Do you have a favourite pair of earrings, watch, bracelet, or ring, that have severely lost their luster and you just aren’t sure what to do with them? If you have a damaged piece of precious-to-you jewelry that needs more than just a polish, it may be time for jewelry restoration services. Yes, that’s right, jewelry restoration services are not only for vintage or antique jewelry pieces, restoration services are for any piece of jewelry that could use a little, or a lot of TLC to restore them to their original state of glory.
These may sound like two different ways to say the same thing, however there is a big difference between a jewelry repair and jewelry restoration services. Jewelry repair involves addressing some fairly obvious defects – a broken clasp, bent prong, or missing link, however jewelry restoration services, which often include repairs, take it one step further to restore your jewelry piece to (or very close to) its original state. This process requires a skilled hand equipped with the right tools and knowledge to restore your piece without leaving any trace of the restoration.
Some jewelry simply needs a deft hand and the right equipment to bring it back to its original state. These jewelry restoration services may include a deep clean, polishing, migraine detailing, and enhancing worn filigree. Even jewelry pieces that have been damaged beyond recognition are salvageable. This may include completely worn detailing, illegible engravings, or severely tarnished metal.
Other jewelry pieces may require more in-depth jewelry restoration services that include a repair component. If the damage to your piece is more than just cosmetic, skilled repairs may also be required. A skilled jeweler can overseer-cutting of precious stones, tightening a setting, and building up worn prongs and shanks.What separates a jeweller who can simply repair a piece from one who can restore a piece are the materials and techniques used. A quality restoration will be indistinguishable from the original piece of jewellery.
In cases of more severe damage, jewelry restoration services may be required to replace rather than repair some of the damaged components. These services may include replacement missing prongs, replicating a clasp, or selecting and cutting a perfectly matched precious stone to replace one that is missing. Where a less skilled jeweler may attempt a restoration repair with lesser quality materials and without the skills and knowledge required to incorporate seamless transitions, an expert jeweler with experience in restorations will have the required tools and knowledge to make the repairs indistinguishable from the original.
Your jewelry is often more than just a fashion statement. It can complete an outfit, but it can also represent a promise to someone, a memory passed down through generations, or a celebration of an accomplishment. Whether your jewelry is new or antique, it should be cared for properly so that it will mostly only require minor maintenance instead of major jewelry repair. Here are some ways to properly care for your beautiful pieces.
Keep your gemstones out of the sun!
Just as with many other colourful things, the sun’s harmful rays can alter the colour of gemstones if left in it directly for a long period of time. When you are storing your gemstone jewelry, be sure to store it away from direct sunlight to keep the natural vibrant colours over time.
Keep cleaning simple
In many cases, you can buy expensive cleaning solutions to clean your jewelry, however the best at home method to use is still a simple mix of soap and water with a soft bristled brush (a soft bristled toothbrush can work wonders). Especially on gemstones, it is important keep it simple. Harsh chemicals or strong vibrations can damage the stones. Get back to the basics for the best results at home!
Put it on last
If you are getting ready for a night out on the town, be sure that your jewelry is the last part of your outfit you put on and the first part to be taken off at the end of the night. Many chains are quite delicate and can easily get caught on clothing and break. Also, lotions, perfumes, sprays, etc., can cause damage to delicate jewelry pieces and make them dirty as well. Protect your jewelry now, so you won’t need jewelry repair later.
Take your jewelry in for maintenance at the first sign of a problem
Just like anything else in your life that gets used regularly, if you want it to last, you have to give it some tender loving care. Watches should be taken to a jeweler to be cleaned and fixed once every 3-5 years; rings can be cleaned, resized, or have the prongs re tightened or re-tipped when needed; and chains should be cleaned and checked for clasp issues and wear. Some regular maintenance is the best method to ensure your jewelry lasts for years to come.
If properly cared for, jewelry can stand the test of time but be sure to maintain it and get jewelry repair completed when you do notice any issues.
Jewelry is often more than just a pretty accessory that glistens in the sunlight. Jewelry is sometimes passed down through generations and holds a special place in its owners’ hearts. Sometimes we give jewels to say, “I love you”, “congratulations”, or even “be mine for the rest of our lives.” Jewelry is given to send a message.
You have probably heard the phrase “diamonds are forever”, however the jewelry that they are placed in doesn’t always last forever. As time goes on, the prongs that hold your precious stones in place may become bent or worn, the metal may get tarnished, or worse, you may lose stones or have breaks in the chain. All of these things can leave you nervous about wearing your jewelry, or even unable to do so.
These issues and more can be fixed and prevented by taking your treasured pieces in for jewelry restoration services. With the proper tools and a skilled jeweler, nearly any piece of jewelry can be restored to brand new condition.
