QuestionSomehow my yellow gold omega necklace got a small crimp in it. It is not very noticable when you are wearing it. I was afraid it might get worst so I took it the jewelry section in a department store. The clerk could not answer my question as whether I should fix it or try to ignore the flaw so she offered to send it to the company that does their repairs. They told me they would need to cut 2 inches off the necklace and the solder would be noticible. If they cut two inches off of it, it will not fit around my neck! I apologize that my question is so long, but I paid a lot of money for my omega and it is one of my favorite pieces of jewelry!
AnswerHi, Shelley. Thanks for getting in touch.
Omega necklaces are difficult to repair, that is the short of it. Yet, unless the crimp is near 2 inches I cannot imagine a need to cut the necklace that much shorter to remove the crimp. Apparently "removing" the damaged part is what the trade shop jewelers intended to do. I would need to see the actual necklace to comment more on that part.
First, it might help to know how the normal omega is put together in the first place. Each section that fits so neatly is actually a strip of gold bent around into the shape you see. Beneath those many little strips of gold is a gold mesh chain, from one end of the necklace to the other. The strips ride on the mesh part.
When an omega is crimped, meaning either a portion of links are bent flatter or with more of a curve, either way, repair is tough. Why? Attempts to recurve the gold links to match the originals will only get close and in the meantime that can loosen the individual links from the mesh chain beneath. No, the links will not fall off but spaces might start to show between the links.
The most common break in an omega is near the clasp, where the chain has spread a bit and space shows between the links. Then the underlying mesh is visible. The solution is to solder the "edges" of links together. By soldering the edges only, the face of the chain is solder free and looks good, even if not perfect.
I suspect the trade shop doing the work for the department store jewelry section wants to cut the section out totally. Yes, this will give a more uniform shape overall but if too short..why bother?
Take the chain to another jewelry store (with a good reputation and not specializing in quickie repairs)for a second opinion. You may have to live with some crimp in the necklace but it can be straightened a tiny bit. Soldering if needed will stiffen a couple of links or so but will not show if done on the outside edges.
Keep in mind, this necklace design is one of the more difficult repairs. Ask if the jeweler is comfortable working on this style of necklace. If not, go somewhere else.
In any case, the repair will likely not be perfect and some of the crimp will still show. If not too noticeable now and the links have not separated, consider leaving it alone and forgo the repair. Separated links must be soldered to prevent more distance from forming between links.
Shelley, I do hope this helps a little. Please feel free to use the follow-up option to get back to me if you need more on this concern.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas September 30,2007 8:02pm
