All About Sterling Silver Jewelry Repair

Is your sterling silver jewelry broken and you want to know how you can repair it? Learn more about jewelry repair here.

Keyword(s): jewelry repair

Have you finally established your own personal brand? Have you curated and collected an array of high-quality jewelry that perfectly conveys your "you" to the world?

Maybe you have, or maybe you're still in the process. But due to the incredible benefits of sterling silver jewelry, it's very likely that you already have several pieces of it in your collection. Despite its relative durability compared to gold, though, silver clasps and chains are still prone to breaking.

So take a look at this brief guide to sterling silver jewelry repair. You'll be glad you did if misfortune does befall that one silver necklace you can wear with everything!

Jewelry Repair Using Hand Tools

Whether it's a piece of men's or women's jewelry that has suffered a breakage, the basic construction is the same, so you're going to employ the same methods to perform your repair.

Clasps are a common breaking point, and repairing them is a relatively simple, painless task. And all the better, because a piece of jewelry does you no good if you can't wear it, no matter how pristine its condition otherwise.

For this procedure, you'll need:

• New clasps and extra jump rings (usually silver-plated)
• Small flat-nosed pliers x 2
• Good overhead lighting
• Hands-free magnifying glass (optional)

Procedure

First, find the slit (which is really a tiny gap) in the jump ring that connects the clasp to the piece of jewelry. Now, grip the ring on one side of that slit with the jaws of one of the pliers. Then, using the other pair of pliers, grip the ring on the other side.

Widen the gap in the ring by slowly rotating forward with one hand and twisting backward with the other. Ensure that you don't pull horizontally on the sides of the ring. That will make it extremely difficult to bend the ring back into proper shape, and trying to do so will likely just snap the ring in half anyway.

The old clasp should now slide free. If there are any damaged jump rings (including the one you just opened), open and replace them as well.

Now you can hook the new clasp onto the open jump ring and then twist it closed. Make sure the jump rings are closed tightly and the new clasp is secure.

And that's it, you're done!

Jewelry Repair Using a Soldering Torch

If you need to repair a broken chain, chain links, rings, settings, or charms, then you can light 'em if you got 'em. This task requires some patience and practice, and you'll also need the following supplies:

• Pickle solution
• A soldering torch
• Hard silver solder
• A towel
• A small paintbrush
• Tweezers and/or small flat-nosed pliers
• Wire cutters or sharp scissors
• Heavy work gloves
• Eye protection
• Fire brick

Soldering Torch?

Wait, don't we mean "soldering iron?" No, we said what we meant!

Sure, soldering does involve melting bits of metal onto other bits of metal, and a soldering iron does just that. So why wouldn't one be appropriate for repairing your silver jewelry?

Soldering irons are usually used for soldering electrical wires together and melting soft solder, which is usually tin- or lead-based. These materials have relatively low melting points (around 752°F).

Therefore, soldering irons aren't designed to get up to the temperatures required to melt the hard silver solder (1640°F) used in jewelry repair.

This is where soldering torches come in. They can be fueled by tanks of butane, propane, or other clean fuels. You can see what a suitable soldering kit for beginners includes here.

Procedure

"Safety first," they always say. And they're right.

First, make sure your workspace is clean, well ventilated, and free of flammable items. Also, make sure to shield your work surface from heat with a tile or other heat-resistant object that's large enough to work on. Don't forget to use heavy gloves to protect your hands from the heat of the soldering torch, and wear some goggles for good measure!

1. Prepare your jewelry by letting the pieces you're going to solder sit in a pickle solution; this removes any grease or oil from the surface that could interfere with soldering.
2. Remove the jewelry from the pickle solution using tweezers and place the pieces that are to be soldered onto the fire brick.
3. Use your wire cutters or sharp scissors to cut off tiny pieces of solder; set them aside.
4. Apply flux to the area you're going to solder with a small paintbrush.
5. Use a pair of tweezers to place the pieces of solder you cut in Step 3 between the parts of silver you want to join together.
6. Ignite your torch and begin heating the silver; don't heat the solder directly! When you see the solder starting to run into the space you want connected, remove the flame.
7. Use your tweezers or pliers to pick up the still-hot piece of jewelry and quench it in a bowl of water.

Removing Shallow Scratches in Your Silver Jewelry

Tiny scratches may accumulate on the surface of your sterling silver jewelry, either while you're performing repairs or over the course of normal wear. These scratches may not lead to breakage, but they can cause your silver to lose its shine.

You can remove these scratches by buffing them out with a microfiber cloth. These are designed to buff and polish silver without harsh cleaning chemicals or polishing agents, which can damage the protective coatings (like rhodium) that are often added to sterling silver.

Keeping Your Silver Jewelry Clean

Everything from sterling silver body jewelry to silver eating utensils builds up tarnish over time. Part of keeping your silver jewelry in a good state of repair is keeping it as radiant as the day you got it. Luckily, you can click here to access a quick guide we prepared to help you with DIY jewelry cleaning.

