What hollow actually means
The links are tubes rather than solid wire. You get the look and the weight on the neck of a much heavier chain for a fraction of the gold. That is why hollow rope and hollow Cuban are so popular, and it is a genuinely good product.
The trade is that the walls are thin. A solid link resists a squeeze. A hollow link folds, and once the wall has creased it does not simply spring back.
What we can usually do
A light dent often comes out. A crushed link may need replacing rather than reshaping. A split in the wall needs careful heat, because too much and thin gold simply opens up further.
Which of those yours is depends on the chain, and that is a look-at-it question rather than a phone question.
Soldering hollow is its own skill
The wall thickness on a hollow chain can be a tenth of what it is on a solid one. Heat has to go in fast and come out faster. This is where hollow chains get ruined by people in a hurry, and it is why we take our time with them.
Looking after it afterwards
- Take it off before the gym and before bed.
- Store it hanging or laid straight rather than coiled tight in a box.
- Do not pull it over your head with the clasp done up.
- If it catches on something, stop rather than tug.
Questions we get asked
Can a dented hollow chain be repaired?
Often, yes. Light dents come out, crushed links may need replacing. Bring it in and we will tell you which.
Is hollow gold worth repairing?
Usually. It is still gold, and a repair is generally well short of replacing the chain.
Why is hollow harder to solder?
The walls are very thin, so heat has to be controlled tightly. It is a technique thing, and it is why we take our time.
Will the repair show?
On a good result, no. We will tell you what to expect before anything is agreed.
Not sure we can fix it?
Send a couple of details and we will call you back. Or just walk in — it is quicker, and we can actually look at the piece.
Drop it off, shop the mall, wear it tonight
We are inside Orland Square Mall in Orland Park. Walk in during mall hours, no appointment. Most repairs are finished the same day and a good number while you wait.
Where we are
Julio's Jewelry, 800 Orland Square Drive, Orland Park, IL 60462 — inside Orland Square Mall. Mon–Thu 10am–8pm · Fri–Sat 10am–9pm · Sun 11am–6pm. We are also at North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 W Cermak Rd, North Riverside, IL 60546.