Help: I Need to Replace a Brooch Stem Back

[rubiano98]

I need the part but I can't find what I need after searching the Internet using various cominations of search terms. Can anyone help? Even taking the pin off the back of an old and unwanted brooch is OK., if you have one. I would have a jeweler weld it into place if gluing down the base wouldn't work.

I can find pin stems galore, but not in gold-tone, not the correct style, and not in the right length. I need 1 & 3/4".

[charmaffair_2009]

Hello rubiano, do you have the hinge for the pin that needs replacing? before I look though my slection of pins I need to know what type of hing you have? Charm

[rubiano98]

Yes, the hinge/closure is there and it's a good one. On the left, just above the middle. I need the pin itself and a base on it for attaching.

[mforjan]

It looks to me like you have the rollover clasp but not the hinge?

[rubiano98]

I'm not good with the nomenclature but yes, the clasp is intact but the pin and its hinge are missing. You can see the metal "pad" on the right where the weld broke. 

[gauntlettgems]

I wouldn't go to the jeweler unless they are really cheap Unless of course you don't mind what you spend on the repair Someone here turned me on to JB Weld, it's not hard to use and works very well Just saying Good luck!

[mforjan]

I have talked to several jewelers about repairing costume jewelry and they don't want anything to do with it. The temperatures for soldering gold and silver are much higher than costume and they just don't deal with costume. If you find someone to repair it you are very lucky!

I am taking a jewelry class because I wanted to learn about construction and find out how to do soldering and I have to say, I have taken away a renewed respect for artisan jewelers. Making jewelry is a slow, exacting process with specific steps. I don't think I will ever complain about the price of artisan jewelry again!

[rubiano98]

We have a jewelry store in town that deals in estate jewelry & upscale costume jewelry as well as custom-making jewelry. Repairing is a specialty of theirs. They are a very small, independent jeweler. I would get an estimate for welding before committing.

I paid almost nothing for the brooch so I wouldn't be spending more than I think the intact brooch would be worth. It is rather spectacular.

[rubiano98]

By the way, thanks so much to those who replied - it's very much appreciated.

[calis_stuff]

This is why I save vintage broken jewelry, for parts and such.

In cases like this I would look for a pin stem and hinge that's the right size, use JB Weld cold set and repair. I also use either a gold or silver paint pen to match the weld if any is showing after it dries. 

Of course, if I was selling it, all that would be disclosed, but if it's done right you can do a very good repair that's hardly noticeable.

[rubiano98]

No, I wasn't going to sell it, but use it myself. I've currently gotten into vintage brooches I like to use use as scarf pins. And to give as scarf pin gifts.

[rubiano98]

"...In cases like this I would look for a pin stem and hinge that's the right size..."  

No can find on Internet. I've used every combination of words, various words, and nothing, unless it's 14K and then it's never the right size.

[calis_stuff]

If you feel comfortable enough I would be happy to attempt the repair for you. I have tested other boardies stones and fixed some other pieces for a few folks here. If you're interested, feel free to message me and I'll give you my address.

[4mittens1013]

If the clasp is good, you could just buy a gold jump ring, and trun it into a pendant, glue the clasp, to make sure it does not swing open so you do not

loose it, make it like the old time, pin/pendant.  Or  buy  additional pendant finding and attach to an area of the pin

[rubiano98]

It is not the type of brooch that would look right converted into a pendant. But thank you for offering the option.