Fast Jewelry Repair Services in Pittsford, NY

We often remind our clients that nothing is impervious to time, not even jewelry. Previous metals and gemstones experience normal wear and tear, which is to be expected and, in fact, is a good thing! It means you love your jewelry so much that you’ve integrated it into your lifestyle to show the world!

However, it also means regular jewelry repairs are required to maintain your pieces, from retipping prongs to reshanking rings. The key is finding a reliable jewelry repair professional who you trust to service your items periodically.

In this guide, we walk you through what to expect when working with jewelry repair experts, including how to select the right store, questions you should ask, and common repairs you might encounter. Check out our FAQs at the end for additional tips and what to expect when visiting Forsythe Jewelers!

Need help? Schedule an appointment to repair your jewelry in no time at Forsythe Jewelers!

The Key Takeaways:

• In most cases, jewelry repair is a simple customer process. Once you drop off your jewelry, a trusted jeweler or sales associate will inspect your piece, recommend repairs, and provide an estimate. If you approve the quote and recommendations, the jeweler will repair your items and notify you for pick-up.

• When selecting a jewelry repair partner, look at their credentials and reviews. Specialized local jewelers often have in-store repair capabilities, which shortens your wait time compared to larger jeweler retailers.

• Preventative maintenance is more effective than repairs. Have your everyday jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected every 6 months. Occasional jewelry should be inspected every year.

What to Expect When Working With a Professional Jewelry Repair Service

Local jewelers are some of the best places to repair your pieces. Besides being industry experts, jewelers follow a thorough and straightforward process. From the customer’s perspective, there are 4 main steps to repair jewelry: selecting the right professional, dropping off items for a consultation, approving repairs, and maintaining your jewelry post-repair.

Let’s go behind the scenes to understand the level of care and attention to detail in jewelry repair!

1. Select the Right Jeweler

It goes without saying: you can’t just leave your jewelry with just anyone! The most important step is to find a local jeweler certified by the American Gem Society (AGS) or another accredited national organization. Certifications help ensure that the jeweler is trustworthy and has the necessary skills to handle your repair. Unlike simple fixes, complex jewelry repairs such as vintage jewelry restoration and the setting of delicate gemstones like emeralds often require advanced skills.

Additionally, checking the jeweler’s reputation on Google Reviews, social media, and local forums is a great way to vet skilled local jewelers. Look for jewelers with a proven history of exceptional service. 

(Have we mentioned that Forsythe Jewelers is a family-owned establishment with 4 generations of experience, including 2 certified gemologists, and 1 graduate gemologist on staff? Just saying!)

2. Drop off Your Items for a Free Repair Consultation

Once you’ve scheduled a free repair consultation, you will drop off or meet in person to discuss estimates (often same day). Typically, a sales associate will assess your pieces initially to determine the extent of the damage. They may consult other associates, a manager, or the jeweler for second opinions on more complicated repairs, sometimes taking your pieces in for evaluation and calling with a quote after. 

You’ll receive a list of recommended fixes, a quote, and a time estimate to confirm if you’d like to proceed with the jewelry repair. You may keep (or pick up) your jewelry if you don’t want to go through with the fixes.

This is the perfect time to ask any questions about the process!

Besides certification, your next question should be if the staff handles repairs on-site or sends them to a specialist. There’s no “right” answer—however, local jewelers with in-store specialists often offer a more streamlined process. On-site jewelry repair means you don’t have to worry about transportation adding to your wait time.

In-house expertise and faster delivery times are the main reasons why Forsythe Jewelers handles nearly all jewelry repairs at our Pittsford, NY, shop. We use cutting-edge technology and modern repair techniques to meet the highest standard as well as maintaining continued education to keep up-to-date with current technology, process, and trends.

3. Approve the Jewelry Repairs and Wait

After reviewing the recommended jewelry repairs and approving the final quote, the jeweler will complete the repairs and notify you when everything is finished. At this point, there’s nothing to do but wait! 

We know, we know! 

Waiting is literally the hardest part, but you’ll have your items back in no time. While you’re here, now’s your chance to get inspired by up-and-coming jewelry trends! Our estate jewelry case is the perfect place to start when browsing pre-loved, vintage, or antique jewelry. Or talk to our staff for insights into discovering your personal jewelry style.

4. Pick up Your Jewelry and Inspect the Repairs

You will be notified when your jewelry is ready for pick-up. When collecting your piece, take the time to inspect your jewelry to make sure you’re satisfied with the repair—especially if you’re repairing heirlooms or sentimental items. Sales associates will review your repair with you, ensure you know exactly what work has been done, and you’re happy with the results.

