Impossible 9ct Gold Chain Repair & Solder How To

[@xbrmxjamie]

i would just like to thank you for fixing my bracelet it got sentimental value more than anything. Thought it was going to be 1 hidden away in 1 of my drawers

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

No worries. Happy to help, it was a fun project. Thanks for having the trust in me to do this. Kind regards. Dave

[@kurtstory9466]

Wow--I didn't expect the chain could be fixed so well. Excellent--I'll show this video to friends who have damaged chains. On a slightly related note, some friends have shown me ads for hollow gold chains. Cheaper, but obviously less metal, and I can't imagine fixing a bent chain by your methods.

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Indeed not. many modern gold chains are hollow, for obvious cost savings. But when a hollow chain is bent, crushed or dented, then that's it. Usually they cant be repaired. I've seen gold chains with bent links, and when examined under a microscope you can see that its like a screwed up sweet wrapper. thin crushed foil. Ill I can do is offer to buy it for scrap and melt it down. Dave

[@kurtstory9466]

Thanks for your chain expert opinion--I suspected as much and will pass your insights along to friends considering these chains. I also observed that when priced per gram, 14K hollow chains are closer to the metal cost of solid 18K chains--at least here in the states.

[@teamskovhugger8135]

😉👍 WOW this just show us how skilled you are nice repair job . Also this confirm what I been thinking , in most if the jewlery shops here in my cuntry, there are really almost NO REAL SILVER OR GOLDSMITHS LEFT, Today its most way too young after school girls in these shops and they know NOTHING about things ,they can only sell you something , and make sure all the monny is in the Box at closing time . Think ITS sad things are going that way 🤔

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

True, most high street shops can only sell you items. Skilled goldsmiths are hard to find. Thanks. Dave

[@joeys7292]

When you get so good at something it usually becomes art, this much skill & knowledge is an art in itself good job

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Wow ! What a lovely thing to say. Thank you friend. Dave

[@mamaddoesdinner4977]

Hey Dave! I have to say when you apologized for the "noise" of your OG I thought you must have a very special brand of oxygen generator because yours sounds like a lovely garden of birds 😉 Mine sounds like a large aquarium bubbler. Absolutely love all your videos and have learned much from you and purchased products based on your recommendations 😊 Have A Super Fantastic Day!!

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Thanks for such a lovely comment. If you haven't already seen it, check out the link below... Dave kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJeTdYOer95qiZY

[@goober650NX]

Very nice video. Clear process of repair with an excellent result. Well done!

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Thanks you for your kind words. Dave

[@OwenAbc]

Absolutely stunning this! Fantastic work! Iv always wondered, how strong are these type of jump rings on this type of bracelet?

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Thank you! 😊 The finished bracelet is very strong. It effectually has two links at any point and all links are soldered. Dave

[@cherylmatthews4066]

Wow! Who's a clever man? Great job looks brilliantly new now.

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Thanks. If I was clever I'd have been able to flip the links back round without having to cut and re-solder them. But yes, the final result does look very nice.It was very sentimental to the young man who sent it (his grandmothers). so nice to know it has a life once again. Thanks for watching. Dave

[@cherylmatthews4066]

Celtic Dreams you did a great job there, bet he was really pleased. We just come back from Hurghada Egypt (5am today), hubby saved money up for a year so he could buy me an 18k gold curb bracelet, he bought one from the jewelry store in our hotel yesturday, he also bought 2 charms to go onto it, the bloke said he would take it to his workshop and attatch them and get it back to us before we leave for airport. Put the bracelet on and i was super chuffed wearing it, while waiting for our call to let us know what gate to go to...the bracelet fell off my wrist. I was mortified, husband got to see how much it will cost to get links welded now....hubby was not amused at all. Xx

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Hopefully just a quick solder job (under a tenner). Assuming its genuine gold ! Dave

[@cherylmatthews4066]

Celtic Dreams yes it genuin 18k its from Jeweler in Hotel. Markings are on lobster claw. Xx

[@khiggins08]

This was a great explanation of mending a troublesome bracelet. Thank you. I'm curious, though, about your reason for cutting and flipping links versus forcibly rotating the link in place? Does forcefully rotating an offending link run the possibility of doing more damage? I expect your experience has taught you that cutting and soldering is safer and faster in the long run.

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

I tried and tried, rolling, twisting and rattling it, and to be honest I couldn't get a single one in its place. I have no idea what happened to it. So I experimented by cutting one link, and instantly a couple of inches fell into place, so I knew that was the simplest solution. I am confident soldering small things like that, as its no different to the things I make.Thankfully I only needed to flip about 8 links, so about an hours work in total. A fun challenge and very rewarding to do. Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment. Dave.

[@lucholabyrinth]

Thanks Dave, I look forward to your next video!

