Jewelry Repair FAQs

Fine jewelry is more than just an accessory—it's an investment, a sentimental keepsake, and often a family heirloom. But even the most carefully worn pieces can suffer from wear and tear over time. Whether your favorite ring has lost a stone, your necklace clasp is broken, or your watch needs servicing, our master jewelers at Kiefer Jewelers can restore your cherished items to their former glory.

In this blog, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about jewelry repair so you can make informed decisions about restoring your treasured pieces.

1. How Do I Know If My Jewelry Needs Repair?
Jewelry often shows subtle signs of damage before it breaks completely.

Look for:

• Loose stones or missing prongs
• Prongs catching on clothing or hair
• Bent or broken clasps
• Worn-out ring shanks
• Scratched or dull gemstones
• Damaged chains or broken links

If you notice any of these issues, bring your piece into either of our two locations immediately before the damage worsens.

2. Can Any Jewelry Be Repaired?
Most jewelry can be repaired, but the complexity depends on the materials and design.

Common repairs include:

• Resizing rings
• Fixing broken chains or clasps
• Replacing missing stones
• Re-tipping prongs
• Watch battery replacement

However, some extremely delicate antique pieces or certain designer jewelry may require specialized care.

3. How Much Does Jewelry Repair Cost?

The cost of repairs depends on the type of damage and the materials involved. Simple repairs like clasp replacements might start around just $20 for a basic spring ring clasp, while more intricate restorations—such as diamond resetting or re-sizing a platinum ring—can range from $100 to several hundred dollars. At Kiefer Jewelers, we always provide a quote and detailed description of the work that will be done BEFORE you decide to leave your piece for repair.  You will always know what to expect when we repair your fine jewelry and watches.

4. How Long Does Jewelry Repair Take?

The turnaround time varies depending on the complexity of the repair. Simple fixes may take a day or two, while more intricate restorations can take weeks—especially if custom work is involved. Sameday and rush services are available for an express charge as well.  Please make sure to let us know if you need your piece repaired in a certain time frame and we will always do our best to meet that deadline for you.

5. Will Repairing My Jewelry Affect Its Value?

In most cases, professional repair enhances your jewelry’s longevity and appearance, which can maintain or even increase its value. However, improper repairs—such as low-quality soldering or replacing original gemstones with lesser-quality ones—can reduce its worth. If you can't bring your piece to Kiefer Jewelers, make sure to find a reputable jeweler to repair your piece to maintain the value.

6. Should I Insure My Jewelry Before Getting It Repaired?

If your jewelry is valuable, insuring it is always a wise choice. Some jewelry insurance policies even cover repairs. Before leaving your piece with us or another jeweler, check your insurance coverage and ask the jeweler about their security and liability policies.  During the intake process, we ask for the replacement value of your item so that we can fully insure the item while it with us.   Most repair work is done on-site and we will always disclose if we do need to send your piece out for repair before doing so.

7. How Can I Prevent Damage in the Future?
Proper care and maintenance can help extend the life of your jewelry.

Here are some tips:

• Remove rings when doing manual tasks, such as cleaning or exercising.
• Store jewelry in a fabric-lined box to prevent scratches.
• Have your prongs and settings checked regularly.
• Clean your jewelry gently using recommended cleaning solutions.

8. Can I find out how much my jewlery repair is going to cost before coming in?
There are numerous factors that affect the pricing of our repair services including the current price of gold, the karat of the metal, the number of stones, the thickness of the gold and the intricacy of the repair.  Therefore it is difficult for us to give an estimate without seeing the item in person.  We are always happy to give a no-obligation quote before deciding whether or not you would like to leave your piece for repair.   

9. What if I can't afford to repair my jewelry?
At Kiefer Jewelers, we understand that sometime repairing your jewelry can be costly and it may not fit in your budget at the time that the repair is needed.  That's why we offer easy 0% interest payment plans to help break-up the cost of the repair.  That way you can continue to enjoy your jewelry while making interest-free payments along the way.  

Jewelry repair is an essential part of maintaining your treasured pieces. Whether it’s a wedding ring, an heirloom necklace, or a sentimental bracelet, professional repairs can breathe new life into your jewelry and ensure it continues to shine for years to come.

Do you have more questions about jewelry repair? Contact us by phone or e-mail or visit us in person and we will be happy to answer all of your questions.