Jewelry is an integral part of our lives. Whether it’s something you’ve purchased on your own, a gift that was given or something you’ve inherited, it holds a special place in our hearts. Sometimes, no matter the quality, it needs to be repaired or restored to get it back to its former glory. How do you figure out where to go and who to trust with your precious items in these situations?

We’ve put together a list of questions you should ask when inquiring about jewelry repair or restoration services, along with what to look for in the answers. Whether your watch needs repairing or you need a precious piece of jewelry restored, doing your research and asking these questions will help you narrow down to the best service to handle your beloved jewelry.

What are the Qualifications/Experience of the Restorers?

Looking at examples of their past repair or restorations is helpful to see the type of work they’ve done and the quality. Also, ask about professional certifications and education from respected institutions. If the store offers custom designed jewelry like they do at unique jewelry stores in Toronto, it’s likely that they have trained designers and artisans who are qualified and skilled in repairs and restorations.

How Do I Know the Stone is the Same One?

Leaving such valuable and treasured items for repair or restoration can be a nerve-wracking experience. It’s easy for these questions about whether your stone will be mixed up with another to surface.

Honest jewelers won’t be offended and will take steps to put your worries at ease. They should tell you about their procedures and offer to let you view your stone through a microscope and point out unique characteristics so that when you pick up your jewelry, you know without a doubt that it’s yours.

How is Cost Determined?

Labor, materials, and tools can all affect the cost of repairs and restoration. A good jeweler will explain this and let you know what work needs to be done. They should also discuss with you in advance if there’s any unexpected work they foresee needing to be done and provide you with a written estimate of the cost of repair or restoration work.

Is the Jewelry Repaired in House or Sent Out?

You should know who is working on your jewelry and where. If repairs are done in another location, that’s something jewelers should be upfront about and get your permission for. If jewelry is sent out, that often means the price will be higher, as the shipping costs are factored in, and there is greater potential for items getting lost or damaged, so be sure you know the answer to this question.

Always do your research and shop around before deciding on a jewelry restorer or repairer to ensure you know their level of experience and exactly what to expect at every step of the process. Doing this will make you feel confident that your restorations will go according to plan, and you’ll be satisfied with the end product.