One of the first questions people ask before bringing in a piece of jewelry is: how much is this going to cost? It’s a fair question, and we believe in giving straight answers. This guide covers typical jewelry repair costs at Watch Technicians in St. Louis — from simple ring resizing to stone replacement in antique settings — so you know what to expect before you walk in.
Every repair at Watch Technicians starts with a free in-person inspection and written estimate. We don’t start work until you approve the price. No surprises, no hidden fees.
Ring Repair Cost
Ring repairs cover a wide range of services — from quick prong fixes to full shank rebuilds. Here are typical starting prices for the most common ring repairs at our St. Louis shop. For a complete overview of what’s involved, visit our ring repair in St. Louis page.
| Ring Repair Service | Starting Price | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Prong retipping (per prong) | $25–$45 | Same day – 3 days |
| Prong rebuilding (full) | $50–$120 | 3–5 days |
| Shank repair (crack/break) | $60–$150 | 3–5 days |
| Shank replacement | $120–$300+ | 5–7 days |
| Ring soldering (join two rings) | $45–$85 | Same day – 3 days |
| Ring rhodium plating | $65–$120 | 3–5 days |
| Ring polishing & cleaning | Complimentary | While you wait |
Ring Resizing Cost
Ring resizing is one of the most common jewelry repairs and one of the most straightforward. Price depends on the metal, how many sizes up or down, and whether the ring has design elements that complicate the process. See our ring resizing in St. Louis page for the full breakdown.
| Metal Type | Starting Price | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | $40 | Same day available |
| 10K / 14K Gold | $55–$75 | Same day – 2 days |
| 18K Gold | $75–$120 | 1–3 days |
| Platinum | $100–$200+ | 3–5 days |
| Tungsten / Titanium | Cannot be resized — replacement required | — |
Note: Rings with engraving, channel-set stones, eternity bands, or intricate filigree may require additional time and cost. We’ll always explain this before starting.
Necklace & Chain Repair Cost
Chain repairs range from a simple solder break to replacing entire sections of a vintage chain. Cost depends on the metal, chain style, and extent of damage. For a full overview of what we repair, see our necklace and chain repair page.
| Chain Repair Service | Starting Price | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Simple solder break (gold/silver) | $20–$45 | Same day available |
| Cuban link / heavy chain repair | $45–$120 | 1–3 days |
| Clasp replacement | $25–$65 | Same day – 1 day |
| Pearl / bead restringing | $45–$120+ | 3–5 days |
| Vintage chain repair | $50–$150+ | Varies by piece |
Stone Replacement Cost
Stone replacement cost varies significantly depending on the type of stone, the size, the setting style, and whether sourcing a period-appropriate stone is required. The labor to set the stone is separate from the cost of the stone itself.
| Stone Replacement Service | Starting Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Setting labor (modern stone, simple setting) | $35–$75 | Stone cost additional |
| Setting labor (antique/estate setting) | $75–$200+ | Requires careful handling |
| CZ / synthetic replacement stone | $15–$50 | Included in many repairs |
| Semi-precious stone (amethyst, topaz, etc.) | $40–$200+ | Depends on size and cut |
| Diamond replacement | $100–$1,000+ | Depends on carat and quality |
Other Common Jewelry Repair Costs
| Service | Starting Price | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Earring post repair / replacement | $20–$45 | Same day – 1 day |
| Bracelet repair / clasp replacement | $25–$80 | Same day – 2 days |
| Brooch / pin repair | $30–$75 | 1–3 days |
| Rhodium plating (white gold) | $65–$150 | 3–5 days |
| Jewelry polishing & cleaning | Complimentary | While you wait |
| Watch battery replacement | From $19 | 10 minutes |
What Affects Jewelry Repair Cost?
No two repair jobs are identical. Several factors influence the final price:
- Metal type. Platinum takes more time and skill to work than gold or silver — and platinum itself is more expensive. White gold often requires rhodium plating after sizing or repair to restore the finish.
- Complexity of the design. A plain gold band is straightforward to resize. A filigree ring with channel-set diamonds along the shank requires much more care and time.
- Age of the piece. Vintage and antique jewelry requires slower, more deliberate work. Older metals can be brittle or inconsistent, and settings may not conform to modern standards. Our vintage and heirloom jewelry repair service is designed specifically for these pieces.
- Stone sourcing. Replacing a modern round brilliant diamond is easy. Replacing an old mine cut, a natural seed pearl, or a cabochon garnet in a Victorian setting requires sourcing through estate suppliers — which adds time and sometimes cost.
- Extent of damage. A hairline crack in a shank costs less to repair than a shank that has broken completely and shifted. The sooner you bring a damaged piece in, the simpler and less expensive the repair typically is.
Free Estimates — No Obligation
The best way to get an accurate price is to bring your piece in. We inspect it in person, tell you exactly what it needs, and give you a written estimate before we start. No guesswork, no pressure. For a full overview of everything we repair, visit our Jewelry Repair in St. Louis hub or our jewelry repair services page.
- Creve Coeur (Flagship): 11483 Olive Blvd | Mon–Sat 9am–5pm | (314) 513-8455
- Des Peres: West County Mall | Mon–Thu 11am–7pm, Fri–Sat 10am–7pm, Sun 11am–6pm
- Chesterfield: Inside Dierbergs | Mon–Sat 10am–5pm
Walk in today — free inspection and estimate, no appointment needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jewelry Repair Cost
How much does jewelry repair cost on average?
Simple repairs like chain soldering or clasp replacement start around $20–$45. Ring resizing starts at $40 for silver and $55 for gold. More complex repairs such as stone replacement, shank rebuilding, or rhodium plating typically run $65–$200+. We always provide a free estimate before starting any work.
Is jewelry repair worth it?
In most cases, yes — especially for pieces with sentimental value or quality metals and stones. A ring worth $1,000 that costs $75 to resize is absolutely worth repairing. Even older or estate pieces that have been sitting unworn for years are often worth restoring. We’ll tell you honestly if we think a repair isn’t worth the cost.
How much does ring resizing cost in St. Louis?
Ring resizing at Watch Technicians starts at $40 for silver, $55–$75 for 10K–14K gold, and $100+ for platinum. Same-day service is available for many simple resizes. See our ring resizing in St. Louis page for full details.
How much does chain repair cost?
A simple solder break on a gold or silver chain starts at $20–$45 and can often be done while you wait. Heavier chains like Cuban link start higher due to the labor involved. Clasp replacements typically run $25–$65. Visit our necklace and chain repair page for more detail.
Do you charge for estimates?
No. All estimates are completely free. We inspect your piece in person and explain exactly what it needs and what it will cost before we do anything. No obligation to proceed.
How long does jewelry repair take?
Simple repairs like chain soldering and ring cleaning can be done while you wait. Ring resizing typically takes one to three days. More complex repairs such as stone replacement, shank rebuilding, and rhodium plating usually take three to seven days depending on the work required.