Can a Bracelet or Watch Band Be Resized?

Yes. Most bracelets and metal watch bands can be made shorter, and many can be made longer. A chain or link bracelet is shortened by removing links and rejoining the ends. It is lengthened by adding links or an extender. A metal watch band is adjusted by removing or adding the small links near the clasp. How easy the job is depends on how the piece is built, and a few styles cannot be changed much at all.

There is a reason to keep what comes off. When a jeweler shortens a gold bracelet, the removed links are still gold, and they belong to you. Ask for them back. They can be saved in case the bracelet needs to be lengthened later, or sold by weight. At The Pawn & Jewelry Exchange in Greensburg, clasp and chain repair and soldering are done by a jeweler on site, and the shop buys gold, including broken pieces, so leftover links have somewhere to go either way.

How Is a Bracelet Shortened?

The method depends on the style:

• Chain and link bracelets: The jeweler opens or cuts the chain, removes the extra length and reattaches the clasp end. Soldered links are cut and soldered closed again.

• Tennis bracelets: Individual stone links are removed, usually near the clasp, and the bracelet is rejoined. The removed links hold stones, so keep them.

• Charm bracelets: Links are removed between charms, or charms are moved.

• Bangles: A solid bangle is a fixed circle. It can sometimes be cut and rejoined smaller, but hinged, hollow and patterned bangles are poor candidates.

• Cuffs: An open cuff can be gently adjusted, but repeated bending weakens the metal.

How Is a Bracelet Made Longer?

1. Add matching links. The cleanest result, if matching links can be made or found.

2. Add an extender chain. A short length of chain at the clasp end gives a range of sizes.

3. Change the clasp. A longer clasp adds a small amount of length.

Matching the metal matters. A 14K yellow gold bracelet should be extended with 14K yellow gold so the color and value stay consistent.

How Is a Metal Watch Band Adjusted?

A metal watch bracelet is made of links held together by pins or screws. Removable links have small arrows on the inside showing which way the pin pushes out. To size the band:

1. The watch is measured on your wrist to see how many links to remove.

2. Links are taken out evenly from both sides of the clasp so the clasp stays centered under the wrist.

3. Pins or screws are reset, and the band is checked for a secure hold.

4. Fine adjustment is made at the clasp, which often has extra holes for small changes.

Keep the spare links and pins with the watch box. A watch with its extra links is worth more at resale than one missing them, because the next owner may have a larger wrist.

Can You Adjust a Watch Band Yourself?

You can, with a link removal tool, but there are risks. Pins can be pushed the wrong way and bent. Screws on better watches strip easily. A slipped tool scratches the band. On an inexpensive watch, a home kit is fine. On a watch you care about, a jeweler's bench is the safer place.

How Should a Bracelet or Watch Fit?

A bracelet should move a little without sliding over the hand. A common check is to slip one finger between the bracelet and the wrist. A watch should sit above the wrist bone without sliding when you move your arm and without leaving a deep mark.

FAQ

Does shortening a gold bracelet reduce its value?

It reduces the gold weight slightly. Keep the removed links, since they hold the difference.

Can a tennis bracelet be resized?

Usually, by removing links near the clasp. The safety catch should be checked at the same time.

Can leather or rubber watch straps be resized?

Leather can have a hole added. Rubber straps on some watches are cut to length, which cannot be undone.

Can a jeweler fix a clasp at the same visit?

Often, yes. See what jewelry repairs can be done the same day.

Bring Your Bracelet or Watch to Greensburg

The Pawn & Jewelry Exchange has served Greensburg since 2005. Our jeweler works on site and handles clasp and chain repair, soldering and watch battery replacement. Bring your bracelet or watch to 206 E. Pittsburgh St., and ask our jeweler what adjustment it needs. You will get a quote before work begins. See our jewelry repair services.

Visit The Pawn & Jewelry Exchange or call (724) 836-7296 today. Contact us for more information.