Professional jewelers can help you recover your new or heirloom jewelry if it is worn or damaged. They should offer various services, from basic cleanings to advanced restorations. Here are eight types of jewelry repair services:
1. Ring Sizing
The ring sizing process requires adding or subtracting metal from the ring’s band to create the correct fit. Jewelers cut the band and add a small portion of matching metal to increase the ring’s size. Expert soldering and finishing techniques allow professional jewelers to blend the new metal with the existing band without visual seams. To size the ring down, they cut off a small section of the band and rejoin the ends. Some jewelers suggest adding sizing beads to the ring to avoid changing the structure of the band.
2. Chain Repairs
Jewelers assess each link in a bracelet or necklace chain to find weak points and recommend repairs. Broken chain links can be replaced with new ones if the jewelry store carries links that match the original design. Some chain repairs involve replacing worn spring rings or lobster clasps with functional ones. When chains are broken in several places, jewelers may have to reassemble whole sections using matching materials. Professional jewelers can take out links or put in extension pieces to adjust chain length.
3. Stone Setting
Professionals carefully examine a stone’s setting to see if prongs need tightening or replacement. They have specialized tools that enable them to work with delicate prongs without ruining the precious stones. If stones are missing, jewelers source gemstones of similar sizes, shapes, and colors to match the original piece’s design. The stone’s measurements must be highly precise because it must be able to fit in the jewelry’s current setting. Jewelers must also calculate the stone’s depth and pavilion angle for proper security.
4. Metal Repairs
Jewelers use specialized soldering equipment to fix breaks and reinforce different metals’ weak or broken areas. They carefully match the composition of repair materials to blend with the original piece. Jewelers can build up worn spots by carefully applying matching materials. Reinforcing stress points to prevent future damage to the piece is a standard repair technique. A repair professional will know which metal type to use when working on jewelry to avoid harming the structural integrity of the original metal.
5. Cleaning and Maintenance
A jeweler uses specialized solutions and tools such as ultrasonic cleaners to remove accumulated dirt and oils from jewelry. Regular professional cleanings return gemstone brilliance to its true potential while reducing tarnish and buildup on metal surfaces. White gold pieces that have yellowed with time are preserved by rhodium plating. During cleaning, jewelers check pieces for any minor issues that may become a problem if they are not addressed immediately. Professional maintenance consists of checking the jewelry to identify whether stones are loose, checking the clasps to confirm they aren’t worn out, and looking for anything out of the ordinary.
6. Engraving Services
Professional jewelers offer precise engraving services to add personal messages, dates, or other decorative elements to jewelry pieces. The laser engraving process uses modern technology to produce highly intricate designs and lettering on almost any metal material. For sentimental pieces, customers may prefer the classic artisanal touch of traditional hand engraving techniques. Rings, pendants, and other jewelry items can be engraved on the inside and outside surfaces. Jewelry engravers customize the style and depth of engraving to match the piece’s design and the customer’s preferences.
7. Pearl Restringing
Before restringing pearl jewelry, professionals carefully examine the jewels for damage and clean them thoroughly. To prevent loss and protect the pearls from rubbing against each other, the string must be adequately knotted between each pearl. During restringing, jewelers may replace worn or damaged clasps and add safety chains. Pearl necklaces should be restrung every few years to maintain a secure and beautiful necklace.
8. Setting Repair
Jewelers examine the settings of rings, bracelets, and necklaces for issues like loose stones, loose prongs, and cracked mountings before cleaning the pieces. This helps them evaluate the condition of the jewelry and make appropriate recommendations for repairs. Some standard setting repairs include reshaping or restructuring lost parts and resetting stones. After completing these repairs, the professionals clean the jewelry to restore its shine.
Visit Jewelers for Professional Jewelry Care
Keeping precious jewelry pieces beautiful and functional for future generations requires regular maintenance and timely repairs. Reputable jewelers offer traditional craftsmanship and modern techniques during repair, cleaning, and customization services. Visit a jewelry store today to learn more about their repair services.
