Jewelry repair: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What jewelry repair is

A jeweler repairs jewelry by resizing rings, fixing broken clasps, replacing missing stones, re-tipping prongs and restoring worn metal. The work depends on the metal, the stones and the design, so the jeweler checks each piece before starting.

Signs you need it

  • A ring is too loose or too tight and needs resizing
  • A clasp on a necklace or bracelet has broken or won't stay closed
  • A stone is loose, chipped or missing from its setting
  • The prongs holding a stone have worn down or bent
  • A piece is tarnished, scratched or worn and needs polishing or re-plating

What the pro does

  • Examines the piece, the metal, the stones and the setting under magnification
  • Identifies the metal and checks for any hallmarks or markings
  • Plans the repair and tells you about any risk to the stones or the design
  • Solders, tightens, re-tips or replaces the parts that need work
  • Sets or secures any stones that were loose or missing
  • Polishes and cleans the piece, then checks the fit and the security of every stone

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The type of repair, such as resizing, clasp work, stone setting or re-plating
  • The metal and how it reacts to soldering or resizing
  • The number and type of stones, and whether any need to be replaced
  • How complex the design is, such as a pave setting or a split shank
  • Whether the piece needs a full polish or only a basic clean
  • Whether the work needs to be sent to a specialist for plating or stone cutting

What a written quote should spell out

  • Each repair named, such as resizing, clasp replacement or stone setting
  • The metal type and any metal added for the repair
  • Whether stones are reset, replaced or only tightened
  • Whether polish, cleaning and final inspection are included
  • The pick-up date and any risks the jeweler has named before starting

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What metal is this piece, and how do you confirm it?
  • Will the resizing affect the design or any stones?
  • Do you replace stones with the same type, cut and size?
  • Can you show me the repaired area before I pick the piece up?
  • What happens if the stone cracks or the metal breaks during the repair?
  • Do you insure the piece while it is in your shop?
  • Can you tell me whether the piece has been repaired before?

Red flags

  • Will not look at the piece under magnification or explain the setting
  • Resizes a ring with stones set all the way around without warning about the risk
  • Replaces a stone with a different type or size without telling you
  • Cannot say whether the metal will be solid, plated or filled
  • Keeps the piece without a written ticket or receipt

What you can do yourself

You can clean most gold, silver and platinum jewelry at home with a soft brush, mild dish soap and warm water, and dry it fully. Do not soak pearls, opals or other soft, porous or treated stones, and ask the jeweler how to clean them. Keep rings and necklaces separate in a soft pouch to prevent scratches. Hire a jeweler for resizing, clasp work, stone setting, prong repair and re-plating, because these need the right tools and can damage stones or metal if done wrong.

Licenses and permits

A license is often not required for jewelry repair, but rules differ by state and city. Ask for proof of training, such as a metalsmithing course, and photos of repairs on pieces like yours.

Jewelry repair questions

Can every ring be resized?

No. Rings with stones set all the way around, engraving or a thin band may have limits. Ask the jeweler to check the ring before you agree to resizing.

How do I know the metal is real?

Look for hallmarks, and ask the jeweler to test or identify the metal. A jeweler can explain what the markings mean and whether the piece has been plated or filled.

Should I remove the stones before a repair?

Ask the jeweler first. Some repairs need the stones removed, and others can be done with the stones in place. Let them decide what protects the stone best.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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