How to Tackle Common Jewelry Repair Problem

By Motek JewelryApril 26, 2025

Jewelry holds immense sentimental and monetary value in our lives. From wedding rings that symbolize eternal love to heirloom pieces passed down through generations, these precious items often become irreplaceable parts of our personal stories. However, even the most carefully crafted jewelry can encounter problems over time. Understanding how to address these issues—whether through professional repair or DIY solutions—can extend the life of your treasured pieces and preserve their beauty for years to come.

According to a recent industry report by The Jewelers Board of Trade, Americans spend approximately $8.2 billion annually on jewelry repair and maintenance services, highlighting just how common these issues are among jewelry owners. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the most frequent jewelry repair problems, provide practical solutions, and help you determine when to attempt a fix yourself versus when to seek professional assistance.

Understanding Jewelry Wear and Tear

Before diving into specific repair issues, it's important to understand why jewelry deteriorates in the first place. Jewelry, regardless of its composition, is subject to various forms of wear and tear through regular use. Gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals may seem indestructible, but they actually soften and deform over time. Gemstones, while incredibly hard in many cases, can chip, crack, or become loose in their settings.

Research from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) indicates that approximately 68% of jewelry damage occurs through everyday wear, rather than from accidents or mishandling. This statistic underscores the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to minor issues before they escalate into major problems.

Common Ring Repairs and Solutions

Resizing Rings

Ring resizing is perhaps the most frequently requested jewelry repair service. Whether due to weight fluctuations, joint changes as we age, or simply purchasing a ring in the wrong size, many people find themselves needing this adjustment at some point.

The process of resizing varies depending on whether the ring needs to be made larger or smaller. When a ring needs to be sized up, the jeweler typically cuts the band and adds a small piece of matching metal to increase the circumference. For sizing down, a section of the band is removed, and the ends are rejoined. Both processes require refinishing to ensure the alteration is invisible.

According to the Jewelers of America, ring resizing accounts for approximately 35% of all jewelry repair services performed in the United States. The complexity of the resize depends on several factors:

The ring's material: Platinum and titanium are more difficult to resize than gold or silver. The presence of gemstones: Rings with stones set around the entire band (eternity rings) are particularly challenging to resize. The extent of the resize: Minor adjustments are simpler than dramatic size changes.

While DIY ring resizing kits exist, they generally provide temporary solutions at best and can potentially damage your jewelry at worst. For valuable or sentimental pieces, professional resizing is strongly recommended.

Prong Repair and Replacement

Prongs are the small metal projections that hold gemstones in place in many jewelry settings. Over time, these prongs can wear down, bend, or break entirely, putting your precious stones at risk of falling out and becoming lost.

A study by the Insurance Information Institute found that loose or missing stones account for nearly 40% of all jewelry insurance claims, with damaged prongs being the primary culprit. Regular inspection of your jewelry's prongs is essential for preventing stone loss.

Signs that your prongs need attention include:

Visible wear at the tips of the prongs Prongs that snag on clothing or other fabrics Stones that move or rattle within their settings Asymmetrical appearance of the prongs

Minor prong issues can sometimes be addressed at home using specialized jewelry tools. For instance, if a prong is slightly bent but not broken, a prong pusher can gently reposition it. However, broken prongs or severely worn prongs require professional attention. A jeweler can rebuild worn prongs by adding new metal or replace broken prongs entirely.

Fixing a Broken Ring Shank

The shank of a ring refers to the band that encircles your finger. Despite the durability of precious metals, ring shanks can crack, break, or wear thin over time. This is particularly common in rings worn daily, such as wedding and engagement rings.

According to jewelry industry statistics, approximately 22% of ring repairs involve fixing damaged shanks. The most vulnerable area is typically the bottom of the ring, which regularly contacts surfaces as you use your hands.

A professional repair for a broken shank involves soldering the broken sections together or, in cases of significant wear, replacing the entire shank with new metal. This process requires precision to maintain the ring's original shape and ensure the repair is both durable and aesthetically pleasing.

