We’ve all been there – you’ve been wearing your new favorite bangle, receiving compliments left right, and center – and suddenly you notice that your bangle is slightly bent. Don’t panic – this is completely normal, especially if your bangle is made with delicate, soft metals like gold.

In this quick guide, we’re going to show you how you can fix a bent bangle and restore it to tip-top condition, no matter the type of bangle it is. Let’s take a look!

WHAT CAUSES A BANGLE TO BECOME BENT?

Bangles can become bent and damaged for a wide range of reasons, but here are some of the most common reasons your bangle is no longer like-new:

EXCESSIVE WEAR

If you wear your bangle every day, it’s highly possible that the metal has simply worn down due to prolonged friction with other fabrics or materials, and this has made the bangle more susceptible to bending. It’s also possible that your bangle was subject to some form of pressure or force, causing the metals to bend. This could occur if you dropped or stepped on the bangle by mistake, but could equally occur if your bangle was simply leaning against a hard surface – for example, at an office desk.

SOFT METALS

It’s no secret that expensive, high-karat metals are incredibly delicate. These are known as “soft metals”, and tend to bend and break more easily than hardened metals such as stainless steel. This is because they represent a higher ratio of pure gold to alloyed metals – for example, 22 karat gold bangles are going to be more delicate than 14k gold bangles, as they contain only 8% alloyed metals. 14k gold bangles contain around 42% alloyed metals, making them more resistant to damage – although lacking when it comes to that vibrant, yellow-gold color.

WATER DAMAGE

Another reason your bangle may become damaged is through water exposure. Water can damage the integrity of soft metals over time, which can lead to the weakening of the bangle’s structure and resistance to damage and wear.

CHEAP CLASPS

While some bangles may be marketed as pure gold or high-karat gold, their clasps and fastenings may be fabricated with cheap metals that help the manufacturer save on costs. This can mean that an otherwise high-quality bangle is more prone to breakage and damage, and you may end up with a bent bangle.

HOW TO FIX A BENT BANGLE

So, what’s the solution to bent bangles? The honest answer is that it depends on what type of bangle you’re dealing with, as well as how delicate the metal is. For intricate bangles complete with hinges and fastenings, it may be best to head to a jeweler, who will be able to restore the bangle for you without damaging the item during the process.

This is also true if your bangle is set with gemstones or other features: you don’t want to worsen any damage by trying to fix the problem yourself.

If your bangle is a traditional, hollow gold bangle made with soft metals, this is going to be slightly more difficult to repair. While some DIY remedies recommend using warm water to shape the bangle back into its original shape, we wouldn’t advise doing this, as it could end up bending the bangle further.

For optimal results, it’d be best to head to a reputable jeweler, who will be able to inspect the damage, and solder the bangle back into its original shape using expert technique and tools.

HOW TO PREVENT A BANGLE FROM BENDING

As with any jewelry damage, the best way to avoid damage is to prevent it from occurring in the first place! Here are a couple of tips for keeping your bangles gleaming, immaculate, and like-new:

REGULAR MAINTENANCE

Cleaning your bangle regularly using gentle cleaning methods is going to enhance its durability. For best results, use a small baby toothbrush and a non-abrasive cloth, and clean your bangle once a week using gentle, chemical-free dish soap.

REDUCE YOUR WEAR-TIME

If your bangle is made with delicate soft metals, it might be a good idea to reduce how often you wear it. For example, you could limit wearing your soft metals to special occasions, or stop wearing them to work. If your work involves physical labor, we’d recommend keeping your bangle at home and wearing something more durable on work days.

AVOID WATER EXPOSURE

As mentioned above, make sure to take your gold bangles off before taking a shower. Prolonged water exposure can end up damaging the soft metals, making the bangle more pliable and prone to bending in the future.