When Is Jewelry Repair Better Than Replacing a Piece

Jewelry is intimate. It's not just a pretty stone or glittering bauble—it's the history, emotion, and memory behind it. If it's a bride's grandmother's wedding ring, a friend's birthday necklace, or some anniversary earrings that were purchased, jewelry is intimate. But when it's cracked, scratched, or missing a gemstone, do you repair it or just replace it? Let us examine why jewelry repair is typically the best solution over replacing something new.

Why Choose Jewelry Repair?

Your pretty bracelet is broken, or the gemstone in your ring is, and you may think in a flash, "Oh dear, I must have it replaced!" Wait though—jewelry fixing to the rescue. Jewelry restoration saves something's history. Consider a necklace that your mom gave you when you were little, for instance. Having it replaced with one created from scratch may be lovely, but it will not be the same. Repairs enable you to still retain those memories and emotions.

Second, repairing will cost less than purchasing something new, particularly in the case of a product jewel being a gem, silver, or gold. Another advantage of repairs compared to purchasing something new is that skilled jewelers can restore your product to the same standard as new. They can remove marks, restore unset stones, or resize a ring because it no longer fits. All but minor damage looks worse than it is, and a quick fix puts your jewelry back to new. A bent earring post or stretched chain is an inexpensive fix, for instance, by a professional. Don't get rid of that crumpled-up piece of jewelry without considering all the ways that a little TLC brings it back to showroom-shiny new.

When Replacing Might Seem Like the Answer

Replacement is sometimes the easy thing to do in a couple of situations. If literally your jewelry has worn out, is actually antique and old, or simply is no longer your style, you may have to replace it. For example, if a flashy, inexpensive bracelet is broken and wasn't such a significant issue to start with, replacement is the answer. Or, if something would cost as much to replace as to buy an equivalent new one, doing so would be the good business decision. That's especially true in the instance of jewelry that doesn't contain any expensive materials like gold or diamonds.

But the problem is, replacement jewelry is not always buying the same kind. Glittering new jewelry can be designed with cheap materials that will have a half-life or less. And if the jewelry is personal, there is no new ring or necklace that would ever come close to replacing the memories that go with the original. So while sometimes replacement can seem so appealing, consider the emotional and financial costs first.

The Benefits of Fixing Your Jewelry

Fixing jewelry, yes, does have its wonderful perks. First, it's eco-friendly. Creating new pieces of jewelry will deplete earth resources such as metal and jewels and destroy the world while it's at it. Repeating what you currently have again and again is heaven to the world. Two, jewelry restoration is tailored to your liking. Want to swap out a gem for an even more lovely one? Or fill a second trinket on your wristlet? A jeweler will do all that and won't change the original personality of the piece.

Polish also extends the roll length of your jewelry as well. Tightening or polishing a stone, for example, can help avoid greater problems later on. It's like getting in for your car's oil—it keeps everything humming along. And if you're working with a quality jeweler, your item is in good hands. They can catch something that you might not even see, a loose clasp or a worn setting, for instance, and repair it before it becomes an issue.

When to Know It’s Time for a Fix

So how do you know if repair is the solution? Consider these indicators that repair is the way to go:

• The piece means a lot to you. If it's a family heirloom or present, having it in its original condition is worth the cost.

• The damage is small. Loose gemstones, scratches, or fractured chains are all easy to repair.

• It’s high-quality. Gold, silver, or real gem jewelry is typically worth fixing because it's meant to last.

• Repairs cost less. If fixing is considerably cheaper than replacing, it's a no-brainer.

But if it's cheap, seriously broken, or just no longer brings you joy, it's likely safe to replace it. Don't make assumptions, however—talk to a jeweler first. They can tell you flat out if it's worth repairing or not.

Tips for Getting Your Jewelry Fixed

If you do decide to attempt to repair it, this is how to do it properly. Start by searching for a reliable jeweler. Ask your relative or your friend, or search on the internet. Ensure that the jeweler is experienced in performing the kind of repair you require, i.e., resizing your ring or gem resetting. Two, obtain a definite quote on time and price. A professional jeweler will explain the problem and what he will do to repair it. Finally, don't be afraid to ask. It's your jewelry, and you have the right to know what's happening.

When you get your item in for repair, take a good look at it. Is it looking and feeling nice? If it doesn't feel right, let them know. Most will be more than glad to have it just so for you. And when you get your jewelry fixed, handle it with extra care! Leave it in its case, wash it gently, and do not use it for sports or the pool. A little TLC goes a long way.

Final Thoughts

It is not always a simple choice to repair or replace jewelry, but jewelry repair most often comes out on top with cherished items. It is budget-friendly, a memory-maker, and eco-friendly. If it is a scratched ring, loose gemstone, or broken chain, a master jeweler can work magic. Don't rush off so quickly to purchase something new; try it out and fix it first. You'll be amazed at how much newer your beloved item will appear. So the next time your jewelry must be repaired, remember to fix it first—you'll probably be glad that you did.