How to Fix A Broken Chain at Home

A broken chain is a pain, but sometimes it can be fixed easily at home.

Maybe your dog jumped up and snagged your necklace apart with his giant paws. Or, your adorable baby nephew decided to chew on your heirloom diamond pendant and yanked it right off your neck.

Fixing a broken jewelry chain is definitely doable—whether it’s a delicate gold necklace or a chunky silver bracelet. It may be possible to forgo a trip to the jewelers with these easy steps for how to fix a broken chain at home.

Assess the Damage

Before you can jump into repairing your broken chain, it’s important to accurately assess the damage. The type of repair you’ll perform depends on the type of brake, the type of metal, and the style of chain.

How to Identify the Chain Material

Jewelry can be made with so many types of materials. From simple leather stands, to hand-made woven precious metals like gold and platinum.

By law, gold, silver, and platinum metals must be stamped with the karat type and quality. Those markings will generally be found on a small tab near the clasp.

Common Jewelry Markings

• 925 or STER will indicate the metal is sterling silver
• 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K is the gold purity (10K = 41.7% gold purity, 14K = 58.3% purity, etc)
• 417, 585, 750, 916 are the European markings for gold purity (417 is 10k, 585 is 14k, etc)
• GF or 1/20 14K GF means it is gold filled (a thick layer of gold bonded to base metal)
• GP or GEP transcribes to gold plated or electroplated—not solid gold

5 Simple Ways to Fix a Broken Chain at Home

Got a favorite necklace or bracelet that snapped at the worst possible moment? Don’t worry—you don’t need to be a pro jeweler to handle a quick fix. Here are five simple methods that can get your jewelry back in action using just a few basic tools.

#1. Use jump rings to fix a simple break.

If the metal chain is broken at or near a connector, like the clasp, then attaching a small jump ring (in the same metal or color) is an easy fix. This is an excellent method for lightweight and non-precious metal chains.

What you need:

Besides the correct jump ring (which you can find at craft stores), you’ll need a pair of flat-nose pliers and maybe a pair of magnifying glasses.

Steps:

1. Open the jump ring sideways at the seam (never pull it apart).
2. Thread the open ring through both broken ends.
3. Close it tightly, clamping with the pliers, ensuring the ends align smoothly.

#2. Replace the clasp

If the clasp, a lever-like mechanism that holds a chain together, is missing or broken, replacing it is an option.

What you need:

• Replacement clasp (spring ring, lobster, etc.) that you can find at a craft store
• Jump ring(s)
• Pliers

Steps:

1. Remove the damaged clasp with the pliers.
2. Attach the new clasp with a jump ring.
3. Squeeze and secure the jump ring with pliers.

#3. Solder the chain at the break

This is the most durable fix for breaks in the middle of a chain, but it does require a lot of expertise. If you’re a skilled crafter or welder with extensive experience using a soldering torch, you can effectively fix a metal chain at home.

But if you are unsure of the metal quality or if the piece is of high value (like gold or platinum), then a DIY soldering job is best left to goldsmiths and jewelry professionals. You certainly don’t want to melt that beautiful, 14k yellow rope chain into a pile of clump of gold!

What you need:

• Complete soldering torch set up
• Flux, solder, tweezers

Steps:

1. Align the broken links carefully.
2. Apply flux and a tiny amount of solder.
3. Heat until the solder flows and fuses the metal.
4. Cool, clean, and polished.

#4. DIY wire repair

If you have a costume piece with a break and need a quick fix, you can wire wrap the chain together and get more wear out of it.

What you need:

• Thin jewelry wire in the correct metal
• Wire cutters
• Round-nose pliers

Steps:

1. Cut a small wire piece.
2. Wrap and secure the broken ends together.
3. Tuck sharp ends and smooth the surface.

#5. Take it to a jeweler

If a home fix isn’t possible, then it’s best to take the chain to a qualified jeweler. Other things to consider before attempting a home fix:

• Is the chain made of precious metal (gold, platinum, etc.) and a fix can possibly damage it further?
• Are there very fine or intricate details that need to be preserved?
• What is the sentimental value of the chain?

When in doubt, let a pro handle it. Most chain repairs are fast and affordable—typically $19–$199, depending on the complexity and metal.

Bonus: Clean your chain after repair

Once you’ve fixed your broken chain, you can easily clean it with mild soap and water or a jewelry cleaning solution to restore its shine. In fact, regular cleaning gives you a chance to inspect your chain and find any possible weak areas so you can fix them before you lose them!

How to Fix a Broken Chain at Home: Frequently Asked Questions

How to fix a broken chain necklace at home?

To fix a broken chain necklace at home, use jewelry pliers and a jump ring to reconnect the broken ends. For finer chains, use a needle-nose plier to carefully realign and close the links. Always work on a clean, flat surface to avoid losing small parts.

Is a broken chain fixable?

Yes, a broken chain is usually fixable. Simple breaks can be repaired at home using jump rings or pliers, while more complex damage—like snapped soldered links—may require a professional jeweler for a permanent, polished repair.

How to fix a broken silver chain at home?

To fix a broken silver chain at home, use needle-nose pliers to open and close jump rings or chain links. For a cleaner look, silver solder and a soldering iron can be used, but this requires experience and safety precautions.

How do you fix a split chain?

To fix a split chain, identify the broken link and use small pliers to open it slightly. Reconnect the loose ends, then gently close the link until it’s secure. If the break is near the clasp, you may need to replace the clasp or attach a new jump ring.

Let Scott’s Bring Your Jewelry Back to Life

Tried the DIY route and still not quite right? Or maybe your favorite piece needs a little extra love? From broken chains to full restorations, Scott’s Custom Jewelers has you covered. Our expert jewelers handle repairs with precision, care, and a whole lot of sparkle.