Expert Jewelry Repair & Restoration in Coral Gables, Miami
Professional Jewelry Repairs, Ring Sizing, Stone Setting & Antique Jewelry Restoration
Jewelry is made to be worn, loved, and enjoyed. Over time, however, even the finest jewelry can experience wear. A favorite ring may no longer fit, a delicate chain may break, or the prongs holding a treasured gemstone may become worn.
At Jae's Jewelers, our bench jewelers are experienced craftsmen with decades of experience repairing and restoring fine jewelry. As a third-generation, family-owned jewelry store serving Miami since 1945, we understand that the jewelry entrusted to us often carries significance far beyond its monetary value.
Our Coral Gables showroom offers a wide range of professional jewelry repair services, with most repairs performed on-site by our skilled jewelers.
Whether your jewelry needs a simple adjustment or a more complex restoration, our goal is to preserve its beauty, integrity, and wearability so you can enjoy it for years to come.
How Does the Jewelry Repair Process Work?
Every piece of jewelry is different. The appropriate repair method depends on the jewelry's materials, construction, condition, and the nature of the damage.
Our repair process generally follows five important stages.
Step 1: Initial Inspection and Evaluation
The first step is understanding what needs to be repaired.
When you bring your jewelry to Jae's Jewelers, our team examines the item to identify visible damage, signs of wear, and potential structural concerns.
Depending on the piece, we may inspect:
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Loose or damaged gemstones
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Worn, bent, or missing prongs
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Cracks or thinning in metal
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Broken chains and clasps
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Previous repairs or solder joints
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Ring sizing limitations
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The condition of antique or delicate settings
This inspection is especially important because some problems are not immediately visible to the wearer.
For example, a diamond may appear secure even when one or more prongs have become dangerously thin.
We provide a complimentary initial repair evaluation and explain the recommended work before proceeding.
Step 2: Repair Estimate and Approval
Once we understand the condition of the jewelry, we explain the recommended repair and provide an estimate.
Jewelry repair prices depend on the materials, labor, complexity, and techniques required.
Simple repairs begin at $50, while more extensive restoration can cost considerably more.
Before approving a repair, customers should understand the proposed work, potential limitations, and expected turnaround time (usually 3-4 weeks).
For particularly fragile, antique, or heavily damaged jewelry, we may discuss alternative repair methods or whether restoration is advisable.
Step 3: Preparing the Jewelry for Repair
Before beginning bench work, the jeweler evaluates the piece's construction and gemstone sensitivity.
Certain gemstones and materials cannot safely withstand high heat, ultrasonic cleaning, steam, or particular chemicals.
For example, pearls, opals, some emeralds, and certain treated gemstones may require special handling.
Depending on the repair, the jeweler may need to:
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Protect or temporarily remove gemstones
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Clean the repair area
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Stabilize delicate components
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Remove damaged metal
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Prepare replacement findings or materials
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Select the appropriate soldering method
Preparation is an important part of protecting the jewelry throughout the repair process.
Step 4: Professional Bench Repair
Our bench jewelers perform the necessary work using methods appropriate to the jewelry.
Depending on the repair, this may involve soldering, metal fabrication, prong rebuilding, gemstone setting, resizing, or restoration.
Some repairs require multiple stages of specialists, metalwork, and careful fitting.
The goal is not simply to make the jewelry look repaired, but to restore its structural integrity and practical wearability whenever possible.
Step 5: Finishing, Inspection, and Quality Control
After the repair is completed, the jewelry is inspected for the quality of the work and the security of its components.
Depending on the item and services performed, finishing may include cleaning, polishing, rhodium plating, or refinishing.
Gemstone settings, clasps, and repaired areas are checked before the piece is returned.
Our objective is to return jewelry that is attractive, functional, and ready to be enjoyed again.
Our Jewelry Repair Services
Ring Sizing and Resizing
Rings may need resizing because of changes in finger size, inherited jewelry, or a ring that was never properly fitted.
Depending on the design and metal, a ring can often be made larger or smaller.
For many traditional gold or platinum rings, resizing involves carefully adjusting the shank, adding or removing metal when necessary, and securely joining the ring.
The jeweler then refines the shape and finish and checks any gemstone settings that may have been affected.
Not every ring can be resized safely. Eternity bands, heavily engraved rings, tension settings, and certain alternative metals may have limitations.
Prong Repair and Replacement
Prongs are the small metal components that hold gemstones securely in place.
Over time, all prongs wear down, bend, crack, or break.
If left unaddressed, worn prongs increase the risk of losing a gemstone.
