Chain Repairs & Resizing: How We Bring Your Favorite Pieces Back to Life
Jewelry is meant to be worn, loved, and enjoyed—but everyday wear can sometimes lead to broken chains or pieces that no longer fit quite right. At Seattle Jewelry Design & Repair, we specialize in restoring and adjusting your treasured jewelry so it feels—and looks—just right again. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we repair broken chains and resize bracelets and necklaces with precision, care, and craftsmanship.
Fixing Broken Chains
Broken chains are among the most common jewelry mishaps, but the good news is they’re also some of the quickest and simplest to fix.
1. Assessing the Damage
Before we begin, we carefully evaluate the type and extent of the break. Chains can fail in several ways, including the following:
An open or broken link
A damaged clasp
A stretched, worn, or weakened section
Identifying the exact issue helps us to determine the best repair technique.
2. Choosing the Right Technique
Different chain styles require different approaches:
Link Repair: We re-connect and secure open links with either a laser welder or small torch, restoring strength and maintaining the original look.
Clasp Repair or Replacement: If the clasp is broken, we repair it or replace it with one that matches the style, metal, and size of your chain.
Replacing Damaged Sections: When a section is beyond repair, we remove it carefully and replace it with a matching segment to maintain consistency.
3. Welding & Polishing
Using our laser welder, we reconnect broken areas with controlled, pinpoint accuracy. Once welded, we polish the chain to blend the repair seamlessly and restore its shine.
4. Quality Check
Every repaired chain goes through a detailed inspection. We confirm the structural integrity, check for any additional weak points, and ensure the repair is virtually invisible.
5. Preventing Future Breaks
To keep your chain in great condition:
Remove it before sleeping or exercising
Store it properly
Schedule regular maintenance
Your jewelry carries memories, meaning, and personal value—and as such, we make sure to treat it with the care it deserves.
Shortening or Lengthening Necklaces & Bracelets
Resizing is another frequent service we offer, helping you achieve a fit that feels comfortable and intentional. Whether your piece is too long, too tight, or somewhere in between, we can tailor it to your needs.
Shortening Your Jewelry
When a necklace or bracelet is too long, we adjust it using methods that suit the piece’s construction:
Chains: Removing or trimming links and reattaching the closure cleanly
Beaded or Pearl Jewelry: Restringing with precision; adding knots for durability
Tennis Bracelets or Complex Designs: Shortening while preserving symmetry and design balance
Lengthening Your Jewelry
If your piece needs extra length, we can extend it using several options:
Adding Additional Links: Ideal for chain jewelry
Extender Chains: A flexible, non-permanent solution
Restringing Beads or Pearls: When matching beads are available
Custom Fabrication: Creating new matching sections when needed
Things to Consider Before Resizing
To ensure the best results, we evaluate:
Material Matching to keep your piece cohesive
Clasp Requirements—some adjustments may require a new clasp
Proportion & Aesthetics to maintain balance and beauty
Trust the Experts at Seattle Jewelry Design & Repair
Whether you’re dealing with a broken chain or a necklace that’s not the right length, our studio is here to help. We’re passionate about restoring your jewelry so it fits perfectly, shines brilliantly, and lasts for years to come.
Have a piece that needs some love? Reach out to schedule a repair or resizing appointment—we’re always here to help you rediscover the beauty in your beloved jewelry.
Hey there, I’m Nina!
I’m a Seattle-based jeweler specializing in custom designs, heirloom restorations, and thoughtful repairs, all done by hand, start to finish, right here in my studio. Every piece I work on carries a story, and I take pride in preserving that story through craftsmanship, care, and attention to detail.
Whether you’re dreaming up a one-of-a-kind creation, bringing new life to a family treasure, or simply fixing a favorite everyday piece, my goal is to make the experience personal, collaborative, and meaningful.
If you have an idea, or even just a feeling, about what you want, let’s bring it to life together.
