Jewelry repair
Eyeglass frame repair.
A snapped bridge or a broken hinge doesn't always mean new frames. The same laser we use for fine jewelry joins metal at one tiny point, so many broken metal frames can be repaired and kept.
When you might need it.
- The frame has snapped at the bridge, between the lenses
- A hinge or the small block that holds it has broken off
- A temple arm has cracked or come loose
- A nose pad arm has broken
What’s involved.
Checking the frame
From your photos, and again on the bench, we check the metal and the break to see whether a weld will hold.
Laser welding
The break is joined with small, precise welds. Lenses are usually taken out first so they aren't exposed to heat; we'll tell you if yours need to be.
Finishing
The repaired area is smoothed and the frame is checked for alignment. A colored or coated finish may show where it was repaired.
Care at the bench.
What we watch for when we do eyeglass frame repair.
The right method for the metal
Most metal frames can be laser welded. Some alloys and plated finishes need extra care, and we tell you before starting.
Lenses protected
Lenses and coatings don't like heat, so they're usually removed before welding and refitted afterwards.
Alignment checked
After the repair, the frame is checked so it sits straight and the arms fold as they should.
Preliminary pricing.
Your preliminary price range is free and comes from your photos. The final price is confirmed after we inspect the piece in hand, and no work starts until you approve it.
What affects the price
- Where the break is and how many breaks there are
- The frame's metal and finish
- Whether the lenses need to come out
- Finishing needed after the weld
If you’re mailing it in
Send close-up photos of the break from both sides. When you ship, protect the lenses in a hard case and include any broken pieces, even small ones.
Start with photos. Don’t ship anything until we’ve agreed on shipping and insurance with you.
Get a free estimateCommon questions.
Can plastic or acetate frames be laser welded?
Laser welding is for metal. Plastic and acetate frames usually can't be welded. Send photos and we'll tell you honestly whether a repair makes sense.
Will the repair be visible?
On bare metal it's often hard to find. On painted, colored, or coated frames the finish around the weld may change. We'll tell you what to expect before any work.
Should I send the frames with my prescription lenses in?
Yes, unless we ask otherwise. Pack them in a hard case so the lenses can't be scratched, and include any loose pieces.
Related services
- Precision laser weldingJoins metal close to heat-sensitive stones, where a torch would risk damage.
- Polishing and restorationScratches and wear removed. Heirloom and antique pieces handled with extra care.
- Gold chain repairBroken links, failed clasps, shortening, and soldering on fine and heavy chains.
Send photos. Get a price. Decide from there.
The estimate is free and takes a few minutes. You’re under no obligation to go ahead.