Jewellery isn't designed to sit in a box. It's worn every day, can accidentally get knocked against desks, caught on clothing and is exposed to water, soap and sweat. Over time, rings can lose their shape, chains snap, stones come loose, and some clasps stop working.
The good news is that the vast majority of jewellery damage can be repaired. But not everything. Here's an honest look at what can be fixed, what can't, and what to expect when you bring a piece into our workshop on 5 Mary Street.
Ring Repairs
Rings are the most commonly repaired pieces of jewellery, which makes sense given how much wear they get on your hands.
- Ring resizing: This is one of the most common services we provide. Gold, platinum, and palladium rings can almost always be resized, whether that means making them larger or smaller. The exact process depends on a few factors: whether it’s a plain band or a ring with stones, the shape of the band, and how many sizes it needs to change. Most resizing work involves cutting the band, adding or removing metal, then soldering, reshaping, and polishing the ring so it looks as good as new. You’ll find full details on our dedicated Ring Resizing Service page.
- Stone replacement: This is another repair we’re asked for regularly. If a diamond or gemstone has fallen out of a ring, it can usually be replaced with a matching stone and securely reset. Before any work begins, the claws need to be checked for issues - they may be snapped or worn down after years of everyday wear. If that’s the case, they’ll need to be strengthened or replaced. We cover this in our Missing Gemstone Repair service page. If you want to check your own jewellery at home first, read our guide on how to check for loose stones.
- Bent or misshapen rings: Most can be reshaped back to round. This is especially common with thinner bands that have been knocked out of shape over time. As long as the metal isn't cracked, most of the time this is a straightforward repair.
- Worn or thin shanks: The bottom part of a ring band can be reinforced or replaced entirely. Over years of wear, gold can wear thin at the base of the ring. Rather than replacing the whole ring, a jeweller can add a new, thicker piece of metal to build it back up.
Chain and Necklace Repairs
Broken chains are extremely common. In most cases, a gold or silver chain can be soldered back together at the break point. The repair is usually invisible once it's been cleaned and polished.
Clasp replacements are also routine. If a bolt ring or a carabiner clasp has worn out or broken, the simplest solution is to fit a new one. We can also upgrade the clasp to a more secure style if the original wasn’t holding reliably.
Very fine or fragile chains can be more challenging to fix. The thinner the chain, the more delicate the solder join becomes - and if a very fine chain has already broken several times, it may not withstand another repair reliably. We’ll always be honest about this and let you know of any potential risks before going ahead.
Please feel free to visit the store for a free inspection, and we’ll advise you on the best options.
Bracelet and Bangle Repairs
Bangles that have been bent out of shape can usually be reshaped, depending on the extent of the damage. Hinged bangles with broken clasps or hinges can often be repaired as well, though the complexity depends on the mechanism. Link bracelets with broken or missing links can have individual links repaired or replaced.
Every piece is different, so it’s always best for us to examine it in person. Once we’ve inspected it carefully, we can explain what the repair will involve and how the finished result will look.
Earring Repairs
Bent earring posts can be straightened or replaced, depending on the design. Butterfly backs that have lost their grip can be tightened or replaced with new ones.
Replating and Refinishing
Usual process while creating a new white gold jewellery is rhodium plating to give it bright, ultra white looks. Over time, the layer of rhodium wears off and a yellowish tint of the precious metal can be visible. This is completely normal and not a sign of poor quality. Replating restores the bright white finish and is a quick, affordable service. See our White Gold Re-Plating page for details.
Scratched or dull gold and platinum pieces can be professionally polished and refinished to look like new again. For engagement rings and wedding bands, we combine this with a full clean service as part of routine maintenance.
What Can't Be Fixed?
There are some limitations worth knowing about.
- Titanium, Tantalum and tungsten rings: These generally cannot be resized due to the extreme hardness of the metals. In some cases, tungsten rings can't even be cut off your finger without specialist equipment. We've written about this in our article on the disadvantages of titanium and tungsten rings.
- Costume jewellery: This type of jewellery is often not economical or possible to repair. The base metals used in costume pieces can’t be soldered like precious metals and tend to deteriorate rather than wear gracefully. If the sentimental value makes the cost worthwhile, we can take a look and see what can realistically be done. We’ll always give you an honest assessment before proceeding.
How Long Do Repairs Take?
Simple repairs such as chain soldering, ring resizing, and clasp replacements can often be completed within a few days, depending on how busy the workshop is at the time. More complex work (like stone replacement, claw repair, or fitting a new ring shank) may take longer, depending on the intricacy of the job and whether parts or stones need to be sourced.
We'll always give you a timeline and a quote before starting any work.
Bring It in for a Look and a free quotation.
If you've got a piece of jewellery that's broken, damaged, or just not looking its best, bring it into our workshop at 5 Mary Street in Dublin city centre. We'll assess it on the spot, tell you what can be done, and give you a clear quote with no obligation. You can also check our full Jewellery Repairs and Gold Jewellery Repairs service pages for more information.