Ring resizing and ring repairs
Ring resizing is one of the most common jobs a jeweller sees. Most gold and silver rings can be made smaller by removing a small section of the band, or larger by adding metal, and the join is then shaped and polished until you can't see it. A ring can usually move a couple of sizes this way. Bigger changes take more work and may need a different approach, which we will explain before we start.
Some rings are harder to resize than others. A full eternity ring has stones set all the way round, so there is no plain metal to cut. Rings made from titanium or tungsten generally can't be resized at all. If the band has worn thin underneath or has been knocked out of round, we can repair and reshape it so it sits comfortably again.
The small metal claws that hold a diamond wear down slowly, a little every day. Warning signs include a ring that catches on tights or wool, a stone you can see or feel moving, or a claw that looks flat on top. Re-tipping adds fresh metal to worn claws. If a claw is badly worn or broken, we replace it completely. It is a small job, and it is the cheapest protection there is against losing a diamond.
A broken chain is usually a quick fix. We solder broken links in gold and silver, repair damaged links, fit new clasps, and shorten or lengthen chains and bracelets. If your chain breaks, keep every piece, including any tiny broken link, in a sealed bag until you bring it in.
Very fine chains and hollow chains are more delicate to work on, because there is so little metal to join. If a repair would be visible, or a new chain would be better value, we will tell you before doing anything.
If a stone has fallen out, chipped or cracked, we can replace it and match the colour and size as closely as possible. Loose stones can be tightened and reset. If you still have the original stone, bring it with you, even if it is damaged.
We fit new earring posts and replace worn butterflies. For diamond studs or any earrings you would hate to lose, we can fit screw backs, which are far more secure than standard push fittings.
Pearls are traditionally strung on silk thread, which stretches and weakens with wear, especially if the necklace is often worn next to perfume or hairspray. If you can see gaps between the pearls, the necklace is due for restringing. Knotting between each pearl means that if the thread ever breaks, you lose one pearl, not the whole strand. We also drill pearls so they can be mounted as pendants or earrings.
Most white gold is plated with rhodium to give it a bright white finish. Over time the plating wears away and the warmer colour of the gold underneath starts to show. Re-plating brings back the original finish. We also polish and clean jewellery to remove everyday scratches. Polishing takes off a tiny amount of metal each time, so on thin rings we are careful not to overdo it.
Names, dates, initials and short messages can be engraved inside rings and on pendants, lockets, bangles and signet rings. It is a popular finishing touch after a repair or resize, and a good way to make a piece personal.
We replace watch batteries and straps, and also offer a watch repair service. Bring your watch in and we will tell you what it needs.
It is much cheaper to fix a small problem than to replace a lost stone. Take a minute to check your favourite pieces for these signs:
If you spot any of these, stop wearing the piece until it has been checked.
If, once work starts, a repair turns out to need extra materials, we contact you before going any further. You will never be charged for something you did not agree to.
For most fine jewellery the answer is yes. Solid gold and silver pieces hold their value, and a well-made ring can last for generations with the odd resize and re-tip along the way.
Plated and costume jewellery is a different matter. The base metal under the plating does not solder like gold or silver, and the heat can damage the surface. Sometimes a repair is still possible, but it may cost more than the piece is worth. We will be honest with you, and of course sentimental value changes the maths completely.
If a piece keeps breaking in the same place, or you simply don't wear it any more, it might be time to change it rather than fix it. Our jewellery redesign service reuses the stones and sometimes the gold to create something new.
Many of London's best-known repair workshops are in Hatton Garden, which is a long trip if you live in the south-west of the city. Our shop is at 393 North End Road, SW6 1NR, a short walk from Fulham Broadway station. Customers bring us their jewellery from Fulham, Parsons Green, Chelsea, Earl's Court, West Kensington, Hammersmith and Putney.
Everything bought from The Gold Centre comes with a 6-month warranty against manufacturing faults. If something goes wrong within that time, please read our warranty terms and get in touch before sending anything to us.
