The five repairs we do most (and how to avoid four)

Five faults account for almost every repair that comes through the door.

1. Worn clasp

Springs weaken, especially on fine chains. Replace every two to three years rather than waiting for the necklace to fall off in the street.

2. Loose claw

A stone moves a fraction of a millimetre before it falls out. If you can rock it with a fingernail, stop wearing the ring and send it.

3. Stretched chain

Fine chains stretch if they are pulled off over the head or used to hold keys. Take them off by the clasp.

4. Broken solder joint

Usually a jump ring that was never closed properly. Cheap to fix, expensive if the pendant is lost.

5. Perfume damage

Alcohol and oils dull gold-fill and pit silver. It is not a repair, it is a polish - but it is the most common reason people think a piece is 'worn out'.

What we charge

Free for two years from purchase, including re-setting. After that, at cost: clasps from €15, claws from €25, chains from €20.