Jewelry Repair vs. Replacement: Which is Better?

Fewer things can be more disheartening than discovering one of your favorite fine fashion jewelry pieces has broken. Maybe you were wearing it when it happened, or you found it in disrepair when you pulled it out of your jewelry box. Either way, you’re probably wondering whether jewelry replacement or repair is a better option.

When cared for properly, jewelry can last a lifetime. However, if the unimaginable happens, you have options. Harris Jewelers can help you decide whether it’s possible (and affordable) to repair the piece, or if replacement makes more sense.

When should you fix damaged jewelry?

Normal wear and tear can be expected, especially with your favorite fine fashion jewelry pieces. Prongs can become loose, and clasps can become worn. Metals may need replating. These are simple repairs that can be made without compromising quality.

As soon as you notice damage to any of your jewelry, it’s best to bring it in for an evaluation by a master jeweler. In the case of loose prongs, you can end up losing a precious gemstone from the setting if you ignore the problem. A master jeweler can determine the severity of the damage and whether it makes sense to repair or replace.

If your broken or damaged jewelry is still under warranty, make sure you take it to an approved jewelry repair location in Albuquerque.

Customers who bring their fine fashion or custom jewelry pieces in for repair can request an estimate for services. Total cost of repair can be affected by the level of difficulty of the repair and the cost of replacement parts. If you need to replace gemstones, you can expect a higher repair cost.

What kind of repairs can your jeweler make?

You might be surprised the kind of jewelry disasters that can be repaired at a reasonable cost. Don’t assume your favorite piece is ruined without consulting with a master jeweler first.  

Some of the fine fashion and custom jewelry issues master jewelers can fix include:

• Chain repair on necklaces or bracelets.
• Clasp replacement.
• Pearl restringing.
• Ring re-sizing.
• Ring prong retipping or replacement.
• Ring setting and stone tightening.
• Stone replacement.

If your jewelry is just looking a bit dull, a good cleaning and polishing can help it look like new again. Bringing your favorite pieces in for preventative jewelry maintenance twice a year can keep them in tip-top condition.

When should you replace damaged jewelry?

It doesn’t make much sense to pay to repair inexpensive jewelry. If one of your favorite jewelry pieces doesn’t hold sentimental value or isn’t high-value, you should replace it if something goes wrong with it. In some cases, you might be able to find an identical or similar replacement if you just can’t live without it in your collection.

While no one likes to think about it, there are times when even jewelry with sentimental value can’t be repaired. Maybe it has reached the point where its structural integrity has weakened. Whatever the case, it might make more sense to recreate the piece or use elements from it in custom design jewelry.

How can you replace family heirloom jewelry?

Replacing family heirloom jewelry that becomes structurally unsound or otherwise damaged is impossible. The best most Albuquerque jewelers can offer is recreating the heirloom piece or using some of its elements – like precious gemstones – to design a custom jewelry piece.

Our master jewelers can examine your damaged heirlooms and make a recommendation for repair or custom redesign. It can be comforting to salvage aspects of heirloom jewelry and using it in a new piece that embodies your personal style.

Whether you need to repair or replace, Harris Jewelers can handle all your fine fashion jewelry needs. Stop by our showroom to speak with one of our jewelry experts to discuss your needs.