Repairing a bracelet
A cracked hinge can render even a high-quality bracelet unusable and presents goldsmiths with the question of how to repair it without damaging the piece further. Using a Cartier bracelet as an example, this tutorial shows how a defective hinge can be cleaned, positioned and precisely welded with the PUK step by step – for a result that is in no way inferior to the original.
Prepare
The defective parts are sorted and placed in the correct order.
Cleaning
The hinges must be thoroughly cleaned and degreased before welding. As they are torn from the strap, both surfaces must be lightly reworked.
Welding hinges
The hinges are welded to the PUK from the rear. It is helpful to push the armand together with a pin to define the correct distances. In addition, material (V2A) is welded on, mainly from the rear on the sides of the hinges as far as possible.
Protect edges
As much material is applied to the back as is required for subsequent post-processing. The parameters for V2A, thin material geometry and for the application of welding wire in the standard setting were used here.
Screw on the bracelet
Finally, the bracelet is screwed together and reworked on the back so that nothing of the repair is visible at the end. If slight imperfections are still visible, these can be easily welded on afterwards.
Reworking
After grinding, the bracelet is carefully polished and the original matt finish on the back is renewed.
