Passed down and inherited pieces of jewelry occupy a special place in our hearts. Not only are they a beloved keepsakes, but they represent the carrying on of an important tradition, something that will one day be passed down to someone you cherish.
But as special as these jewelry pieces are, they often come damaged, worn, or in need of repair. Jewelry restoration services in Vancouver can help you take something old and make it look new again, while preserving all the history and memories that make the piece unique.
One thing that most inherited pieces of jewelry have in common is years of accumulated dirt and grime, dulling the metal and leaving precious stones with much to be desired. The first step in restoring jewelry is a very thorough, professional cleaning. This isn’t the type of routine maintenance that you can do yourself, but rather a detailed clean, buffing out of scratches and imperfections, and inspection of the item, looking for any flaws that could result in damage. What remains at the end is a piece that looks as fresh as the day it was made.
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Once a piece has been cleaned, a jeweler will be able to more clearly assess the item. Functional jewelry repairs relate to the ability to actually use or wear a piece. Ring shanks, clasps, and watches often fall victim to wear that renders them unusable. But careful jewelry restoration can breathe life back into even the most neglected pieces; most times you will not even be able to tell exactly where the repairs have been made.
Other times, a jewelry piece may still be wearable, but is at risk of being broken or lost due to unseen damage. Loose settings and bent prongs are examples of the most commonly affected areas, and since they often hold precious stones, they can result in devastating loss. Thankfully, these types of repairs are easily made by skilled restoration professionals. Even if a precious gem or stone has gone missing, replacement stones can be sourced to match what would have been there.
We tend to greet the world hands first, so it’s no surprise that even high quality metals can become worn and potentially break. This problem can be remedied with some skillful soldering and additional metal if needed. The same process can even be used to re-size a ring that is too big or too small.
These little “fingers” are what keep your precious gemstones in place; if they are broken or damaged you risk losing the stone.
Broken pieces or missing links, your jeweller can restore either with precisely matched replacements.
There is a lot that goes into making a mechanical watch tick; fortunately it the right hands almost any problem can be fixed.
Also Read: Jewelry Restoration Services are Not Just For Antiques
When it comes to jewelry restoration, some people are primarily concerned with preserving the exact look of the piece; others, however, prefer to take something old and refashion it into something entirely new. This can mean repurposing an earning that is missing its match into a pendant, while maintaining its original appearance, or using components of a piece and transforming it into something entirely new, like taking the stones from a ring and using them to create a custom piece.
When it comes to restoring antique or period jewellery, the process can be a little more complex than with a traditional jewelry repair. However, the payoff is a unique piece with special significance that can be worn and appreciated, not left forgotten in the back of a jewelry box. To find a jewelry repair near me, visit our locations.
Watches are personal; they are a reflection of an individual’s personality, much like the clothes we wear and the car we drive. However, watches are also an excelletnt way to commemorate a special occasion or to gift to someone important, as they will last a lifetime. Unlike a sweater that will eventually be forgotten in the back of a closet, a good quality watch can be worn for years, and even passed down to future generations.
With so many options and so much on the line, how to you choose the right watch to gift to someone else?
The type of watch movement you are looking for and your budget will be two of the most important factors to consider, as your budget will affect the types of watches you will be looking at and vice versa. There are 4 principal types of watches and several categories within each branch:
Mechanical and automatic watches offer timeless, classic design intended to last for decades. These investment timepieces do not require batteries, as movement (automatic) or winding (mechanical) keep them ticking, but they will require occasional watch movement service. Watches in this category typically start at about $1,000 for an entry level piece and can quickly go up to the tens of thousands and more.
Quartz watches are a very popular option. Battery powered and comparatively affordable measured against the other options, they come in many styles from many different brands, including popular fashion names and designer watch makers. While they don’t typically require much in the way of watch movement service, the batteries will need to be replaced every 2 or 3 years.
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Smart watches are also battery powered, in this case rechargeable, and offer sleek, modern design combined with a plethora of additional functionalities, based on type and brand.
Presumably, if you are purchasing a gift as extravagant as a new wristwatch, you know the person well. Personal preference will influence the type of timepieces you are looking at. Consider the person’s style and the kinds of accessories that they tend to wear. Some people lean toward classic, unobtrusive pieces, expressed by clean lines and understated elegance. These individuals would likely prefer simple functionality with basic details.
Other people may prefer a showier aesthetic, complete with intricate detail and standout features.
Are you buying a statement piece for someone who works daily in an office and enjoys luxury items, or are you purchasing a timepiece for someone who spends lots of time outdoors and is looking for rugged functionality? The use of the watch should factor into your decision.
