If your jewelry needs repairing, there are a lot of things to consider. Everything plays an important part, from testing the repair service’s authenticity to knowing the procedure and technician’s skills.
Let’s look at a few things that you need to know before sending your jewelry for repair service.
Common Jewelry Issues
Metal Worn Out
This happens with engagement rings and wedding bands. Since people tend to wear them all the time, the friction between metals causes it to wear down.
Broken Chains
Mostly, clasps on necklaces and bracelets break off. You can either get the clasps repaired or replaced, depending upon the condition.
Broken or Lost Stones
Another common issue with jewelry is a lost or broken stone. In this case, you can either get the stone repaired or replaced depending upon the severity of the damage and of course, your budget.
5 Questions to Ask a Jewelry Repair Service
Technician’s Qualification and Experience
This is an essential aspect to consider when giving your jewelry for repair. You do not want to give your valuable jewelry to someone who doesn’t know what they are doing. Hence, ask the repair service about their qualifications, affiliations, and experience. Their affiliations in the industry, along with their experience, determines how good they are at their job.
Check their customer reviews and ratings, so you know what you are in for. However, you might have to pay a little extra, but it’s worth paying less to someone who does not know the job.
Jewelry Repair Location
There are two scenarios of jewelry repairing: in-house repair and out-house repair. If your jewelry is sent out for repair, the process is going to take a while. Most jewelers repair jewelry in-house, such as fixing chains, cracked rings, or resizing jewelry. Jewelry that is repaired in-house is the safer option; hence, ask your jewelry repair service whether it is sent out.
Types of Jewelry that can be Repaired
There are a few cases where the jewelry can not be repaired, hence don’t let the repair service fool you. Here is a list of the most common jewelry repair:
- Resizing of rings or necklaces
- Soldering
- Chain repair
- Ring head replacement
- Stone replacement
- Polishing
- Cleaning
- Clasp repair
- Engraving on rings or necklaces
The list could go on depending upon your jewelry repair service's — Always ask the jewelry what kind of repair they can do.
One Eye on the Budget
Of course, the most important part of the process is your budget. S jewelry repair service does not have a fixed price for repairing, the price fluctuates with the complexity and value of your jewelry; hence you need to discuss your budget with your jewelry.
For instance the general rate in US dollars;
- Earring replacement: $29
- Polishing: $21
- Build or replace a prong: $22
- Tightening loose stones: $24.50
- Reshaping a ring: $28
Do your prior research to not get tricked into paying extra dollars.
Repairing Period
And once you have made your decision about the jewelry repair service, make sure you ask for a time frame for repairing. You need to know how much it will take for your jewelry to get done, so you don’t worry about it every other day.
Usually, minor repairs can take 10 minutes to an hour, whereas significant damages can take weeks to ten days. The time taken depends upon the complexity of the task.
Final Thoughts
It’s better to keep your jewelry safe and sound in jewelry cases. However, if it is damaged and you need to give it for repair purposes, consider the mentioned tips. Always cross check before giving you jewelry for repairing — you obviously do not want to give off your valuables to someone without any guarantee.
All rights reserved © 2021 Unity Refresh