Introduction:
So, you have a broken jewelry and you’re wondering what the next step should be? Well, whether it’s a necklace that fell off someone’s neck or an old, custom-made piece that could use some love and care, here are the top things people get wrong about how to take care of their jewelry.
What to Wear
Is jewelry all about what you look like? Well, if it’s not, then you can just wear it and then take it off when people aren’t looking.
What to Do with the Broken Jewelry
Just because your jewelry is broken doesn’t mean you have to throw it out. Some pieces may need to be removed from the body, but others can be safely worn around the neck or an arm. If that’s the case, where would you wear your jewelry so people don’t see it? A simple necklace around a bare arm at the beach isn’t going to do much for your self-esteem. However, a necklace with a dress and a nice pair of earrings can make anyone feel great!
When Things Go Wrong
No matter what happens to your jewelry, sometimes it will break or get damaged. But even then you shouldn’t worry too much.
Things to Do When Your Jewelry Breaks or Gets Damaged:
If you have a costume, once the piece of jewelry breaks, remove the broken part (if possible) and discard it as if it were trash. Don’t try to repair the piece as this would just cause more damage. If you have expensive pieces, however, that can’t be replaced or repaired easily then consider getting an expert to help you out with this issue.
Shopping for repair:
When looking for my own repairs in person or online, I often find myself asking either “Can this really be done?” or “What’s their warranty?” This is because many people are unprepared for the process of actually fixing up their pieces. Here is some information about this topic so that you can shop confidently when it comes to your future repairs.
Things to Discuss With a Jewelry Repair Shop:
Here are some things you should discuss with a jewelry repair shop before you trust them to work on your jewelry. If they don’t want to answer these questions or seem like they’re hiding something then don’t go anywhere near their store as this may be a sign of disreputable practices.
Is there any damage that can be caused by the repair? This is a very important question. The reason for this is because many pieces can not be fixed easily, or at all. At the very least, you’ll want to know what kind of damage could occur to your piece and whether or not lasting repairs will be made.
How long will it take to fix the piece? If you don’t know when your piece will be ready then what are you supposed to do? Wait by the door like a dog waiting to eat or who waits their entire life for their owner to come back home? I recommend getting an estimated time of completion so that you can plan your own life accordingly. Can my repair be done at my house, office, by mail, etc? How about if I want it all three ways? Well, if you want a specific way and they only offer one way then don’t trust them. Also, try to set up an appointment so that they have your jewelry on hand and ready for action when it’s time for repairs. Will the work be reversible? If you have a piece with a stone or metal that you really like, can the repair be done without damaging this part and making the piece look different from how you first bought it? If not, then do not trust these people with your piece.
The Helpdesk:
No matter what kind of work you need done on your jewelry, whether it’s custom anodizing silver to match a ring that was dipped in a specific color, or just finding out about all of their products and services for your great piece of metalwork, there is always someone willing to lend a hand.
The Softer Side:
Even if you feel like you have to get your jewelry fixed because it’s broken, this doesn’t mean you need to take out a loan or tighten your belt. There are many ways to make your jewelry last longer, and often with little effort on your end. Here is what to do:
* Keep the piece clean!
* Don’t use harsh chemicals, cleaners or abrasives such as sandpaper on metal in an effort to remove tarnish or rust, as this can cause irreversible damage. For example, never use steel wool on any metal ring as this will create nicks in the base metal that can lead to structural failure of the piece down the road.
* Try to avoid wearing your jewelry while it’s in these states:
If you want to wipe off a ring and it has been sitting in acetone, try to clean it first with a soft cloth before stripping the metal with a steel wool pad. If you don’t do this then the metal area will be slightly discolored and seem as if it’s been damaged. Often many people push their pieces into a worst case scenario which is why they return them for repair.
The Harder Side:
There are some cases that are beyond the repair of any average person, including those mentioned above. For example, if you have a piece made from white gold that has been dipped into dark black dye, then there is probably going to be some irreversible damage. Also, the more porous and metal-like the metal is (such as gold or silver), the easier it will scratch and tarnish. In addition to this, jewelry should never be worn when doing any of these activities:
* Engaging in sports that can damage your jewelry.
* Working with metal polishes or other chemicals as this can remove the patina and even damage the piece further.
* Exposing your jewelry to high heat such as a hair dryer or straightening iron.
Conclusion:
I hope this has given you some information regarding how to maintain your jewelry and what steps to take if you find yourself with a broken piece. If you have any questions, comments or concerns then please feel free to post them in the comments below. At the very least, I know that you now know about custom anodizing silver so that you don’t wind up with a piece that is the wrong color because it was dipped into a dye instead of sprayed. If so, this could save you from having to scrap out your entire piece and buy new materials. Also, gold plating can be done so that your jewelry won’t be as prone for scratches and tarnish.