Over time, jewelry will get dirty and lose its beautiful shine. It is important to clean your jewelry regularly on your own; however, for a nice touch up, it is also a good idea to take your jewelry in for a thorough cleaning and polishing to keep it sparkling like new.
Chains may end up broken due to regular wear, especially with delicate chains. Repairing broken links and clasps on bracelets, necklaces, and anklets is quite common and can save an otherwise unusable accessory.
Over the span of years, finger size can change, or older rings may be passed down to a new person. In either case, a resizing would be required to make the ring larger or smaller.
Over time, the prongs that keep the stones in place may become bent or worn away. This leaves your stones vulnerable to becoming loose or falling out. The claws can be replaced or re-tipped in order to ensure that your stones stay tightly in place.
Especially in antique jewelry, stones will often be lost or fall out. Jewelry restoration services are able to replace stones that may have fallen out or even swap out a stone for a new stone if you desire a change.
In some circumstances, sometimes a stone will become chipped or cracked. A jewelry restoration expert should be able to recut your stones to ensure that they do not become further damaged and if desired, the re-cut stone could be transferred to a different piece of jewelry.
Many people wear their watches 365 days a year, keeping them on time for all the important moments in life. Watches come in all shapes and sizes and each person has their own preferred style. Whether you prefer an automatic mechanical watch, a quartz movement watch, a chronograph watch, or even a pocket watch, it is important to make time for watch maintenance and repair. Each type of watch has its own needs, depending on the type; however, there are a few common maintenance items that all watches require.
Over time, watches can become dirty, worn from wear and tear, and require some watch maintenance and repair to ensure optimal performance and a lasting life span.
It has been suggested that in order for a watch to run smoothly and at its best, it should be taken in to a jeweler or watch specialist for a watch maintenance and repair visit every three to five years.
During your service, the watch specialist will perform full diagnostics, reviewing all the features of your watch. Your watch will be expertly dismantled and each part will be cleaned, often using an ultrasonic bath for the larger components and manual washing for the most delicate pieces.
Once the watch has been diagnosed and cleaned, the watch specialist will reassemble your watch, and apply a lubricant to make sure that your watch is able to keep ticking away smoothly. After lubrication, the specialist will replace any seals that may require maintenance to improve weather resistance.
Finally, your favorite old watch will be quality checked to ensure that it is working like new again.
If your watch is not at the point where it is in need of a full maintenance, but you have noticed that the band is a bit worn, it is running a bit slow (or fast), or the battery has died, a quick trip to a local watch service shop can have it fixed up in no time. By taking your watch in to repair the minor issues, it can keep it running for the long term.
Scheduling time for watch maintenance and repairs allows you to keep your watch running for years to come and keeps your days running smoothly, so you can focus on what’s most important to you.
Is the time on your watch slowly starting to fall behind? If you’re finding yourself running late a little more often, thanks to a slow watch, it’s most likely time for a watch battery replacement. Thankfully, this is a pretty quick job, and a good jeweler should be able to get you up and running on time again, in less time than it takes you to pick up a coffee. But if you feel you need replacement watch cells too frequently,you can try these tips for how to extend the life of your watch’s battery. However if these fail, and you continue to experience quickly draining batteries, you may need to have the mechanics of your watch looked at.
If you have a large collection of watches or you do not frequently wear a particular watch, you can try pulling out the crown before you put the watch away. The watch will stop keeping time until you push the crown back in, which may help to extend the life of the battery. This must be done carefully, as the crown is fragile and can be costly to repair. It is also recommended that you push the crown back in every couple of months to ensure that the battery is still functioning.
You can take it one step further in helping to extend the lifespan of a watch battery by removing the battery when you are not using the watch. Depending on the brand of watch, this may be as simple as unscrewing the back plate and removing the battery. This is a delicate task and may not be recommended for every style of watch.
If your watch has a chronograph feature, stopping the chronograph may be enough to double the life expectancy of your watch’s battery. On most watches, this is done by simply pressing the upper button once. However, as watch models vary, you may need to check your instruction manual.
Depending on the watch, you should expect to get between 1 and up to 3 years out of a watch battery. If you are getting significantly less than that,there may be something mechanically wrong with your watch. There are a number of possible issues, ranging from a leaking battery to a defect with the circuitry. The only way to properly diagnose and repair the problem is to have the watch looked at by a professional.
Do you know why it’s important to get jewelry appraisals for all your jewelry? Appraising a piece of jewellery is a way to determine its value, which is essential if you want to insure your jewelry and protect yourself against potential loss.
