Working with gemstones can be rewarding but tricky. When a gemstone breaks, it can be one of the most frustrating things ever! Don’t worry, almost every jeweler has been there, and a broken gemstone doesn’t have to mean a wasted piece. Here are the 5 Top Tips When Your Gemstone Breaks.
5 Top Tips to Make the Most of Your Broken Gemstone
1. Resetting the stones
Remove the gemstone pieces from their setting and reset them as two separate gemstones. Either using claw settings or (depending on the type of break and the shapes of the broken stones) bezel settings.
You could then attach the settings to ring shanks or turn them into pendants. Often, you can still use your original design, just with your new different-shaped gemstone.
2. Kintsugi
Taking inspiration from the Japanese philosophy of embracing imperfections and creating something of even more value.
Why not make a feature of the broken gemstone by gluing the crack back together and then applying gold leaf along the crack. This makes it even more beautiful and unique.
3. Rework the gemstones into an inlay
Gently crush the gemstones into lots of tiny pieces. Using resin and the gemstone chips, inlay them into a slightly recessed form. This could work particularly well for stepped ring bands.
4. Wire wrapping
This is ideal if the broken gemstone pieces are fairly large. Using wire wrapping techniques, wrap the gemstone pieces, making a loop at the top to act as a bail.
You could even make the two separate gemstone pieces into a pair of matching gemstone earrings!
5. Embrace it!
If your gemstone is already set in a bezel, the crack often won’t affect the security of the setting.
The beauty of handmade jewelry is that it is unique and visibly handcrafted; mistakes happen, but this doesn’t mean that the outcome is any less beautiful than your original design.
P.S. Royi Sal Jewelry, as a decades-long leader in silver jewelry design and manufacturing, invites you to download our latest magazine here and profit from the exceptional jewelry designs at affordable prices you will find in the magazine. Click here to download it now.
Tengo roto el corazón porque un ópalo que era de mi madre q.e.p.d se me rompió por la mitad . Y no quiero separar piedra ahí algún pegamento para poder pegarla .
No importa el costo .
Esta engarzada en 18 kilates y tiene un valor muy alto estimativo.
Por favor habrá manera de arreglarla gracias.
Dear Eva,
We are very sorry to hear about the situation with your opal. We do not currently offer jewelry repair services, but we understand the importance and sentimental value of your piece.
We recommend that you find a local professional who can assist you with the repair. Many jewelers are experienced in working with precious gems and can provide the necessary care for your opal.
As for glues, there are specialized jewelry adhesives that might be helpful. However, for such a valuable and sentimental piece, we suggest going to a knowledgeable jeweler to ensure the repair is done in the safest and most effective way.
We regret that we cannot offer further assistance directly, but we hope that you find a suitable solution soon.
Best, Anita