How to Repair Jewelry: A Practical Guide

How to Repair Jewelry: A Practical Guide

Jewelry is more than an accessory; it's a symbol of love, milestones, and treasured memories. However, over time, even the most well-crafted pieces can begin to show signs of wear. Clasps loosen, chains break, stones loosen, or metal finishes dull. That’s when the question becomes essential: how to repair jewelry properly and restore its beauty without compromising its integrity. Let’s learn how to assess damage and when it’s time to bring your piece to a professional jeweler.

Assessing the Damage: When to Take Action

Before determining the type of repair your jewelry may require, it's essential to inspect the piece carefully for signs of wear or damage. Common indicators include loose or missing stones, broken or worn-out clasps, bent or damaged prongs, and broken chains or links.

You might also notice thinning ring shanks, lost earring backs, damaged posts, or tarnish and a dull finish on the metal. These signs can appear gradually, especially with pieces worn frequently. Addressing these issues promptly can make repairs simpler and more affordable.

Ignoring minor problems often leads to more serious damage, such as losing a stone or weakening the structure of the setting, particularly with engagement rings, bracelets, or other everyday staples. Bringing your jewelry to a professional jeweler at the first sign of wear is the best way to preserve both its beauty and integrity.

Types of Jewelry Repairs and What to Expect

• Ring Resizing
  Over time, weight changes, weather, or aging can cause rings to feel too tight or loose. A jeweler can resize most rings by either cutting and adjusting the shank or adding metal to enlarge the size. Gold, platinum, and silver are easy to resize, though eternity bands or heavily embellished rings may require more specialized work.
• Prong Repair and Stone Re-Tipping
  Prongs hold your gemstones securely in place. When they wear down or bend, your stones become vulnerable to falling out. Re-tipping or rebuilding the prongs is a precise but necessary repair that ensures your settings remain strong and secure.
• Chain and Clasp Repairs
  Chains and bracelets are especially prone to breakage where links wear thin or clasps become weak. Jewelers can solder broken links, replace clasps, or even reinforce chains with additional support pieces.
• Stone Replacement or Resetting
  Lost stones can often be replaced with a matching diamond or gemstone. If the original stone is intact but loose, resetting it in a more secure setting can help preserve the original integrity of the piece.
• Polishing and Rhodium Plating
  White gold jewelry often requires rhodium plating to maintain its bright white finish. Over time, the plating wears off, revealing a slightly yellow tone underneath. A jeweler can reapply rhodium for a like-new look. For all metals, polishing helps remove surface scratches and brings back the original shine.
• Pearl Restringing
  Pearl necklaces and bracelets should be restrung every few years, especially if worn often. Over time, silk threads weaken and stretch, increasing the risk of breakage: restringing restores both the safety and elegance of the piece.

DIY Jewelry Fixes: What’s Safe to Try at Home?

While some repairs are best left to professionals, a few basic maintenance tasks can be done safely at home:

• Cleaning with mild soap and water: Use a soft brush (like a baby toothbrush) and warm water to clean gold, platinum, or diamonds gently.
• Untangling chains: Apply a drop of baby oil or use a pin to loosen knots in delicate chains gently.
• Using safety backs: Replace lost earring backs with temporary plastic or silicone options until you can get a permanent replacement.

What NOT to do at home:

Avoid using harsh chemicals, toothpaste, or ultrasonic cleaners unless you're certain your jewelry is compatible. Soft gemstones, such as opals, emeralds, and pearls, can be permanently damaged by at-home cleaning methods. Likewise, soldering, stone setting, or prong repair should never be attempted without the use of professional tools and training.

Trust Becker’s for All Your Jewelry Repairs

At Becker’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry in Connecticut, we understand that your jewelry is more than a possession; it’s a part of your life's story. That’s why we treat every repair with the same care and craftsmanship we bring to our custom designs and fine jewelry collections.

Visit our showroom in West Hartford, Glastonbury, and Old Saybrook, or contact us online to schedule a jewelry repair consultation. We’ll help restore the sparkle to your most cherished pieces, because well-loved jewelry deserves to shine again.