7 Common Jewelry Repair Mistakes to Avoid

A survey by Jewelers of America revealed that nearly 60% of jewelry repairs are needed due to improper handling and DIY repair attempts. This highlights how common mistakes can lead to even more damage, emphasizing the importance of professional repairs.

For example, you’ve got one earring. Its partner has disappeared into the abyss, probably chilling with your missing socks. So, you get creative. “What if I mix and match?” Great in theory, but unless you’re a fashion icon, it can end up looking more “what was I thinking?” than “wow, that’s chic!”

While DIY projects can be fun and satisfying, jewelry repair is often best left to the experts. In this post, we’ll highlight 7 common jewelry repair mistakes and provide tips to avoid them, ensuring your pieces are handled with utmost care and expertise. Additionally, we’ll touch base on jewelry care to help you understand the full spectrum of jewelry maintenance.

Common Jewelry Repair Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping Professional Assessment

Attempting to repair a jewelry by yourself without a professional assessment can be a risky move. You might see a broken clasp, but a master jeweler could discover that the metal is weakened or that other parts of the piece are also compromised. 

Skipping a professional assessment when repairing jewelry can lead to unseen damage, improper techniques, higher costs, devaluation, and a lack of warranty. Always consult a professional jeweler for an initial assessment. We can identify underlying issues that may not be obvious and recommend the best course of action. 

If you also plan to sell or insure your jewelry, professional assessments are non-negotiable. Buyers and insurance companies want verified information about the piece’s condition and value. Skipping this step can lead to undervaluing your jewelry or trouble during an insurance claim. 

2. Using the Wrong Tools

Using household tools for jewelry repair might seem like a quick fix, but it often leads to more harm than good. Lack of precision, risk of damage, incorrect techniques, inadequate cleaning, and potential injury are just a few of the issues that can arise. Additionally, you risk voiding warranties, making temporary fixes, and losing the value of your precious pieces. 

Proper jeweler tools are designed to handle delicate materials and intricate details, minimizing the risk of damage. Household tools can be too bulky or harsh, leading to scratches or breakages. Specialized tools like jeweler’s pliers, fine-tipped tweezers, and magnifying glasses are essential for precise and safe repairs.

3. Ignoring Metal Type

Assuming that all metals can be treated the same way is another significant mistake. Each metal’s unique properties—such as hardness, melting point, reactivity, solder compatibility, structural integrity, and required techniques—demand specific knowledge and tools. Failing to recognize these differences can result in ineffective repairs or even damage to your precious pieces. 

For example, gold is relatively soft, especially in higher karats, and can be easily bent or scratched if not handled carefully. It requires gentle techniques and tools that won’t damage its surface. Knowing these differences ensures that you apply the correct pressure and techniques during repairs, preserving the integrity of the jewelry.

4. Overlooking Cleaning Before Repair

One of the most overlooked yet crucial steps in repairing jewelry is cleaning the piece thoroughly before beginning any repair work. Skipping this step can lead to a range of problems, affecting the quality of the repair and the longevity of the jewelry. 

For repairs involving adhesives, soldering, or welding, a clean surface is vital. Usually, we use a gentle jewelry cleaner and a soft brush to remove any debris, dirt, oils, and residues. This important step will make the repair process smooth and helps make a more durable fix.

5. Using Incorrect Adhesives

Applying general adhesives or glues to jewelry might seem like a quick fix to any broken jewelry, but it often leads to more problems than solutions. There’s an adhesive specifically designed for jewelries which is formulated to bond securely without causing discoloration or damage to precious materials. 

General adhesives are not formulated to bond with the specific materials used in jewelry, such as gold, silver, platinum, and various gemstones. Also, avoid using household glues like super glue, which can damage metals and stones and are difficult to remove if a mistake is made.

6. Neglecting to Check for Loose Stones

Overlooking the inspection for loose stones before and after jewelry repair is a critical mistake that can lead to further damage and loss of precious gemstones.  Securing loose stones is essential to prevent them from becoming dislodged and lost after the repair is completed. 

Loose stones can fall out and get lost, turning a simple repair into a costly replacement. Use a loupe to closely inspect the settings and prongs holding the stones. If any are loose, carefully tighten them with the appropriate tool or better seek professional assistance to ensure the stones are securely set.

7. Improper Storage Post-Repair

Storing jewelry carelessly after repair can undo all the hard work put into restoring its beauty and functionality. Careless storage exposes repaired jewelry to various hazards, including scratches, dents, and tarnishing. Placing jewelry in a cluttered drawer or tossing it onto a countertop increases the likelihood of accidental damage from other objects or rough surfaces. 

