4 Common Jewelry Repairs… and How to Avoid Them
Jewelry is meant to be worn and enjoyed…
Cleanings, maintenance, and repairs are a normal part of preserving heirlooms
Just as you would take special care of a Chanel dress or Hermès handbag, the same applies to fine jewelry. Think of your pieces not just as sparkling statements made of metal and stone, but as wearable sculptures that require consideration to preserve their beauty and prevent loss.
Designers carefully craft their pieces to last, but daily wear over time can weaken the integrity of a piece. Keep in mind that jewelry is not impervious to accidental bumps, but significant damage, loss, and costly repairs can be prevented.
Below are four common jewelry repairs… and ways to mitigate them!
The two best practices to preserve your fine jewelry are:
Have your jewelry professionally cleaned and checked yearly - especially those pieces you wear every day.
When dressing (every day and on special occasions) fine jewelry is the last thing on and the first thing off.
1. Gem loss due to loose or worn prongs
Gemstones can be lost for a variety of reasons. An unavoidable one involves a runaway suitcase on an escalator at an international airport and an avoidable one involves gardening. From the dramatic to the domestic, here are things to know to prevent loss:
Settings can be weakened over time. Perform a “wiggle test” with gemstones regularly and have significant pieces checked by a professional jeweler yearly - especially for pieces you wear daily.
Prongs can catch on garments. This is a sign the setting is compromised.
Jewelry can be accidentally bumped or come into contact with hard surfaces. Check immediately to see if a stone has fallen out, become loose, or cracked. Remove your jewelry (and tuck it away in a secure place) then have it checked by a professional jeweler to assess the integrity of the piece.
Household or outdoor projects, such as cleaning with chemicals or gardening can damage gemstones.
Contact sports (basketball) or even repeated low-impact vibrations (cycling) can loosen settings. Note that bands can bend when working out. Check if stones are loose in settings before and after your game or workout to avoid loss or damage.
SHOP DURABLE GEMS AND JEWELRY
2. Chains snap
Not all chains have the same strength and there are a variety of reasons they can snap or break.
Chains with the most durability and strength have individually soldered links (cable, rolo, or figaro) versus weaker styles (herringbone, omega, or ball). Thicker chains are also stronger than their thinner counterparts. Here are things to be aware of
Longer chains can break (or be lost) when caught on objects or taking off garments removed over your head. Stronger, thicker chains are less likely to snap.
A heavy charm or multiple charms on delicate chains can result in breakage and loss of both chain and charm(s). Wear a single charm on an appropriately durable chain.
Sports and jewelry do not always make a good “team”, from contact sports such as basketball to swimming in the ocean. Store your necklace in a secure place or leave it at home.
3. Gemstone or pearl strands can break
Many pearl or gemstone strands are strung with silk. When strands break, it usually happens in dark restaurants, on dance floors, or on a sidewalk. Here are the causes and the best way to mitigate loss:
Moisture weakens silk thread. Avoid exposure to water, be it the beach, bath, pool, hot tub, or sauna. This will weaken the silk thread, resulting in the loss of beads.
Knots are the most secure options for strands - especially for saltwater pearls or precious gemstone beads of significant value. If a strand gives way, the risk of loss is limited to one or two pearls or beads, versus a whole lot more. Check strands annually and restring every 3 years.
SHOP LAYERING NECKLACES
4. Earring loss
We all have lost an earring at one point or another and sometimes times they cannot be re-created. Here are considerations to keep your most treasured pair… a pair!
Over time, post earrings with butterfly backs can lose their friction. A local jeweler can tighten the fit or for significant earrings, screw backs are the best way to secure earrings - especially those that are an investment to you! In most cases, a jeweler can easily convert these posts.
Colder temperatures equal numb ears - and we layer up with sweaters, scarves, and face masks. Chandelier, long drop, or other complex earrings can easily catch on these. Studs that sit closely to ears are great alternatives in these temperatures.
SHOP STUD EARRINGS
A NOTE ON JEWELRY CARE…
While jewelry should be cleaned regularly, different gemstones require different care.
Ultrasonic cleaners can crack opals, shatter pearls, or damage gemstones that are treated. For example, such intense cleaning can cause the oil or filler to leach out of emeralds and will diminish the original appearance of the stone.
TIP: personally, I avoid such cleaners entirely and leave more significant cleaning to trustworthy professionals. Such cleaning also involves checking for loose stones in settings or prongs that may need repair.
For gemstones on the Mohs scale at 7 or above, a simple cleaning solution is warm water with mild soap (not detergent) and a soft toothbrush. For those at 6 or below, wiping with a damp soft cloth as needed is the way to clean them. A soft polishing cloth will keep any precious metal looking its best.
Have more questions about caring for your jewelry during winter and beyond? DM me!
THE BRILLIANT CONCIERGE
Interested in a curated selection of layering necklaces, designed by women? I’m here for you!
I find discerning jewelry that addresses your wardrobe needs and aligns with your values!
The Brilliant Concierge is a fluid, personalized experience, presenting you with thoughtfully designed jewelry for purchase you will love. The service can be:
• Editing your current jewelry wardrobe and anticipating needs for your next purchase.
• Advising you on kinds of jewelry that fit your lifestyle and values, as well as wear and care considerations.
• Sourcing jewelry for you or a gift for someone you love, be it day-to-night stud earrings or an engagement ring.
Protect Your Jewelry Collection for Peace of Mind
Insurance for your family heirlooms, engagement rings, and other fine jewelry is highly recommended. I’ve arranged for Jewelers Mutual Group to provide you with valuable information about protecting your pieces.