While emergency temporary fixes exist (such as wrapping the broken area with jewelry wire or dental floss), these should only be used to prevent further damage until professional repair can be obtained.

Necklace and Bracelet Repairs

Chain Repair and Soldering

Chains are among the most delicate jewelry components and, consequently, among the most frequently repaired. The National Jeweler's Association reports that chain repairs constitute approximately 27% of all jewelry repair services.

Common chain problems include:

Broken links Stretched or distorted links Damaged clasps Kinks or tangles

The repair approach depends on the type and severity of the damage. For a simple broken link, a jeweler can often open adjacent links, remove the damaged section, and reconnect the chain. More extensive damage might require replacing entire sections.

Many jewelers also offer chain soldering services, where the ends of a necklace are permanently joined to create a continuous loop. This is popular for pendant necklaces where the clasp is unnecessary or unwanted.

While DIY chain repair kits are available, they typically provide temporary solutions at best. The soldering required for proper chain repair involves high temperatures and specialized equipment that most consumers don't have access to.

Clasp Replacement and Repair

Clasps are the workhorses of necklaces and bracelets, subjected to repeated opening and closing with each wear. Over time, springs can weaken, hinges can loosen, and the clasp mechanism can fail entirely.

Industry data suggests that approximately 18% of necklace and bracelet repairs involve clasp issues. The complexity of the repair depends on the type of clasp:

Spring ring clasps and lobster clasps contain small springs that can wear out Box clasps have intricate internal mechanisms that can break Toggle clasps can bend or deform

While simple clasps like spring rings are relatively inexpensive to replace, more elaborate clasps on fine jewelry may require custom fabrication to match the original design. In some cases, upgrading to a more secure clasp type might be recommended, particularly for valuable pieces.

For a temporary emergency fix, a safety pin can sometimes substitute for a broken clasp, but this solution risks damaging the chain and should only be used briefly.

Earring Repairs

Post and Back Replacement

Earring posts (the parts that go through your ears) and backs (the pieces that secure earrings in place) are subject to considerable stress and are frequently lost or damaged.

According to jewelry industry statistics, approximately 15% of all jewelry repairs involve earring components. Common issues include:

Bent or broken posts Lost or damaged backs Loosened connection between decorative elements and posts

Replacing posts typically involves removing the damaged post and soldering a new one in its place. This requires precision to ensure the post is positioned correctly and securely attached.

Earring backs are more straightforward to replace and are available in various styles, from simple push-backs to more secure screw-backs or locking systems. For valuable earrings, investing in high-quality replacement backs can provide peace of mind against loss.

Fixing Loose Stones in Earrings

Like rings, earrings with gemstones can suffer from loosened settings over time. This is particularly common in styles where stones are held by prongs or in bezel settings that have worn thin.

The repair process for loose stones in earrings is similar to that for rings, involving tightening prongs or rebuilding worn bezels. However, the smaller size of many earrings can make these repairs more delicate and precise.

Professional jewelers use specialized tools like prong pushers and burnishers to secure stones without damaging them. They may also apply small amounts of epoxy in certain settings to provide additional security.

Watch Repairs

Battery Replacement and Movement Issues

For quartz watches, battery replacement is the most common maintenance need. While this might seem like a simple DIY task, improper battery replacement can damage the watch's movement or compromise its water resistance.

According to the American Watch Guild, approximately 65% of watch repairs involve either battery replacement or issues with the watch's movement (the internal mechanism that powers the watch).

Signs that your watch needs attention include:

Stopping or running slow Erratic movement of the hands Unusual noises coming from the watch Condensation appearing under the crystal

For mechanical watches (those without batteries), regular servicing is essential to maintain accuracy and prevent wear. Most manufacturers recommend servicing every 3-5 years, which typically involves disassembling the movement, cleaning all components, replacing worn parts, and carefully reassembling and lubricating the mechanism.

Crystal Replacement

The crystal is the clear covering that protects the watch face. Crystals can become scratched, cracked, or shattered through impact or regular wear.

