Is your jewellery in need of a comprehensive evaluation to determine the best repair or care solution?

A comprehensive jewellery assessment identifies the condition of the metal, gemstones, settings and moving parts before any repair or care work is recommended. It enables us to distinguish between damage that requires immediate attention, wear that can be monitored and cosmetic issues that may be improved through cleaning, polishing or restoration. The outcome is a clear, practical recommendation based on the construction, materials, age and intended use of your piece.

The assessment begins with a careful visual examination under magnification. We check for worn claws, loose or chipped stones, thinning metal, stretched links, damaged hinges, weakened catches and signs of previous repairs. Particular attention is given to areas that experience regular movement or friction, such as ring shanks, bracelet links, chain connections and earring fittings. A piece may appear sound when worn but still have a concealed weakness that could lead to further damage or the loss of a gemstone.

We also assess the materials involved. Different precious metals respond differently to heat, soldering, reshaping and polishing, while gemstones vary in hardness, toughness, porosity and sensitivity to temperature or chemicals. Treatments, coatings, fractures and inclusions can affect the safest repair method. Where the construction or condition makes a proposed repair unsuitable, this will be explained before any work is undertaken.

The assessment normally considers the following:

• Metalwork: the quality and thickness of the metal, areas of wear, deformation, fractures, dents and evidence of earlier alterations.
• Gemstones: whether stones are secure, chipped, scratched, fractured, abraded or affected by a treatment that requires additional care.
• Settings: the condition of claws, bezels, channels, pavé work and other components holding stones in place.
• Fastenings and moving parts: the function and security of clasps, catches, hinges, pins, jump rings, bracelet links and earring fittings.
• Previous work: the effect of earlier sizing, soldering, plating, stone replacement, polishing or alterations on the current repair options.
• Wear and use: whether the piece is suitable for everyday wear, occasional use or a particular activity, and what care may help prevent recurrence.

Following the examination, the appropriate solution may be straightforward cleaning and inspection, a minor adjustment, a component replacement, a more substantial repair or a carefully planned restoration. In some cases, remodelling may be more suitable than repeatedly repairing heavily worn metal. If the original design cannot be restored safely, we will explain the available alternatives, including what can be retained and what may need to be replaced.

A professional recommendation should set out the work required and any relevant limitations. This may include the proposed repair method, the parts or materials involved, whether gemstones need to be removed, the likely effect on the appearance or structure of the piece, and any risks associated with the work. Some delicate, antique or previously repaired jewellery cannot be returned to its original condition without compromising the remaining material. A responsible assessment makes this clear rather than promising an unsuitable result.

It is also important to distinguish a repair assessment from a valuation. An assessment focuses on condition, function and the safest care or repair solution. A valuation is a separate professional opinion prepared for a particular purpose, such as insurance, probate or resale. If you need both services, the requirements can be discussed so that the piece is examined appropriately for each purpose.

Until the assessment is complete, avoid wearing jewellery with a loose stone, open setting, broken catch, sharp edge or visibly weakened area. Keep the piece separate from other jewellery and do not attempt to tighten claws, apply adhesive or clean it with an abrasive product. These actions can worsen damage, conceal the original fault or make a later repair more difficult. If a gemstone has fallen out, keep it safely and bring it with the jewellery.

For an accurate recommendation, bring any relevant information about the piece, including previous repair details, certificates, valuation documents and your intended use. Tell us about any particular concerns, such as a loose stone, repeated breakage, sensitivity to certain cleaning methods or the wish to preserve original materials. We can then assess the jewellery in context and explain the most appropriate next step, from routine aftercare to specialist repair or restoration.