Back to Your Collection

Now that you don't have to fret over what to do if a precious piece of your sterling silver jewelry gets damaged, you can get back to crafting your own signature look with Roma.

So if you plan on making some elegant pieces of sterling silver a part of that look—and free shipping to anywhere in the United States on orders over $50 catches your fancy—then click here to browse our stunning selection of silver necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more!

How to Style a Sterling Silver Chain

Do you have a sterling silver chain necklace and don't know how to style it? Learn more about how to make your chain pop.

Keyword(s): sterling silver chain 

Accessories are an important part of fashion and fashion history—just as important as main articles of clothing. In fact, while our main layers have shifted from tunics to frocks to T-shirts, human shave still remained wearing necklaces, bracelets, and hats. 

If you've recently found yourself in possession of a sterling silver chain, congratulations. You've invested in one of the best types of accessories out there. Sterling silver is of high quality, and you can be sure that your necklace will turn heads... if you can wear it right. 

This article will walk you through everything you need to know about styling sterling silver jewelry so that you can get the most out of your jewelry. 

Let It Stand Out  

One thing is for sure, a sterling silver necklace is a bold piece. You could even call it a statement piece. When you wear a piece this bold, you want to make sure that people can focus on it. 

A statement piece, as those who read the article linked above will know, is the first thing people notice about your outfit. A good rule to remember is to never wear two statement pieces at once.

If you wear a sterling silver necklace combined with a pair of flashy shoes, you'll look tacky. It will give the appearance that you're trying too hard when you want your necklace to look effortless. It will also draw attention away from your beautiful necklace. 

Instead, wear something that's sleek, one-colored, and modernist. For example, a simple sleeveless top. If you wear something like this that has little ostentation, you'll create a combination that's pleasing to the eye. 

This works vice-versa too. People will be able to appreciate the subtle uniqueness of your top in contrast to your over-the-top necklace. A sterling silver chain is a great way to make the rest of your outfit shine. 

Wear Bright Colors

Sterling silver isn't just a material—it's a color as well. Many people get so excited about the fact that they have a new necklace and forget that they need to coordinate it color-wise with their outfit. 

Look for light shades of blue, brighter shades of purple, and any shade of white. The key is to look for colors with cool undertones. 

Make use of color theory to make sure you get your sterling silver necklace fashion right. Blue is a stereotypically cool color, but if you get a blue with warm undertones, it just won't look right against your sterling silver necklace. 

A great example of undertone theory in action is a nice cool pink. If you wear the right shade of pink, it can work nicely as a bed for your sterling silver necklace to lie on.

We don't recommend wearing your silver necklace with browns. The earthy nature of a brown is excessively warm and would work better with some sort of leather necklace. Grey is too chromatically similar to your sterling silver necklace, and so would wash it out. 

However, there is one dark color that works well with a silver necklace. 

Wear Black 

Whereas cool bright tones work well with sterling silver necklaces analogously, black tops work complementary, enhancing the effect of both colors by contrast. 

We highly recommend wearing your sterling silver necklace with a feminine black turtleneck. Black turtlenecks are in style right now, and you can see feminine fashion icons like Phoebe Bridgers wearing them. It's always a good idea to go with a black turtleneck, denim skirt, tights, and your sterling silver necklace. 

A fitted black turtleneck feels mysterious, intellectual, and restrained, as opposed to the all-out flirty looks that many women go with today. However, adding your necklace to a black turtleneck is the perfect way to let people know that you don't mind a good adventure. 

We recommend wearing a slight but effective bracelet just peeking out at the bottom of your turtleneck. This, combined with your necklace, will give off that sense of adventure even more. Rings work for this purpose as well. 

Combine Light and Black 

A sterling silver necklace is a perfect thing to wear if you're looking to combine light colors with black—the ultimate modernist statement of individuality. 

Consider wearing your sterling silver necklace combined with a white-shirt/black-leather-jacket combo. Why not take this retro feminine greaser badass look that many women like nowadays and spice it up a bit? Wearing skinny blue jeans and black heels is the perfect way to subvert this traditionally masculine outfit. 

We also recommend wearing a light pink or blue button-down combined with a black peacoat and your necklace. This will surely make you seem mysterious. It's a more subtle look than the neo-greaser attire, but it can work just as well. 

Get an Adjustable Length Chain 

Make your new secret weapon an adjustable length chain. Different lengths for your sterling silver necklace are perfect for different situations. A short necklace is great to create some visual interest if you're going for a more subtle, buttoned-up look. A longer chain can work perfectly if you're leaving some buttons unbuttoned. 

Depending on the length you wear your necklace at, the outfits listed above can be entirely transformed. Get yourself an adjustable length chain, and customize your fashion experience. 

A Sterling Silver Chain Is Perfect For You 

A sterling silver chain is a great way to stand out from others in the world of fashion. However, it only works if you know exactly how to style it. Make sure you don't wear it with any other statement pieces, wear cool bright colors or black, consider combing cool bright colors with black, and get an adjustable length chain, and you're sure to shine. 