Watch crystals come in three main types:

Acrylic: The most inexpensive and easily scratched Mineral: More scratch-resistant than acrylic but can still crack Sapphire: Extremely scratch-resistant but the most expensive option

According to industry data, crystal replacement accounts for approximately 20% of watch repairs. While DIY crystal replacement kits exist for some watch models, the process requires precision and specialized tools to ensure proper fitting and maintain water resistance.

For valuable watches, professional crystal replacement is strongly recommended to avoid damaging other components during the repair process.

Stone Setting and Replacement

Replacing Lost Stones

Despite our best efforts, gemstones sometimes become dislodged from their settings and lost. Replacing these stones requires matching the original in terms of size, cut, color, and quality.

For common gemstones like diamonds, replacements can often be sourced relatively quickly. However, for unusual or vintage stones, finding an exact match may be more challenging. In some cases, jewelers might recommend replacing all stones in a piece to ensure consistency, particularly for items with multiple small stones.

The Gemological Institute of America reports that stone replacement constitutes approximately 12% of all jewelry repairs. The cost varies dramatically depending on the type and quality of the stone being replaced.

Upgrading or Changing Stones

Sometimes, stone replacement presents an opportunity for upgrading or redesigning a piece of jewelry. Common upgrades include:

Replacing cubic zirconia with diamonds Upgrading to higher quality diamonds Substituting colored gemstones to change the piece's appearance

This process typically involves carefully removing the existing stone (if present), potentially modifying the setting to accommodate the new stone, and then securing the replacement in place.

Many jewelers offer "trade-up" programs where the value of your original stone can be applied toward the purchase of an upgrade, making this an economical way to enhance your jewelry over time.

Metal Repairs and Restoration

Fixing Dents and Scratches

Even the most careful jewelry wearers will eventually notice dents, scratches, or other surface damage on their pieces. According to the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, surface damage repair accounts for approximately 25% of all jewelry repair services.

The repair approach depends on the severity of the damage:

Minor scratches can often be buffed out through polishing Deeper scratches may require filing before polishing Dents typically need to be carefully pushed out from the inside or filled with new metal

For pieces with intricate details or texture, repairs must be performed carefully to avoid altering the original design. In some cases, sections may need to be rebuilt entirely to match the original pattern.

Replating White Gold and Silver

White gold jewelry is typically plated with rhodium to enhance its white appearance. Over time, this plating wears away, revealing the warmer-toned gold underneath. Similarly, silver jewelry can tarnish or develop a patina with exposure to air and moisture.

Replating is a common service that refreshes the appearance of these metals. According to industry statistics, approximately 18% of jewelry repairs involve replating or refinishing services.

The replating process involves:

Thoroughly cleaning the piece to remove all dirt and oils Polishing to remove scratches and surface irregularities Applying a new layer of rhodium (for white gold) or silver Final polishing to achieve the desired finish

While DIY silver polishing can temporarily improve the appearance of tarnished pieces, professional replating provides a more durable and consistent result, particularly for white gold items.

DIY Jewelry Repair: When to Attempt It

While many jewelry repairs require professional expertise, some minor issues can be addressed at home with the right tools and techniques. According to a survey by Craft & Hobby Association, approximately 35% of jewelry owners attempt basic repairs themselves before seeking professional help.

Repairs that can often be successfully tackled at home include:

Cleaning and Polishing

Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining jewelry's appearance and preventing damage. Different materials require different cleaning approaches:

For gold and platinum: Mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft brush For silver: Commercial silver polish or baking soda paste For pearls and soft gemstones: Damp, soft cloth only

A study by the Jewelry Consumer Opinion Council found that regular cleaning can extend the life of jewelry by up to 30% by preventing the buildup of substances that can corrode metals or damage stones.

Tightening Loose Screws

Many jewelry pieces, particularly earrings and some bracelets, use tiny screws to secure components. These can loosen over time but are often easily tightened with a precision screwdriver.

