One feature that makes jewelry so beautiful is its delicate appearance. Unfortunately, this also means that it can be easily broken. Fortunately, some tools make it easy to do simple jewelry repairs at home rather than paying experts to do the same job. These tools can be found at any craft or hardware store, often for less than the cost of a professional repair. Some of them may already be in your home toolbox.
1. Work station
This may seem obvious, but having a good workstation is very important. Since most accessories are made from small chain links, beads, and gems, anyone trying to repair their jewelry at home should have a dedicated table or desk where the project will not be affected for a while. The area should be well lit and spacious enough to contain all necessary tools and should be located away from small children, pets, or strong drafts that could cause small parts to get lost. A magnifying glass could also be helpful during this process.
2. Fold
Regardless of the materials being repaired, two sets of pliers are almost always needed. One pair of pliers is used to hold jewelry in place, while the other is used to open jump rings, set jewelry, or hold clasps. A few different types of pliers can be used for these jobs. Round nose pliers are useful for bending metals, while chain nose pliers are better for gripping wires. However, the standard needle nose pliers found in almost any tool kit will work with most projects.
3. Soldering iron
A soldering iron is a tool used to melt a small piece of metal (known as a solder) to form a connection between two other pieces of metal. Once the solder cools, it permanently joins the pieces. This is perfect for closing jump rings, repairing chains, or replacing metal beads. The pliers mentioned above will be essential when using a soldering iron as the torch generates high heat that can easily burn the user if they are not careful.
4. Jeweler’s epoxy
Sometimes a soldering iron is not a suitable tool for repairing jewelry. To replace loose stones like pearls or opals, many jewelers turn to jeweler’s epoxy. This is a special type of glue that must be mixed before it can be used. Before applying, all old glue must be carefully removed so that the epoxy will adhere to the jewelry. A clamp or vise should be used to help hold the stone in place until the epoxy dries.
With these simple tips and a little practice, anyone can make simple jewelry repairs at home, saving a favorite piece without the high price tag of a trip to the store. Of course, for difficult jobs or very expensive parts, it may be best to consult a professional.
