These common jewelry repairs are likely to land on your bench after the holidays — get ahead of the rush with tips, techniques, and more.
Every jeweler and jewelry store knows the holiday selling season can be a whirlwind from setting up shop for last-minute gifts to offering services that keep customers returning after the busiest week of the year. For bench jewelers, however, the rush often continues after the holidays, and the influx of repair requests can feel as intense as the sales season itself with tight timelines and customer demand.
From resizing rings to adding or replacing components, the post-holiday period brings its own set of challenges to the bench, but with the right tools and supplies, you can handle every request and keep your customers happy. Let’s walk through five common post-holiday jewelry repair jobs and share tips and techniques to help you tackle each one as a pro — because when Stuller has your back, you’re always ready for what’s next.
1. Ring Resizing
Ring repairs are one of the most common repairs for jewelers, especially following the holidays. Whether gifts or personal purchases, rings don’t always fit perfectly, and customers will look to your business for adjustments and solutions that ensure a comfortable fit.
Bench Tips and Techniques
When sizing up, make sure to maintain the band’s original shape and thickness as the solder is being added. This will prevent the ring from feeling weak or uneven over time. When sizing down, pay close attention to delicate elements of the ring such as the set stones. Remember, larger stones and intricate designs or settings can shift or loosen during the resizing process, so always inspect and check the ring completely before and after resizing.
Tools and Supplies
Keep a selection of ring mandrels, soldering tools, and files within reach for a smooth bench process. For more precise adjustments, powerful laser equipment is invaluable — not only will it help get jobs done faster, but it also minimizes heat exposure, which is crucial for protecting any delicate stones in your customer’s ring. Don’t forget to have polishing compounds to make the ring look as good as new.
Powerful Solutions
Stuller’s selection of laser welders ensures you have the right equipment for any repair request, even ring resizing. Whether you're new to laser welding or looking to upgrade your existing equipment, our buying guide gives you everything you need to make the right investment for your business.
For additional tips on ring resizing with the help of a laser welder, check out our step-by-step instructional guide.
Additional Tips
Before resizing, set realistic expectations with your customers. Communicating any limitations of resizing their ring — particularly with any special settings or issues related to the shank that could affect your bench process — helps build trust and transparency with them.
2. Chain and Clasp Repair
Broken links, stretched chains, and malfunctioning clasps are some of the most common reasons customers bring in chains for repair after the holidays. These repairs may seem small, but they make a big impact when done right, making it important to have everything you need.
Bench Tips and Techniques
Start by checking the overall condition of the chain. If it’s supporting a heavy pendant, you might need to replace weaker sections to prevent future breaks. For most chain repairs, however, soldering is your go-to solution. Take your time aligning broken links before applying heat to ensure a clean, seamless fix. If you’re working on smaller, more delicate chains, a laser welder is a great option for precise repairs that protect surrounding areas.
Replacing a clasp? Make sure the new one matches the chain’s size and strength — it needs to handle the weight of any pendants attached. Once you’ve finished, test the clasp to ensure it is secure before returning the piece to your customer.
Tools and Supplies
Make sure your bench is stocked with the basics, such as chain nose pliers, an assortment of jump rings and clasps, and soldering tools. Additionally, stocking your bench or shop with a variety of clasps in different styles and sizes means you’ll be able to offer quick repairs and upgrades to meet every customer’s needs. Having an ultrasonic cleaner can also help restore chains to their original shine after repair and can make a big impact on your customer’s overall experience with your repair services.
Additional Tips
Instead of just repairing the issue at hand, consider offering your customers an upgrade to a stronger clasp or a more durable chain. Along with upgrades, share simple chain care tips like cleaning and polishing their chain regularly and ensuring it's stored properly.
3. Remounting and Restyling
The holiday season often sparks a desire to refresh and reimagine old jewelry. Whether it’s remounting a stone into a new setting or transforming an inherited piece into something more modern, restyling is a great way for customers to breathe new life into their jewelry. While restyling isn’t always a repair, offering this service alongside traditional repairs is a great way to build trust with your customers and keep them coming back for future work.
Bench Tips and Techniques
Something to keep in mind is that remounting a stone and restyling jewelry can be as much about creativity as it is about a simple repair. Start by understanding the customer’s vision while also keeping in mind the durability and functionality of the piece. Sometimes this may mean creating custom designs or converting old pieces into something completely new.
Whether you're creating custom designs or revamping old pieces into something new, it’s all about balance.
Tools and Supplies
A well-stocked bench is essential for remounting and restyling jobs. Depending on what your customer needs, it’s important to keep a selection of findings kits, custom shanks, and hand tools accessible for easy, tailored solutions you can start on right away.
Additional Tips
Don’t be afraid to get creative with design options — this is a golden opportunity to build relationships with customers and offer something truly one-of-a-kind. With Stuller’s wide range of trending, high-quality findings, you can access components that can turn a basic repair into a custom piece in no time.