Nobody really thinks about jewellery repairs until a chain snaps or a stone falls out. Suddenly, you’re staring at your broken necklace or ring, wondering, “How much is this going to set me back?” A busted clasp or a ring that doesn’t fit anymore can feel like a disaster, especially if there’s some real meaning behind the piece. What really throws people off, though, is how repair prices swing all over the place in the UK. Most folks have no clue what counts as a normal price, what’s a rip-off, or what actually makes for good value.

That’s where this guide steps in. If you’re dealing with a broken engagement ring, a chain that’s barely holding on, or any jewellery problem, we’ll break down exactly what affects the cost. We’re talking about the type of metal, the stones, how complicated the fix is, and the skill involved. By the end, you’ll know what to expect, what’s actually worth paying for, and how to dodge extra repairs down the line.

And since this post goes hand-in-hand with our main deep-dive, “The Jewellery Repair Process Explained,” we’ll give you a peek at what happens behind the scenes, so the prices start to add up and make sense.

Bottom line: this is your straight-talking guide to what you’re really paying for, and how to make the best call for your jewellery.

“Understanding jewellery repair costs starts with knowing what your piece really needs.”

Factors That Affect Jewellery Repair Costs 

Jewellery repair prices catch a lot of people off guard. They swing pretty wildly — and honestly, there’s a good reason for that. Every piece is different, and every repair has its own quirks. You’re not just paying for a fix; you’re paying for someone’s time, skill, the right tools, and a careful touch. Here’s what really drives the cost:

1. Metal Type

Gold, platinum, and silver — they all act differently when you’re working on them. Platinum’s tough, needs more heat, and takes extra effort, so it usually costs more to repair. 18ct gold is softer than 9ct, which means the jeweller has to be even more careful with it. Silver’s usually cheaper, but it can be a pain to solder neatly. The metal alone changes the price and how long the job takes.

2. Gemstones & Settings

If there are diamonds or other stones, things get trickier. Repairs might mean tightening the claws, resetting or even replacing stones, or checking for any movement or damage. Delicate gems like opals or emeralds can make the process even more complicated.

3. Severity & Complexity

Straightforward jobs, like soldering a chain, usually don’t take long or cost much. But if the jeweller’s rebuilding a setting, resizing a ring by several sizes, or bringing an old, worn piece back to life, that’s a whole different level of work and skill.

4. Craftsmanship & Experience

This is the part most folks don’t get to see. A skilled jeweller isn’t just patching things up. They’re protecting the whole piece, polishing it safely, and making sure it’ll last for years. In the end, good craftsmanship is always worth paying for.

 “Different metals require different techniques — and that affects the cost.”

Common Repairs & Typical Prices 

If you want to get a handle on jewellery repair prices, start by looking at what actually needs fixing. Most jobs fall into just a few types, even though every piece has its quirks. Here’s a quick rundown of the repairs we see all the time in the UK, plus what you’re likely to pay.

1. Ring Resizing

This one’s super common. Making a ring smaller is usually straightforward—they just trim away a bit of metal. Making it bigger, though, means adding metal, which bumps up the price. If you’ve got an eternity band or a ring crowded with stones, expect a bit more hassle and cost.

Typical Cost: £35–£95, depending on the metal, how tricky the design is, and how much resizing you need.

2. Stone Tightening or Replacement

Stones come loose when claws wear down or the setting gets tired. Tightening up claws doesn’t cost much. Swapping out a gem, though, depends on what you need—big stones and rare cuts can get expensive.

Typical Cost:

• Tightening: £20–£45

• Stone replacement: £40–£250+ (depends on the stone)

3. Chain & Bracelet Repairs

Chains always seem to snap at the same weak spots—by the clasp or at thin links. Repairs might mean soldering a break, rebuilding worn areas, or swapping out end caps.

Typical Cost: £25–£70

4. Clasp Repair or Replacement

Clasps wear out or snap, but fixing them is usually simple. Sometimes you can repair; other times you need a new one.

