If you live in a large city, a quick Google search will reveal dozens of options for both jewelry stores and jewelry repair shops. It might be tempting to take your jewelry to a big-name store for repairs, but there are several reasons why you might want to rethink going to a popular jewelry store, and instead, select an independent jeweler or jewelry repair shop. While retail stores are a fine choice for the initial purchase and regular cleanings and inspections, and can usually ship pieces off to a shop for repairs, they are typically not able to complete the repairs onsite.

Customizing and Assuring Your Jewelry Fix

Whether a ring needs sizing, the clasp has broken on an elegant necklace, or more complicated repairs are required, like replacing a missing diamond or even creating a custom piece, finding a jeweler who can complete the repairs onsite offers many benefits. Interacting face-to-face with the person who will be completing the repair is quite possibly the most beneficial aspect of a jeweler completing the repairs onsite. This face-to-face interaction allows the opportunity to explain, and even show, what you expect of the repair. The jeweler can ask questions, and you can work as a team to ensure the jeweler completes the repair exactly how you want. Repair updates are much more straightforward and will usually require only a quick phone call to get the status of the repair.

Knowing Where Your Jewelry Is

Jewelry stores that send pieces off for repair are typically not able to provide any information, and their completion time is only an estimate. Knowing where your piece is at all times also offers peace of mind. When a jewelry store sends the piece off for repairs, there is a period when the jewelry is in transit, then moving around at the shop.The processing and transit time can also add several days to a week to the jewelry repair completion time.

Discussing the Job with Your Jeweler Repair-person

When the work is complete, you'll have the opportunity to look at the repaired piece, and he will explain all of the completed repairs. Jewelers want your repeat business, so they are willing to spend the time wit you to make sure you understand the repairs and answer any questions you may have. Ask the jeweler if they offer a warranty or guarantee on their services. Most will guarantee their work, and ask that you return to them if you have any issues with the repair.

This customer-service oriented attitude ensures repeat customers rather than the hurried approach of jewelry stores. Even though the mall jewelry store might be convenient, consider taking the extra time to find a highly-rated independent repair shop or jeweler.