Jewelers can help you keep your jewelry looking new by repairing simple everyday wear and tear, such as replacing earring backs, sizing rings or necklaces that have grown too large, and more. Plus, they can do some pretty cool custom work, like designing a bracelet to match your favorite outfit or creating a one-of-a-kind necklace to celebrate an anniversary with your sweetheart. If you need help with any of these common jewelry repairs, you can call or email a local jeweler to get an estimate and make an appointment for the repair. Read this article to find out what can your local jeweler fix or replace.

Resize A Ring

Jewelers typically specialize in resizing rings that have become too big for the wearer. This is a common repair, especially since women's ring sizes tend to increase as they age and their finger size increases due to normal weight gain and pregnancy. If you live in Maryland and need a ring resizing, find a fine jewelry repair service in Baltimore or Germantown. A jeweler may be able to resize a ring if you've received the wrong size. By bringing your ring into the jeweler, he or she can ensure it fits perfectly again. The ring will also be polished and cleaned before it is returned to you in good working order.

Resize A Bracelet

Besides rings, jewelers can resize a bracelet that doesn't fit the wearer's wrist anymore. This is another common repair that many jewelers perform on a daily basis. A jeweler can usually tighten a loose chain bracelet, which is one of the most common repairs performed by professionals. If the bracelet clasp breaks off or needs to be replaced, he or she can also perform this repair for you. The jeweler may also be able to replace lost or damaged charms on the bracelet.

Replace a Broken Clasp

Clasps can be found on bracelets, watches, and necklaces, and they can often break. Replacing a broken clasp can be as easy as bringing your jewelry into the jeweler service. Since clasps are usually held closed with tension, they often break when put under too much stress. The clasp may need to be replaced if it is bent or otherwise damaged and is difficult to open and close. 

Replace Lost or Damaged Earring Backs

It can be difficult to keep earring backs in place when they are constantly being put on and taken off, which is why many pairs of earrings need new backs periodically. If you're tired of fiddling with your earring backs, you can have a jeweler remove the old ones and replace them with new backs.

Replace Missing Stones in Jewelry

If you have a favorite necklace or bracelet that has lost a stone, your local jeweler can help. In addition to changing out existing stones, many jewelers also incorporate new stones into pieces of jewelry for customers. For example, jewelers can take a tile from an old, broken bracelet and affix it to a new bracelet. Jewelry repair professionals may also be able to match the color of the missing stones, so they blend in with the rest of your piece.

Replace Broken Chains

Broken chains are another common problem for jewelry wearers that jewelers must deal with. In the case of necklaces, if a few links are broken, but the rest is still in good condition, jewelers typically replace just the damaged links and leave the rest of the necklace untouched. Bracelet chains must be replaced in their entirety because it isn't possible to remove only a portion. When replacing a broken chain for you, a jeweler will ensure the new chain matches your current piece, so it looks as though it was never damaged.

Clean Old Jewelry

Over time, dust, dirt, oil, and other contaminants can accumulate on jewelry. If you want to get the most out of your jewelry, have them regularly cleaned by professionals at a local jeweler. Jewelry repair technicians use special tools to take off the top layers of oxidized metal that dull your piece's shine. You can clean your own jewelry, but there’s a chance you could damage it. If your jewelry needs a good cleaning, you can bring it to the jeweler and have him or her clean it for you. Some jewelers even offer this service for free if you purchase the piece from their store. This is especially helpful when trying to sell old costume jewelry or when having something repaired so that it looks as good as new. As an added bonus, jewelers can also clean your other pieces while they are working on the broken ones.

Repair Damaged Enamel

Damage to enamel, whether it is chipping or flaking, may require a professional jeweler's assistance for repair. Jewelers use certain techniques and materials when repairing damaged enamel so that it doesn't chip or flake off even more after they are done. You can tell if your enamel needs to be repaired by how smooth the surface of the item is. If it feels rough at all, there is most likely some type of damage that needs to be fixed.

Give Antique Jewelry a Facelift

Antique jewelry is one of the most sought-after types because it can be passed down for generations to come. It ages beautifully, but sometimes pieces may need some extra attention before they are ready to enter another generation. A jeweler specializing in antique jewelry repair can remove scratches and other surface defects that have built up over time so that each piece looks as good as new. That way, it can stay looking great for as long as you have it.

It is important to take care of your jewelry so that it lasts as long as possible. But, sometimes it happens that it needs repair. Most of the time you can do it yourself without any special skills. However, if you are unsure or want to make sure that everything is done by a professional, take it to the jewelers. We hope our guide has been helpful in teaching you about the different types of common repairs jewelers perform, such as replacing missing stones or repairing damaged enamel.