Typical Cost: £20–£65

5. Re-Tipping or Rebuilding Claws

Claws (especially on engagement rings) wear down from daily use. Re-tipping keeps your stones secure.

Typical Cost: £25–£45 per claw

6. Rhodium Plating (White Gold)

White gold isn’t actually bright white on its own—it gets that sparkle from a rhodium coating, which needs redoing every so often.

Typical Cost: £35–£60

7. Full Restoration or Deep Polishing

If your jewellery’s seen better days, full restoration covers everything from reshaping to serious polishing.

Typical Cost: £60–£200+, depending on how much love it needs

These are just ballpark figures for the UK. At The Jewellery Mechanic, you always get a clear, fixed quote before you send anything in—so no nasty surprises.

“From worn-out to like-new — quality repairs make all the difference.”

Repair vs Replace — How to Decide

People always ask us the same thing: “Should I just fix this, or is it time to replace it?” Honestly, there’s no blanket answer. It really comes down to what the piece means to you, how much it’s worth, and what kind of shape it’s in. Here’s how to figure it out.

First, think about sentimental value. If your jewellery came from someone special, marks a big moment in your life, or has been in your family for generations, repairing it just makes sense. A good repair keeps the original look and gives the piece a new lease on life. Heirlooms, especially, deserve restoration, not a replacement.

Next, weigh the cost against what it’s worth. If fixing something costs more than the piece itself, replacement usually wins—unless there’s real sentimental value there. For example, it’s probably not worth rebuilding a cheap silver chain or low-cost fashion jewellery. But when it comes to gold, platinum, diamonds, or gemstones, repairing them is almost always the right call. The value of the materials alone makes it worthwhile.

Now, check the overall condition. If your jewellery’s so worn out it needs major surgery—think multiple repairs to the claws, band, setting, and stones—it might be time to think about redesigning or upgrading. At Blackwell Jewellers, we actually turn old jewellery into brand new, custom pieces all the time, especially when customers want to keep the original stones. People love that option.

Don’t forget about the long run, either. Sometimes, a small repair now saves you from a huge headache later. Tightening a loose stone for £20–£40? That’s way better than having to replace a missing stone for £200 or more. Re-tipping worn claws keeps stones from falling out in the first place. Honestly, fixing things early is usually the smartest move.

“Sometimes the best choice is repair… and sometimes it’s a beautiful upgrade.”

How to Reduce Jewellery Repair Costs

Nobody likes shelling out for repairs when they don’t have to—and honestly, you don’t, most of the time. The truth is, a lot of jewellery damage never has to happen if you just build a few easy habits. A little upkeep now can save you a ton of cash (and headaches) later. Here’s how to keep your jewellery looking great and your repair bills low.

1. Clean Your Jewellery Regularly

Jewellery collects all sorts of gunk—soap, oils, everyday dirt. Stones lose their shine, and settings loosen up. Just giving your pieces a quick clean at home keeps everything sparkling and helps the settings last longer.

👉 See: How to Clean Your Jewellery at Home

2. Store Jewellery the Right Way

Most jewellery doesn’t get damaged when you’re wearing it—it’s what happens when you toss it in a drawer or box at the end of the day. Keep chains separate so they don’t knot up. Store rings on their own. Make sure gemstones aren’t scratching each other. A padded jewellery box saves you from scratches, bent claws, and snapped links.

3. Take Jewellery Off for Certain Tasks

There are some things your jewellery just doesn’t need to see. Take it off when you’re:

- Cleaning

- Hitting the gym

- Swimming

- Gardening

- Lifting heavy stuff

Chemicals, knocks, and friction are brutal on precious metals. Just don’t risk it.

4. Get Regular Check-Ups

Your jewellery needs a check-up now and then—just like your car. A jeweller can spot loose stones, worn claws, thinning bands, or dodgy links before they turn into a pricey disaster.