In general, there are 6 types of watch style, although some categories may overlap and there are several sub categories within each:
Choose a watch based on intended wear and functionality, then refine your options to suit the style of the wearer. For example, a dive watch will include many practical features and solid design, but are available in a variety of styles that could appeal to a wide range of wearers.
The size of a watch is one of the most overlooked watch features, and we are not talking only about the watch band. Watches come in several standard diameters, ranging from 34mm all the way up to 46mm, and thicknesses from 5mm to 15mm. Bigger, thicker watches would best suit larger wrists, or someone who prefers a masculine, oversized look, where thinner, smaller diameter watches would be more appropriate for smaller wrists, or someone who desires a more classic look.
While the options may seem overwhelming at first, taking a moment to consider these factors will significantly reduce the field of options and help you find the perfect watch to gift to someone special. You could consider repairing a family heirloom watch or a cherished watch that was broken for someone special as a gift. To find a watch repair near me, please visit our locations.
Also Read: Things to Consider when Getting your Jewelry Chain Repaired
Some people wear their jewelry chains continuously, while some people decide to wear them only for special occasions. Regardless of the frequency of use, each time you wear your chains they are susceptible to wear, tear and being caught on things, and when your chain breaks or becomes damaged, it can be quite upsetting. Luckily, chains can be quite easy to repair and often only require a quick trip to your local jeweler. A good jeweler should be able to replace broken clasps, close open chain links, and provide chain solders repair services as well.
The first step in dealing with a broken chain is to determine where the damage lies. Two main areas that are prone to damage include the clasps and the links.
Some clasps can be quite delicate and can come off or become damaged. The clasps can be quite easy to replace; however, you may need to first find a clasp that closely matches the currently broken clasp or at least the style of the chain. Your jeweler should be able to help with this process.
The links are the main portion of the chain. Some types of links are much easier to repair than others. It is important to first find a link that matches the old chain or to determine if the link is fine to just solder close or simply close with pliers.
If links have been stretched or opened up, some simple plier work can be done to reclose or reshape the link to its original glory.
If chain solders repair services are required, it is important to find an experienced jeweler. One of the most important aspects of performing chain soldering repair services is to ensure that the joint being soldered are smooth and that no damage to the existing metal is incurred. This takes a steady hand, especially when working with small, delicate, or intricate chains.
If you find that your chain has been damaged and requires a bit of tender loving care, stop in to see an experienced jeweler. Some damage will require very precise and steady hands, and you don’t want to leave that job to just anyone. Ask the jeweler questions and ensure that they have the right experience to get the job done right.
A luxury watch is something you should be proud of and a prized possession that you want to wear wherever you go. Hence, it is important to make sure that the treasured timepiece you buy is water resistant to avoid expensive watch repair Edmonton, and to know what to do when the worst happens.
The biggest clue that your watch has been compromised by water is condensation. If you look at your watch and find a fogginess or a few droplets of moisture inside, then this is a clear sign that it has been damaged by water.
There are lots of rumors and myths making the rounds for what you can do if your watch has been exposed to water. One of them is putting it on the radiator or placing it in a bag of uncooked rice for 6 to 10 hours. This heat will remove the moisture from the movement and cause the water inside the watch to dry faster and the rice will absorb moisture. However, we suggest you seek expert help, such as On Time Service Corp. who have the experience with watch repair in Edmonton to ensure that all parts of your watch are dry and free of corrosion. And if your watch had a water-resistant seal that failed, we can replace the seal to protect it against future moisture damage.
If water gets into your watch, the consequences can be devastating, including the cost of repair, as all important components, such as hands, movement, and dial can corrode, affecting its performance.
So, it is best to take precautions and guarantee that your watch is water resistant; small things, such as checking for any cracks or chips in the crystal, ensuring the back is firmly in place, and that the crown is properly screwed into place. These are all effective checks when it comes to taking care of your watch and keeping it from being vulnerable to moisture. As well, a careful pressure test will provide additional protection against water damage.
At On Time Service Corp, we offer an air pressure testing service which enables us to check that your watch is still water resistant. This can be done on the spot and takes around 10 minutes.
If any mishap happens and your watch does sustain water damage, then you’ll need to get assistance from professionals. They’ll expertly clean and dry every piece of your watch remove any particles which may have collected inside the watch, and repair all parts that have been damaged by moisture. Contact them for watch repair in Edmonton and any other area of Canada and save your watch from water damage.
Occasionally forgetting to take rings off while doing the dishes or showering with a necklace on; we are all guilty of doing things with our jewelry that we know we probably shouldn’t. However, if you want to avoid unnecessary jewelry repair in Edmonton, you should make a habit of not doing these 5 things with your jewelry:
One of the most common jewelry faux pas, after making a habit out of swimming or showering with your jewellery on, is improper care of your jewelry. Abrasive cleaners can damage precious metals and some stones, but leaving dirt and body oils to collect can also cause damage to the settings. Professionals recommend not using cleaners that contain harsh chemicals anywhere near your jewelry, even costume jewelry; instead, simply clean with a mild dish soap, warm water and a soft cloth. Failing to correctly clean, or have your jewelry professionally cleaned, can lead to needing avoidable jewelry repair in Edmonton.
