Broken chains. Tarnish. Scratches. Worn clasps. Learn what is normal, what needs attention and when it's time to stop wearing the piece and have it inspected.
A necklace that is worn every day experiences more than most people realize. Chains are pulled. Clasps are opened thousands of times. Pendants rub against clothing. Sterling silver reacts with the environment. Plated finishes experience friction.
Some changes are completely normal. Others are early warnings that something needs attention.
Knowing the difference can help you care for a meaningful piece of jewelry before a small problem becomes a lost pendant or a larger repair.
A loose clasp, opening jump ring, bent bail or damaged chain may continue to hold for a while. That does not mean it is safe.
If the necklace carries something important to you, don't gamble with it. Remove the piece and inspect it before wearing it again.
Necklace chains most commonly fail from repeated pulling, catching, bending or wear at a connection point.
WHAT TO DOStop wearing the necklace and save every part of the chain. Depending on the location and type of damage, a jeweler may be able to repair it. If several areas show wear, replacing the chain may be safer than repairing one weak point.
Clasps contain small moving components and are one of the most frequently operated parts of a necklace.
WHAT TO DOCheck that the clasp closes fully and returns to its normal position. Also inspect the ring it connects to. If either component is bent, loose or no longer closes securely, have it repaired or replaced before wearing the necklace.
Pendant balance, chain diameter, bail design and even clothing can affect how a necklace sits.
WHAT TO DOFirst make sure the chain is passing freely through the bail and is not twisted. If the problem is persistent, the chain may be too light for the pendant or the bail may need inspection.
Tarnish does not mean your sterling silver is defective. Sterling silver naturally reacts with sulfur-containing compounds in the environment and can gradually darken.
WHAT TO DOStart with a jewelry polishing cloth intended for sterling silver. For heavier tarnish, use a cleaner specifically labeled as safe for the piece and follow its directions carefully.
When inspecting a necklace, don't look only at the chain.
Examine the clasp, connecting rings and especially the bail—the component connecting the pendant to the chain.
These areas experience movement and friction every time the necklace is worn.
Gold, rose-gold and black plated finishes are surface finishes. Friction, chemicals, perspiration and frequent exposure to water can gradually affect their appearance.
WHAT TO DOClean plated jewelry gently with a soft cloth. Avoid aggressive polishing compounds and abrasive cleaners. Significant finish wear may require professional refinishing or replating.
Jewelry worn regularly will develop signs of use. Fine surface marks are a normal part of wearing precious metal.
WHAT TO DOAvoid abrasive DIY methods intended to remove scratches. Deep marks or damage should be evaluated professionally, since aggressive polishing can remove metal and soften fine details.
The bail carries the weight of the pendant while the chain moves through or against it. On a frequently worn necklace, that makes it an important wear point.
WHAT TO DOLook for thinning, spreading, cracks or unusual movement. If the bail appears compromised, stop wearing the pendant until it can be inspected.
A substantial pendant deserves a chain appropriate for its weight and intended use.
WHAT TO DOIf the chain looks unusually thin, stretches, kinks or repeatedly catches, consider replacing it with a more substantial chain rather than risking the pendant it carries.
We don't believe a meaningful everyday necklace should be designed like disposable fashion jewelry.
Our Saint Christopher medals are made in Great Falls, Montana and designed around the areas where necklaces commonly experience wear.
A substantial medal designed to feel solid in the hand and hold up to everyday wear.
Sterling silver and solid gold options are made from precious metal, not lightweight base-metal castings.
A color-matched stainless-steel bail adds strength at one of the necklace's most important wear points.
Our standard chains are stainless steel for strength and selected to complement the substantial medal.
Skin oils, lotion and everyday residue can settle into recessed engraving and detailed areas of a medal.
WHAT TO DOBegin gently. A soft, lint-free cloth is appropriate for routine wiping. When deeper cleaning is needed, use a method appropriate for the specific metal and finish.
Avoid sharp tools, abrasive brushes and aggressive polishing around fine relief or personalized engraving.
This is the easiest problem to solve.
WHAT TO DODon't wear it until you know.
A jeweler can inspect questionable clasps, rings, bails, chains and other structural components. If the piece came from Messages in Metal, contact us and we'll help determine the best next step.
For routine care, simple is often better.
Wipe jewelry with a soft cloth after wearing.
Store necklaces so the chain cannot kink or tangle.
Keep jewelry away from household cleaners and unnecessary chemical exposure.
Remove jewelry before activities likely to pull, crush or heavily abrade it.
Inspect the clasp, bail and connecting points periodically.
Broken solder joints
Cracked or severely bent bails
Deep scratches or gouges
Significant plating damage
Severely kinked or stretched chains
Any structural damage that could cause the pendant to be lost
When the piece matters, professional inspection is usually cheaper than replacing something that cannot be replaced emotionally.
If you have a question about caring for a Messages in Metal piece, contact us. We'd rather help you evaluate a small concern now than have you risk losing something meaningful later.
