Jewellery Restoration: A sneak peek behind the craftsman’s lens

Posted by ASR Gems on December 14th, 2022

Do you have a statement heirloom piece in your jewellery box that you think is beyond repair? Or have you been sorting your jewellery cabinet and you found certain jewellery that is broken or snapped? Well, if you want to refresh your collection, breathing life into something broken is one of the most economical ways. But how do you know whether you need a restoration shop or a shop for jewellery repair in Bristol? Well, to help you out, here’s a guide for you!

What is jeweller repair?

Typically, when we are talking about repairing jewellery, the original broken parts are put back together. In a nutshell, the repair work involves putting everything back in the same place where the damage happened. For example, if you don’t have a clasp working or if an earring post has cracked or the claws are misshapen or bent, goldsmiths work to repair the broken piece. They might have to add a new spring or more metal, but the repair work is all part of the original contemporary.

What is jewellery restoration?

On the other hand, jewellery restoration involves as much work as crafting bespoke wedding bands. The restoration process involves repairs; however, the requirements often go further. Especially if you reach out to the goldsmiths with jewellery that is nearly irreparable, repairs tend to weaken the structure or will be ineffective. That’s when replacements are required for certain components. For instance, in a ring, if the stone setting is worn and it isn’t strong enough to hold a stone securely in its place, a replacement of the setting is required. 

Restoration is complex. Sometimes a few tweaks might make the jewellery look as good as new, whereas sometimes the entire jewellery has to be remodelled to return the piece to its real glory. For example, when you reach out to your jewellers with a ring that’s worn in several places and has cracks all over the place, it might risk the gemstones or diamonds in the ring is lost. As the bad is sometimes beyond repair, the old metal can be used to re-create the stone setting or platinum can be added for strength and the ring can be back to being worn as an everyday statement piece. 

Takeaway

There are different kinds of jewellery restoration and repair work. Ranging from fixing broken clasps to replacing earring posts and rebuilding broken and worn mounts, jewellers do a whole lot of things to re-set gemstones or remodel jewellery pieces that are beyond repair. 

Undoubtedly most antique jewellery is enduring. However, it isn’t the same as being bombproof. Many people go for jewellery restoration or repair, in the same way, they go for bespoke jewellery in London. Old, antique jewellery has its charm, and although the Faith 18k White Gold Ring or Aquamarine Halo Ring look stunning on your finger, if you want something with the magic of the past, remodelling work can make your heirloom pieces look beautiful again.