QuestionI bought a ring made of horn and the circular ring part of it cracked. When I wear it and it warms up, it expands a little bit and there's a tiny gap that isn't there when it's colder. Do you have any suggestions about how it could be repaired? Thank you!
AnswerDear Christine,
Oh my, I do wish there was an easy answer for this one. Horn is an organic item and one which does react to moisture. As with wood in furniture, the material is always taking in and letting out moisture in some effort to find an equilibrium with the environment. I had not thought of warmth affecting horn but that is possible.
Regardless of the reason the horn is expanding and contracting, finding a fix which will actually last a while can be quite difficult.
My first suggestion is a cement such as a two part epoxy cement. Get a clear curing sort or if the horn is amber then an amber cure will be ok.
You will need to mix the parts according to directions then apply to the crack, after being worn.
Take off the ring, wipe the crack area with alcohol gently to remove any skin oils, put the mixed cement in the crack and wipe off excess. Then put it down to allow the cement to cure. If you mix the cement with a disposable item such as a toothpick, leave the toothpick in the uncured cement. That way, when the toothpick is glued solidly to the cement you know the cement on the ring is cured also without needing to handle it. There might be a little cement raised on the glued area. Wear it again as usual and see what happens. It if holds, you might want to trim the cement gently with a razor blade but do not cut the horn. I fear there is a good chance the cement will not be able to fight the expansion/contraction of the horn for long. Still, this is worth a try.
Wishing you well with this. God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
