What's That Gonna Cost Me??!

We've touched on some of the ins and outs of getting your jewelry repaired....how about some info on repair charges. We'll jump right in...on average to get a ring size smaller expect to pay around $25.00 give or take a couple of bucks. Platinum will be about 3 times this amount...so think before you dive into a platinum wedding set or heavy band.
Chain repair can vary also depending on the type of chain, ie. hollow, solid, heavy, etc. Expect to pay around $15 to 20 for a chain solder. Of course if you need other parts like a new lobster claw clasp, those can get you for between $20 to 100 installed, depending on the size. The little loops or 'dog ears' on the ends of chains will set you back $18 to 35 or so, dictated by the width of your chain.
If you need prongs on a diamond re tipped most places charge $15 to 25 for the first tip and a little less for each additional. Sometimes it's better to just get the entire head or crown or setting, whatever you want to call it, replaced so that you are starting out with all new 4 or 6 prongs....here again, the size of the stone dictates what a new setting will run you. Let's say you have a 1/4 (.25) carat diamond and you want to replace the head, four or six prong. Ball park charges will probably be around $75 to 95. All these charges can be and are affected by geographical locale and individual companies. Remember, if you have one or more pieces you are taking in at the same time, try to wheel and deal on the charges to get your best price...schmooze them up a bit with,"well, I'd like to keep coming here for my repairs and jewelry." or "That sounds kind of high, is that the best you can do, I have more pieces to bring in and I'd like to see if the work on this piece goes satisfactorily". No need to be mean or rude, it's business, just get the best deal you can.
Onward, what if you are in the market for a new solitaire mounting, just a simple four or six prong one stone ring. Most stores pay between $40 and 50 for a new one nowadays unless they make their own. So they will mark it up to around $120 to 150 or more....this can be negotiated as well....why not!! If you are buying a loose diamond from a store, try to get them to toss in the solitaire at no charge....some do this without asking, others will discount it...you never know.
Getting screw posts put onto a pair of pierced earrings can run around $75 dollars. If they are not diamond, sapphire or ruby the stones might have to be removed and that adds to the charges. Personally, I recommend a nice post with a heavier friction back or the more expensive "Poussette" setup. These are a double notched post with a clutch type back that locks on more securely. WHEW ! Break time.......

Dare to Repair!? Part I of ?

Shall we delve into the somewhat confusing area of getting your jewelry repaired in an expert fashion and at a reasonable price. Can these two things be had together? Well sure, but you have to educate yourself a bit and possibly shop around to compare services and prices. OR possibly you have a friend who has already done all the work and you absolutely trust their judgement and will accept their recommendation of a good repair shop.

First some generalities I suppose. >Good expert jewelry repair is not cheap unless you have a friend like me in the business who can do it dirt cheap, sometimes free. >One fairly good thing about a corporate or chain store is that the prices should be fairly uniform, ie. if you use them in St. Louis for a repair, the charges should be about the same if you use them in Cleveland. >I would recommend using a store with an 'in store' jeweler, this way your valuables shouldn't leave the store and should get locked in their vault at night. >It's your property so ask about the jeweler doing the work....how long have they been a jeweler?....how long have they been with the company ?....do they do all the work on the premises?.....Don't leave it if the jeweler takes it home (not too likely they would tell you this anyway). >If the store has an affiliation with AGS or GIA this is good because they must meet certain standards to qualify for these affiliations; however, there are many very good stores with repair shops that do fine work without these relationships. >Read the fine print on the repair envelope before you sign....will the store be responsible if they damage a diamond or precious stone?....Make sure you put a correct value for your piece on the repair slip....this helps protect you if they lose your item or damage it beyond repair and have to replace it. >If your item has a large diamond in it make sure the person checking it in does what they call "mapping the stone"....they look at it under magnification and make notations of every little identifying characteristic....this way when it comes back from repair, you can check it again to verify it is indeed the same stone.
On to part II very soon. Thanks for visiting.