A common repair request we receive is to repair broken or dented bangles, hoops, and chains. But unfortunately many of these cannot be repaired once they are damaged – even if they are made out of 14k or 18k gold. If your bangle, hoop, or chain is hollow, you're in for a disappointing conversation if you find yourself holding a broken earring post or severed chain one day. Here's why it's a tricky repair, and what we recommend purchasing instead.

Hollow tubes (whether in bangle, chain, or earring form) contain air inside their structure. If you heat up a hollow tube, the air expands and actually pops the tube, breaking the structure apart. Well done repairs require heat in order to melt the solder and the metal together, so it's not possible to reaffix a broken post or replace a broken clasp on a bangle. If your hollow hoops, chain, or bangle breaks, you are unfortunately out of luck.

Similarly, if you dent or bend a hollow structure, it cannot be straightened out. Hollow tubes are typically created using very thin layers of gold, so these pieces tend to be prone to denting when worn. You need to take extra care not to drop your hollow hoops, and your hollow bangle will look dented and worn quite quickly if you wear it every day. Once it's bent, it's bent forever.

The benefit of a hollow structure is, of course, the fact that it’s going to weigh less. For earrings especially, this is a benefit since heavy earrings are not only uncomfortable, they will stretch your earring hole. And, of course, with less gold used the item will cost significantly less. Especially with bigger, bolder looks, hollow pieces have their place, just wear them with care, and be careful how much you spend on them in the first place. To me, something is worth investing in if you can truly keep it forever, and hollow pieces simply don't fit that bill.

If you're looking for more lasting alternatives, consider a solid gold option. Our bezel-set diamond hoops are sizable but not too heavy, and the extra sparkle makes them feel especially elevated. If you're looking to splurge, our new Grasseto Diamond Huggies would be the perfect option for a daily wear look that feels high lux. For bangles, we highly highly recommend our signature Alx&Co. solid gold bangles. We craft these to order, in your perfect size, and we can add custom options such as personalized gemstones, engraving, or special textures. We can even use gold from your own collection to craft your bangle, so that you can achieve new life from old pieces.

When you're investing your money and heart into the jewelry you wear, make sure to examine the craft and make of the piece so that you know that you will be setting yourself up for decades of meaningful wear. We hope to see you at Alx&Co. soon for your next special purchase!

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