5 Signs It’s Time to Get Your Jewelry Repaired

Even jewelry that looks “just fine” may need some extra TLC. Knowing when to take your rings, necklaces, or bracelets in for professional repair can save you from costly damage down the road. At Seattle Jewelry Design & Repair, we help you keep your most treasured pieces safe, secure, and sparkling.

Here are five clear signs it’s time to get your jewelry repaired:

1. Your jewelry looks dull, tarnished, or scratched.

Over time, everyday wear leaves marks on your jewelry. Tarnish, scratches, or a cloudy look are early signs your piece needs cleaning and possibly refinishing. Professional polishing and inspection can restore brilliance while checking for hidden issues.

Why does my jewelry look dull even after cleaning?
Because dirt, oils, and micro-scratches build up in places home cleaning can’t reach. A jeweler can deep clean and polish to bring back the shine.

2. Your jewelry endured “trauma.”

Accidents happen; dropping a ring on tile, snagging a chain at the gym, or worse, running jewelry through the garbage disposal. Even if your piece still looks wearable, the structure may have been compromised. Professional jewelers can check for hairline cracks, bent prongs, or weakened settings before the damage gets worse.

3. Minor issues may actually be bigger problems.

A loose clasp, stretched chain, or missing gemstone might feel like a small inconvenience, but it often signals larger repair needs. Left untreated, these issues can lead to lost pieces or further breakage.

Is a loose clasp a big deal?
Yes, because if it fails completely, you risk losing your jewelry. Quick fixes prevent costly replacements.

4. You have a special event coming up.

Before a wedding, anniversary, or milestone birthday, it’s a smart idea to bring your jewelry in for professional cleaning and inspection. Not only will your jewelry sparkle in photos, but you’ll also avoid the stress of a last-minute repair before your big day.

5. Wedding & engagement rings need annual inspections.

Daily-wear rings, especially wedding and engagement rings, should be inspected at least once a year. A jeweler will check prongs, stone settings, and band thickness to ensure your ring stays secure. Most rings also benefit from a yearly professional cleaning to keep them looking their best.

When in Doubt, Ask a Jeweler

If you’re unsure whether your jewelry needs repair, we make it simple. Just Contact Us. We’ll let you know if your piece is fine as-is, needs a quick polish, or requires more attention.

At Seattle Jewelry Design & Repair in Capitol Hill, we treat every piece with care, whether it’s a simple clasp adjustment or a treasured heirloom restoration.

Ready to give your jewelry some TLC? Book your repair appointment today.

Hey there, I’m Nina!

I’m a Seattle-based jeweler specializing in custom designs, heirloom restorations, and thoughtful repairs, all done by hand, start to finish, right here in my studio. Every piece I work on carries a story, and I take pride in preserving that story through craftsmanship, care, and attention to detail.

Whether you’re dreaming up a one-of-a-kind creation, bringing new life to a family treasure, or simply fixing a favorite everyday piece, my goal is to make the experience personal, collaborative, and meaningful.

If you have an idea, or even just a feeling, about what you want, let’s bring it to life together.