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Signs That It's Time to Repair Your Jewelry
Common Jewelry Breakages & Repairs
Adjusting Your Jewelry for Size
Should You Repair or Buy New Jewelry?
Should You Repair or Modify Broken Jewelry?
Jewelry Repair Turnaround Time
Why You Need a Professional for Jewelry Repair
How to Clean and Store Your Jewelry
Professional Jewelry Repair Near You
Signs That It's Time to Repair Your Jewelry
All jewelry requires maintenance if you wish it to prevail against the regular wear and tear of everyday life. While the pieces you wear every day are subjected to more of the elements and potential for damage, even your special occasion pieces, which enjoy less time in the public space, require consistent upkeep. So how do you know your jewelry needs repair? There are a few telltale signs you should be on the lookout for, but some others may not be so immediately obvious.
Inconspicuous Indicators That Your Jewelry Needs Repair
Clasps that don't close securely - If your clasp gets stuck open or stuck closed when you put it on, this is a telltale sign that it's in need of repair. Wearing it without repairing it may lead to losing it entirely.
Common Jewelry Breakages & Repairs
In addition to the potentially unseen signs listed above that hint at the need for jewelry repair, many visible and common breakages will make it evident that a piece can't be worn again until it's been repaired.
Other Functions Performed by Jewelry Repair Services
Your local jeweler or jewelry repair service can help with far more than just fixing broken jewelry. They also perform necessary maintenance to keep your jewelry looking its
best.
Adjusting Your Jewelry for Size
Beyond repairs, jewelry resizing is a common need not just at the time of your purchase, but throughout the life of each piece. Whether due to weight loss or gain, rings, watches, and bracelets may require resizing for comfort and security. Necklaces may also be adjusted or resized for changes in taste and style or due to metal fatigue and erosion.
Whatever the reason for resizing your jewelry, a professional resizing is the only option with consistent, reliable results. Temporary sizers are available for short-term needs, but to ensure you can confidently wear each piece without sacrificing the look or possibly losing or damaging it, you should consult with your jeweler to discuss permanent options.
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With certain damages, you may wonder if it's worth it to repair a broken piece of jewelry or if you should buy a new piece. There are several factors to consider when making this decision.
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Should You Repair or Buy New Jewelry
Why You Might Repair Your Jewelry
If the sentimental value of the jewelry is just as significant to you as the monetary value, you might opt to repair rather than replace your damaged items. Many a heart has been broken by chips and cracks in diamond engagement rings . Diamonds may measure the highest on the Mohs scale of hardness, but they're not indestructible. If your diamond has been damaged, you can discuss the options with your jeweler to determine the course of action for you that makes the most sense. If your diamond or gemstone is large enough, it may be possible to recut and reset it. The stone will lose some of its carat weight, however, so this may not be an option if you prefer not to sacrifice the visible size of the stone or if your insurance covers the cost to replace the stone. Additionally, not all diamonds and gemstones are candidates for recutting.
Why You Might Buy New Jewelry
If your diamond isn't suitable for recutting, you may choose to replace the damaged stone. You may be able to exchange the damaged stone for a reduced rate based on its new clarity rating to offset the cost of your new stone, or your insurance may reimburse all or a portion of the replacement stone's price. You'll need to confirm what your policy will cover, if anything, and discuss your options with your jeweler before deciding to add a new stone.
Engagement and wedding rings aren't the only jewelry you may attach emotional value to, and the decision to repair these other items should similarly weigh your attachment to the meaning each piece holds as you make your decision.
Buy or Sell Broken Jewelry
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If you find yourself with an unfixable piece of jewelry, or jewelry you don't care much for, you may consider selling your damaged jewelry to help offset the cost of new purchases. Damaged jewelry won't fetch the same price as intact items, but you'll still want to get a fair price. Here are some things to consider:
What's it worth? Before you look to sell your broken jewelry, find out what it's worth. Appraisal by a member of the American Society of Appraisers, International Society of Appraisers
Should You Repair or Modify Broken Jewelry?
If you need to repair your jewelry, it's also an excellent time to consider any modifications you might wish to make to it. Whether you'd like to upgrade a center stone, fuse your wedding band and engagement ring , or repurpose diamonds or gemstones into other pieces of jewelry, you can discuss these options with your jeweler when you visit them for jewelry repairs.
You may also have inherited estate jewelry that is in poor condition which you'd like to repair or modify, bringing new life to them by creating new styles you're happy to wear.
When to Repair Jewelry
If you wish to restore a piece that you love to its original beauty without any changes to its appearance, jewelry repair is the first option you should pursue. If an article is drastically damaged and repair isn't feasible, a recreation of the piece from new materials or incorporating salvageable materials may be possible.
Jewelry Repair Turnaround Time
One of the most common questions we get about jewelry repairs is about the turnaround time. When you're looking to repair your everyday jewelry, it only makes sense that you'd like to have it returned to you as quickly as possible. Fast jewelry repair is possible, but it's important to understand why your jewelry repair service is able to provide quick repairs. It's often said that you can have something done fast or you can have it done right, but not both. This isn't the whole story with jewelry repair, but it's important to ask questions and do your research before choosing a service based on the speed of repairs alone.
Why You Need a Professional for Jewelry Repair
While many people consider price and turnaround time when looking for a jewelry repair service, it's important to give careful consideration to the quality and experience of a jeweler's work. They should be able to show you pictures of past repairs and should be comfortable discussing their knowledge, expertise, time in the profession, and any certifications with you.
How to Clean and Store Your Jewelry
Ongoing jewelry maintenance should be part of your overall plan to maximize your investments and minimize the need for jewelry repairs. With each new piece that you purchase, your jeweler should advise you on its specific requirements for storage, cleaning, and inspection. Additionally, you should discuss insurance for your jewelry with your jeweler who may be able to offer.
Professional Jewelry Repair Near You
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You've invested your money and your emotions into much of your most cherished jewelry. You can extend the longevity of each piece and ensure its continued beauty by following some simple maintenance tips and partnering with a jeweler you can trust.
Don't trust your treasured jewelry to just anyone. An independent local jeweler with experience and a solid reputation should be sought to preserve and repair your jewelry. Before you shop for jewelry repairs near you, ask for recommendations from friends and family and seek out customer reviews. After narrowing your list, schedule a consultation only with those whose training, experience, and reputation back up their claims about quality.
If you're looking for jewelry repair in San Francisco, we invite you to read what our customers have been saying about us over our many decades in the business. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 415-875-9438, schedule online, or stop by and introduce yourself. We're proud to be the trusted family jeweler to so many who call San Francisco home, and we'd love to add you to our ever-growing family tree.