Repairs and Restorations

   
​   We do all types of jewellery repairs and reconditioning at RARE EARTH design studio. We can advise on whether or not, it is financially the best option to repair a piece of jewellery or if remodelling is a better option. We understand that some pieces of jewellery have strong sentimental value and in these cases the only option for the client is for the piece to be repaired.

Risk Factors

​  There are always risks involved when repairing jewellery. Most repairs require the application of heat (soldering torch). While some stones (such as diamonds, untreated rubies & sapphires) can be successfully heated, the vast majority of gemstones cannot. Laser welders can be used to some effect to reduce potential damage to the stone, however, if a repair needs to be made near the stone there is always a risk that the stone could be damaged. In these cases in order to avoid this possibility it may be advisable to remove the stone from the mount in order to perform the repair. 
    If we have not manufactured the piece, there are factors in the original construction of the mount that may cause difficulties. Even if the piece does not have to be heated there are still risks. 
  
     Methods of construction differ, from one country to another. They also change over time. Different metal alloys and solders used in production can vary greatly in terms of melting point. Uncertainty as to the point of origin means uncertainty about which alloy and solders have been used and therefore there will be  uncertainty about how much heat the mount can withstand without the existing solder and or alloy melting. 
                                                                                                                                             Some alloys, particularly older white gold cast alloys developed for mass production are very brittle and were not intended to be bent or worked.   

  The stone or stones in the mount may be something other than what the client believes. Also, the properties of the metal may be difficult to determine. This can happen if the piece has been purchased overseas, or has been handed down through the family.

      Frequently stones need to be removed from the piece of jewellery in order to perform repair work as they could be damaged by the procedure if left in place.

      There are also some risks in removing the stones. Some styles of settings may be holding a stone that has been damaged. This may be hidden under a claw or setting edge and can only be seen when the stone has been taken out of the setting.

       Risk factors such as these exist whoever is doing the repair work. RARE EARTH design studio believes that keeping our clients informed about these risks is the best policy.

    When doing repairs all care is taken. However the responsibility for the risk lies with the client.

 

 

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