Talk to the specialist to review any specific jewelry maintenance tips to ensure your pieces stay in tip-top shape. 

Remember: preventative care is always better than reactive repairs!

Think of your jewelry like a car (stay with us, we have a point!). Regular inspections, oil changes, and tire rotations are important to make sure your vehicle functions properly. Without them, you’re likely shortening your car’s lifespan. 

Jewelry is the same. Regular jewelry inspections every 6 months can help mitigate micro-damages from everyday wear and ensure your heirlooms last beyond a lifetime! Like your car, jewelry will need tune-ups to stay in wearable condition from checking gemstone tightness, to re-tipping prongs and replacing clasps. Maintaining and repairing your jewelry is a normal and expected part of the process!

5 Common Jewelry Repair Fixes

1. Ring Resizing

Ring resizing is one of our most requested jewelry repairs because people’s finger size can change over time or due to life changes. Having a ring that properly fits can make all the difference between avoiding slippage (and loss), impacting your dexterity, or even preventing damage to your piece.

Most rings can be resized, typically by removing or adding metal at the base of the shank or stretching the band. However, some rings are more difficult to resize due to the intricacy of their band design, gemstones, or the nature of the band material. Consult your local jeweler to explore your options! 

2. Gemstone Tightening & Replacement

Did you know wearing your jewelry daily applies constant friction to your gemstone and the setting that keeps it safe? This causes the gem to loosen over time, and you might notice the stone sitting at an angle or risk losing the stone entirely. Before that happens, have your jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected to ensure your settings are tight.

If you’ve lost a gemstone, we’re happy to replace the missing gem with new ones that match in size, cut, and color. Our creative specialists may also recommend sourcing different gems to breathe new life into your jewelry! Who says a diamond is a girl’s only best friend when you’ve got opal, topaz, and more?

3. Prong Repair: Retipping & Replacement

When inspecting jewelry, we always double-check an item’s prongs because they’re more prone to wear. Prongs protrude from the piece, causing them to wear down and flatten as they’re exposed to daily activities which can result in lost gemstones.

If we catch the damage early enough, then a prong retipping is typically all that’s needed. Prong retipping involves adding metal to the top of worn-down prongs. More intensive repairs may require a complete or partial prong replacement to secure the gemstone. In severe cases, the entire head around the gemstone may need to be replaced.

4. Broken Chain or Clasp Repair

Necklaces and bracelets are prone to broken chains or damaged clasps, especially if you lead an active lifestyle. The good news is that both are relatively easy to repair. A broken chain can usually be soldered or laser-welded together at the break for a seamless repair. 

To no one’s surprise, high-quality metal chains are a lot easier to repair and last longer than low-end options such as chains that use a base metal or chains that are hollow. Broken clasps can sometimes be repaired, but typically can be replaced with an exact or similar clasp. 

5. Earring Conversions

If you have clip-on earrings but prefer piercings (or vice versa), jewelers can convert them to your desired style. We often transform earring backs, from omega backs to shepherd’s hooks and more. This great earring repair technique breathes new life into your pieces while resolving any damages. An experienced jeweler can also convert earrings to more secure backs to prevent loss.

Jewelry Repair FAQs

How often should I check my jewelry for repairs?

For jewelry worn daily such as engagement and wedding rings, necklaces, and bracelets, we recommend bringing your jewelry in every 6 months for an inspection and cleaning. This allows our staff to catch early signs of damage and provide preventative maintenance to avoid unnecessary repairs. For jewelry worn occasionally, once a year will suffice! 

(Psst! Did you know Forsythe offers complimentary jewelry cleanings to encourage clients to be proactive about maintaining their jewelry? Stop by to get your jewels all sparkly!)

How long does jewelry repair take?

At Forsythe Jewelers, all repairs typically take 2 weeks. You will receive a time estimate after the initial repair consultation. Remember, off-site repairs may increase repair times, so consider working with jewelers with in-store repair capabilities. 

How much does jewelry repair cost?

Again, it depends! Costs vary based on the type of repair, design complexity, the materials involved, and more. Because it’s so case-by-case, your best option is to visit a local jewelry store to get an estimate after the initial consultation.

Can vintage or heirloom jewelry be repaired?

Yes, most vintage or heirloom pieces can be restored. Expert jewelers can handle delicate or intricate designs while maintaining their original charm. We pride ourselves on our extensive vintage and antique jewelry collection and are well-equipped to treat them!

Repair Your Jewelry With a Trusted Professional

When looking for jewelry repair services near you, choose a reputable jeweler with proven experience and in-store capabilities. Forsythe Jewelers excels at repairs and restorations. Visit our store in Pittsford, NY, for a free repair consultation and learn more about our process!