01684 574077
Most of us have at least one piece of jewellery sitting in a drawer that we've stopped wearing. Maybe the clasp broke, a stone came loose, or a ring no longer fits quite the way it used to. Often people assume it's beyond saving, or they simply aren't sure who to ask.
The good news is that a skilled jeweller can repair far more than you might think. Here at Parrys of Malvern, we've been repairing and restoring jewellery for local people since 1952, and we see just about everything come through our door. So let's take a look at the most common jewellery repairs a jeweller can carry out, and when it's worth bringing a piece in.
Ring resizing is one of the most popular jewellery repairs of all. Fingers change size over the years, and a ring that once fitted perfectly can become too tight or start slipping off.
A jeweller can usually make a ring smaller by removing a small section of metal, or larger by stretching it or adding extra metal. The method depends on the ring's design, the metal it's made from and whether it has stones set around the band.
Resizing is also something we do regularly for engagement rings and wedding rings, so that a special ring feels comfortable enough to wear every day.
Chains are delicate and they do snap from time to time, often when they catch on clothing or get tangled. In many cases a broken chain can be neatly joined again so that you'd barely know it had ever been damaged.
A jeweller can also shorten or lengthen a chain, replace a worn link or fit a new jump ring to hold a pendant securely.
A weak or broken clasp is one of the main reasons jewellery gets lost. If a bracelet or necklace clasp feels loose, doesn't close properly or has worn thin, it's worth having it looked at before it gives way completely.
Clasps can often be repaired, and where that's not possible, a jeweller can replace them with a new one that suits the style of the piece. Small jobs like this can sometimes be done fairly quickly, so it's always worth asking.
Stones are held in place by small metal claws or settings, and over time these can wear down or get bent. If you notice a stone moving, rattling or catching on things, stop wearing the piece and bring it in as soon as you can. It's much easier to secure a loose stone than to replace one that's been lost.
A jeweller can check the settings, tighten claws, rebuild worn ones and, if a stone has already gone missing, help source a suitable replacement.
Pearl necklaces and bracelets are usually strung on silk, which stretches and weakens with wear. If your pearls look like they have gaps between them, or the thread looks discoloured or frayed, they're probably due for rethreading.
Rethreading gives pearls a fresh lease of life and helps prevent the heartbreak of a strand breaking and scattering. At Parrys, we offer pearl rethreading and repair services, and we can also help with replacement clasps.
Jewellery that's been worn every day for years can start to look tired. Rings may have thinned shanks, surfaces may be scratched and some pieces may have lost their original shine.
A jeweller can clean, polish and restore jewellery so it looks cared for again. For more heavily worn pieces, parts such as the shank of a ring can be rebuilt or replaced to make them strong enough to wear for years to come.
Sometimes a piece isn't broken, it just doesn't feel like "you" anymore. Inherited jewellery in particular can hold enormous sentimental value but might not suit your style.
This is where remodelling comes in. A jeweller can take stones or metal from older pieces and turn them into something more modern, such as a new ring, pendant or pair of earrings. At Parrys of Malvern, we help customers modernise pre-loved jewellery through our commissions and bespoke design service, so treasured pieces can be worn and enjoyed again.
While not strictly a repair, engraving is often done alongside other work. Adding a name, date or short message can make a restored piece even more meaningful. We're proud to be the official engravers for the Three Counties Showground, and you can find out more about our engraving service on our website.
Many jewellers also look after watches. At Parrys, that includes watch battery replacements, strap and bracelet adjustments, and adding or removing links for a better fit. If your watch needs more than a quick adjustment, we'll take a look and talk you through the options.
Most jewellery can be repaired in some way, but not every piece is worth repairing in the same way. It depends on the metal, the condition, the design and, of course, what the piece means to you.
That's why it helps to speak to an experienced jeweller in person. We'll look at your jewellery, explain honestly what can be done and give you the choice. Sometimes a simple fix is all that's needed. Other times, restoring or remodelling might be the better option.
It's always better to catch small problems early. Keep an eye out for:
If you spot any of these, bring the piece in for a check before the problem gets worse.
If you've had a valuable piece repaired, restored or remodelled, it's a good idea to have it valued for insurance purposes. Repairs and changes can affect a piece's value, and an up to date valuation helps make sure it's properly covered. We offer professional jewellery valuations in store.
Parrys of Malvern is an independent, family-run jeweller at 115 Church Street, in the heart of Great Malvern. For over 70 years, we've helped local people repair, restore and rediscover their jewellery, from everyday favourites to cherished family heirlooms.
Our jewellery and watch repair services include repairs, restorations, resizing, rethreading, watch batteries, bespoke design and modernising pre-loved jewellery. Whatever your piece needs, we'll treat it with care and give you honest, friendly advice.
If you have a piece of jewellery that needs some care, visit us at Parrys of Malvern, 115 Church Street, Malvern, WR14 2AJ. We're open Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30am to 4.15pm. You can also call us on 01684 574077 or get in touch online.
Bring it in, and let's see what we can do.
