All jewelry eventually needs maintenance or repair. Knowing what to expect — and when to act — helps you preserve your pieces and avoid costly damage from neglected issues.
Common Jewelry Repairs
Prong tightening and retipping: This is the most important and most common repair for diamond and gemstone jewelry. Prongs wear down over time from daily contact with surfaces. Loose prongs risk losing your center stone — a devastating and often unrecoverable loss. Have prongs checked every 6 months. Retipping (adding new metal to worn prong tips) is a routine repair that costs $25 to $75 per prong.
Ring resizing: Fingers change size due to weight changes, temperature, pregnancy, and aging. Most rings can be resized up or down by 1 to 2 sizes. Sizing up involves adding metal to the band. Sizing down involves removing a section and rejoining. Rings with stones set all the way around (like eternity bands) are difficult or impossible to resize. Typical cost: $40 to $100.
Chain repair: Broken chains are common, especially with delicate styles. A jeweler can solder the broken link back together, usually for $25 to $60. For frequently-breaking chains, consider upgrading to a thicker or stronger chain style.
Clasp replacement: Worn or broken clasps should be replaced promptly to prevent losing the piece entirely. A new lobster claw or spring ring clasp typically costs $20 to $50 including installation.
Stone replacement: If a side stone or accent stone falls out, it can usually be replaced with a matching stone. For center stones, this is covered by insurance if you have it. Accent stone replacement typically costs $30 to $100 depending on the stone type and size.
Rhodium replating: White gold jewelry has a rhodium plating that gives it a bright white finish. This plating wears away over time, revealing the slightly yellow gold underneath. Replating costs $40 to $75 and restores the original bright white appearance. How often replating is needed depends on wear — typically every 1 to 3 years.
Signs Your Jewelry Needs Repair
- Prongs that catch on fabric — this indicates a prong is bent or lifted, putting your stone at risk
- A stone that moves or rattles — the setting is loose and the stone could fall out at any time
- Visible wear on the band — thin spots in the metal can lead to breakage
- Bent or misshapen rings — indicates the metal has been stressed and weakened
- Discolored white gold — the rhodium plating has worn through
- A clasp that does not close securely — replace before you lose the piece
Choosing a Repair Jeweler
For repairs involving valuable pieces, choose a jeweler who is experienced and reputable. Look for jewelers who are members of professional organizations like the Jewelers of America (JA) or who have GIA-trained gemologists on staff. For high-value pieces, ask if they offer bench repair in-house (rather than sending your piece to an outside shop) and whether they carry insurance for pieces in their care.