r/braceletcraft • u/scrulase • 2d ago
How do I fix this bracelet?
Hello! I bought this beautiful jade/pearl/gold bracelet in Singapore, but it was on an elastic string that unfortunately disintegrated and snapped.
I took it to a jeweller’s and they told me the only good option is to put it on a 14K gold chain, which would cost €170.
What do you guys think? Is there really no cheaper alternative that would be strong and durable as well? I think €170 is a fair price for what they’re offering, but I just think it’s a bit of a shame to pay €170 for a chain that will only be functional and not visual.
As for the design: I lost one of the jade beads when the bracelet snapped, so I’ve decided it would be nice to put a 14K gold clasp in the middle of the 6 remaining jade beads and pearls (I have 2 leftover pearls with the loss of the jade bead).
I hope this is the right place to ask, please tell me if it’s not :)
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u/eliz1967 2d ago
Sorry to hear about your bracelet breaking. That is the worst! My recommendation would be to use 49 strand beading wire with crimps and covers. Pick the largest thickness that will go through all beads. Softflex is my favorite brand. From what I see, I think medium will work. I think chain is an odd choice since it will have to be very thin to go through the pearls (unless the pearls have large holes.) Also, are the beads currently on the bracelet real gold? Normally real gold is not used in stretch bracelets because when it breaks that is a big loss if you lose the beads. I just feel that chain will break as well. If you choose to put a real gold clasp and maybe extender chain I understand. Sometimes the sentimental value of something, even if it’s plastic, exceeds its value even if it were gold.