Five Signs your Jewellery needs a Service
Jewellery is not only an accessory but a repository of memories, emotions, and milestones. Even the best looked after piece will wear out with time. It is in knowing when your jewellery needs professional attention that you maintain its condition and, more importantly, avoid further damage. Here are the top five signs that will show your treasured possessions need professional repair.
1. Loose or Wobbly Stones
One of the most evident signs that your jewellery needs servicing is loose gemstones or those appearing to wobble in their setting. Over time the claws holding them may get worn down with daily wear and tear, or they can catch on clothes and be pulled out of place. If left this way, stones are likely to fall out.
What You Can Do:
If you find that one of your stones is loose, stop wearing the piece until it is checked by a professional. Any good jeweller will be able to tighten the claws or even rebuild the setting to secure the stone and return integrity to the piece.
2. Broken or Weak Clasps
A clasp that doesn't snap into place or feels weak is a major warning sign. If clasps don't catch properly, necklaces or bracelets can fall off without one noticing and can easily get lost. Clasps are particularly prone to wear and tear, as they are used so often.
What You Can Do:
Have the clasp checked by a jeweller at the first sign of faultiness. Repairs can involve replacing the mechanism of the clasp and/or tightening the spring. In some cases, merely replacing an inferior type of clasp with one that is stronger can provide greater security along with ease in use. The cost of a new premium clasp is usually a small expense compared to the risk of losing your jewellery, and the peace of mind of being able to wear your favourite pieces without worry is priceless.
3. Bent or Thinning Bands
Rings can take a battering since they are often worn doing day to day tasks, especially with softer metals like gold. When a band does bend or becomes misshapen, the damage isn't only aesthetic but also structural; the piece becomes more prone to breaks.
What You Can Do:
If you notice that a ring band is no longer perfectly round or has become noticeably thinner in some areas, then it is time to visit a professional jeweller who can strengthen the band either by adding material or by reshaping for continued strength to keep it wearable. We can assess your item in just moments to let you know if there are any problematic fissures or cracks in your item, or if it just needs putting back into shape.
4. Dullness or Discolouration
This happens overtime, as jewels become obscured by dirt, oils, and environmental contact. Often, this may be considered tarnish or discolouration common in silver, but metals and all kinds of gemstones may lose their luster.
What You Can Do:
At-home cleaning can certainly help maintain the general appearance of your jewellery, however it often requires professional cleaning and polishing to bring back its brilliance. A professional jeweller will also be able to determine whether deeper issues-such as scratches or worn finishes need to be taken care of during the cleaning process.
5. Damaged or Missing Components
Missing, broken, chipped, or cracked gemstones, and worn-out settings are very obvious clues to repair your jewellery. In cases of small nicks and chips in stones, the problem is going to keep getting worse until addressed.
What You Can Do:
Take immediate action concerning visible damage. A qualified jeweller can restore it by repairing or replacing the damaged component.
Why Professional Repair is Important
Inasmuch as one might want to hastily have a makeshift fix at home, jewellery repair is a dark art which requires precision, expertise, and specialised equipment. Professional goldsmiths are those who will restore your pieces without diminishing the quality or value of them. You can elongate the life of your jewellery and also evade more serious repairs later on by simply catching the problem while it is fresh, an opinion costs nothing - we recommend you come in and have chat with us whenever you have any concerns regarding your jewellery!
The jewellery we wear daily is often close to our heart, it may represent memories or very significant milestones. Keeping the jewellery in the best condition possible ensures these pieces remain in your life for years to come. Above, we have discussed some of the key indicators, if you experience any of these, you are encouraged to bring your treasured jewellery to a trusted professional for inspection and fixing.
At our family-run workshop, we treat every piece as if it were our own. From loose stones to worn clasps, we're here to help you keep your jewellery looking its best. Contact us today or visit our workshop to give your precious pieces the care they deserve!