Even though a marriage is forever, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t ever take off your wedding ring. Same goes for necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions all leave residue on your jewelry that can tarnish the metal and damage settings. While forgetting to take your jewelry off for the occasional shower or dip in the pool isn’t the end of the world, making a habit out of wearing jewelry where it is likely to come into contact with chlorinated water, chemicals, and soaps is not recommended.
If you have noticed that a setting is loose, a prong is bent, or you have attempted some DIY jewellery repair hack, you really should bring your item in for professional repairs. Basic jewelry repair for some of the most common types of damage, including bent prongs, broken clasps, tarnished metal, and misshapen bands, is surprisingly inexpensive. Rather than spending time trying to find ways to remedy the problem yourself, you would be much better served taking your expensive items in for very inexpensive jewelry repair in Edmonton.
No one really likes to discuss insurance, however it does serve the important purpose of protecting your investments. If you have purchased or been given an expensive piece of jewelry, adding these items to your home or renters insurance policy is a smart way to ensure the safety of your item. For a relatively small cost, you can be covered against theft, loss, and damage, which you would otherwise be responsible for covering yourself.
Like any well-maintained car, your watch will also need occasional maintenance service. Do you wear a vintage watch, and are wondering how often it needs to be serviced? According to watch industry experts, you should have watch maintenance services done about every three to five years. In the case of watches, even the smallest damage can balloon to become more severe. Ultimately, your watch may become unusable, or you may need to spend much more on its repair. On-time Service Corp. offers you the best watch maintenance services in Winnipeg to keep your watch in working order. The need for watch repair depends on how frequently you wear that watch and how it is stored when it is off the wrist. Fine watches are like fine automobiles, which require maintenance and repair from time to time. This will help your watch to run for a longer time.
Luxury watches, such as Rolex or Patek Philippe, should be serviced within 4 to 5 years of purchase. Watch maintenance services in Winnipeg can help them retain their value and accuracy. Stay on top of watch maintenance to keep your watch in top condition. You can also prevent your watch from being damaged by taking care of it on a daily basis.
There are some simple tips you can follow to care for your watch and prevent it from being damaged:
These are just a few DIY ways you can prevent damage to your watches. Care for them carefully and have watch maintenance done every few years to ensure a long life for your precious timepieces.
When it comes to a purchase as significant as an engagement ring, you should not be limited to what it on display. While a jewelry store may carry many wonderful options, if there is nothing available that speaks to you, there is no reason to settle. Custom ring design services allow you to create a unique expression of your feelings, one that perfectly matches the individual for whom you are buying the ring.
Working together with a professional jeweler, you will be able to select and design all the elements that go into your ring. Whether you have many ideas or are in need of guidance, you will have the benefit of working with an experienced professional who can offer advice and insight on creating the perfect custom ring.
Because of the high degree of customization available, custom ring design services can accommodate all budgets; you can choose how to allocate your budget, where to spend, where to splurge, and where to save. When you purchase a ring from a store, you are fairly limited by the selection available. While you may be able to choose the quality and size of the stone for example, you may be limited to specific designs and settings. With custom ring design services you choose everything, from the materials and style, to the stones, the quality, and the setting. You can even add in other personal elements that are unique to you as a couple.
Sometimes, families pass down sentimental engagement rings from generation to generation. These rings have seen a lot of wear, and while some may choose jewelry repair to bring these treasured pieces back to life before presenting them to their partner, you can also choose to take elements of these rings and create something completely custom; a little old combined with a little new. This is a wonderful way to pay respect to family heirloom while creating the perfect piece for a new generation to cherish.
Maybe it belonged to a loved one, maybe it has sentimental value, or perhaps it was a gift given in celebration of a special occasion; whatever the reason, we often form an emotional attachment to watches. And as we care for these pieces so much, we want them to look and function like new for as long as possible.
Watches are one of the few accessories that are worn daily, and that means that damage and wear are bound to occur. Damage to the face of your watch, in particular, may seem like a desperate situation. Thankfully, there are very few situations that are hopeless, if you have the right help. Whether you own a timepiece that has simply stopped keeping time and needs watch battery replacement, or your watch requires a complete overhaul, an experienced watchmaker can make it right.
