Jewellery repairs in Cornwall
Jewellery repairs in Cornwall
Jewellery gets worn. Chains break, rings become too tight or too loose, clasps fail, settings loosen and pieces that have been loved for years can start to show their age.
I carry out a range of jewellery repairs from my Charlestown studio, including ring resizing, soldering, chain and clasp repairs, stone setting checks, replating and general restoration work.
I’ll always look at the piece first and explain what I think is possible before any work begins.
Some repairs are straightforward. Others need a little more thought, especially if the jewellery is older, very worn or has been repaired before.
If I don’t think a repair is sensible or safe, I’ll tell you.
What I can repair
I can help with a wide range of jewellery repairs, from simple fixes to more involved restoration work.
This can include:
- ring resizing
- soldering broken rings, bangles and chains
- chain and clasp repairs
- replacing worn or damaged clasps
- checking and tightening stone settings
- replacing missing stones where appropriate
- reshaping bent or distorted rings
- repairing worn shanks
- polishing and refinishing
- replating
- general restoration of older or well-worn jewellery
Every piece is different, so I’ll always assess it first before confirming what can be done.
Sometimes the best repair is a straightforward one. Sometimes a piece has reached the point where redesigning or remaking part of it makes more sense than repeatedly repairing it.
If that’s the case, I’ll explain the options clearly so you can decide what feels right.
Ring resizing and worn rings
Rings often need attention simply because they’ve been worn for years.
I can resize many rings up or down, depending on the design, metal and stone setting. I can also repair or replace worn sections of the band if the shank has become thin, cracked or distorted.
If a ring contains gemstones, I’ll check the settings before carrying out any work and explain if there are any risks involved.
Older rings, eternity bands and heavily set rings can be more complicated to resize, so I’ll assess each piece individually before confirming what’s possible.
Chains, clasps and soldering repairs
Broken chains, worn jump rings and damaged clasps are some of the most common repairs I see.
I can repair many broken chains, replace or repair clasps, solder worn connections and strengthen weak areas where appropriate.
With very fine chains or pieces that have already been repaired several times, I’ll check whether another repair is likely to hold before going ahead.
If replacing a component is the better option, I’ll explain that too.
Stone settings and missing stones
If a stone feels loose, catches on clothing or looks as though it has shifted in its setting, it’s worth having it checked before it disappears altogether.
I can inspect stone settings, tighten them where appropriate and repair worn claws, bezels or other setting areas.
If a stone is already missing, I can also look at sourcing a suitable replacement and discuss the options with you.
The exact repair will depend on the stone, the setting and how much wear the piece has had, so I’ll always assess it first before recommending the best approach.
Replating, refinishing and pearl restringing
Some jewellery needs specialist work that I don’t carry out in the studio myself.
For replating, I use a trusted specialist supplier who handles suitable pieces for me. This can include white gold and other plated jewellery that has lost colour or become worn over time.
I also offer pearl restringing through a trusted specialist in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
Before anything is sent away, I’ll check the condition of the piece, explain what’s involved and confirm the likely cost and timescale.
I can also clean, polish and refinish jewellery in the studio where appropriate, depending on the condition of the piece.
Older, inherited and sentimental jewellery
Older jewellery can sometimes need a bit more thought than a straightforward repair.
I can assess inherited or sentimental pieces that are worn, damaged or no longer quite right for everyday wear and talk you through the best options.
Sometimes that means repairing the piece as it is. Sometimes replacing a worn section makes more sense. And occasionally, redesigning part or all of the jewellery is the better long-term option.
I’ll always explain what I think is realistic before any work begins, especially if the piece is delicate, has been repaired before or contains older stone settings.
If repair is no longer the best solution, I can also talk to you about my jewellery redesign service.
How the repair process works
Every repair starts with me looking at the piece properly.
I’ll check the condition of the metal, settings, clasps or other components and talk you through what I think needs doing.
From there, I’ll explain the repair options, any potential risks and the likely cost before I begin.
Some repairs can be completed entirely in my Charlestown studio. For specialist work such as replating or pearl restringing, I use trusted suppliers and will arrange that for you.
Once the work is complete, I’ll check the piece again before returning it to you.
If I think a repair isn’t going to be reliable or that another option would make more sense, I’ll tell you before any work is carried out.
How much do jewellery repairs cost?
The cost of a repair depends on the piece, the metal, the type of work needed and whether any replacement stones, findings or specialist services are involved.
Simple repairs can be relatively straightforward, while older or more complicated pieces may need more time and care.
I’ll always assess the jewellery first and let you know the likely cost before I go ahead.
For specialist work such as replating or pearl restringing, I’ll also confirm the supplier cost with you before anything is sent away.
If you’d like an initial idea of whether something can be repaired, you’re welcome to get in touch with a few clear photographs.
Need a jewellery repair?
If you have a piece of jewellery that’s broken, worn, too big, too small or simply not quite right anymore, get in touch and I’ll take a look.
You can send me a few clear photographs to start with or arrange to bring the piece to my Charlestown studio so I can assess it properly.
I’ll explain what I think is possible, what the repair is likely to involve and the cost before any work begins.
If the piece would be better repaired, restored or redesigned rather than repeatedly patched, I’ll tell you that too.
If you’d like me to take a look, get in touch.
