Top Tips For Servicing Your Jewellery!
TOP TIPS FOR SERVICING YOUR JEWELLERY!
We spoke with Stef, one of our repair specialists at Baker Brothers, to address some common questions about jewellery repairs and repurposing. Stef provides insights on topics such as ring resizing and the recommended frequency for servicing, giving you a clearer understanding of how our repair process works.
Why is it important to have my jewellery serviced and cleaned regularly?
Regular cleaning, inspection, and servicing of your jewellery is essential for maintaining its appearance and ensuring its longevity. Over time, jewellery can accumulate natural oils, dust, and environmental pollutants, which can dull metals and gemstones. Regular cleaning not only keeps your pieces looking their best but also helps prevent damage.
Inspections are just as important. Frequent wear can lead to loose gemstones or weakened clasps, potentially resulting in loss or damage. For example, a loose gemstone may fall out if its claw is worn or damaged. Routine checks allow early identification of such issues, helping avoid costly repairs and the distress of losing a cherished piece. At Baker Brothers, we recommend inspecting the claws of gemstone or diamond rings every six months to a year, as these can wear down over time, putting your jewellery at risk. By regularly servicing your jewellery, you ensure it remains secure, beautiful, and in top condition.
I think I need some jewellery repairs. What should I do?
Join us in our newly opened boutique at 21 St Peters Street in Bedford to address any concerns or talk about any required repairs.
Once you are satisfied with our assessment, we'll arrange for your item to be sent to our skilled goldsmiths for repair. We're fortunate to have strong relationships with renowned UK-based goldsmiths who specialise in different areas, ensuring your jewellery is handled by the right expert.
I’ve been told my ring needs re-rhodium plating, what is it?
Rhodium plating is a process used to give white gold its bright, shiny appearance. Since gold is naturally yellow, it’s mixed with alloys like zinc to create white gold. However, this mixture tends to be a dull grey rather than the bright white we associate with white gold. Rhodium, a silver-white metallic element that is highly reflective and resistant to corrosion, is then plated over the gold-alloy mix to give it its distinctive bright white finish.
Re-rhodium plating is necessary because the rhodium coating typically lasts 12 to 18 months before it starts to lose its shine and becomes dull. Re-plating restores the bright appearance, enhances corrosion resistance, and is relatively inexpensive.
What does re-tipping mean?
Re-tipping refers to the process of rebuilding the claws—those small prongs that secure a gemstone in place. Over time, the claws on frequently worn diamond and gemstone rings can wear down, risking the security of the gemstone. Re-tipping involves reinforcing these claws to ensure your gemstone stays safe and secure.
To prevent losing your valuable stones, we recommend having your ring checked by us every 8 to 12 months. This way, we can inspect the setting and advise on any necessary repairs.
How should I care for my diamond jewellery?
Although diamonds are durable gemstones, they can still be damaged, so proper care is essential. Take off rings when gardening or exercising, and keep your jewellery stored safely, such as in a lockable box or concealed compartment.
Keep your jewellery clean and in good condition. Clean it at home with a soft-bristled baby toothbrush and a drop of washing-up liquid, or use a product like Dazzle Stik®. Gently scrub, rinse, and dry with an ultra-soft cloth to keep your diamonds sparkling.
How many sizes can a ring be re-sized by?
The extent to which a ring can be resized depends on several factors, including whether it’s gem-set or plain, the type of metal, and its current condition. For instance, a plain wedding band, which is worn daily and may need resizing due to changes in hand size over time, can often be resized more significantly. However, for a diamond or gemstone ring, the ability to resize depends on the setting style and the number of gems. Generally, resizing can range from one to possibly five sizes, but this varies by ring.
We recommend visiting us for a precise assessment. Booking an appointment with our repairs team allows us to examine your ring, measure your finger, and address any questions you might have. Unlike other jewellers, we avoid stretching the ring band as it weakens the metal and makes it prone to damage. Our goldsmiths will review your ring and provide detailed information on potential issues and costs before you decide whether to proceed.
If I get my jewellery repaired, will it look the same?
We strive to ensure that your jewellery looks just as it did before the repair. Unless the damage is extensive and requires recreating the entire piece (which is rare), most repairs involve tasks like replacing a missing gemstone or rebuilding claws. Our skilled partners are experts in their field and will restore your jewellery to its original state.
However, repairs can also be an opportunity to refresh your piece. You might consider replacing a missing sapphire with a ruby, upgrading a diamond, or even transforming a ring into a necklace. Let's discuss your ideas and explore the possibilities together.
My pearl necklace has broken; can it be repaired?
Yes, it can! Pearl re-stringing is the process of fixing a necklace or bracelet where the pearls have come loose. This is common because pearls are typically strung on silk thread, which can wear out over time, so there's no need to worry.
We work with an expert who specialises in pearl re-stringing and will carefully rethread your pearls. Additionally, we can knot the thread between each pearl to provide extra security, so if the thread does break in the future, only one pearl will become loose instead of the entire strand.
At Baker Brothers, we bring years of expertise in jewellery care and repairs, and these are just a few of the services we provide. If you have jewellery in need of repair, schedule an appointment by clicking here for more details on our services, or call us on 01234 352343 to book your appointment with one of our specialists.
