Jewelry repair can prolong the life of a beloved piece, so it's important to choose someone who can treat delicate items with care and skill. Finding the right professional for the job can be tricky, whether you’re resizing a ring, replacing a watch battery, or restoring an antique necklace. This guide outlines some important questions you should ask before dropping off your valuables.

Essential Questions About Jewelry Repairs

1. What Is Your Level of Skill?

Understanding a jeweler's expertise can be difficult if you aren't familiar with industry terms, so pay attention to how they communicate with customers. A professional will answer your questions in a clear and concise manner and should explain the process for repairing your piece in a way that makes sense. You should also look for certifications that verify their expertise—a bench jeweler is one who specializes in detailed work like repairs and reconstruction, so they are prepared for virtually any job.

2. Where Should I Start?

The idea of restoring a broken piece of jewelry can be daunting, especially if it’s one you hold dear. The easiest way to overcome worries about damaging the item further is to establish trust with the jewelry repair shop. Start with small, simple jobs like resizing a ring or having a new battery and band attached to a watch. As you become more familiar with the process and jeweler, you’ll feel more comfortable leaving an heirloom in their hands.

3. Where Is the Work Done?

While most jewelry repairs can be performed in the shop, extensive jobs may require outside assistance. Find out whether projects like casting new components or redesigning a piece to preserve a decorative element or stone are handled in-house or sent to another facility. The jeweler should keep you up to date on the status of your item, regardless of its location.

If a piece of jewelry in your collection needs professional attention, trust Bob Colombo of Jewelry Clinic. For over 35 years, he’s helped customers throughout Rochester, NY, bring their favorite items back to life, whether it’s a precious antique watch or chic strand of pearls. Visit his shop online to learn more about his jewelry repair and restoration services, and find out what past customers say on Facebook and Yelp. Call (585) 232-5920 to discuss your repair needs.