by Jesús Zabala - 5 min read

How to Fix a Broken Ring

If you do not have any jewelry-making experience, the thought of fixing your jewelry may seem overwhelming. But we can show you that it is much easier than you think and help you learn how to fix a broken ring.

Fixing jewelry at home offers important convenience and cost-effectiveness. You can save time by avoiding trips to the jeweler and can do minor repairs immediately.

So, can we fix broken silver ring? Or can a broken gold ring be repaired? Let’s discover now!

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: wk1003mike

Tools and Materials

To fix broken jewelry, you will need these tools:

Jeweler’s saw
Soldering torch
Solder (appropriate for the metal type)
Flux
Pliers (flat nose, round nose)
Ring mandrel
Files (various grades)
Polishing cloths
Magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe
Stone setting tools
Prong pusher
Ring resizing tools (such as ring stretcher or reducer)
Protective gear (gloves, goggles)
Ring clamp

How to Fix a Broken Ring

Different typical issues might arise when repairing a broken ring, and based on the type of damage, each problem has a distinct solution. You may take care of these problems as follows:

Repair a broken band

Problem: The ring’s band is broken or cracked, preventing you from wearing the ring.

Solution: First, we advise you to inspect the break with a magnifying glass. Clean the area to remove any dirt or oil. Next, you should prepare for soldering by aligning the broken ends of the band precisely.

Then, secure the ring in place using a clamp or third-hand tool. Apply flux to the joint to prevent oxidation and ensure a clean solder joint.

The next step is to heat the ring evenly with a soldering torch until it reaches the appropriate temperature for soldering. Apply the solder to the joint and allow it to flow into the break.

We advise you to allow the ring to cool slowly. Clean the ring with a pickling solution to remove any residues. Finally, file down any excess solder and smooth out the joint. Polish the ring to restore its shine.

Reattaching a stone

Problem: A stone has fallen out of its setting, leaving the ring incomplete.

Solution: Again, we recommend inspecting the setting to see if it is damaged or if the prongs are worn out. Secure the stone back into the setting. We advise you to use a prong pusher or stone setting pliers to gently push the prongs back over the stone, securing it in place.

The next step is to tighten the prongs. Make sure that all prongs are holding the stone securely. If the prongs are too loose, they may need to be retipped or replaced by a professional jeweler. Lastly, clean and polish the ring to ensure the stone and setting are debris-free.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Jan Faukner

Resizing a ring

Problem: The ring no longer fits properly, either too tight or loose.

Solution: The solution to this problem is to determine the new size. Measure the ring’s current size and determine the desired size using a ring mandrel or sizer.

To resize up, cut the band and add a small piece of metal to the gap. To resize down, remove a small section of the band.

Align the ends properly and solder the ring using the same method as repairing a broken band. Then, use a ring mandrel and hammer to reshape the ring to a perfect circle. Ultimately, file down any rough edges and polish the ring.

Silver and gold ring repair costs in the US

The cost of repairing a silver ring may vary widely, but it usually starts at $20 for simple repairs like soldering a broken band. More complex repairs or resizing may cost several hundred.

Depending on the extent of the damage, repairing a gold ring can cost from $30 to several hundred dollars. While a broken ring can be repaired by yourself, a professional repair is recommended for valuable or sentimental pieces.

Fixing Rings With Different Metals

Now, you may wonder if there is a difference between fixing a gold and silver ring, as well as how to fix a broken silver ring. When fixing a broken silver ring, the basic steps include inspecting the damage, soldering the ring, cooling and cleaning, and finishing.

In addition, if you are interested in how to fix broken gold ring at home, the steps are inspection and cleaning, aligning and securing the broken ends, fluxing and soldering, as well as cooling and polishing. Yet, there are some differences in the process.

The differences between fixing gold and silver rings are the melting point, solder, and flux. Gold has a higher melting point than silver, requiring more heat during soldering. When it comes to soldering, different types of solder are used for gold and silver.

Silver solder is usually easier to work with due to its lower melting point. Lastly, specific fluxes are designed for gold and silver to ensure optimal bonding and minimal oxidation. So, while the basic process is similar, the main differences are the materials and heat levels required for soldering each metal.

Tips and Precautions

Safety first: Always wear protective gear like gloves and goggles when working with soldering tools and chemicals.

Metal compatibility: Use a solder that matches the metal type of the ring to ensure a strong bond.

Professional help: Consider hiring a professional to avoid damaging the broken ring for valuable pieces.

Regular maintenance: Inspect and clean your jewelry frequently to prevent issues like loose stones or worn prongs.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: zoff

Conclusion

If these tips helped you learn how to fix a broken ring, then you are ready to try ring repair. Repairing broken jewelry, especially rings, involves many techniques.

You should be careful and follow the instructions for all of them. Whether fixing a broken band, ring cracks, a bent ring, reattaching a stone, or resizing a ring, using the right tools is crucial for a successful repair.

With patience and practice, you can restore your broken rings. If you need more complex work or fear damaging your valuable pieces, you can ask for our professional help. Our experts at JewelryLab will help you!