5. Choose the Right Repair People

Not all repairs are created equal. Cheap, rushed jobs usually mean more problems down the line. A skilled jeweller doesn’t just fix your piece—they make it stronger. That’s why we always recommend professionals like The Jewellery Mechanic.

“Proper storage prevents scratches, tangles, and unnecessary repairs.”

 Frequently Asked Questions 

If you’re thinking about getting your jewellery repaired, you’re probably wondering the same things most people do. Stuff like: Is it safe to mail my ring? How much will it cost? How long am I going to be without it? You’re not alone—these questions come up all the time. Here’s what you need to know before you book a repair.

1. How long does a jewellery repair take?

Standard repairs usually take about 3 to 7 days. If you need something more complicated—like rebuilding a setting or tracking down a rare stone—it can take a bit longer. Either way, you’ll know the timeline upfront.

2. Is it safe to send jewellery in the post?

Yes, it’s safe. The Jewellery Mechanic uses tracked, insured delivery both ways. You’ll get a tracking number so you can see exactly where your piece is at every step.

3. Can you fix any kind of jewellery?

Most pieces—gold, silver, platinum—can be repaired. Really delicate or badly damaged costume jewellery sometimes just isn’t strong enough to fix properly. If that’s the case, you’ll get honest advice about whether it’s worth repairing or if you’re better off replacing it.

4. What about replacing missing stones?

No problem. Whether it’s a diamond, sapphire, emerald, or something else, a jeweller can match the size, colour, and quality of your original stone. The price depends on the type of stone you need.

👉 See also: Lab-Grown vs Natural: Which to Choose in 2025

5. How often should I get my jewellery checked?

It’s smart to have your jewellery checked every 6 to 12 months, especially if you wear it every day. Catching a loose stone early saves money and stress.

6. Why do some repairs cost more?

It comes down to a few things: the metal (platinum’s pricier than silver), the stones involved, the piece’s condition, and the complexity of the repair. Some jobs need specialist tools or extra skill. High-value pieces take longer, too, because they need extra care—and that’s reflected in the price.

7. Do repairs come with a guarantee?

Yes, every repair comes with a 30-day guarantee, so you can relax knowing your jewellery’s covered.

8. Can you repair vintage or antique jewellery?

Absolutely. In fact, the team loves working on older pieces. Vintage claws, settings, and delicate metalwork need a gentle hand, and that’s where experience really matters.

 “Most repair questions have simple answers — clarity makes the whole process easier.”

Jewellery isn’t just an accessory—it’s part of your life. Over time, it gets scuffed, bent, or maybe the odd clasp gives out. That’s just what happens when you actually wear the things you love. The real comfort comes from knowing there’s someone you trust to fix it, someone who cares about your jewellery as much as you do.

Knowing what repairs really cost lets you make good decisions. Maybe you need a quick chain fix, a stone swapped out, or a full-on restoration. When you understand what goes into the price, you can feel sure about what you’re paying for. Add in skilled work, secure delivery, and honest advice, and suddenly getting your jewellery fixed is easy—not stressful. 

We team up with The Jewellery Mechanic at Blackwell Jewellers because they’re the kind of people we trust with our own pieces. They’re careful, reliable, and take every job seriously. Your jewellery’s insured, tracked, and handled by pros who do this work every day.

So if you’ve got a broken piece hiding away, now’s the time to sort it out. If that stone seems loose, get it checked before it turns into a bigger headache. And if you’ve got something sentimental that deserves a second life, you’ve come to the right place.

💡 Blackwell Tip: Repairs aren’t an expense — they’re an investment in the life and longevity of your jewellery.

👉 Start your repair today with The Jewellery Mechanic
👉 Request a free repair estimate
👉 Visit your nearest Blackwell Jewellers for hands-on advice

“Your jewellery deserves a second chance — let us bring it back to life.”