Difference Between Jewelry Repair And Jewelry Restoration

When you hear jewelry repair and jewelry restoration, you can't help but wonder; aren't these the same thing? Well, jewelry that needs repair implies that a piece of it needs fixing. On the other hand, jewelry restoration involves redipping the setting to recover your gem's sparkle or bring back the crisp. In essence, these two have a close relationship. However, we shall highlight some of their common distinctions. But first;

When does your piece of jewelry need repair?

No one wishes to have their precious bespoke jewelry broken. Right? Unfortunately, after some long time of wearing it, this is inevitable. Your ring band might break or have bent clasps, while other damage types are not visible without a magnifier.

That's why it's crucial to have your piece cleaned by a jeweler, and he can easily spot issues like a scratch on the stone, raised prongs, or bents. He also advises you on what you should do to prevent further damage. If the prongs are shaky, you may lose an heirloom or a precious piece of gem or jewelry.

When does your piece of jewelry need restoration?

Before you even think of restoring your jewelry, it cannot be easy giving your precious diamond to a total stranger. So, it is necessary to do thorough research on who you will handle over your treasure. Jewelry restoration is a technique requiring some crucial procedures such as cleaning and polishing, plating, and redipping the stone setting. Other work may include:

• Replacing broken shanks
• Engraving
• Applying filigree
• Redoing wrong repairs

A jeweler who understands his job well with years of experience should result in formidable work. After restoration, your bespoke jewelry should have a crisp and clean aesthetic.

Jewelry repair vs. jewelry restoration

Jewelry repair is needed when a part of your jewelry breaks or goes missing. But when you are looking to revive a lost sparkle of your precious gem, jewelry restoration is what you will need.

A jeweler may need to repair your jewelry first before he does a restoration that will improve or restore the appeal of your bespoke jewelry. Similarly, there are repairs for your jewelry that might resemble restoration, such as rebuilding settings, re-shaping chipped gemstones, and fixing broken prongs.

While restoration is more of an option, jewelry repair is necessary for your jewelry to be functional again. Restoration should not leave any noticeable traces. Since some general repairs involve a micro-welding process, solders and fillers may leave traces and risk melting and damaging the piece area. The color variation may as well occur on the surface of the metal. That's why it's necessary to do a restoration after repair. Do you see how interrelated these two are?

In conclusion, as jewelry repair aims to improve your piece of jewelry's wholeness, doing a jewelry restoration gives your precious jewel a new life. However, ask yourself if your jeweler has the necessary expertise for repair and restoration before leaving your investment or a cherished piece of gem with him. He should also be trustworthy and immensely creative.

Naman Modi is a Professional Blogger, Seo Expert & Guest blogger at NamanModi.com, He is an Award Winning Freelancer & Web Entrepreneur helping new entrepreneur’s launches their first successful online business.