Jewellery carries more than financial value. It holds stories, memories, milestones, and moments. So when a favourite piece breaks, bends, or starts showing its age, the first question is always the same: Can this be fixed?
At The Bench Jewellery, our on-site goldsmiths see many repairs—from simple chain solders to complex gemstone remounts. Some pieces come in on their worst day and leave looking better than new. Others, unfortunately, have crossed the line where a safe, lasting repair isn’t possible.
This guide explains what can and can’t typically be repaired, why some jobs are more complex than others, and how we help you choose the best path forward for your jewellery.
What Can Usually Be Repaired
1. Ring Resizing (Up or Down)
Most rings in gold, platinum, or silver can be resized safely.
Fixable:
- Engagement rings
- Wedding bands
- Vintage gold rings
Notes: Rings with stones all the way around (full eternity bands) or tension-set rings may have limitations, but in many cases adjustments or alternatives are still possible.
2. Chain and Bracelet Repairs
Chains break constantly—usually at their thinnest links—yet they are among the most reliably fixable items.
Fixable:
- Broken links
- Snapped chains
- Clasp replacements
- Adding or removing length
Whether it’s a fine wheat chain or a heavy curb link, our jewellers can typically restore it.
3. Clasp & Component Replacements
Clasps wear out, springs loosen, and small parts get lost.
We can replace:
- Lobster and spring-ring clasps
- Earring posts and backs
- Jump rings
- Bails for pendants
Most component replacements are straightforward and affordable.
4. Loose or Lost Stones
If the setting is intact, tightening a stone is simple.
If the stone is lost, we can source a matching replacement— often even for unusual shapes or colours.
We frequently repair:
- Prongs worn down or bent
- Bezels distorted
- Channels opening up,
After reinforcing the setting, the stone is once again secure.
5. Prong Re-tipping & Setting Restoration
Prongs wear down over time, especially with daily wear. Rebuilding them is one of the most common and reliable repairs.
We can:
- Re-tip prongs
- Replace missing prongs
- Build new settings
- Reshape or stabilize vintage settings
Keeping prongs healthy prevents stone loss, making this repair especially important.
6. Jewellery Cleaning, Polishing & Rhodium Plating
Dull, tarnished, scratched, or darkened jewellery can almost always be revived.
Services include:
- Professional cleaning
- Polishing and refinishing
- Rhodium plating for white gold
- Ultrasonic and steam cleaning where safe
Many pieces look brand new again—often in under an hour.
What Cannot (or Should Not) Be Repaired
Some jewellery is made from materials or construction methods that simply can’t withstand proper repair techniques.
1. Base Metal or Costume Jewellery
Costume jewellery often uses materials like pot metal, copper blends, or plated alloys that:
- Melt at low temperatures
- Warp during soldering
- Release toxins when heated
- Have plating that cannot be restored
For sentimental costume pieces, we can sometimes suggest creative alternatives (such as recreating them in gold or silver).
2. Extremely Thin or Severely Worn Pieces
Over decades of wear, metal slowly thins. When a ring shank or chain becomes too fragile, soldering or reshaping may cause collapse or further damage.
If a piece has reached this stage, a re-shanking, rebuilding, or full custom remake is usually the safest and longest-lasting option.
3. Full Eternity Bands (Resizing Limitations)
Because stones go all the way around, resizing often risks cracking stones or compromising the structure.
Sometimes we can:
- Add sizing beads
- Add a section and additional stones
- Remake the ring while reusing the stones
But traditional resizing is usually not possible.
4. Heat-Sensitive Stones
Certain stones cannot withstand heat from soldering and must be removed before repair, or repaired with a non-heat method like laser welding.
Examples:
- Opal
- Emerald (heavily included or oiled)
- Tanzanite
- Pearl
- Turquoise
Repairs might be possible, but alternatives are often safer. We always walk through the risks before beginning.
5. Plated or Hollow Jewellery (Certain Types)
Hollow gold jewellery can collapse under pressure or heat.
Thinly plated pieces cannot be soldered without destroying the plated layer.
In both cases, repairs may not be feasible.
When a Repair Isn’t Safe, We Offer Alternatives
When a piece is beyond repair, you are not out of options. At The Bench, we often recommend:
1. Custom Remakes Using Your Gold & Stones
We can salvage the stones, melt down your gold, and create a new version of the piece—or something entirely new.
2. Re-shanking or Partial Reconstruction
If only part of a ring is worn out, we rebuild the damaged section rather than replacing the whole piece.
3. Modernizing Vintage Heirlooms
We can remount gemstones, refresh settings, or recreate the look of a beloved antique in a stronger, more wearable design.
4. Safe Storage of Fragile Items
Sometimes the best choice is to keep a delicate heirloom preserved for special occasions only. We will clean it, secure the stones, and advise how to store it safely.
If you’re not sure whether repair, replacement, or a full redesign is the right option, you can read our in-depth guide that walks through how to make the best choice for your jewellery:
When to Repair, Replace, or Redesign: A Guide for Heirloom Jewellery
How to Know What’s Possible: Bring It In for Assessment
Every repair begins with an in-person evaluation by one of our goldsmiths.
We examine:
- Metal type
- Structural integrity
- Stone condition
- Age and craftsmanship
- Previous repairs
- Long-term safety
From there, we provide clear recommendations, a timeline, and an upfront quote.
At The Bench Jewellery, all repairs are completed by experienced goldsmiths in our Kamloops, Kelowna, and Chilliwack workshops—so your jewellery never leaves our care.
Why Choose The Bench for Repairs?
- On-site goldsmiths with decades of experience
- Free repair assessments
- Transparent quotes
- Careful handling of sentimental jewellery
- High-quality workmanship
- Three convenient locations in BC
Whether it’s a family heirloom or your everyday favourite, we approach every repair with the same level of precision and respect.
Bring Your Jewellery to The Bench
If you’re unsure whether your jewellery can be repaired, the answer is simple: let us take a look.
Most pieces have more potential than you think, and even when traditional repair isn’t possible, we can offer safe, creative alternatives.
Visit us in Kamloops, Kelowna, or Chilliwack, or learn more about our services at:
https://benchjewellery.ca/services/jewellery-repair/
Feel free to share the piece’s story when you come in—we love hearing the history behind the jewellery we help restore.