What Repairs We Don’t Do – And Why That Matters

At Seattle Jewelry Design & Repair, we’re proud to be honest, transparent, and specialized in the work we do. Our mission is to restore and repair your most treasured pieces with care and expertise. But just as important as what we can do is what we don’t.

Sometimes the best way to protect your jewelry is to send it to the right expert, even if that means it’s not us. Here’s a breakdown of the repairs we don’t take on (and why), plus what options you do have.

1. Watch Repairs (Beyond Batteries and Bands)

We can replace most watch batteries and adjust bands, but complex watch repairs require specialized training and manufacturer-specific tools.

If your watch needs internal work or movement servicing, we’ll refer you to a trusted watch technician.

Do jewelers repair watches?
Some jewelers handle basic services like batteries or band adjustments, but complex repairs are usually done by certified watchmakers.

2. Plating (Gold, Rhodium, etc.)

We don’t plate jewelry in-house due to the specialized equipment involved.

Instead, we partner with a local plating company in Seattle that provides high-quality finishes. This way, you still get reliable service without compromising quality.

3. Casting or Custom Manufacturing

While we design custom jewelry, we don’t do the casting process in-house because of safety concerns.

The good news? We work with a trusted local casting company to bring your custom designs to life. If you’re dreaming up a one-of-a-kind ring or necklace, we’ll guide you from design concept to finished piece.

4. Stone Cutting or Re-Faceting

Stone cutting is a highly specialized art. If your gemstone is chipped or you’d like to change its cut or shape, we’ll refer you to a certified lapidary who can help.

Can a chipped gemstone be repaired?
Yes. Lapidaries can re-polish or re-facet stones, restoring their brilliance. Jewelers usually don’t cut stones in-house.

5. Costume Jewelry Repairs

We specialize in fine jewelry made with gold, silver, platinum, and precious stones. Costume jewelry is often made with materials that don’t respond well to traditional repair techniques.

Additionally, older pieces may contain lead solder, which can become dangerous when heated during repairs. If you bring in costume jewelry, we’ll happily take a look and advise, but repairs may be limited or not possible.

6. Appraisals

We don’t provide formal jewelry appraisals for insurance or estate purposes.

Appraisals require certification and extensive research to determine accurate valuations. If you need one, we can connect you with a certified appraiser in the Seattle area.

Where can I get a jewelry appraisal in Seattle?
Seattle Jewelry Design & Repair doesn’t provide appraisals, but we can recommend trusted certified appraisers nearby.

Why We Keep It Focused

Simply put: we do what we know, and we do it exceptionally well. By focusing on our specialties, we guarantee:

• High-quality results you can trust

• Honest turnaround times without delays

• Repairs done right the first time

If something falls outside our expertise, we’ll always point you in the right direction. And while we don’t currently offer these services, that may change in the future, so if you’re unsure, just ask.

Need help with a repair? Contact Seattle Jewelry Design & Repair today. Even if we can’t do it ourselves, we’ll guide you to the right solution.

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.