The first step in getting jewelry appraisal services is finding a professional appraiser who can correctly identify the item and then evaluate its quality accordingly in a written report. While a gemologist is an expert in identifying gems, an appraiser assesses their quality and then determines their value based on commercial context and market pressures. He or she will then create a comprehensive description supporting an estimate of value of the jewelry.
Getting jewelry appraisals is a way to get an unbiased opinion regarding the composition, qualities, and values of your jewelry. For insurance purposes, an appraisal document should include a detailed description of the item and use recognized terminology and grading systems.
If you don’t think it’s important to have insurance coverage for your jewelry and watches, think again! Anything of value, such as your house, car, or jewelry, should be protected through insurance. Sometimes people think that that basic homeowner’s or tenant insurance provides the coverage they need, but it may not. If you want full replacement value for your jewelry, having it appraised and knowing its full replacement value is imperative. Options for insurance might include adding a rider on your homeowner’s policy, or purchasing a standalone policy for your jewelry.
Thanks to jewelry appraisals, you can obtain comprehensive jewelry coverage that goes beyond ordinary homeowner’s insurance, along with worldwide protection, which allows you to travel anywhere with peace of mind.
While some merchants may offer free appraisals when you purchase jewelry, it’s advisable to get a second opinion through jewelry appraisals services to confirm the value of the jewelry. An independent appraiser will provide an accurate, in-depth appraisal, which can be used for insurance purposes.
Another reason to seek jewelry appraisal services is if you have inherited jewelry from a relative or loved one. One of the first things you should do is take the piece for an appraisal. This will be helpful regardless of your future plans for the jewelry. For insurance or for selling, the appraisal will be helpful.
If you own an expensive piece of jewelry, don’t risk theft or loss before insuring it. Instead, get jewelry appraises services and be prepared to add it to your insurance to protect yourself from loss.
In a world of fast fashion creating excessive waste, we all need to do our part to try and reduce our footprint and keep usable items out of dumps. Disposing of a broken piece of jewelry or maybe a watch might not seem like a big deal, but if everyone were to repair, rather than jump to replace repairable jewelry, that’s millions of items that wouldn’t end up in our landfills. If you have a broken piece of jewelry, whether it’s an heirloom or simply a piece that you enjoy, consider jewelry repair services, or recycling, before throwing it away.
There is no fix too little to too large to be repaired, for someone with the right tools and skills. Whether it is a necklace with a broken clasp, a bent or cracked ring or even a watch that is no longer keeping time, these items can usually be repaired and returned to you as good as new. Not only will you be saving money on the cost of a replacement, but you can feel better knowing that you have saved something usable from the landfill.
For items that truly cannot be returned to their original state, consider re purposing the items before throwing them away. A necklace can easily be made into a bracelet, a lone earring can be used as a decorative finish on a variety of craft projects; the only limit is your imagination (and what’s available on Pinterest!)
If you have a growing collection of broken, unusable jewelry, they could be worth money. Broken items made from gold, silver or platinum, or those containing certain precious gems could still be worth money if taken to the right place. Look for jewelry retailers or shops who specialize in purchasing these items, which will then be repurposed into new items.
A watch that is broken may be of value to someone looking for replacement parts, especially higher end watches. Check with a retailer who specializes in jewelry repair services, if your watch is truly beyond repair, they may be able to inform you if there is any value in recoverable parts. If there are no salvageable parts, your watch should be taken into a venue which properly recycles them, so that watch batteries do not end up in the garbage.
If everyone can do a little everyday to reduce their waste, it adds up to a lot!
Have you ever been in a situation where you misplaced an expensive or sentimental piece of jewelry? Many homeowners and renters mistakenly believe that they are covered for these types of losses under their home insurance policies, however depending on your policy, you may find out the hard way that you are not sufficiently covered for big ticket items, such as engagement rings and luxury watches. To avoid potentially devastating losses, take your pieces in for jewelry appraisal and check with your insurer to verify you are covered for their full replacement value.
Many of us can probably relate to the gut wrenching feeling of not being able to find your engagement ring or hoping you left that expensive watch at home and didn’t forget it at the hotel. Most homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies will cover up to a specified amount for lost or stolen jewelry, typically between $3,000 and $6,000, and there is often a $4,000 reimbursement limit on any one insurable piece. Considering that the price of the average engagement ring jewelry appraisal is just over $4,000, and collectable watches can cost more than a car, you may not have enough coverage. For this reason, most insurance companies offer the option to include additional insurance to cover items such as jewelry and luxury watches.
