Your experiences with Jewelry Repair

Just curious what kinds of repairs people have done on jewelry.

I know there are books on jewelry making which might be a good resource.

Are there amateurs that look for jewelry to repair? I imagine it wouldn't be hard to get a resource kit from the bulk lots one can find on eBay and elsewhere.

 

When I worked for a living we only did repairs on the companies products,everything else went to a repair shop. Amateurs are usually told not to try repair work as they don't know how a piece was constructed and materials used. If someone can't take classes there are a number on YouTube which which gives real time visible information,here are a couple to keep you busy if interested.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=soham+harrison+tutorials

https://www.youtube.com/c/MelissaMuir

 

There are some good epoxies

Silver solder requires the right torch, flux, solder, and practice.

 

@kyratango ........let's hear from the amateur expert !!

 

Depends on what you intend to repair, if that is your question...
Soldering is tricky and you may end with a ruined piece
I'm always hunting for nice damaged pieces, either to repair or for parts!
I now use UV curing resin when possible (if you have enough surface contact or be able to integrate a support in the resin to create a bridge).
Some of my repairs (jewellery and objects) here:
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/user/kyratango/kyratised
And here:
https://www.antiquers.com/threads/some-kyratisations-aka-my-cosmetic-repairs.36028/

 

I restring things early and often, but leave the soldering to the experts.

 

I restring necklaces and replace missing rhinestones. I took a college level course in making jewelry to try to learn some basic repair techniques. In the end it became clear to me that repairs beyond what I now do are best left to professionals!

I did make a couple of nice bracelets and a nice pair of earrings though

 

I have been wanting to dabble too and so have picked up the book in the picture below (currently put and about so don't have the book to hand!) Not had a chance to look at it properly yet but it seems interesting and includes lots of info on different clasp and hinge types etc too! View attachment 403243

 

Sorry it logged me out for some reason so will try and post it again, if not I will send a better picture of the book later!!

 

I restring necklaces and replace missing stones and findings, I've never attempted soldering. It's amazing though how much jewellery I've picked up for next to nothing because the seller says it's *broken* and simply had to replace a clasp or jump ring to restore it to it's former glory.

 

I got "busted" earrings on Saturday for under a dollar. One pair of pliers and about 90 seconds flat later, if that much, I had perfectly fine sterling earrings. I just had to reclose two loops. Dead easy.