler can patch one spot, but it will likely break in another spot next week. If your hollow chain keeps breaking, it's time to scrap it and buy a Solid Gold Chain.
- Plated/Costume: Usually no. The heat of the torch will burn off the plating. The repair cost ($40) often exceeds the replacement value.
Recommended Jewelry Care
Prevent tangles, damage, and loss by storing your pieces properly:
- SHUNKAIZS 2-Tier Tangle-Free Jewelry Stand: A sleek, tangle-free display with two tiers perfect for organizing necklaces, bracelets, and watches without knots.
About this guide
Written by the TheCaratCut Editorial Team. Our recommendations follow our editorial policy, and we may earn commissions through affiliate links. See our affiliate disclosure.