For more information, check out our collections!

Jewelry can say a lot about a person, which is why you need to make sure you keep reading this guide to learn what to wear on the first day of work.

Keyword(s): what to wear on the first day of work

First impressions often have a lasting effect. Even if you aren't a self-proclaimed fashionista, how you present yourself on the first day of work matters.

If you already picked out your outfit for the first day of work, make sure you complete the look with just the right pieces of jewelry. 

Are you wondering what to wear on the first day of work?

Here's what to consider when choosing your jewelry.

What to Wear on the First Day of Work: Jewelry Edition

Your first day of work outfit feels like the first day of school all over again, right? Trying on different combinations of skirts, blouses, suits, statement necklaces; while exciting, it is also frustrating and overwhelming. 

Can we all just have personal stylists already?

Until then, we're here to assist you in picking out the perfect outfit and the jewelry to match. 

What's the Vibe at Work?

The first step on your journey to figure out what to wear your first day of work is to figure out what type of aesthetic the new workplace will have!

When you interview, make sure to observe not only the work environment, but how people act, dress, and behave.

While you always want to go into your new job with a professional attitude, and outfit to match, you do want to feel like a fish out of water. 

What we mean is- if everyone is wearing jeans and sweaters at work, you don't want to show up the first day wearing a black pantsuit. Find a middle ground and find your sweet spot. Jewelry is a great tool to turn simple-boring to simple-elegant.  

Achieve the Perfect Balance

The key to wearing jewelry in the workplace is to be professional, while also letting a bit of your personality shine through. 

So what do we mean by balance? Don't wear heavy, excessive jewelry. There is no hard and fast rule here, but the idea is that you don't overload yourself with jewelry, specifically in one area.

You don't want to wear giant chandelier earrings with layered necklaces. That's a lot going on near your face! If you feel the desire to wear dangly earrings, skip out on the necklace and go with a simple updo.  

Another thing to consider would be balancing the jewelry with the outfit. If your outfit is colorful, choose more modest jewelry.

Dark solid outfit? Choose something brighter to lighten the look. 

Pop of Color

Again, its all about achieving the balance! Don't overdo it with the color. 

You want to stand out, but not in a bad way. Certainly, you want to be remembered for the work you contribute and not the poor fashion choices you made your first day!

Just like body language and outfits, color can communicate unspoken messages to your new peers.

Red and blue assert confidence. Fake it 'til you make it!

Simplicity is Key

Similar to balance, simplicity is essential to making a good first impression on your first day of work. 

We've talked about how color can translate emotions and confidence. Several different colors will be confusing to the outfit and also your message. 

As far as the pieces of jewelry are concerned, choose some on the simple side, as well.

Earrings are the best option if you feel the need to add some wild to your outfit. One of our favorite ways to add a pop color to an outfit is through colorful earrings!

Ring, Ring

Hello? Anyone there? It's us letting you know the deal with wearing rings to work!

Feel more than free to wear your wedding ring and other pieces like a Claddaugh ring or a family heirloom. 

Don't wear more than 3 rings, make sure they are appropriate! Be practical if you have a position where you will be typing a lot.

Pieces to Avoid

We can give you all the bits of "first day of work" advice, but your own personality has to shine through in your clothing and jewelry choices.

On the other hand, there are a few things you should avoid for the sake of professionalism and functionality. 

Chunky Bracelets

You don't want to be jingle jangling all over the office on your first day of work, do you? 

This doesn't mean you can't, or shouldn't, wear simpler jewelry on your wrists. An  elegant bracelet can be the metaphorical icing on the cake. If you do decide to go the bracelet route, keep it basic and business professional (or go with a watch).

Save the bangles for a different time. 

Noisy Pieces

Do you want people to hear you by the sound of your jewelry jingling as you're walking about the office? 

Give yourself a jewelry noise test before the first day of work. Walk around, shake your arms, bend down to pick something off the floor. If you're making noise, consider different (quieter) pieces. 

Elaborate Earrings

Earrings are a good way to get wild with jewelry at work, but there is a line for a professional workplace. 

While you can wear something colorful and dangly, it is best to stay away from funky earrings like Christmas trees or cats.

You can wear all of your interesting earrings when you're at home! They don't have a solid place in the work environment.

Layering Necklaces

Any long necklace may get in the way, but layering multiple necklaces can be problematic for functionality and appearance. 

They will likely get in the way when you're leaning down or doing work. If there is a set of necklaces you MUST wear your first day of work, wear it around for a day and see if it's a problem before trying again.

Choosing the Perfect Accessories for Work

So, we here at wehoautodetail shared our secrets with you, but there is still a lot of information you can find on our website.

When choosing what to wear on the first day of work, pick 3 items or less and make sure they are not noisy or extravagant.

Check out a set of colored earrings, a dainty bracelet, and this short, elegant necklace on our website as an example of what to look for when you're accessorizing for work. 

Like this blog post? Don't forget to pin it!