Bead jewellery repair basics — fix the five common failures

Repair work is how most makers level up — you see how pieces fail and never build them the same way again.

Failure 1 — broken strand

Re-string fresh. Tape the intact sections flat in order first (a sticky-tape bead snake preserves the pattern). Replace the material, not just the knot.

Failure 2 — failed crimp

Almost always a flattened crimp. Replace it, roll properly this time, add a crimp cover. If the cable is nicked at the crimp, shorten past the damage.

Failure 3 — snapped elastic

Re-string on quality elastic; double-pass heavy beads; tie a surgeon's knot with NO glue (glue embrittles elastic).

Failure 4 — knot gaps in pearl strands

A re-string job on silk — counts as practice, not failure. Fresh silk, same bead order, snug knots.

Failure 5 — worn clasps and plating

Swap the clasp; match metal tone and weight. A quality lobster or toggle costs little and rescues the whole piece.

Each repair teaches more than a new build. The essentials course covers the construction standards that prevent most of these; the stringing guide shows the correct builds.

What students say

“I will use the skills learnt to make jewellery and other items, such as phone chains, christmas tree decorations & hopefully sell them.”

— Nadia W. (England) · published student feedback

“If you want to understand about jewellery, come to JDMIS.”

— Darvina P. (Singapore) · published student feedback

Free ways to explore

No sign-up, no payment — start with any of these.

DDownload the gem e-bookFREE
The school's free guide to gems — reading companion to the webinars.FFree gem webinar replaysFREE
Full recorded sessions on gems and the jewellery trade.PPlay Name That GemFREE
The school's free gem-identification game — addictive.TThe complete course guideFREE
Every course, family and diploma in one PDF.

Keep exploring

Wire wrapped loops — the connection that never failsHow to make simple loops, wrapped loops and linked bead chains with hand tools — the wirewHandmade bead jewellery gift guide — what to make for whomGift-worthy bead jewellery projects matched to their recipients — mothers, partners, frienWhere to buy beads and jewellery-making supplies in SingaporeA beader's guide to buying supplies in Singapore — what to look for in a supplier, what toBeading techniques guide — stringing, weaving and wirework explainedThe three core beading technique families explained with real classroom examples — what ea

Turn beading into a certified skill

JDMIS in Singapore runs hands-on fashion jewellery and beading courses, from one-day workshops to a full Fashion Jewellery Arts diploma.

Visit jdmis.edu.sg