No matter how wonderfully we maintain our jewelry, pieces can become damaged over the years. Other times, we need pieces repaired to alter the sizing or simply to keep it in great shape. Choosing the right jeweler can be challenging as you need to evaluate the service price, quality of craftsmanship, and types of repairs offered. We've noted the most important tips for choosing a jewelry repair shop to ease your search.
Types of Repair
Jewelry repair is a broad term, and when looking for your perfect option, you'll want to verify that the business offers the specific service you need. Common types of jewelry repair include:
- Ring resizing
- Soldering
- Chain repair
- Stone replacement
- Prong tightening
Most jewelers list the types of jewelry repair services they offer on their website, but if you cannot find this, it’s always best to call or email the business.
Quality of Repairs
Another tip for choosing a jewelry repair shop is to consider the quality of the service. As you search for jewelry repair services in your area, look through company reviews on various platforms such as Google Reviews and Yelp.
The best jewelers have higher repair fees because they rely on high-end tools to work on your jewelry. Fixing jewelry requires close attention to detail.
Price of Service
Quality jewelers won't charge for an initial appointment since this is simply an evaluation of the piece; they'll determine needed repairs and approximate fees. Compare the price offered in their quote with fees other jewelers in your area charge. When doing this, remember to assess businesses with similar reputations for a fair comparison.
Note the Repair Timeline
As you discuss the price of repair services, you should also ask about the timespan. The length of jewelry repair depends on the required service, usually ranging from several minutes to a few days. If you're on a strict timeline, bring the piece in immediately so you don't have to stress about not having your jewelry in time for the event.
Delivery of Items
Many of us love the convenience of shipping items since it saves a trip to the store. However, when it comes to getting your jewelry to a repair expert, it’s best to avoid it. If you or the jeweler ships the piece, there's a risk of getting lost in the mail; sometimes, recovery is impossible. It's always best to hand-deliver your jewelry to the shop and pick it up once they repair it.
Make an Appointment With Us
If you live in Chicago or the surrounding area, then Windy City Diamonds is your top option for jewelry repair. We've been in business for four generations and offer free estimates and a wide range of repair services. You can count on us to repair your treasured jewelry.