Jewelry Repair to DIY or not to DIY

A broken clasp. A loose stone. A ring that no longer fits. When jewelry needs repair, you have two options. Fix it yourself or take it to a professional.

DIY repairs seem quick and budget-friendly option. But they don’t always go as planned. Some minor fixes are easy to do at home. More complicated repairs need expert tools, knowledge and skills of professionals.

When your favorite necklace breaks, what’s the best course of action? Try fixing it yourself or seek a jeweler’s expertise? Naturally, you’d prefer to have a professional repair it. Knowing when to call in an expert can protect your jewelry from additional harm and ensure your treasured piece is.

When DIY jewelry repair makes sense

You can handle small repairs with a little effort, so in those cases, a DIY fix is an option.

• Clasp Replacement: A broken clasp? Use jewelry pliers to attach a new one.
• Cleaning & Polishing: Mild soap and water work wonders. A soft brush helps remove dirt and bring back shine.

Not all repairs are as simple as they seem, even the smaller ones. Using the wrong tools or applying too much pressure can end up damaging your jewelry further. Keep this in mind – it’s important to avoid turning a minor issue into a costly mistake, so carefully consider whether or not to attempt a DIY repair

Knowing when to DIY or when to call a pro and save time and money.

When to choose professional jewelry

A professional jeweler shows precision, durability, and professionalism in their work on valuable and intricate pieces, so choosing a professional is never a wrong turn.

• Ring resizing: Professional jewelers heat and resize rings safely.
• Stone resetting: Loose gemstones require expert tightening to prevent loss.
• Soldering repairs: Broken chains and worn prongs need specialized tools and techniques.

Having your jewelry repaired by a professional preserves its beauty, and many jewelers offer warranties to guarantee long-lasting results on their work.

How to decide: DIY or professional?

• DIY: Best for minor fixes like cleaning and clasp replacements.
• Professional: Essential for soldering, resizing stones, or working with delicate materials.

If a repair involves high heat, delicate prongs, or intricate stone settings, leave it to a jeweler.

Making the Right Choice

Jewelry repair can work for minor fixes, but for anything intricate or valuable, professional repair is the safest option. If you have a budget, always go with a pro for technical help

• Go DIY for simple cleaning, minor replacements, and reattaching jump rings.
• Call a pro to resize stones, reset them, solder them, or repair valuable jewelry.

For expert jewelry repairs, trust GEA Jewelers to restore your cherished items. Their experienced team will handle your pieces with the precision and care they need. Avoid the potential for DIY damage—let GEA Jewelers, your nearby custom jewelers, bring your favorite jewelry back to life. Contact them for a consultation today.