Why Professional Repairs And Valuations Matter
Pieces of jewellery are beautiful accessories that can last a lifetime – but only if they receive regular maintenance and professional repairs for those long-lasting results.
There are various jewellery repair services, from gem setting restoration and breakage repairs to ring resizing and cleaning, which can restore your jewellery to its former glory.
Prevent Stone Loss, Breakage and Costly Damage
By taking good care of your jewellery, you minimise the risk of costly damage to it. However, accidents do happen! At the first sign of deterioration, breakage or a loose gem in its setting, it is advisable not to try to fix the issue yourself, but to book in a repair with a trusted jeweller as soon as possible. Professional jewellers in Perth will inspect the piece and advise a course of action to rectify the problem and prevent further damage.
Valuations Protect You for Insurance and Peace of Mind
A jewellery valuation for insurance is performed by a qualified appraiser who will determine the jewellery’s value at the time of consultation. The jewellery can then be accurately insured against possible loss or damage. Having your jewellery regularly valued will maintain the insurance cover and give you peace of mind.
The Most Common Jewellery Repairs (And What Causes Them)
As experienced Perth jewellers, some common repair issues we see are:
- Loose stones, worn settings and misshapen claws/prongs usually caused by regular wear and tear.
- Ring resizing and reshaping requests due to the ring becoming loose or tight over time, often caused by changes in weight or ageing.
- Broken chains or bent links due to snagging on clothing or incorrect storage.
- Clasp replacements due to frequent use and exposure to soaps, makeup or sunscreen which can clog and weaken the internal mechanism.
- Polishing, rhodium plating and shine restoration because the build up of grime and oils dull and tarnish the jewellery. Replating covers small scratches in the metal.
When To Book A Repair (Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore)
Snagging, rattling stones, thinning metal or bent bands are warning signs that it is time to get your jewellery professionally repaired. Below outlines our jewellers’ most-often requested repairs/services and their outcomes:
| Repair/Service | Best For | What Happens and the Outcome |
| Gem setting restoration | Misshapen prongs, snagging, loose settings | Misshapen prongs or bent settings are realigned and re-tipped or replaced to secure the gem. |
| Ring restoration | Resizing, bent or thinning bands | Rings are cut, metal is added or removed and then seamlessly soldered back together and polished. |
| Chain repair | Broken chains, clasp replacement, weak links | Broken chains and weak links are removed. Remaining pieces are checked and joined back together. Broken clasps are completely replaced. |
| Polishing / shine restoration | Dull rings and stones that have lost their shine | A thorough cleaning to check for damage. Removal of scratches, and gems and metal are professionally polished to restore stunning shine. |
We strongly advise not to attempt DIY fixes on your jewellery as this can make the damage worse. Always book a repair with an experienced, professional jeweller so that your jewellery can be fully restored and look as good as new.
Jewellery Valuations In Perth Explained (What’s Included)
What a Valuation Certificate Usually Covers
A valuation certificate is a professional document that describes the piece of jewellery in detail and includes photos and a current market valuation which can be used for insurance, resale or replacement purposes. It protects only the piece(s) of jewellery it describes. Valuation certificates give you peace of mind so that you can wear the jewellery freely, without worrying about loss or damage.
How Often to Update Valuations and What Triggers a Refresh
It is advisable to revalue your precious jewellery every 3 to 5 years to keep up with the market, however your insurance policy may insist on specific timings. A revaluation may be needed sooner if the jewellery has had any significant alterations or repairs. In that case, a new valuation should be completed immediately.
How To Choose A Perth Jeweller You Can Trust
In-House Work, Transparency, Reviews and Workmanship Standards
To choose a jewellery shop in Perth you can trust, always check their qualifications and read their customer reviews. Trustworthy jewellers will provide full transparency about their services and costs, and perform all in-house repairs to high workmanship standards.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
- What are the qualifications / experience of your repairers?
- What does this repair process entail and what does it include?
- Do you use quality materials and tools in repairs?
- How much does this repair cost?
- Is my jewellery insured in your possession?
- What aftercare is required following the repair?
FAQS
How long do repairs usually take?
Depending on the complexity, a repair service may only take a few hours for a clasp replacement or chain repair. However, for a stone replacement, prong repairs or ring resizing it may take a few weeks. Our standard turnaround time for most repairs is approximately two weeks. A professional jeweller will take the utmost care, so it may take time to source the exact materials needed.
What’s the difference between valuation and resale value?
Unfortunately, the valuation price doesn’t equal the resale value. The valuation is solely for insurance and means that if the jewellery is ever damaged or stolen, you can replace it by receiving the same monetary amount as the valuation appraisal. The resale value is often much lower and refers to what a private buyer will pay for that same piece of jewellery depending on the current market and metal prices of the day.
Do I need a valuation for insurance?
Yes. It is required by your insurance company so that they can cover the full cost of repairing or replacing your jewellery if it is ever damaged, lost or stolen.
Quick Jewellery Care Tips To Reduce Repairs And Keep Valuations Accurate
Storage and Wear Habits that Prevent Damage (Chains, Rings, Prongs)
You should always store your jewellery pieces separately, in a cloth-lined jewellery box, to avoid scratches and tarnishing. During daily wear, it’s important to avoid contact with soaps and harsh chemicals. It is also advisable to remove jewellery while exercising or doing work such as construction or gardening to prevent damage. Daily build up of skin oils, dirt and grime can also damage jewellery, so regular cleaning is advised.
Simple Maintenance Schedule (Checks, Cleaning, Valuation Updates)
If you wear your jewellery every day, a monthly cleaning routine using warm water, gentle soap and a clean, soft cloth is essential to remove dirt build up and maintain its shine. You should also book a professional jewellery inspection every 6 to 12 months which will also catch any minor damage early. Book a revaluation every 3 years or when there has been a significant alteration to the jewellery.
OM Gold & Diamonds – Your Trusted Jewellery Repairs Specialists
If you would like to discuss a resizing or repair, or are seeking a valuation appraisal, book an appointment with us at OM Gold & Diamonds in Perth – a jeweller you can trust for clear advice, quality workmanship and peace of mind.
