People ask us all the time: “How long will my jewellery repair take?” Honestly, it’s not a simple answer. It all depends—probably more than you’d expect.
Some fixes are fast. If you just need a chain soldered or a clasp tightened, we can usually sort that out in a day or two. But when it comes to things like replacing a missing stone, rebuilding worn claws, or bringing an old ring back to life, it takes longer. That kind of work needs special tools, serious attention to detail, and a bit more time.
A lot of folks think every repair is about the same, but that’s just not true. Resizing a ring, fixing a broken clasp, or resetting a gemstone? Each job is totally different, and so is the time it takes.
In this guide, we’ll break down how long the most common jewellery repairs in the UK actually take. We’ll also show you what can speed things up—or slow them down. By the end, you’ll know what to expect, what affects the timing, and how to plan your repair without guessing.
This blog goes hand-in-hand with our main article, “The Jewellery Repair Process Explained.” Together, they’ll help you understand how long each part of the journey really takes, from booking and posting to the repair itself and getting your jewellery back.
So if you’ve ever wondered why a quick fix can take 48 hours, but a more complicated job needs a whole week, this guide will clear things up.
“Every repair has its own timeline — and its own level of care.”
What Affects Jewellery Repair Time?
Not every jewellery repair is the same, and that’s why some take longer than others. Before anyone even picks up a tool, a jeweller has to get familiar with the piece, figure out what’s wrong, and think through any risks. Four main things really decide how long you’ll wait:
1. The Type of Repair
This one matters most.
If it’s something simple—like fixing a broken chain or tightening a loose stone—you’re probably looking at 1 to 3 days.
A bit more involved? Things like resizing a ring or swapping out a setting usually take 2 to 5 days.
Complicated fixes, like tracking down a new gemstone or rebuilding old claws, can stretch anywhere from 5 to 10 days, sometimes more.
And if your piece needs a few steps to get it right, expect the whole thing to take longer.
2. Metal Type
The kind of metal makes a difference, too.
Platinum takes extra time because it needs more heat and special tools.
18ct gold is softer than 9ct, so it needs a gentler touch.
Silver? It melts easily and scratches fast, so the jeweller has to be extra careful.
Basically, the metal shapes both the process and the speed.
3. Stones & Settings
Jewellery with diamonds or gemstones needs special care—no one wants to damage a stone with too much heat. Delicate or tricky settings slow things down, since precision really matters.
4. Age & Condition
New jewellery is usually straightforward. Older pieces, or ones that are worn out, might need extra support or reinforcement before the main repair even starts. It adds time, but it keeps your jewellery safer in the long run.
“From metal type to stone settings, each piece comes with its own timeline.”
Typical UK Jewellery Repair Timeframes
Every jewellery repair is a little different, but honestly, most jobs stick to some pretty standard timelines. Once you know what to expect, it’s easier to plan ahead and skip the last-minute panic. Plus, you’ll understand why some fixes drag out a bit. Here’s what usually happens in the UK when you drop off your jewellery for repairs.
Ring Resizing
2–5 days
Resizing a ring sounds simple, but there’s a bit to it. The jeweller cuts the band, tweaks the size, solders it back together, reshapes it, polishes everything up, and checks the stones are still set tight. Sizing down is faster. Sizing up? That takes a little longer since they have to add extra metal.
Stone Tightening
1–3 days
This one's fast. The jeweller checks the claws or bezel, tightens the stone, and does a quick polish. But if you've got a delicate stone like opal or emerald, they'll take a but more care.
Stone Replacement
3–10 days
Replacing a stone isn’t always quick. It depends on whether they have the right stone in stock, if they need to find one that matches the size and cut, and how tricky the setting is. If they’re tracking down a diamond or sapphire, you’re probably looking at the longer end of the range.
Chain & Bracelet Repairs
1–3 days
Most chain or bracelet fixes come down to soldering broken links or fitting new end caps. Simple enough. But if you’ve got a delicate chain, like a herringbone or rope, it might take a bit longer.
Clasp Repairs & Replacements
1–2 days
If the jeweller already has the right clasp, this is usually a quick fix. In and out.
Rhodium Plating (White Gold)
1–3 days
White gold rings need the occasional rhodium dip to keep them bright. The process: clean, buff, polish, rhodium coat, and a final check. It’s a fast turnaround, but it’s got to be done right if you want the finish to last.
Deep Cleaning / Full Restoration
3–7 days
Older or really worn jewellery needs more time. Restorations are a mix of rebuilding claws, polishing out scratches, strengthening the band, and sometimes replacing stones. There are lots of steps, so it takes longer — but the results are worth it.
How the Repair Process Impacts Time
Wondering why fixing jewellery sometimes takes just a day, while other times it drags out for more than a week? Let’s walk through how the whole repair process really works — from the moment you ask for help to the moment your piece lands safely back in your hands. Every step matters. Each one takes a bit of time, but that’s what brings your jewellery back looking just right.
Step 1: Booking & First Look
Right after you send in a repair request, the jeweller checks your photos or description to get a sense of what’s wrong. This first glance gives a rough idea of how long the job will take, but honestly, no one knows for sure until they see your jewellery up close.
