Let’s be honest, jewellery repairs are like giving an old mate a bit of a spruce-up. It’s worth every cent because jewellery is more than just a pretty thing; it’s a piece of your yarn, a link to your past, or a reminder of some special times. And like any prized possession, jewellery can take a beating over time. From broken clasps to chipped stones, it’s inevitable that our beloved pieces will need a little TLC.
Nevertheless, early detection is key to maintaining the lustre of your jewellery and saving money. If your jewellery is damaged, you should first check its warranty. But what signs of damage should you watch for?
Let this jewellery repairing guide help you so you can keep your favourite pieces looking as stunning as the day you got them.
Jewellery Repairs and Damages: The Most Common Culprits
1. Wearing Down of the Metal
One of the most common issues with jewellery is the wearing down of the metal. Over time, the metal can become scratched, dulled or even pitted thanks to lotion and soap residues. This is especially true for softer metals like silver and gold.
Regular polishing is one of the most common jewellery repairs that can help restore the shine and lustre of your jewellery. It is recommended to send your jewellery for professional repolishing and cleaning once a year. The best part? Angara offers this service for free under its lifetime warranty!
2. Breakage or Damage to the Prongs
The prongs are small metal structures that hold the gemstone in place. If a prong becomes damaged or broken (while doing chores, for example), the gemstone can become loose and even fall out. This is a common problem with rings and pendants—and you can see it when one prong stands out from the rest and starts snagging on fabric.
It’s important to have damaged prongs get a professional jewellery repair promptly to prevent the loss of your precious stones. The prong can be repaired, re-tipped, or replaced by a jeweller based on the extent of the damage.
3. Loose or Chipped Gemstones
Gemstones can chip or crack due to accidents, a strong impact or damaged prongs. If your gemstone is chipped or cracked, it can affect its appearance and value. While minor chips can sometimes be repaired, more significant damage may require a replacement stone. Angara Jewellery offers gemstone and/or diamond tightening jewellery repair service for free under its lifetime warranty plan. Depending on the damage, the gemstone may need fixing or replacement.
4. Broken Clasps, Chains and Links
Clasps are the mechanisms that secure necklaces, bracelets and other jewellery. We understand that you love to wear your fav necklace all the time, but broken clasps can make it difficult or impossible to wear it. Similarly, broken chains and links can also render your jewellery unusable.
If your clasp, chain or link is broken, it’s important to get a fast jewellery repair. A skilled jeweller will replace broken chains and clasps with matching metals, ensuring a seamless transition for your cherished necklace or bracelet.
5. Pearl Restringing
Pearls, known for their delicate beauty and timeless elegance, can become loose or damaged over time due to factors such as wear and tear, exposure to moisture or changes in temperature. If you notice that your pearl necklace or bracelet has loose or broken pearls, it’s essential to have it re-stringed. Restringing involves replacing the old string with a new one, ensuring that your pearls are securely held in place and preventing further damage.
6. Breakage and Replacement of Parts
In addition to the common repairs mentioned above, jewellery can also suffer damage to other components, such as earring backings, ring head or setting. If a part of your jewellery is broken or damaged, it may need to be replaced. At Angara, we offer Lifetime Warranty and Enhanced Lifetime Warranty plans for fixing broken jewellery, depending on the damage.
If you would like to get in touch with us for jewellery cleaning and repair, all you have to do is simply visit the Angara website and order a repair through our ‘Resize & Repair’ page. You can also contact us via call, email or chat. We strive to ensure utmost customer satisfaction at all times.
Tips for Preventing Jewellery Damage
1. Store Properly
When it comes to fine jewellery care tips, storage is key. Avoid placing your jewellery in a pile or stack. Instead, use the jewellery box it came in to protect it from scratches and damage.
2. Safeguard From External Damage
Remove your jewellery before showering, swimming or doing household chores. Chemicals, chlorine and other substances can damage your jewellery. So be careful when you are doing any activities that involve interaction with harmful or harsh chemicals.
3. Keep It Aside Before Going on an Adventure
Avoid wearing your jewellery when doing strenuous activities. Activities like sports or heavy lifting can put stress on your jewellery, leading to damage. So, if you’re planning on going rock climbing or an adventure that’s likely to scratch or damage your jewellery, keep your precious baubles aside to prevent causing any damage.
4. Clean Gently
If you’re wondering how to clean your jewellery to keep its shine, the trick is to use gentle and mild soap and clean it with a soft cloth. The soap won’t have any harmful chemicals to damage the metal or the gemstone, and the cloth will make sure it’s cleaned thoroughly without any possibility of scratching.
Congrats! You’ve learned about the most common forms of repairing jewellery and how to avoid them. But remember, even the best-cared-for pieces need a little extra loving from time to time. Send your jewellery to a professional once every one or two years for inspection. Additionally, keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear and don’t be afraid to consult a jewellery expert if you’re unsure. By understanding your jewellery’s needs and taking proactive steps, you’ll be able to enjoy your favourite pieces for years to come!
FAQs:
1. How can I prevent damage to my jewellery?
To prevent damage, clean and store your jewellery properly, avoid harsh chemicals or strenuous activities while wearing it, and send it to a professional for regular inspection.
2. Can I repair my jewellery at home?
It’s best to trust a professional jeweller with your jewellery repairs rather than trying to repair it at home for expert care and long-lasting results.
3. What are the most common jewellery repairs?
The most common repairs include polishing, resizing rings, prong re-tipping or replacement, ring head or setting replacement, stone replacement and chain or clasp repair.