Depending on the damage, a jeweler may recommend:
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Prong tightening
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Prong retipping
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Rebuilding damaged prongs
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Replacing individual prongs
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Replacing an entire gemstone head or setting
Prong retipping involves rebuilding a worn prong tip with additional metal, while more extensive damage may require a different repair.
We recommend having frequently worn gemstone jewelry inspected every 6 months, particularly engagement rings and other rings worn daily.
Diamond and Gemstone Setting
Loose gemstones should be addressed promptly.
A stone may become loose because of worn prongs, impact damage, metal fatigue, or changes to the setting.
Our jewelers evaluate the setting and determine the appropriate method to secure the gemstone.
Common setting styles include prong, bezel, channel, pavé, and bead settings.
Each requires different techniques and tools.
If a gemstone has been lost, our team can help identify a suitable replacement and source a matching quality diamond or colored gemstone when available.
Matching a missing stone may involve evaluating its dimensions, shape, cut, color, and appearance relative to the surrounding gemstones.
Chain and Necklace Repair
Fine jewelry chains can break from accidental pulling, worn links, or weakened solder joints.
Depending on the construction, repairs may involve reconnecting links, soldering a break, replacing damaged sections, or installing a new clasp.
Delicate chains require particular care to preserve flexibility and appearance.
Some hollow, intricate, or severely worn chains may not be suitable for a durable repair.
Jewelry Soldering and Argon Welding
Soldering is a traditional jewelry repair technique used to join metal components.
It may be used for ring sizing, chain repair, reinforcing connections, and many other forms of jewelry repair.
Argon-shielded welding provides another method of joining metal in suitable applications. It can offer localized, controlled metalwork for certain repairs.
The appropriate technique depends on the metal, jewelry construction, gemstone sensitivity, and repair requirements.
Neither method is universally suitable for every piece.
Jewelry Cleaning and Polishing
Regular cleaning helps remove accumulated oils, lotions, dirt, and residue that can dull jewelry's appearance.
Professional cleaning may involve carefully selected solutions, mechanical methods, or other processes appropriate for the gemstones and metals.
Polishing is different from cleaning. Polishing can remove fine surface scratches and restore shine, but it also removes a small amount of metal.
For antique jewelry, heavily engraved pieces, and thin settings, excessive polishing may be undesirable.
We evaluate the jewelry before recommending a particular finishing method.
Rhodium Plating and White Gold Refinishing
Many white gold jewelry pieces receive a thin rhodium finish to produce a bright, reflective white appearance.
With regular wear, this finish can gradually wear down, allowing the underlying metal color to become more noticeable.
Rhodium plating can restore a brighter white finish when appropriate.
Before plating, the jewelry needs to be polished, cleaned, and prepared.
The durability of the finish depends on wear, the underlying metal, and the thickness and quality of the plating.
Gold Plating
Gold plating applies a thin layer of yellow or rose gold over a suitable base metal.
It may be used to refresh the appearance of certain jewelry pieces or restore an existing plated finish.
The durability of gold plating depends on the underlying material, surface preparation, plating thickness, and how the jewelry is worn.
Gold plating is not permanent, and regularly worn items may require future refinishing.
Antique and Estate Jewelry Restoration
Antique and estate jewelry requires particular consideration because original craftsmanship, historical materials, and construction techniques can contribute to a piece's significance.
Our experience with vintage and antique jewelry allows us to evaluate repairs with preservation in mind.
Potential restoration services include:
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Reinforcing worn settings
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Repairing antique ring shanks
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Replacing missing gemstones
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Restoring damaged clasps
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Repairing delicate filigree
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Addressing previous repairs
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Stabilizing structurally weakened components
Not every antique piece should be restored to look new.
Original patina, hand engraving, and historical details may be important to preserve.
Before performing extensive work, we discuss the potential impact of the repair on the jewelry's appearance, integrity, and historical character.
Engraving
Engraving adds a personal touch to jewelry through names, dates, initials, or meaningful messages.
Existing engraving may also require evaluation when a ring is resized or restored.
Engraving options depend on the item's shape, material, available surface area, and condition.
Pearl Restringing
Pearl necklaces and bracelets are traditionally strung on specialized thread that can stretch, weaken, or become soiled over time.
Pearl restringing involves removing the pearls from the existing strand, cleaning them, examining the arrangement, and restringing them using an appropriate material and technique.
Knotting between pearls can help reduce rubbing and may limit the number of pearls lost if the strand breaks.
Pearl restringing for Jae's Jewelers is performed by an off-site specialist.
How Long Does Jewelry Repair Take?
