Often, jewelry repair is a necessary task at some point in the lifespan of your precious pieces. By getting these items repaired and cared for by an expert, you ensure they last for years of wear. Read about the five most common questions asked about jewelry repair and discover the answer to each. The more you understand about jewelry, the easier it is to take incredible care of it.
5 Common Questions on Jewelry Repair
When it comes to jewelry repair, all sorts of questions may come into your mind depending on what needs fixing. You may be unsure whether your ring needs polishing or cleaning; likewise, you may wonder if experts can repair any kind of jewelry you bring to them. Below are some of the typical questions asked about jewelry repair.
Can You Repair All Jewelry?
In most cases, the jeweler can fix your precious piece. The most common types of repairs include:
- Resizing
- Prong replacement
- Clasp Repair
- Cleaning
- Polishing
- Stone replacement
All jewelry restoration is different but still possible if you bring the piece to a professional. These experts know how to replace clasps plus work with various metals and gemstones. If you have a prized piece that needs repair, contact a professional to see if they can fix your jewelry.
The Difference Between Polishing and Cleaning
When polishing a piece of jewelry, professionals use a buffing wheel and compound to remove scratches so it looks as perfect as it did the day you bought it. This process is not the same as cleaning jewelry, as the previously mentioned process is more extensive. Cleaning jewelry usually takes a few minutes since experts can place it in a high-pressured steamer. While this will make your piece shine, it doesn’t buff out those scratches and instead helps to remove dust and grime.
How Long Do Repairs Take?
In most cases, the length of repair depends on what you need. For example, a simple repair may take a few minutes, but something like resizing or stone replacement could take a few days. If you need your jewelry repaired for a special occasion, it’s always best to bring it into the repair shop with more than enough time. Often, you can ask the technician how long they expect it to take so you have an approximate timeframe.
Some repairs may take longer than previously expected if the jeweler doesn’t have all the materials they need in stock. Additionally, they may notice other necessary maintenance while working on the piece, further extending the timeframe for repair.
Is Jewelry Repair Expensive?
One of the most common questions asked about jewelry repair pertains to cost. There is no set price for jewelry repair as each task differs, and some shops charge more than others. Some repairs are consistently more expensive than others because of the required work. A stone replacement will cost more as you need to pay for the gem and the work and skill necessary to set it in the piece.
Where Is Jewelry Repaired?
Sometimes, experts send jewelry out for repairs, and when this occurs, it will lengthen the process and increase the price you pay. However, this occurrence is usually the case for more extensive restorations where the jeweler may not readily have all the tools or materials.
Many shops can handle simple fixes such as a clasp replacement or resizing. However, as you bring your item into the shop, you should find out whether they’ll send it offsite as there is a chance the mail service might lose or even damage it during shipping.
If you want to ensure your piece gets repaired onsite, search out a company specializing in jewelry repair instead of a company solely focused on jewelry retail. Visit Caleesi Design Jewelers for ring resizing in Austin, TX, and other onsite fine jewelry repair types.
Who’s Qualified To Mend Jewelry?
Finding a service to correct flaws is the first step when you notice damage to your ring, bracelet, or necklace. Once you think you’ve found the best place to go, you should ask about their qualifications.
Goldsmiths and other jewelry technicians need training to understand their craft and prevent poor artisanship. If you can’t find information about credentials on the business’s website, ask about it when you call to make an appointment.
Pro Tip
Do a bit of digging on the company. You’ll want to see how long they’ve been in business and search for reviews. If you find the company has mostly top-rated reviews, you should still see why some customers felt otherwise. By reading a variety of opinions, it becomes easier to decide whether this is the ideal company for you.
Why Jewelry Repair Matters
Jewelry repair is important because it’s a part of keeping valuable items maintained. Over time, gemstones may appear dull or even chipped, but by getting it fixed, the piece looks brand new. Additionally, repairs like resizing are often necessary with age since arthritis and swelling could increase your ring size.
Many also bring family heirlooms into the shop for an expert to polish, clean, and otherwise repair before passing them on. All jewelry tells a story, and memories surround each item; part of preparing to pass it to the next generation includes ensuring it looks perfect.
What’s an Appraisal?
Sometimes, individuals get an appraisal after having a piece restored. This process provides you with a document outlining the gemstone, metal material, value of the item, and more. Sometimes, people like to do this before passing along an heirloom to show the monetary and sentimental value of the item.
Tips for Finding a Jewelry Repair Shop
When you search for a jewelry repair shop, you must find one capable of the services you need. Remember to ask about credentials and where the repair occurs. If your jewelry needs to go offsite, you may be able to request they hand-deliver it to give you peace of mind.
It’s also wise to investigate the price of an estimate since some jewelers and technicians will evaluate the piece and tell you the cost of mending for free. By doing this, you can gather various opinions and then select the business with the best service and price. Remember, a low price isn’t worth it if the company doesn’t have incredible service to match it.
Caleesi Design Jewelers
We specialize in creating jewelry with lab-made diamonds and crafting those sentimental pieces you treasure—visit Caleesi Design Jewelers in Austin, Texas, for the assistance you need. By caring for jewelry, you’ll ensure it lasts generations.
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