Step 2: Arrival & Deep Dive
When your jewellery gets to the workshop, it gets a real, hands-on inspection. Jewellers look under magnification to spot hidden problems — things like thin bands, worn claws, or stones just waiting to fall out. These issues are tough to catch in photos. If they find anything you didn’t mention, they’ll get in touch before moving forward, which can stretch the timeline a bit.
Step 3: Actual Repairs
Now the real work begins — and this stage eats up most of the time. Repairs aren’t just one-and-done. There’s a rhythm to it: solder, reshape, polish. Tighten, check, polish again. Sometimes they need to rebuild claws, secure stones, do a final check, and give it that last polish. Each part of the process needs time to settle or cool before moving on. Rushing means shoddy work, and no one wants that.
Step 4: Final Checks & Sending It Home
Before your jewellery heads back to you, it gets a last round of quality checks. Jewellers make sure the stones aren’t loose, the metal is solid, and the finish shines. After that, shipping usually takes another day or two, depending on where you live and the courier.
So, every step along the way matters — and adds a little time. But in the end, your jewellery comes back safe, secure, and looking its best.
“Every stage takes care — and contributes to the final timeline.”
Can You Speed Up Your Jewellery Repair?
Yes, you can speed up your repair time—good news, right? Sure, some things are set in stone, like the type of metal or how complicated the repair is. But there are a few smart moves you can make to keep things moving and dodge unnecessary delays.
Here’s what actually helps your repair get through the workshop faster:
1. Book Early, Especially When It’s Busy
Think Christmas, Valentine’s Day, wedding season—everyone’s bringing in their jewellery then. If you book ahead, your piece gets in line before the rush hits.
2. Be Clear About What’s Wrong
When you put in your repair request, don’t hold back. Share photos of the damage, explain what’s going on, and mention if the item’s been fixed before. The more your jeweller knows from the start, the quicker they can figure out what needs to be done.
👉See: 5 Signs Your Ring Needs Repair
3. Approve Quotes Fast
Repairs only start after you say yes to the quote. Hold off on approving, and the whole process just sits there, waiting. This is honestly one of the simplest ways to make everything go quicker.
4. Keep Your Jewellery Clean and Cared For
Jewellery that’s clean and looked after is much easier to repair. If it’s dirty, worn out, or really scratched up, the jeweller has to spend extra time getting it ready before even starting the actual fix.
👉 See: How to Clean Your Jewellery at Home
5. Pick Someone Who Knows What They’re Doing
A skilled specialist doesn’t just work faster—they do it right the first time. That’s why we always recommend reliable pros like The Jewellery Mechanic. You want someone who’s organised, consistent, and knows their stuff.
“Clear information and quick approval can speed up your repair time dramatically.”
When Repairs Take Longer — Special Situations
Most jewellery repairs get sorted pretty quickly—anywhere from a day to about ten, usually. But sometimes, pieces just need more time. Maybe they’re extra delicate, need a specialist’s touch, or we have to track down some rare material. It’s all part of the process, and knowing what slows things down can save you from any surprises.
Here’s what can hold up a repair:
1. Antique or Vintage Jewellery
Old pieces have their own quirks: fragile metal, worn claws, skinny bands, and those unique, older settings. Fixing them isn’t a rush job. Go too fast, and you risk damaging the piece. So, jewellers take it slow to protect the jewellery’s structure and keep its character intact.
2. Rare or Special Stone Sourcing
When a missing stone needs replacing, it’s not always easy to find the perfect match—especially if you’re dealing with older cuts like old European, old mine, or transitional stones. Modern stones are easier to source, but finding that exact colour, size, and cut for a vintage piece? That’s worth taking a little extra time.
3. Complex Structural Damage
Sometimes, a simple repair uncovers bigger problems: bent or crushed settings, worn-out prongs, thin bands, hidden cracks. Before fixing the obvious issue, jewellers need to reinforce everything else first. It’s a bit like discovering your house needs new foundations before you can paint the walls.
4. Full Restorations
Restorations can be a whole project. It might mean polishing, rebuilding claws, strengthening metal, replacing stones, and then replating or cleaning. Each step has to go in order, so it naturally takes longer from start to finish.
"Delicate or vintage jewellery takes more time-but the results are worth it"
Jewellery repairs aren’t just quick fixes—they’re real craftsmanship. Every piece, whether it just needs a simple polish or something much more complicated, goes through a careful process. The goal? To send your jewellery back looking better, feeling stronger, and ready to last.
Once you get how repairs actually work—the type of metal, the difficulty, the stones, the condition of the piece—it all starts to click. There’s a reason some jobs take just a day and others need a week or more. A fast turnaround might just be a quick solder. But a longer job? That’s about skill, precision, and making sure something precious sticks around for years.
At Blackwell Jewellers, we want you to feel good about the whole process. That’s why we only trust The Jewellery Mechanic with our repairs. They’re known for quality work, safe shipping, honest updates, and timelines that make sense. Nothing vague or wishy-washy.
So if you’ve got a broken chain, a loose stone, or a ring that means the world to you, don’t put it off. Problems tend to get worse—and harder to fix—the longer you wait.
Your jewellery shouldn’t sit forgotten in a drawer. Bring it back to life.
Start your repair today with The Jewellery Mechanic.
Get a free, no-strings-attached repair estimate.
Or just stop by your nearest Blackwell Jewellers for some real advice.
“Expert craftsmanship, transparent timelines, and jewellery that feels brand new again.”
