Jewelry is often considered to be a valuable investment and a personal symbol of luxury and style. Jewelry can be quite expensive and is often considered to be a luxury because the cost of gold, silver, jewels, etc are so high in price. That is why it’s important to know how to fix your jewelry, so you can keep rocking them for as long as possible.
Jewelry can last a lifetime with proper care, but repairs are sometimes necessary. While it is certainly possible to wear jewelry every day without any problems, there may come a time when your favorite piece needs some repairs. This article will explore some of the most common jewelry repair jobs that jewelers do.
Common Jewelry Repairs
There are different repair techniques that a jeweler can use, depending on the type of jewelry and the extent of the damage. When it comes to repairing your piece, there are many options available. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings can all be repaired in different ways.
Here are some of the most common repairs that jewelers often see:
Jewelry Repair for Rings
Ring Size Adjustment
People’s fingers change size over time, so it’s the most common repair that jewelers repaired. Ring size adjustments can be made to ensure that your ring fits comfortably and looks its best.
Ring Head or Setting Replacement
The ring head is the part of the ring that holds the gemstone in place. If this part is damaged, it can be replaced by a jeweler. The same goes for the setting, which is the metal frame around the head of the ring. Engagement or wedding rings are often made with very intricate settings, so replacement of the head or setting may be necessary.
Re-tipping or Replacement of Ring Prong
Prongs are parts of a ring that also hold the stone in place. These are the little claws of metals that secure the diamond. If a prong is bent or broken, it can cause the stone to become loose and fall off.
This requires an experienced jeweler who has special tools that they use for this exact problem. They will remove the old damaged prongs and replace them with new ones.
Jeweler Resetting Stones
Gems or stones make the jewelry more beautiful and if they start to be loose, you need to take it to a jeweler and have them reset. Loose gems can also fall out of the jewelry if it’s not fixed in time. This means that the jeweler will remove the old setting and put the new or vintage gemstone(s) back into a new one.
Stone Replacement
If a gemstone is missing or chipped, it can be replaced by a jeweler. There are many different types of gemstones, so it is important to find one that matches the original as closely as possible.
Removing Tarnish
Tarnish is a natural process that happens when silver and gold come into contact with oxygen in the air. Over time, this layer of oxidation will build up and make the metal look dull. A jeweler can remove this layer of tarnish with a special chemical solution, and then polish it until it shines again.
Necklaces and Bracelets
Restringing pearls
Pearls come in different shapes and sizes, so they must be restrung occasionally to keep their original shape. Restringing also prevents pearls from falling off the necklace.
Loose Beads Repair
Beaded necklaces and bracelets often come loose over time. This is usually because the thread used to attach the beads breaks. In this case, a jeweler can carefully remove all of the loose beads and reattach them using new thread.
Replacing a Clasp
Most necklaces and bracelets have clasps to help secure them. Clasps are usually made of gold or silver, so they can be replaced if worn down or lost. Replacing broken clasps is an easy fix that anyone can do themselves with the right tools.
Replacing Chains
Chains are often the first part of jewelry to wear down. If a chain is too thin or broken, it can be replaced with a new chain from a jeweler. Replacing a chain is more complicated than fixing other jewelry problems, so it’s usually best to leave this repair up to the professionals.
Earrings
Replacing Earring Backs
Most earring backs are made of metal and can be easily replaced if lost or broken. Jewelers can also replace lost or broken earrings backs.
Changing Earring Posts
Replacing ear posts is often a simple procedure. The posts can be replaced with the same size or a different size, depending on the wearer’s preference.
Repairing Bent Ear Wires
Bent ear wires on an earring can be easily fixed by a jeweler. Since ear wires usually consist of a soldered joint, it is not recommended to try and fix them at home.
Common Repairs Jewelers Do – Conclusion
Jewelry is used in our everyday lives to adorn our bodies in a very personal way. It can be expensive and is considered to be a luxury. It can be frustrating when they break or sustained some damage. However, jewelry is often easy to fix or replace. These jewelry repairs are done by a jeweler every day and they can easily restore your valuable piece back to its original condition. By understanding the most common jewelry repairs, you can be knowledgeable and feel more comfortable when taking your jewelry in for repair.
