Unfortunately, because of a few bad apples, jewelers and jewelry craftspeople tend to be looked at as unreliable and deceptive. The reality, however, is that only a minuscule percentage of jewelers have ever used their business to conduct illegal or unethical practices.

But if you’re looking to have a special piece of jewelry resized or repaired, you should still ensure you’re bringing said piece to someone who knows what they’re doing, has been in business for a while, and has a good reputation. Thankfully, there are a few avenues you can take to make sure that you’re, at the very least, not taking your heirloom or wedding ring to just anyone. Here are a few tips on how to do so.

Yelp Away!
One of the upsides to technology is that review sites popped up shortly after businesses started their own websites, which means sites like Yelp have been around for years. This is an ideal way for any consumer to check out any company—jewelry store, car repair, restaurant, and even medical facility—before giving them their business. There, you can find reviews from your peers, but fair warning, be sure you read several of both good reviews and bad reviews before making you decision to pony up your cash.

Look at the ‘Book
Does the jewelry repairperson or store you’re looking to take your items to have a Facebook page? If they do, this is good for several reasons. First, it means they’re likely not living in the Dark Ages. Second, as mentioned above, you can read their Facebook reviews. But, in addition to that, you can also see how frequently they update their page and if there are images of the shop that will be doing your work.

Use the BBB
One of the greatest tools for any consumer is the website for the Better Business Bureau (BBB). If the business in question has been given the BBB seal of approval, chances are, your jewelry is in good hands. You can also read any BBB associated reports on the business. However, not every business is listed, even if it’s reputable. If a business isn’t listed with the BBB, don’t dismiss it immediately, but do make sure that you do other thorough research before deciding to take your jewelry there.

Google Your Heart Out
While Yelp is a fantastic review website, it never hurts to run the company name or repairperson’s name through Google just to make sure you’re dealing with who the benchman says they are. Run their shop name or address through Google Images or Google Maps for a better look at it and check Google’s reviews as a second option after scouring other review sites.

Visit AmericanGemSociety.org
Some of the most reputable jewelers and shop owners in the United States are listed on the American Gem Society’s consumer-facing website. The ASG specifically chooses those that have reached the highest standards of ethics in the jewelry industry. This is a fantastic and free tool to use when shopping for a place to take your repairs, or even if you’re looking for a new jeweler to give your business to.

If you have any questions about jewelry or watch repairs, call our team of concierge associates at 1-800-690-3736 for expert advice and tips!

 

Main image courtesy of Frisco.

Uh-oh, the stone from your engagement ring just fell out! The post from your earring broke off! The chain of your necklace is woefully tangled!

Don’t panic, here’s what to do next and how to find a trusted local jeweler who can repair and restore your fine jewelry.

Do not try to DIY a repair.
Even though a broken earring or necklace looks as if it can be fixed with a little craft glue or you think you can pop a stone back into place, never try to repair your jewelry on your own. You run a serious risk of damaging the integrity of the piece: bending the setting’s prongs, chipping the stone or exposing the metal to the harsh chemicals in household products like Krazy Glue.

And, on a related note, do not wear damaged or broken jewelry. This will greatly increase the likelihood of further (potentially irreparable) damage.

Double-check your jewelry insurance policy.
If your fine jewelry is insured, pull out your policy paperwork and read through what repairs are included in your coverage. Also, some policies will only cover you at specific jewelers. Make sure you’re clear on what documentation you need prior to and after the repairs so you’re not left on the hook for a bill that should be covered.

To learn more about jewelry insurance, read our post “Jewelry Insurance: A Beginner’s Guide.”

Find a qualified and reputable jeweler.
If you can, bring the broken item back to the jeweler who originally made or sold it to you. They know how your ring or necklace was originally constructed and would be the experts on how to repair it properly.

Barring that, look for a creditable jeweler. The American Gem Society organized a searchable directory of their members who can help with jewelry repairs and appraisals.

Visit the jeweler in person to ensure they do their repairs on-site and do not send it out to a third party vendor.

Ask for the cost of the repair upfront.
It’s important to know how much you are spending on the repairs. First off, no one wants to be floored by an unanticipated bill. Secondly, a good jeweler should thoroughly inspect the damage before giving you an estimate. If your would-be jeweler is “eyeballing” the piece and rattling off a quote, it’s a red flag that they may do a rush or hack job.

If the piece is irreparably damaged, consider having the stones reset or the piece repurposed.
Sometimes it can be very expensive or too difficult to repair your piece of jewelry. If that is the case, explore your options for having the stone reset or the item repurposed. The diamond from your ring can be made into a pendant necklace. Or the stones from a pair of earrings can be set into a ring. Or your chain necklace can be refashioned into a bracelet. This alternative approach allows you to preserve the value and sentimentality of the item and refashion it into something you can wear and enjoy.