is this like the one with an "X" on one side? and is the metal broken around that X? Let me know, if so (and if you can mail it) I'll be able to solder it back together. Most jewlers maybe didn't want to touch something like that, either because of time, or they were snooty. Most if not all jewelers make bezels, which are at least 26g and small, and WILL melt to a puddle if they aren't careful. I don't see how this would be harder than that. of course it would need to be hardned again, but that's nto a "huge" deal by any means. I'll do it for free if you can get it up to me sometime. If it's really bad the "worst" that could happen is I send it back and/or suggest you find a jewler who has a laser soldering machine. That would do the job, and most small places with one like talking about it anyway, and would more than likely be happy to help you out. (or the very worst would be it's really thin, think paper here... is that I or someone would have to build up the joint a little, but that really isn't a super hard deal. If prongs on rings can be built up, a lig would be cake... but i haven't built up prongs yet=) )

Wow I didn't think my ligature could possibly worth $450. I did know it worth some money (no more than $100 I thought ) when my lesson teacher said that they stopped making them and were a desirable thing to have. And to think that I got that ligature and a vintage selmer LT mouthpiece from a used horn that I only payed $500.