Whether your collection consists mostly of antique pieces or contemporary designs, it is important to keep your jewelry in top condition. Even the highest quality pieces will require routine maintenance and occasional repair to keep sparkle and luster. Here are a few tips to help you find quality jewelry repair in New Jersey.
Start by asking those in your sphere of influence if they know of a quality repair shop. Word of mouth referrals are more powerful than any form of advertisement. And more often than not, the best jewelry repair in New Jersey is performed at small boutiques that don’t have a fat advertising budget like the larger chain jewelers do.
Look for a jeweler that employs a certified gemologist. Gemologists uphold higher standards in laboratory services and instrument development. They have the skills and expertise to assess the damage, make appraisals and restore the piece to its original condition. Typical services include stone replacement, stone and metal polishing, pearl and bead restringing, stone setting, soldering and laser soldering.
If a piece of jewelry is beyond repair or if you have simply grown tired of a particular setting, a certified gemologist will also have the ability to redesign the piece, optimizing the beauty of the stone or gem. A quality repair shop will provide you with a rendering of the custom design work using state of the art technologies, allowing you to approve the design or make changes before any work is performed on the piece.
If for any reason you don’t feel comfortable with damage assessment, appraisal or renderings, don’t hesitate to walk away and look for another jeweler that performs jewelry repair in New Jersey. There is often a sentimental value attached to jewelry that cannot be replaced. Trust your instincts when selecting the right jeweler for the job.It is important have confidence in the people performing the repairs.
Even if you trust the jeweler implicitly, you will always want to get the details of the repair in writing. This should include the services to be performed, the timeframe for completion, the estimated cost of the repairs as well as any warranty and/or insurance information on the services. Before leaving your jewelry at the repair shop, be sure to get a receipt that includes a description of the pieces you are leaving for repair as well as the type of repair to be performed. It is also a good idea to take a photograph of the item as well. This will protect you in the event that something does go wrong, and provide documentation for the insurance company if you should need to make a claim.
Finding the right shop for jewelry repair in New Jersey is not something to be taken lightly. Look for an established company that performs jewelry repair in New Jersey with a reputation for reliability. Visit Lincroft Village Jewelers for more information!!