If you notice any signs of damage to your jewelry, you need to get it repaired as soon as possible. Otherwise, you might be in danger of losing a precious gemstone.
You can preserve your jewelry’s monetary and sentimental value with repair services. Learn about the signs of damage to look out for and which service you need to fix it here.
Ring Sizing & Soldering
Your finger size might change as the years go by and your ring could get stuck. It can also get stuck if your finger swells due to a health condition or you might simply be wearing a ring that’s too small.
A correctly sized ring should be easy to slide on and take just a bit of wiggling to get off. We suggest taking your ring off every now and then to check. If it’s difficult to put on and remove, you need to get it adjusted so it doesn’t get stuck.
If ever it does get stuck, you can safely remove it with some Windex and thread. At worst, we’ll have to cut the ring off. Don’t worry, though. We use a special tool to cut the bottom of the shank, and this is a step in ring sizing anyway.
If you wear multiple rings, like an engagement band and wedding band, consider getting them soldered. This reduces the wear and tear and makes them more comfortable to wear.
Broken Shank Repair
Stress and wear can eventually cause your ring’s shank, commonly referred to as the band, to fracture. Usually, it happens at the bottom. It’s hard to predict that a shank will fracture as there usually isn’t any visual indication of it until it happens.
If the shank breaks while you’re wearing it, do not, under any circumstance, try to remove it. You might cause serious damage to your finger.
You can avoid a broken shank by removing your ring when you’re carrying a heavy object. Also, never wear jewelry while swimming as chlorine can make the metal brittle. It goes without saying that saltwater is also very harmful.
Ring Prong Retipping & Replacement
If the prongs snag on thread and hair or if they’re loose or thin, it’s a sign that it’s time to get your ring retipped. If you leave it alone, the gemstone might fall out.
Retipping mends and strengthens the prongs and sets them flush against the gemstone so they don’t snag. If the prongs are too damaged, they might have to be replaced entirely.
Chain or Clasp Repair
A damaged chain or clasp on a necklace is usually obvious to the naked eye. You also might notice that the clasp isn’t working anymore or comes off every now and then. A less noticeable sign of damage is that the jump rings which hold the clasp to the chain are stretched.
If you notice any damage, stop wearing your necklace until it gets fixed. This is quite a common and fast repair, and broken chains and clasps can be replaced with matching quality metals.
Stone Replacement
Your gemstone can get damaged by sharp blows or be lost due to damaged prongs. If you don’t regularly bring your jewelry in for inspection, you might not notice it until it’s too late and will need to have the gemstone replaced.
That said, replacing the gemstone is also done to celebrate events and milestones. For example, you can get higher-quality gemstones for you and your spouse on your anniversary.
Polishing & Cleaning
Over time, your gemstone can get scratched. Lotion and soap residue can also cause your piece to look dull. When that happens, just get your jewelry polished and clean. If you’ve gotten used to how it looks, you will be surprised by how much its appearance improves. It also extends your jewelry’s lifespan!
Bring Your Piece to Village Jewelers for Local & Professional Fine Jewelry Repairs
When you want to restore your jewelry’s shine, let Village Jewelers perform a jewelry repair on it. We’ve been in the business since 1981 and will safely and accurately repair any damage.