If you know, or suspect, that a jewelry item you own has a value above what would be covered under a traditional home or renters’ insurance policy the first step you should take is to bring the items in for jewelry appraisal. Jewelry appraisal services include photos, a detailed description of your items, and an estimate of their current value. Once you have the appraisal you can add these to your home inventory, which is a list of your possessions and their estimated value, used for insurance purposes. A jewelry appraisal is used as the basis for the insurable value, so make sure to use a reputable appraiser and keep copies of all documentation somewhere safe.
If you have taken out additional insurance for jewelry and other luxury items, it is important that you keep your policy up to date. If new valuables are purchased, they will have to be added to your policy. Make sure to keep receipts and to take the item in for jewelry appraisal,as the replacement value may exceed the purchase price. It is also important to periodically have items such as high-quality gems and luxury watches taken in for a new jewelry appraisal,as they may have increased in value over time.
There is nothing like the story that a treasured piece of jewelry can tell. Whether it is a family heirloom, a cherished engagement ring, or a special piece that always gives you that extra boost of confidence, a beloved piece of jewelry shares a unique story about the wearer. A favourite piece of jewelry should be worn and not hidden away somewhere in a jewelry box. With jewelry restoration in Vancouver, you can sport your heirloom necklace or wear those special earrings without fear, because expert care is available to ensure your beloved pieces will always look their best.
Damaged Jewelry
As careful as we are with our jewelry, accidents happen, and sometimes they can not be avoided. The fact is that many of the activities that we participate in on a daily basis could be wreaking havoc on delicate pieces of jewelry. Who remembers to take off their engagement ring every time they do the dishes or go to the gym? The right expert jeweler will have the skills, experience, and equipment required to bring any damaged item back to its former glory. From discolored gold, to bent or worn prongs, and broken bands, jewelry restoration in Vancouver will have it looking new again.
Lost Pieces
One lost earring doesn’t have to mean the end of your love affair with a beautiful pair. A skilled jeweler is not only equipped for jewelry restoration in Vancouver, but they are also capable of perfectly replicating a lost piece, using the same materials wherever possible. Perhaps all you have left is a photograph of a cherished piece that was misplaced; in some cases a highly skilled jeweler may even be able to create a replica from a picture.
Vintage Heirlooms
A family heirloom that has lost its lustre is not a problem for someone with the right combination of knowledge and skill. The way that jewelry is manufactured has changed a lot over the years, but the key to jewelry restoration in Vancouver is finding someone who has the tools and experience to recreate vintage construction. Whether there is a little damage or only fragments remain of what was once a fine jewelry piece, jewelry restoration can make it new again for generations to enjoy.
Every piece of fine jewelry has a special story to tell, even if the piece has lost its shine or is so damaged it seems doomed to be cast aside, jewelry restoration can bring it back to life so it cam share its tale for years to come.
As the holiday season creeps ever closer, it is time to think about your shopping list. It is getting harder and harder to keep the giving of gifts fresh and surprising. If you have ever been in a situation where someone has always given you thoughtful gifts, but you have always fallen short on reciprocating, then you understand how tough the season of gift exchange can be on a person. The idea that the perfect gift is out there somewhere is not always the right idea. If you have known the person for a very long time and you want to surprise them with something special, try fixing something they held dear for years, but that is currently collecting dust in some drawer or jewelry box. You need to look for reliable watch and jewelry repair services this holiday season.
The giving of a gift should always be from the heart. It should a personal exchange of intimacy between you and the person you give the gift to at this time. You need to know something about the person to really know what kind of gift will be best to give them. If you can find a family heirloom that has been almost forgotten and bring life back to that piece of jewelry or watch, then you have the perfect gift. Imagine the look on someone’s face when you give them something that they have always had but could never appreciate fully because it was left to be dealt with at some later time.Nostalgia is very powerful and the joy that an old memory can bring via the conduit of an almost forgotten piece of jewelry is much more magical than any trinket that can be bought from an online tech website.
You also can’t deny the environmental impact that this kind of recycled gift giving can have in the long run. In this world where we are always so quick to dispose of something that no longer works, it is muchgreener to go through our jewelry boxes and drawers to see what can be repaired and given as meaningful gifts, rather than having it all end up in some landfill. This season, your recycled and repaired watches and rings can be a gift not just to your partner, but to the earth as well.
The key is to find a place that you can trust and that can deliver high quality repairs to any watches or jewelry you have. There is no point in doing this if it is not done well. It is not just about repairs; it is about recreating the magic and for that you will need to find a repair provider that can actually work magic when it comes watch and jewelry repair services. On Time Service Corp. is the perfect place to go and find out what can be salvaged from that box of dusty dreams and broken memories. With locations across Western Canada, they can be depended on to get you your repaired watch or piece of jewelry on time.