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Thank you. Pleased you enjoyed it. Dave

[@shannondaniel4802]

Gorgeous! Great work! I’m about to attempt my first gold repair. Thanks for the info! Wish me luck! Hehe

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Gold (especially high carat like 14k or 18k) melts very easily, so use a gentle flame - dont blast it. Dave

[@robbiekish]

Me to Sharon and im so nervous LOL

[@Joeysthedev]

my chain had a tangles part like this and i put soap on it and jiggled it around and it worked

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Great. Thanks for sharing. Dave

[@ChrisAndCats]

its ridiculous of them to say it's impossible to repair - if they got there then it can be reversed. it just takes someone with ability and patience such as yourself to do the manipulations. It looks amazing ☺

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Thanks. i guess when a jeweller says its not repairable. They don't necessarily mean that its not possible. They may just mean Its not cost effective for them. thanks for watching. This was done as a favour for a viewer. but had I charged for my time and materials, It would have been more than the cost of the bracelet. Dave

[@pijnto]

excellent job , amazing how many so called jewellers can't be bothered

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Indeed. I'm not sure how much I'd charge for this. But the point is the bracelet was sentimental, So an hours labour is well worth it to the customer. Thanks for watching. Dave

[@christina6656]

Thank you for sharing your process! I know this video is quite old, but if you happen to see my comment I'd very much so appreciate your experienced input. I purchased a lot of chains the other day, as I dont have the time or experience to make them myself just yet. One of the square foxtail chains showed up with a decent kink/damaged section about 18" in (30" chain). The links appear to be quite a fragile gauge. Overall the chain is about 2mm thick. Is there any way to fix it without cutting the damaged part out? It appears they've been squished. Would running it through a square draw plate push it back into shape, do you think? Im really hoping I dont have to send it back and wait for a replacement. But if I must, I will! Thanks Dave!😊 -Christina

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Difficult to say without seeing it. If the link is damaged, then personally (if its possible) i would remove it and reconnect the chain. It may be then possible to weld or laser the link. assuming you have or know someone with a laser. Hope this helps, Dave

[@joshsmith7812]

Great job mate! Just a question, why does the chain look copper'ish in colour in some parts of the video?

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

No reason, perhaps just lighting. The Chain 9ct Yellow gold. Dave

[@GoldmanFineJewelersWilliamsBlv]

Hello Dave ... i am in usa and wondering if you know laser welding machine can weld gold hallow rope chains? i am sure you know gold hallow rope chains are hallow from inside. i will really appreciate. regards

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

No reason why not, But personally I Don't have laser and haven't used one. Dave

[@jimjam6598]

You mentioned an oxygen generator whilst soldering the first link of the bracelet - could I ask where to get one please? I'm stuck with a rubbishy old propane torch and want to move to an oxy acetylene one but don't want to have to pay a lot to constantly replace oxygen tanks.

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

I don't even know what country you are even in, so cant suggest specifically. Mine came from Cooksons here in the UK. You can see a full video of it below. Dave kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJichnpto9lkjZI

[@catrpilrgirl]

Lovely! What is the powder you sprinkled in the tumbler?

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Its called "Galley soap" or "Barrel brite" - trade name. See my vid here for lots of tips. Dave kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4mpo2mogbSro9U

[@samplum4150]

this is terrific! what ultrasonic cleaner do you have? i resort to boiling the kettle and using a toothbrush currently!

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

JPL Ultra 7000 made in the UK (link below). I have seen the same ultrasonic with different names, so i think they make them for other people too. so shop around. It isn't a heated model so I too boil the kettle (and use a drop of dish soap). You need to hot water to get rid of the greasy polish. They also make a larger unit with heating. Thanks for watching. Dave www.jamesproducts.co.uk/jpe-product.aspx?pg=1

[@phukjoebiden8237]

9K doesn't have enough gold content to even be considered "gold" in the United States, 10K or 41.7%. Jewelers here use 10K for it's strength, but is considered 'bottom of the barrel' gold-wise. I myself have multiple pieces, and enjoy my solid 24K jewelry such as classic-link chains and pendants... There's nothing quite like wearing the finest pure gold the Earth has managed to produce over eon's of time, not to mention it's brilliant luster that no other carat can produce and exceptional weight. It's fun to watch you work though, I'm always trying to learn. Although I'm of Irish and German decent, I'm a good ol' boy from Southern Florida and I'm told my I have an accent by people from other States he in the US, you sir have me beat....

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

I totally agree with you. 9ct is 37.5% so only just over a third gold. So it does seem wrong to call British jewelry "gold", when the majority of the alloy isn't gold. But it is a recognised gold standard here and pretty much everything here in the UK is 9ct, with the exception of a few high end rings in 18ct and 22ct. Thanks for the input. Dave

[@whylogicalthinking]

Just found one today with a knot in it thank you 🙏

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Hope my video helps. Dave

[@MM-nu3zs]

Love it! So educational

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Thank you. Dave

[@splash5974]

Nice job my friend! Cheers from Canada

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching. Dave

[@Xapiro]

Hello. Are you the one who makes the parrot clasp? I saw one like yours in another video. Is it done through a template glued to a thin sheet and then sawn and folded? Could you teach how to make or indicate a way to get the template to download?

