If you have an heirloom piece that needs repairs, you can perform them yourself. Follow these tips for cleaning, soldering, and cutting. If you are not an expert in jewelry repair, you should look for signs that the repair was done with the correct tools. If you find any mistakes, make sure to report them before leaving the building. You can also find a tutorial online that will show you the process step-by-step.

Cleaning

While random cleaning and repair shops can do a good job, they may not handle jewelry. Fortunately, there are several options for jewelry cleaning in New York City. Some of these shops use similar cleaning methods for all types of jewelry. Others are better suited for cleaning a particular type of jewelry, such as a diamond ring. Listed below are some tips for cleaning jewelry. Listed below are some tips for cleaning gemstone jewelry.

Soldering

There are several different tools available for soldering for jewelry repair. A soldering iron and torch can help you with the repair. You can purchase a kit that includes 1/2 oz. of solder to use with various metal alloys. TIX Anti-Flux solder is a great way to start as it doesn’t tarnish, and it is safe to use. You can also buy a TIX Anti-Flux kit.

Cutting

If you have a piece of jewelry that needs some repairs, you may be wondering if cutting jewelery is a viable option. Cutting jewelery is a common type of jewelry repair that requires professional training. You can bring your damaged piece to a jeweler to have it assessed. After assessing the damage, the jeweler will provide a quote for the work needed. If you are lucky enough to receive a free quote, you may have an insurance claim to submit to get your piece repaired.

Cleaning & soldering

Clean your jewelry before cleaning and soldering it. A pickle is a mild acid that cleans metal. You should dip your jewelry in the pickle and keep it for five to ten minutes. When you’re done, let it dry. While you’re soldering, hold your jewelry in place using string or clothespins. Do not cover the piece with solder. Then, follow the next steps.

Ring guards

A ring guard is a temporary or semi-permanent solution to the problem of sizing a ring. It can be expensive to have the ring resized by a jeweler, who will have to cut metal to make the ring fit. If your ring is damaged, a ring guard will help you avoid any permanent changes. Using a ring guard will protect your ring from being lost or damaged, and it can prevent discomfort while wearing the ring.

Chain repair

If your chain link breaks or stretches, you may be able to fix the issue. The process involves adding a new link, soldering it back together, and replacing the clasp. The complexity of the repair depends on the type of chain and the size of the broken link. Sometimes the prongs supporting the stones become weak over time, increasing the risk of the stone falling out. Prongs may bend or break, or they may flatten and develop a rounded appearance. In such cases, you can replace the individual prong or repair the entire chain.

Setting diamonds

Diamonds can be repaired in two ways: by removing and replacing the stone, or by setting them in a new one. Invisible settings are the most difficult to repair. These are made of specially cut diamonds, which slide into grooves on the sides of the setting, which secure the stone. This method produces a seamless look, but must be handled carefully. A professional jeweler should be consulted if you think that your jewelery may need to be repaired.