The face of your watch is arguably the most important part of your watch, if you like telling time. Exposure and wear can cause the dial of your watch to fade, and accidents resulting in damage can happen. Watch dial repair services can refinish an existing dial, making the original dial look new, or in cases where it is required, replace the dial with a manufacturer’s replacement or closely matching option. Conversely, dial repair services are also your chance to take something old and give it a brand new face. Dials are available in custom colour options and in dozens of different finishes, textures, and treatments.
A broken face can often lead to damaged watch hands. However this type of impairment is almost always repairable when the repairs are undertaken by an experienced professional. A watchmaker can refinish the original hands or replace damaged hands with manufacturer or custom replacements. And just as there colour options for your watch dial, there are colour, size, and style options available for watch hands, if you are looking to change or update your timepiece.
Sometimes the damage from the face goes deeper than the surface. The mechanics that run your watch are intricately tied together and one small piece out of balance can throw the entire movement off. The answer may be as simple as a watch battery replacement for quartz watches, but other times you may require complete watch movement services to locate and resolve the problem. In either case, problems with watch movements should only be addressed by a professional watchmaker.
Luxury watches are built and designed to last not only your lifetime, but for generations after. However, due to the intricate nature of the internal mechanisms, caring for a luxury watch comes with its own unique challenges. However, with a little extra care, attention, and watch maintenance services, your investment will pay off for years to come.
Unlike fashion watches, luxury watches are an investment, and as an investment they require time and monetary outlays, and occasional watch maintenance services to keep them in top working order. With these tips, your luxury watch will be able to last.
Some luxury watches are waterproof, however, unless your watch specifically states that it is ISO 6425 or is rated 30 bars or more, you really should avoid getting it wet. Even watches that have an indicated water resistance that may include the depth of your pool, or a quick shower, avoiding moisture is still the best way to ensure the longevity of your timepiece.
Your nightstand is a fine place for a book and your cell phone charger; however it shouldn’t be used as a storage place for your luxury watches. Watches should be stored flat, in a cool location, away from direct sunlight. Excessive exposure to heat and sunlight can accelerate the deterioration of your watch, dry up the lubrication required to keep the internal mechanics moving, and prevent moisture or fog from building up underneath the face.
Both automatic and manual watches require winding; however there is a way, a time, and a place to correctly wind your watch. A watch should never be wound while it is being worn, to do so run the risk of bending or breaking the crown. Never wind the watch more than you are able to without resistance, as soon as you feel resistance, which will be obvious, stop winding immediately. And finally, there is a “danger zone” typically between 9 pm and 3 am, where date enabled watches should not be adjusted, doing so may result in damage to the internal gears.
Even with gentle wear, your luxury watches should be frequently cleaned and be taken in for regular watch maintenance services. To clean your watch, use a small amount of water, a mild soap, and a soft cloth to wipe around the face and surfaces of your watch. If possible, remove the band and clean separately. Metal link bands can be submerged in water, while leather bands are best left dry, or wiped with a very small amount of soapy water and left to dry flat. For severely tarnished watches, professional cleaning is highly recommended.
Watches have long been regarded as a luxury item. They can instantly add class to any outfit and make a statement about the wearer. Just as with any other luxury item, watch repair services are necessary to keep it in good working order.
If you don’t yet regularly wear a watch, what are you waiting for? While many of us can use our phones to tell time, watches are much more convenient, while making an impactful fashion statement. A quick glance at a watch is a much easier and inobtrusive way to check the time than pulling out a cell phone for a time check.
When you need watch repair services, not just any old shop will do; you need a place you can trust your treasure to with confidence. While finding the right repair shop can be a challenge, it is well worth the effort to find a place you can trust with your valuable possession.
If you have an expensive watch that you want to keep in pristine condition, having reliable watch repair services is essential. Watches need proper maintenance so that they are able to function properly for a long time.
While you may have many options for watch repair services, it is important to find a shop that you can trust with such a valuable possession. Look for a location with highly qualified experts who have been trained in repairing all kinds of watches. Another important thing to look for is the type of equipment they use for watch repair. Using old, out of date equipment in poor repair is a bad sign. Instead, look for a place that takes care of their equipment in the same way they will take care of your watch.
You will also want to make sure that the watch repair shop you choose services a variety of models. Some shops might have expertise in one area or another, so look for a shop that has worked on your specific type of watch before with good results. From changing the strap of a watch, replacing a battery or performing other minor repairs, look for watch repair services that deal with all elements of watch repair.
Another important thing to look for when choosing watch repair services is a shop that offers variety in watch parts and selection. Look for a place that has a wide range of watch bands. A different band can make a watch appear completely brand new and is a worthwhile investment.
When choosing watch repair services, ask questions and make sure you feel comfortable with the individual who will work on your watch. It is a valuable possession that should not be entrusted to just anyone, so find a shop with qualified experts and leave it in only the most trusted hands.