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

No, I'm afraid not. I have never hand made a parrot clasp, sorry. But you have definatley got my attention. I have often wanted a very large one for huge necklaces, which I just cant buy from the usual suppliers. So I have been thinking of making my own. If I ever do, I will video it. In the meantime, but a cheap 17mm or so and cut it open, to see how its put together. They are indeed usually folded. I do however make box clasps, and will be making a video about those shortly. Dave

[@chronicfatiguediaries1111]

Thanks for this. How do you figure out how much to charge for repairs such as these? Do you have an hourly rate?

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

The usual method is materials + labour per hour. With materials, you add a profit, just as if you were selling the item. If I buy a wholesale ring, I will double it and add VAT to get my retail price (2.4x to 3X the cost). It's the same with materials. If you buy a sheet, wire, or findings for a repair, you charge it at retail price. Hence, you're still making a profit from your outlay. Don't forget things like polish, mops, solder and chemicals - everything has a cost, so work out the consumables cost per job (not easy) and add it to your materials. The hourly rate is up to you. But if you want the work, your prices will largely depend on what other jewellers in your area are charging. Often jewellers will have a fixed price list for common jobs, like ring sizing, soldering, adding claps or jump rings etc. If you can work quickly then great, but you need to charge for worst case scenario. I constantly quote for an hour’s work, then spend all evening on something. Be realistic about your time. (get a couple of friends to get quotes for some simple jobs from local jewellers) Also, be aware of fluctuating metal costs and the price of consumables going up. It’s very easy to get caught out when you need to reorder something again. For example, I used to include a free polishing cloth with each purchase - but the cloths have now doubled in price. It’s all a subject for a separate video, but I hope this helps. Thanks for watching. Dave

[@jakubkolaczynski526]

Sir I have to ask if you could possibly help me. My grandmother who since has passed gave me a gold necklace as a graduation gift about 20 years ago. The chain was in a pocket of some trousers when it got thrown into the clothing dryer machine and got heavily damaged. This necklace has irreplaceable sentimental value to me. Do you think you would be willing to help me? Thank you very much!

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Hi. happy to helps, but KZbin comments isnt really the place to be answering job requests. Please see my website and email me direct with some pictures. Dave. www.celticdreams.co.uk

[@phukjoebiden8237]

It appears to be a byzsantine link or a wheat link style bracelet to me.. Could be wrong? That's what style link I'm familiar with and appears like to me at first glance.

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

It only becomes apparent once its been fixed. Byzantine is quite different. This here is a "wheat" chain. a very attractive pattern (when its straight). Dave

[@theuncleherb]

I loved it. Very informative. Thanks for sharing.

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

you're welcome. Thank's for watching. Dave

[@Leena79]

Out of curiosity, how would you fix a similar chain, but in sterling silver, and the links are hollow? I have one to fix, but I think I won't be able to solder it without melting the whole piece. I'm thinking about making silver links which aren't hollow, and using them without soldering, but that feels like the cowards way. 😀

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Hollow chains are very tricky, usually gold ones. They can look very chunky but are made of almost foil. As you say the slightest heat and they will melt. You can take it to a jeweller who has a laser. But torch soldering hollow chains is almost impossible.

[@Leena79]

@@CelticDreamsCoUk I used the coward's way and made some sturdier links to keep the chain together, and the way the chain was made, I told the owner of said chain it will probably break from another spot before the "repaired" one. And, I suggested taking it to someone with the laser equipment. In my mind, I cursed the companies who make such chains from silver. I bet no-one told the lady whose chain it was that it was hollow before me.

[@John-ut4go]

i bought a necklace online and it has similar links and there is one section that is twisted im really struggling to untwist it !

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

If you can't correct it yourself, then take it to a jeweller and ask them to remove, replace and solder it,. should only be a cheap solder job. Dave

[@jesusreyes4954]

Could a figaro chain be fixed? Mine broke but i dont know if it can be fixed or if i need to replace it

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

certainly, A figaro is just a variation of a curb chain. Any local jeweller should be able to fix it for a pew pounds. Hope this helps. Dave

[@ugnee17]

Thanks for your advise but it didt work for me so I decided to use the power of gob and put it by my angle over night thank you so much

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Not sure what the power of gob is or an angle is, but thanks for watching and glad i was able to help in some way. Dave

[@GetSrae]

@@CelticDreamsCoUk i think they mean the power of god and put it by an Angel.

