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Necklace Bail Repair: What Is It and Why You Need It

Written by Annabelle
May 20, 2019

Necklaces and pendants are really sentimental items to wear; people frequently touch them for comfort, or fiddle around with it while talking. While that's a normal habit, constant wear and tear from tugging can actually damage the bail, or the part that allows your pendant to hang onto the chain. Read more to learn about the necklace bail repair process and why it's so crucial.

What is a Bail?

The bail is the part of the pendant that attaches it to a chain. It's a tiny and easily overlooked piece, but it's very important because you won't be able to wear your pendant if the bail is broken.

Bails come in different shapes and sizes. The simplest type of bail is a jump ring, or a small loop of metal that can be easily opened and soldered shut. Other bails can be quite decorative, and may even be a physical part of the pendant instead of a separate piece.

The Process of Fixing A Broken Bail

To start a necklace bail repair, the jeweler has to first assess the situation. Sometimes bails are simply missing; in that case, the jeweler will supply and attach a new one. Other pieces may still have most of the bail intact, with one broken portion.

  • Completely missing bail: The jeweler consults with the client and selects a bail style that best suits the client's tastes and the pendant's style. The bail is either attached directly to the pendant, or soldered to a loop at the top of the pendant.
    broken-necklace-pendant-bail

    This key pendant's original bail had completely snapped off, requiring a replacement.

  • Partially-intact bail: The jeweler can rebuild the bail by placing some metal and soldering the loop closed. This creates an intact bail that the chain will not slip out of.
necklace-bail-repair-opal

A vintage opal pendant that had a broken bail.

  • Damaged bail: If the bail is intact but crushed, the jeweler will round out and reshape the bail to restore it back to its original condition. However, this restoration is dependent on the extent of the damage and the strength of the material. If the bail seems fragile and unsuitable for daily wear even in its restored state, the jeweler will recommend replacing it entirely.
    necklace-bail-repair-crushed

Why You Need to Fix Your Necklace Bail

It goes without saying that a bail is necessary in order for you to wear your pendant. But even if it's not broken, you should still examine your necklace after long periods of wear. If the bail is an unsoldered jump ring, it may have a gap that can widen over time and increase the risk of you losing your favorite piece. Checking on your bail is like car maintenance; you want to ensure that it's in the best condition to avoid any issues.

The Cost of A Necklace Bail Repair

Pricing for a bail repair depends on the damage, and if a replacement is necessary.

  • The type of metal: The price scales up in accordance with the metal. If it's sterling silver, the repair is comparatively cheaper than a gold pendant, which would require gold material to fix.
  • Repair vs. replacement: If the original bail can be retained, the price will be lower since there's less of a material cost. However, if the bail needs to be replaced, the jeweler will include the cost of the new bail in the overall charge. This price can vary depending on the style, size, and metal type of the replacement bail.

You're all set to repair your favorite necklaces and pendants! If you're ready to get started, check out our bail repair service below.

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