Keep your jewelries in a safe, dry place, preferably in a jewelry box with separate compartments. Proper storage prevents damage and keeps your pieces in pristine condition. Avoid humid environments, which can cause metals to tarnish and weaken. Use soft pouches or anti-tarnish strips to further protect your jewelry.

When to Call Professional Jewelry Care Experts?

Knowing when to call a professional jewelry care expert for repairs can save you from unnecessary headaches and expenses. Here are key situations where professional intervention is essential:

1. Loose or Missing Stones

If you notice a gemstone is loose or has fallen out, it’s time to call a professional. Even if you manage to find the missing stone, re-setting it requires expertise to ensure it stays secure.

2. Bent or Broken Prongs

Prongs that hold gemstones can bend or break over time. If you see any prong that looks out of place, it’s crucial to have a jeweler assess and fix it before you lose a precious stone.

3. Worn Out Clasps or Links

Necklaces, bracelets, and chains with worn or broken clasps and links are prone to falling off, risking loss or further damage. A professional can replace or repair these components to ensure your jewelry stays securely in place.

4. Damaged or Scratched Metals

Significant scratches, dents, or other damage to metal parts of your jewelry (such as rings, bracelets, or necklaces) require professional polishing and repair to restore their original luster and integrity.

5. Stretched or Broken Chains and Bands

Chains and bands can stretch or break due to wear and tear. A jeweler can repair or replace these parts to prevent further damage and ensure a perfect fit.

6. Discoloration or Tarnish

While some tarnish can be removed at home, severe discoloration might need professional cleaning and polishing to restore your jewelry’s shine.

7. Complex or Antique Jewelry

Intricate, delicate, or antique pieces often require specialized care that only a professional can provide. These pieces can be easily damaged if not handled correctly.

8. Ring Resizing

Whether you need to resize a ring up or down, it’s best left to professionals. Incorrect resizing can weaken the ring’s structure or damage the setting.

9. Soldering and Reconstruction

If your jewelry requires soldering (joining parts together with a filler metal) or reconstruction (rebuilding parts of the jewelry), these tasks need a professional’s skill to ensure durability and aesthetics.

10. Regular Professional Check-Ups

Even if your jewelry appears fine, regular check-ups with a jeweler can catch potential issues early. Professionals can clean, inspect, and maintain your pieces, prolonging their lifespan and keeping them in top condition.

Jewelry Problems and Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Unusual Noises: Jewelry, especially pieces with multiple gemstones, should be silent when handled. If your jewelry makes a rattling sound, it could indicate loose stones. A rattling sound indicates that a stone isn’t securely held in place.

Fixing a loose stone is typically less expensive than replacing a lost one. It also prevents the need for more extensive repairs if the setting is damaged by the loose stone.

Visible Gaps: Over time, prongs can thin out due to daily wear, making them less effective at securing the stones. Any gaps in settings or prongs can mean that your stones are not secure. Gaps also suggest that these elements have bent or worn down.

Identifying and addressing gaps early can prevent the need for more extensive repairs. It’s easier and cheaper to re-tip prongs or tighten settings before they fail completely.

Loose Fittings: Jewelry should feel solid and well-made. Loose parts can snag on clothing or other objects, leading to breakage or further damage.If any part of your jewelry feels loose or wobbly, it’s a sign that professional attention is needed.

Addressing loose fittings promptly helps maintain the overall integrity and longevity of the piece, ensuring it remains wearable and beautiful.

 

Calling a professional jewelry care expert at the right time can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems, saving you from costly repairs or the heartbreak of losing a cherished piece.

Why Jewelry Care and Maintenance Matters?

Work With a Reliable Jewelry Repair Professional

No matter how well we care for our jewelry, pieces can become damaged over time, especially with regular use. Even recently purchased items might need repairs for size adjustments and various repairs, including chain repair, soldering, prong tightening, and stone replacement.

By sidestepping common mistakes in fixing jewelry problems and getting it right the first time, you’ll spare yourself the frustration of repeated repairs and the accompanying costly mistakes. Whether you’re dealing with a simple repair or a complex restoration, taking the right steps will help tackle intricate repairs and restorations effectively. 

Educating yourself on proper jewelry care and repair techniques, and most importantly, seeking professional advice for jewelry care and maintenance when needed can ensure your treasured pieces remain beautiful and intact for years to come.