Jewellery is both appealing and eye-catching. Once you finally buy that ring you've been eyeing for some time now, you can't stop wearing it! It looks too good to take off, matches with every outfit and gets all the compliments everywhere you go.

Then comes the point where you took it off one day. Your heart sinks a bit because the bottom of your ring is BENT! How is this possible?

Ladies and gentlemen maintain your jewels. To make it easy for you, we've gathered a list of 5 common repairs and how to avoid them. We've even charged each section with an idea of cost.

1 - Ring Shank

The shank, more commonly known as the band of the ring, is most prone to damage. Specifically, the bottom of the ring is where Goldsmiths most commonly repair rings. Since you use your hands so frequently, your rings come into contact with almost everything you're touching. Depending on your profession or day-to-day activities, you may come across the need for this repair sooner than others. 

Soldering a Crack

Reshaping into circle

Rebuild shank

How to avoid
The majority of times deformity strikes in a ring is when you're usually doing some heavier works using your hands. But, don't be surprised if washing dishes deforms your ring. Softer metals like Gold, especially 18KT or higher, will bend easily.

A&A Tip: Remove them if you don't need to wear them. 

2 - Chain Solder

If you haven't found yourself needing to fix a broken chain, you know someone who has. By far, the most common repair type for chains and necklaces is to have them soldered back together. Everyone faces a clumsy mistake and naturally may tug too hard. Others face challenging work environments. While Goldsmiths see more delicate chains generally needing soldering, it's not uncommon to have heavier chains repaired, also. 

Soldering a tear in links

Soldering jump rings

Soldering chain ends

How to avoid
Sometimes it's just tough to prevent it. A typical story with chains breaking is "I was taking my sweater off, and it just broke!".

A&A Tip: Remove your necklace first. 

3 - Jewellery Plating 

It's common knowledge that these days, both Sterling Silver and Solid Gold jewellery has a Gold or Rhodium plated finish. Did you know? They both lose their natural lustre. Like all your jewellery, some of them are worn every single day.  

Professional Cleaning

Polishing and Plating

How to avoid
Cleaning is inevitable. There are so many factors involved to why your ring will naturally lose that first true shine it had one you bought it. It then becomes more about maintaining it the right way, as opposed to avoiding anything.

A&A Tip: Clean your jewels every 6 - 12 months. Use properly assigned methods, or visit your jeweller. 

4 - Earring Backing 

The super sturdy and fragile jewellery, earrings can pack in a real punch when needing repair. Depending on the style of earrings, you'll find specific maintenance costing more than what you spent. You'll typically run into this with Silver jewellery, but not entirely uncommon anymore in the Gold category. With soaring precious metal prices, some components rank higher in cost than the finished piece you purchased. 

Butterfly Replacement

U-Clip Lever Back Repair

How to avoid
Avoiding overuse is the simplest way, but it's about wearing your jewellery. Use a gentle amount of force and pay attention to wearing parts like Butterfly backings. Over time, replacing Butterflies will prevent the loss of your stud earrings.

A&A Tip: Keep a close eye on to slow wear of components. 

5 - Setting Repair

There are various versions of Setting styles found on jewellery. Some of the most common arrangements are the 4-claw and bezel style of setting. Each of them is reliable in their way while they are prone to their life cycle. A setting repair usually applies to rings and bracelets, but doesn't exclude any other categories. 

Claw Tip Buildup

Setting Replacement

How to avoid
Monitor your jewellery to avoid something potentially more hazardous. Your Diamond Engagement ring, for example, uses any given setting style to hold your Diamond. As your setting wears out, your risk the chance of losing your Diamond.

A&A Tip: Virtual Consultations with jewellers like A&A will be able to guide you during your 6 or 12-month visit to clean your jewellery.