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How to Fix a Broken Cuban Link Chain: A Step-by-Step Guide

Posted By Stefan Selg on Feb 15, 2024

A broken Cuban link chain can be a frustrating setback, especially if your necklace holds some value. Whether you’re emotionally attached to your chain or it has been an expensive investment, fixing a broken Cuban link chain is often possible.

With the right tools and instructions, you can easily repair your precious Cuban link chain at home, saving you the cost of getting it fixed professionally or having to purchase a new one.

From assessing the damage and gathering the appropriate tools to restoring your cherished piece of jewelry, here’s everything you need to know to fix a broken Cuban link chain in a few easy steps.

Assessing the Damage

Before you even attempt to fix your broken chain, it’s important to assess the damage through visual and physical inspection.

You’ll need a soft cloth or any soft surface to lay the Cuban link chain flat. You may also need a jewelry loupe for increased precision.

Here are the steps you should follow to assess the damage:

Visual Examination: Carefully inspect the Cuban link chain to locate the breakage points. Make sure to examine individual links and determine if there are any bent, broken, or missing pieces. Identify the number of broken links.

Weak Spot Detection: It’s important to thoroughly inspect the entire length of the Cuban link chain to find spots showing any signs of wear and tear. Although there may not be any broken links yet, weak spots could potentially lead to future breakage points.

Flexibility Testing: Take the chain and gently manipulate it with your hands to check how flexible it is. Ideally, the chain should bend easily with gentle movements. Look for the areas that feel stiff to find the stress points. These spots will most likely require repair in the future.

Checking Clasps and Other Components: You should also check for any additional damage to the clasp, connections, or other components. Determine if they require to be repaired or replaced.

Determining the Extent: Finally, confirm the extent of the damage to evaluate whether the Cuban link chain can be fixed at home or you need to refer to a professional jeweler for further assistance.

Gathering Necessary Tools

After identifying the problem, you should gather the tools you’ll need to fix the broken Cuban link chain.

Here’s what to get:

Rubber-tipped needle-nose pliers

You’ll need a pair of needle-nose pliers for handling and maneuvering small links. Make sure the pliers have rubberized tips to prevent scratches or further damage to the metal.

You may need two pliers to hold the chain with one and open the link with the other.

Avoid using pliers with serrated jaws as you could cause irreversible damage to the Cuban link chain.

Jewelry loupe

If your Cuban link chain is smaller in size or features intricate details, then consider getting a jewelry loupe for improved precision.

Soft lint-free cloth

Using a soft jewelry cloth during the repair process will prevent your Cuban link chain from getting scratched. You can use a smaller cloth to wipe the links and maintain their glow.

Replacement chain links

You should also get additional links based on the number of broken links in your Cuban link chain.

You may need soldered or unsoldered chain links depending on the style of your Cuban link chain.

Clasps or other components, if needed

If you’ve noticed that the clasp and other connecting components of the Cuban link chain also need to be fixed, make sure to get the necessary tools to complete the repair process.

Reconnecting Broken Links

If you’ve already identified the damage and gathered the necessary tools, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fix a broken Cuban link chain.

Step 1: Remove the broken or damaged links from the chain;

Step 2: Take an unsoldered replacement link and gently open it using needle-nose pliers ;

Step 3: Hook the closed end of the chain to the open link ;

Step 4: Gently squeeze the ends of the open link using the needle-nose plier and close it;

Step 5: Lay the Cuban link chain flat on a soft surface and check its structural integrity;

Step 6: Glide your fingers across the chain and check if the links are aligned with each other;

Step 7: Make sure to get kinks out of the chain, if any;

Step 7: Repeat the process as needed until all the broken links are replaced.

When to Seek Professional Help

Although we’ve explained how to fix a gold chain at home, you may not always be able to repair a Cuban link chain without professional assistance.

In fact, you should always consult a professional jeweler if the damage is extensive or the repair requires intricate work. The reason for this is that professional jewelers have the expertise and specialized tools for complex repairs.