[@jglow22]

@@GetSrae I was wondering what the heck "gob and angle" was too! Thank you for taking the time and being so kind in translating/correcting/interpreting for other.

[@lezlierussell2834]

Very informative video. Really enjoyed it.

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Thanks for watching. Dave

[@Xapiro]

Good work.

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Thank you! Cheers! Dave

[@milespires4881]

Great video! By the way what’s the name of this link?

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

I believe it's called a Wheat Chain. Dave

[@noed.martinez9358]

Hi. thank you for the great videos.

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching. Dave

[@evanglad5413]

Does it cost money? Because I would like you to maybe finish up my rope chain and get all the imperfections out. Plz respond back it will be very helpful.

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Everything costs money. I am a professional jeweller so I need to charge for my time and skills. That's why I say at the beginning of the video that everything can be fixed, it's just a matter of cost. If you want a more specific idea, then email me some pictures. Dave [e-mail]

[@evanglad5413]

@@CelticDreamsCoUk all right that is cool and I am sorry that I asked if it cost money it's just I was not sure and what you do is awesome! And I might consider.

[@evanglad5413]

@@CelticDreamsCoUk and does it cost money to do a tutorial on how to fix a rope chain and the rope chain is Tiny and it has very small links and I made it but can you please do a tutorial on how to straighten out the links

[@michellepatrick7486]

Is this chain gold filled, or solid gold?

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Solid 9ct yellow gold. Hallmrked. Dave

[@emmaphilo4049]

Love this!! Such nice results :)

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Thank you! Cheers! Dave

[@joeissa9548]

Awesome Job !

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Thanks Joe. Dave

[@brisbanenight]

Have you ever made a 6in1 out of 9k gold before?

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Depends what you mean by a 6 in 1. I have made lots of Persian 6 in 1 and most other chain designs too. usually I work in sterling silver, but I do make gold chains to order if people are prepared for the cost. 9ct gold wire is typically 20x the cost of silver wire. So gold chains arent cheap. Are you looking for one? Dave

[@brisbanenight]

Celtic Dreams normally I get my jeweller friend to make it for me but I think this project would drive him insane. I am looking at getting one made tho. The only problem is most the time I supply my own gold for these projects so it ends up being cheaper as I’m mostly paying for labor time. Do you produce your own wire?

[@robbiekish]

Do you not use flux on gold or your paste has flux

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

The solder paste does have flux mixed in with it. But I do sometimes use extra flux, to prevent oxidising and help the flow. Dave

[@theschoolofjewelleryireland]

Wow that was a mess, great fix.

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Indeed. A little intimidating at first, but quite simple in the end. Dave

[@klaw3397]

That bracelet look like it was at mid way point to be coming on Miami Cuban link.

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Yes, it's kind of tho interwoven. I believe it's called a wheat chain. very beautiful (when its fixed). Dave

[@wedthurfri]

what was you using in tumbler to clean chain thanks

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Steel shot, pins and galley soap. Check out my tum,bling video here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4mpo2mogbSro9U Dave.

[@pedrogonzalez330]

Como se llama la cadena y como se hace

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

"Wheat Chain" Creo que es posible hacerlo. No se como Gracias por ver. Dave

[@nikolaiz9622]

соотношение ригеля к проволоке,спасибо!

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Я не сделал браслет, поэтому я не знаю этого соотношения. Я только что отремонтировал его. Спасибо за просмотр. Dave

[@nikolaiz9622]

всё понял,спасибо!

[@Dharlanna]

Amazing!

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Thanks. Dave

[@pianoman1558]

Why not Orion mPuls 30 ?!

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

I didn't have the welder when I did this project. But yes it would have certainly made life easier. Thanks for watching.Dave

[@brendanchwascinski2310]

Is silver there's no gold

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Not sure if you're asking a question or not. The bracelet is 9ct yellow gold as in the title. Dave

[@teamskovhugger8135]

🤔 WHAT ...???? OXYGEN GENERATOR PLEASE DO TELL AND SHOW US HOW IT WORKS AND WHERE TO GET ONE ?

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

I made a Video on it, see the link. Dave kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJichnpto9lkjZI

[@brendanchwascinski2310]

9k is not gold

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

9k is 9ct Gold. Here in the UK we use the word "Carrat" but in the USA and some other countries they use the word "Karat" with a K. in both cases they refer to parts per 24. So 9K and 9ct are the same thing. Here in the UK 9ct is by far the most popular standard and is used for the majority of gold jewellery due to its strength. it is marked 375 as it contains 375 parts per thousand or 37.5% pure gold. or 9 parts per 24 pure gold, hence the term 9ct or 9k. Admittedly 9ct gold has a greater percentage of copper and nickel than actual gold content (it's just over one third gold). Hence why 9ct is seldom seen outside of the UK. but here in the UK it is hallmarked and officially referred to as "gold." Anything less cannot legally be called gold. Dave