How to Repair Broken Jade

The best way to repair is often with a cement. Dois best to leave the cement as is.
the edges of the broken pieces fit together closely?If you have way too much cement and way too
If so, a good two-part epoxy cement is best. Imuch is pushed from the joined edges, clean in
recommend an epoxy which cures to a clear color,acetone or nail polish remover. Clean well as you can.
not amber like most. The brand name is Huges 330Then start again with a new mix of the epoxy. Do
Epoxy. It is made for gemstone material cementing.not use "super glue" since this will not hold strongly
A craft shop should have this cement or may orderfor a long period of time.
it for you. If not, try an exposy cement from a craftIf you want to try to do the work, I believe you
shop or hardware store but do not get the quickcan. The first try might be messy and you might
setting kind. The best will harden in about 2 hours.have to try a second time. If you want someone
Quick set cements cure in 5 minutes and this is tooelse to do it, a jeweler should be able to cement the
little time to make a good joint of the broken ends.pieces together for yourepair depends on the sort of
Clean the ends well with alcohol. This is needed tobreak in the bracelet. If the jade is broken and the
remove any traces of oils, etc. which will lead to aends of the break fit fairly well, a jeweler( or you if
joint failure later. Arrange a means to hold the endshandy with such) may use a good expoxy cement to
together so the ends will not be moved until thejoin the ends. A recommended epoxy is Hughes 330,
cement cures. Do this arrangement first and berecommended because it cures water clear and is
certain it will work.quite strong with gemstone materials. In any case,
Then, mix the two part cement according toepoxy cements have no strength when first mixed.
directions. Apply only enough cement to one brokenThe cure brings the strength. If you try it yourself,
edge to cover the end with a little cement. Push thedry fit first to find a way to support the pieces
pieces together and see if too much runs out theduring the 2 hour cure time.
edges. If so, wipe off before the cement starts toIf the break is jagged and the ends do not fit, the
cure then place together again. Hold the pieces inbest solution is to have a jeweler make a metal tube,
place as mentioned already.either of silver or gold, to go over the broken ends
Leave the left over on a mixing paper or plastic,and bring all together as a jade bangle with "metal
whatever is used to mix the cement and place thefittings". The tube will need to have two ends angled
mixer(toothpick, paper clip or other handy object)to fit the curve of the jade pieces at each break.
into the unused part. When the object is cementedI do hope the break is clean and will fit back
hard on the unused portion of the cement, youtogether. If so, with a good cleaning to remove all
know the jade is also cured and may be handled.traces of oils, etc., the epoxy solution to the fix will
Excess if any may be carefully trimmed with a razorwork quite well. If done carefully, there will be little to
edge or left alone. Trimming of extruded cement willshow obviously at the break line.
often leave a white and easily seen line. Sometimes it