When tightening jewelry screws:

Work over a light-colored surface to avoid losing dropped screws Use the correct size screwdriver to prevent stripping the screw head Consider applying a tiny amount of clear nail polish to the tightened screw to help prevent future loosening

Simple Chain Untangling

Knotted chains are a common frustration for jewelry owners. While severe tangles may require professional attention, many can be resolved at home:

Place the chain on a flat surface and use two fine needles to gently work the knot apart For stubborn knots, a drop of baby oil can help reduce friction Patience is essential—rushing often makes the problem worse

When to Seek Professional Help

While DIY approaches have their place, many jewelry issues require professional expertise. According to the Jewelers of America, attempting complex repairs without proper training results in additional damage in approximately 42% of cases.

Signs that your repair needs professional attention include:

Broken or severely bent components Loose or missing stones Structural damage to settings Repairs involving soldering or specialized tools Antique or high-value pieces

When selecting a jewelry repair professional:

Look for certifications from organizations like the Jewelers of America or American Gem Society Ask about their experience with your specific type of jewelry Request references or examples of similar repairs they've completed Ensure they provide a detailed estimate before beginning work Verify they have appropriate insurance coverage for your item while in their possession

Preventative Maintenance: Avoiding Common Jewelry Problems

The best repair is the one you never need to make. Preventative maintenance can significantly extend the life of your jewelry and reduce repair costs over time.

A study by the National Jeweler's Association found that jewelry receiving regular professional maintenance required 60% fewer major repairs compared to pieces that were only serviced when problems became apparent.

Effective preventative measures include:

Regular Professional Inspections

Most jewelers recommend having valuable pieces inspected every 6-12 months. These inspections typically include:

Checking and tightening stone settings Examining clasps and closures for wear Assessing the overall condition of the metal Professional cleaning to remove buildup

Many jewelry stores offer free inspections for pieces purchased from them, making this a cost-effective preventative measure.

Proper Storage

How you store your jewelry significantly impacts its longevity. According to the Gemological Institute of America, improper storage contributes to approximately 25% of all jewelry damage.

Best practices for jewelry storage include:

Storing pieces separately to prevent scratching Using fabric-lined jewelry boxes or pouches Keeping chains fastened to prevent tangling Storing pearls and opals away from heat sources Using anti-tarnish strips in silver storage containers

Mindful Wearing Habits

Being conscious of when and how you wear your jewelry can prevent many common problems:

Remove jewelry before swimming, showering, or applying cosmetics Avoid wearing rings during heavy hand use or sports Put jewelry on after applying hairspray, perfume, or other chemicals Remove jewelry before sleeping to prevent catching on bedding

The Economics of Jewelry Repair

When facing a jewelry repair, many people wonder whether the cost justifies the expense. According to the Jewelers Board of Trade, the average jewelry repair costs between $50 and $150, though complex repairs on valuable pieces can run much higher.

Several factors influence the repair cost:

The complexity of the repair The materials involved (platinum repairs typically cost more than silver) The time required to complete the work The value of the piece being repaired Geographic location (urban areas typically have higher repair costs)

When evaluating repair costs, consider both the monetary and sentimental value of the piece. A repair that seems expensive for a fashion jewelry item might be entirely reasonable for an heirloom or fine jewelry piece.

Many jewelers offer repair packages or maintenance plans that can reduce costs for regular customers. These typically include periodic cleaning, inspection, and minor repairs for a fixed annual fee.

Conclusion

Jewelry repair is an inevitable aspect of owning and enjoying fine jewelry. By understanding common problems, knowing when to attempt DIY solutions versus seeking professional help, and implementing preventative maintenance strategies, you can extend the life of your precious pieces and preserve their beauty for years to come.

Remember that timely attention to minor issues often prevents more significant problems down the road. A loose prong addressed promptly might cost $30 to repair, while replacing a lost diamond due to that same loose prong could cost thousands.

Whether your jewelry collection consists of priceless heirlooms or beloved fashion pieces, the knowledge and resources outlined in this guide will help you tackle common jewelry repair problems with confidence and ensure your treasured items continue to bring joy for generations to come.