Frequently Asked Questions About Jewelry Repair in San Diego
Where can I get jewelry repaired in San Diego?
Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers provides professional fine jewelry repair and restoration services in San Diego. Our experienced jewelers repair and restore sterling silver, gold, and platinum rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pearls, vintage jewelry, estate jewelry, and other fine jewelry. We typically cannot repair costume jewelry.
What types of jewelry repairs do you offer?
Our sterling silver, gold, and platinum jewelry repair services include ring sizing, prong retipping, stone tightening and replacement, chain and clasp repair, pearl restringing, bracelet and necklace repair, polishing and cleaning, rhodium plating for white gold, and restoration of vintage and estate jewelry.
Can you repair a broken ring?
Yes. We can evaluate a broken or damaged ring and recommend the appropriate repair. Depending on the damage, repairs may include fixing the setting, repairing the band, retipping prongs, tightening stones, or replacing a damaged gemstone.
Can you resize a ring?
Yes. Sterling silver, gold, and platinum ring sizing and adjustments are among our jewelry repair services. Your ring can be evaluated to determine the appropriate size adjustment and the best way to make the repair.
Can you repair a loose diamond or gemstone?
Yes. Loose gemstones can be a sign that a setting or prong needs attention. Our jewelers can inspect the jewelry and make the necessary repairs to help secure the diamond or gemstone.
Can you tighten loose stones in jewelry?
Yes. Our jewelers can inspect settings and tighten loose diamonds or gemstones when appropriate. Having loose stones checked promptly can help prevent a gemstone from becoming damaged or lost.
Can you replace a missing diamond or gemstone?
Yes. We can evaluate the jewelry and help determine an appropriate replacement for a missing diamond or gemstone. The replacement process depends on the setting and the type of stone needed.
Can you repair a broken necklace?
Yes. We repair sterling silver, gold, and platinum necklaces and can evaluate broken chains, damaged links, clasps, and other issues. The appropriate repair depends on the type and extent of the damage.
Can you repair a broken jewelry chain?
Yes. Sterling silver, gold, and platinum broken chains can often be repaired depending on the chain's construction and the location of the break. Our jewelers can inspect the chain and recommend the appropriate repair.
Can you repair a broken clasp?
Yes. We repair jewelry clasps on necklaces and bracelets. A clasp can be inspected to determine whether it can be repaired or should be replaced.
Can you repair bracelets?
Yes. Our jewelry repair services include sterling silver, gold, and platinum bracelet repair, including issues involving chains, links, clasps, and other damaged components.
Can you repair pearl jewelry?
Yes. We offer pearl restringing for freshwater and cultured pearl necklaces and other pearl jewelry that needs attention. Restringing can help restore the structure of a pearl strand that has become worn with use.
How often should a pearl necklace be restrung?
The appropriate timing depends on how frequently the pearls are worn and the condition of the existing strand. If the string has become worn, stretched, or damaged, it is a good idea to have the pearls inspected and consider restringing.
Can you repair vintage jewelry?
Yes. We provide restoration services for sterling silver, gold, and platinum vintage and estate jewelry. Older jewelry may require specialized attention because of its age, construction, materials, and previous wear.
Can you restore antique or heirloom jewelry?
Yes. Our jewelers can evaluate heirloom and older jewelry to determine what restoration or repair may be appropriate. Restoring an existing piece can help preserve its sentimental value while making it wearable again.
Can you repair inherited jewelry?
Yes. Inherited jewelry can often be repaired, cleaned, resized, or restored depending on its condition. We can evaluate the jewelry and explain the available repair options.
Can you polish and clean my jewelry?
Yes. Professional jewelry cleaning and polishing are among our repair and maintenance services. Cleaning can remove accumulated dirt and restore the appearance of jewelry, while polishing can address appropriate surface wear. Some costume or plated jewelry cannot be polished.
Can you restore the shine to scratched jewelry?
Professional polishing may reduce certain surface scratches and restore the finish of sterling silver, gold, and platinum jewelry. However, the amount of wear that can be removed depends on the metal, depth of the scratches, and condition of the piece.
Do you offer rhodium plating for white gold?
Yes. We offer rhodium plating for white gold jewelry. Rhodium plating can restore the bright white appearance of white gold when the existing rhodium finish has worn away.
Why does my white gold jewelry need rhodium plating?
White gold jewelry is often finished with rhodium, which provides a bright white surface. With regular wear, that coating can gradually wear away. Rhodium plating can restore the finish.
Should I have my jewelry inspected regularly?
Yes. We recommend bringing your jewelry in for a free cleaning and inspection every six months. Regular inspections can help identify loose or missing gemstones, worn or bent prongs, and other damage before a larger problem occurs.
Why should I have my jewelry professionally inspected every six months?
Regular inspections can identify problems that may not be obvious during everyday wear. Loose stones, worn prongs, and other damage can become more serious if they are not addressed, potentially resulting in a lost gemstone or additional damage.
Can a jewelry inspection prevent a diamond from falling out?
An inspection cannot guarantee that a stone will never become loose, but it can help identify worn prongs, loose settings, and other issues that could put a diamond or gemstone at risk. Addressing those problems early can help prevent stone loss.
How much does jewelry repair cost?
The cost of jewelry repair depends on the type of repair, materials, gemstones, and amount of work required. We provide a free estimate before repair work begins so you can understand the recommended work and cost.
Do you provide a free jewelry repair estimate?
Yes. We provide a free repair estimate. Our jewelers evaluate the jewelry and explain the recommended repair options before any work begins.
Will you inspect my jewelry before repairing it?
Yes. Each piece is carefully evaluated so our jewelers can determine the condition of the jewelry and recommend the appropriate repair or restoration.
Do I have to approve the repair before work begins?
Yes. A free estimate is provided before repair work begins, allowing you to understand the recommended work before deciding whether to proceed.
How long does jewelry repair take?
The turnaround time depends on the type and complexity of the repair. Simple repairs may require less time than extensive restoration, gemstone replacement, or work on complicated vintage jewelry. The repair team can provide a more specific timeframe after evaluating your jewelry.
Can you repair jewelry while I wait?
Some jewelry repairs may be completed more quickly than others, but turnaround depends on the specific repair and the work required. The best way to determine timing is to have your jewelry evaluated.
Do you repair engagement rings?
Yes. Sterling silver, gold, and platinum engagement rings can be repaired, resized, cleaned, inspected, and restored depending on their condition. We can also address issues such as worn prongs, loose diamonds, and damaged settings.
Can you repair wedding rings?
Yes. Sterling silver, gold, and platinum wedding rings can be evaluated for sizing issues, worn areas, loose stones, damaged settings, and other problems. Our jewelers can recommend the appropriate repair based on the condition of the ring.
Can you repair fine jewelry from another jeweler?
Yes. You can bring your jewelry to Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers for an evaluation even if it was originally purchased somewhere else. Our jewelers can inspect the piece and provide a free repair estimate.
How experienced are your jewelry repair specialists?
Our highly trained jewelers have more than 100 years of combined experience repairing and restoring fine jewelry. Their experience covers repairs ranging from everyday jewelry maintenance to restoration of vintage, estate, and heirloom pieces.