Most standard jewelry repairs at Jae's Jewelers have an estimated turnaround time of approximately three to four weeks.
Actual timing depends on the repair's complexity, our current workload, and whether replacement materials or specialized services are required.
In some circumstances, rush repairs may be available in approximately one week for an additional fee.
More extensive restoration, gemstone sourcing, and specialty services may require additional time.
We recommend discussing any important deadlines when bringing in your jewelry.
Is Jewelry Repair Performed On-Site?
Yes. Most of our jewelry repairs are completed on-site at Jae's Jewelers in Coral Gables.
Having experienced bench jewelers working within our store allows us to coordinate inspections, repairs, and finishing directly.
Certain specialized services, including pearl restringing, watch repairs, casting, and gemstone polishing, are performed off-site by specialists.
When Should You Have Your Jewelry Inspected?
Jewelry should be inspected when you notice signs of damage or changes in how it feels or functions.
Common warning signs include:
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A gemstone that moves or rattles
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A prong that catches on clothing
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A ring that has become thin at the bottom
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A clasp that opens unexpectedly
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A chain with stretched or damaged links
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A ring that is bent or misshapen
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Visible cracks in metal
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A loose earring post or backing
For engagement rings and frequently worn gemstone jewelry, periodic professional inspections can help identify developing problems before a stone is lost.
If a gemstone is noticeably loose, stop wearing the piece until it has been examined.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jewelry Repair
How much does jewelry repair cost in Miami?
At Jae's Jewelers, repairs begin at approximately $50. Final pricing depends on the type of repair, materials, labor, and complexity. We provide a complimentary initial evaluation and repair estimate.
How long does ring sizing take?
Our typical repair turnaround is approximately three weeks. Rush service may be available in about one week for an additional charge, depending on the repair.
Can you repair antique jewelry?
Yes. Many antique and vintage jewelry pieces can be repaired or restored. We evaluate each item to determine whether the work can be completed safely while preserving important original features.
Do you repair jewelry on-site?
Yes. Most jewelry repairs are performed on-site by our experienced bench jewelers. Some specialty services are performed off-site.
Can you replace a missing diamond?
Yes. We can help source a suitable replacement diamond or gemstone. Matching depends on the original stone's size, cut, color, and other characteristics.
Can platinum rings be resized?
Many platinum rings can be resized by a jeweler experienced in working with platinum. The feasibility depends on the ring's construction, design, and condition.
Can a broken gold chain be repaired?
Many broken gold chains can be repaired through soldering or replacement of damaged links. Hollow or severely worn chains may require additional consideration.
Can you repair a ring without removing the diamond?
Often, yes. Whether a diamond or other gemstone needs to be removed depends on the repair technique, setting, and gemstone's condition and sensitivity.
Is polishing safe for antique jewelry?
Not always. Excessive polishing can remove metal and diminish historical details. Antique jewelry should be evaluated before polishing.
Can a ring with a loose diamond still be worn?
We recommend removing the ring until it has been professionally inspected. Continued wear may increase the risk of losing the stone.
Can white gold jewelry be made bright white again?
In many cases, yes. Cleaning, polishing when appropriate, and rhodium plating can restore a brighter white appearance to suitable white gold jewelry.
Do I need an appointment for jewelry repair?
Contact Jae's Jewelers to confirm current drop-off procedures and availability. Bringing the jewelry to the showroom allows our team to evaluate its condition and discuss repair options.
Caring for Your Jewelry After Repair
Proper maintenance can help extend the life of your jewelry and reduce the likelihood of future repairs.
Remove fine jewelry during activities that expose it to impact, abrasion, or unnecessary pressure.
Store pieces separately to minimize scratching and tangling.
Avoid exposing sensitive gemstones to harsh chemicals, extreme temperature changes, or unsuitable cleaning methods. This includes chlorine in pools and bromine in hot tubs.
Have frequently worn jewelry inspected semi-annually, especially pieces with multiple gemstones or delicate settings.
A well-maintained piece of fine jewelry can often be enjoyed for generations.
About Jae's Jewelers
Established in 1945, Jae's Jewelers is a third-generation, family-owned fine jewelry store located on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, Florida.
Our showroom specializes in fine jewelry, natural diamonds, antique and estate jewelry, custom jewelry design, and professional jewelry repair.
Our team includes GIA Graduate Gemologists, and our experienced bench jewelers provide a wide range of repair and restoration services.
We believe that fine jewelry deserves knowledgeable care, thoughtful craftsmanship, and respect for the memories it represents.
Jae's Jewelers — Coral Gables, Miami, Florida