If your Cuban link chain is missing multiple components and its structural integrity has been altered, it’s recommended to seek professional help instead of attempting to solve the problem by yourself.

Besides, if your Cuban link chain is made of high-karat gold or is encrusted with diamonds, visiting a local jeweler would not only make the process smoother but also ensure that your precious necklace maintains its glorious appearance.

Additionally, working with Cuban link chains that are thinner than 6mm or thicker than 14mm can be tricky. While you may be able to easily fix Cuban link chains with moderate thickness, repairing other options may require professional involvement.

Preventive Measures for Future Maintenance

Fixing a broken Cuban link chain is possible, but you can also take some preventive measures to avoid damaging your gold chain in the first place.

Take a look at these maintenance tips to prevent future damage and ensure the longevity of the Cuban link chain:

Proper Storage: Knowing how to store jewelry is key to keeping it in perfect condition. You should store your Cuban link chain separately from other pieces to prevent tangling and minimize wear. Consider using a compartmented jewelry box or a soft fabric pouch for safe storage.

Regular Cleaning: Cleaning your Cuban link chain regularly will prevent dust and grime accumulation, ensuring that the necklace maintains its luster. To clean gold chains thoroughly, you can use a baking soda solution or mild dish soap and wipe the necklace dry with a soft cloth.

Removing When Needed: Avoid wearing your Cuban link chain during physical activities that may stress or snag it. It’s recommended to take off chain necklaces while swimming, running, exercising, and showering to reduce wear and tear.

Explore Cuban Link Chain Replacement Options at IceCartel

IceCartel is a reliable online store showcasing a diverse collection of Cuban link chains with exclusive designs.

Whether you enjoy elegant looks or prefer statement pieces, IceCartel has a Cuban link chain for every style.

Discover some of the exquisite Cuban link chains from IceCartel’s diverse collection of premium-quality chains.

6MM Cuban Link Chain 14K White Gold

This Cuban Link chain measures 6 millimeters in diameter and is a perfect replacement option for those who value the classic elegance of minimalistic chain necklaces.

Available in gold-plated silver and 14K solid gold, the Cuban link chain offers versatility and suitability for all types of style preferences.

The iced-out clasp comprises round-cut moissanite diamonds, adding a luxurious touch to the overall design.

14MM Cuban Link Chain 14K Yellow Gold

If you need a replacement for your statement-making Cuban link chain, this 14 mm chain necklace from IceCartel’s yellow gold collection is for you.

With its bulky appearance and moissanite diamond-encrusted clasp, this Cuban link chain is a perfect choice for those who enjoy extravagant allure and sophisticated appeal.

5-Row 20MM Moissanite Cuban Link Chain 14K Gold

IceCartel’s gold chain collection showcases an exclusive 20 mm Cuban link chain iced out with 5 rows of round-cut D-color moissanite diamonds.

Whether worn as a statement piece or combined with other necklaces, this Cuban link chain gives radiant brilliance and exquisite appeal to any look.

Conclusion

What could be worse than breaking a precious chain necklace that you’ve been wearing non-stop? Luckily, there are some quick and easy ways to repair a broken Cuban link chain at home using just a couple of tools, such as needle-nose pliers and a jewelry loupe.

You should keep in mind that understanding how to assess the damage is just as important as knowing how to fix a broken Cuban link chain. By visually inspecting your chain necklace and finding broken areas or weak spots, you can effectively fix the Cuban link chain at home.

However, if the damage is extensive or your Cuban link chain features a complex design and intricate details, you should consider visiting a professional jeweler for further assistance.

While you can take proactive measures for maintenance, keeping a Cuban link chain in perfect condition is not always possible.

You can always opt for purchasing a new Cuban link chain by exploring exclusive replacement options at IceCartel.

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Author: Stefan Selg

Stefan has had a passion for watches for nearly a decade. Ever since he got his first watch back in 2015 he has learned and immersed himself into the world, brining the knowledge to readers in understandable and relatable language.

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