What should I do if my jewellery needs urgent repair?

If your jewellery needs urgent repair, stop wearing it immediately, handle it as little as possible and keep every component safely together. Do not use glue, tape, household tools or home polishing products, as these can conceal damage, affect gemstones and make a professional repair more difficult. Contact a trusted jeweller promptly for advice, particularly if a stone is loose, a setting is distorted, a clasp has failed or a valuable watch has stopped after an impact.

Protect the piece before bringing it in. Place the jewellery in a soft, clean pouch or wrap it separately in acid-free tissue. Keep loose stones, broken catches, detached links and any other fragments in the same secure container, but avoid allowing them to rub against the main piece. Do not put delicate jewellery loose in a handbag or pocket, where it can become scratched, bent or lost. If the item is wet, dry it gently with a soft lint-free cloth; do not apply heat.

• For a loose gemstone: remove the jewellery if possible without forcing it and keep it flat in a secure container. Avoid touching or pressing the stone, and do not wear it even if it appears to be held in place.
• For a damaged ring setting: stop wearing the ring immediately. A bent claw or split setting can allow the stone to fall out without warning.
• For a broken chain or bracelet: gather the broken ends and any detached clasp or links. Do not pull the break together or try to close it with a household ring or wire.
• For a failed earring or brooch fitting: keep the item separate from clothing and store any butterfly, pin, backing or fastening that has come away.
• For a watch: avoid winding, setting or repeatedly operating it if it has been dropped, exposed to water or is running irregularly. Keep the crown pushed in only if it moves normally; never force it.

If a gemstone has already been lost, retrace your recent movements carefully. Check clothing, bedding, carpet, sinks, car seats and the area where the jewellery was removed. Use a clean container or soft cloth to collect anything found, rather than vacuuming immediately. Tell the jeweller whether the stone has been recovered, as the setting may need to be stabilised before any replacement is selected.

Do not clean severely damaged jewellery before assessment. Ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, brushes and chemical solutions may worsen a loose stone, open a fracture or damage a porous or treated gemstone. Even gentle-looking polishing can remove evidence that helps establish what has happened. A light wipe is usually sufficient unless the item has been exposed to a substance that may be hazardous.

Contact the repair team as soon as practical and describe the problem accurately. Provide clear photographs if requested, explain when the damage occurred and mention any impact, exposure to water or chemicals, previous repair, resizing or alteration. If the piece is insured, check whether your policy requires an approved assessment or authorisation before work begins. Do not dispose of packaging, broken parts or relevant documents.

At Steven Charles Quance, an urgent repair can be assessed to establish whether the item needs immediate stabilisation, a full repair, replacement components or specialist attention. The jeweller should examine the metal, settings, solder joints, hinges, clasps and gemstones before confirming the appropriate work. Where a stone is at risk, the first priority is normally to secure it; cosmetic refinishing or polishing can be considered after the structural issue has been addressed.

Ask what can be done safely and what the repair involves. A professional assessment should clarify:

• what caused or contributed to the failure;
• whether the jewellery can be repaired without removing a gemstone;
• whether any stones, settings or metal require replacement rather than adjustment;
• how the repair may affect the original finish, hallmarks, plating or patina;
• whether the piece needs specialist gemstone, watch or workshop expertise;
• how the jewellery will be checked before it is returned; and
• what care and inspection are recommended afterwards.

Some damage is urgent because continued wear increases the chance of loss, while other issues can wait for a scheduled assessment. A missing or moving stone, a split shank, a sharp broken edge, a loose clasp, a damaged safety catch, water entering a watch or a bracelet that no longer closes securely should all be treated as priorities. Avoid wearing the item until it has been examined, even if the damage seems minor.

Repair times depend on the material, construction, condition, availability of matching components and whether specialist services are required. A straightforward adjustment may be dealt with more quickly than a complex restoration, remodelling or replacement of a distinctive gemstone. A jeweller should explain the expected process and contact you before carrying out work that differs from the agreed repair.

When the repair is complete, inspect the jewellery with the jeweller where possible. Check that stones are secure, clasps and catches operate correctly, moving parts function smoothly and the finish is consistent with what was agreed. Ask whether the item should be inspected again after wear and how to store, clean and handle it. Prompt professional advice protects both the jewellery and its long-term condition, while avoiding unsuitable home repairs reduces the risk of additional damage.