Jewelry Repair & Cleaning Guide: Solving Loose Stones, Sizing Issues, and More
- Michelle Macias
- Jul 17
- 3 min read
A guide to keeping your diamond and gemstone jewelry looking flawless for years to come.
Fine jewelry is more than just a beautiful accessory—it’s a symbol of love, success, heritage, and self-expression. Whether it’s a dazzling diamond ring, a vibrant gemstone pendant, or an heirloom bracelet passed down through generations, your jewelry deserves proper care and protection.
Unfortunately, even the highest-quality pieces can experience wear over time. From loose diamonds to faded finishes and ring sizing problems, we’re covering the most common issues with fine jewelry—and how to prevent or fix them with expert support.
1. Loose Stones in Diamond & Gemstone Jewelry
The issue: Prongs or settings can loosen with time, causing diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, or other gemstones to shift or even fall out.
The fix: If you notice a stone that wobbles or makes a faint rattling sound, bring it in immediately for a loose diamond fix or stone tightening. At J&M Jewelry, our expert bench jewelers specialize in re-securing high-value stones using safe, precise techniques.
Pro Tip: Schedule a professional inspection every 6–12 months—especially for rings or bracelets worn daily.
2. Ring Sizing Problems with Fine Jewelry
The issue: Over time, rings can become too tight or too loose due to changes in temperature, lifestyle, or body.
The fix: Professional ring resizing preserves the structural integrity of your piece while ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. Whether it’s a diamond solitaire, an eternity band, or a multi-stone gemstone ring, J&M offers expert resizing on gold, platinum, and more.
Pro Tip: Size your ring when your hands are at a neutral temperature—not right after a workout or in cold weather.
3. Jewelry Dullness, Cloudiness & Loss of Sparkle
The issue: Lotions, perfumes, oils, and everyday dust can create a film on stones and metal, making even the finest diamonds and gemstones lose their brilliance.
The fix: Regular jewelry cleaning keeps your diamonds and gemstones sparkling. You can gently clean at home with a soft brush, warm water, and mild soap—but for long-term care, bring your pieces in for professional steam or ultrasonic cleaning.
Pro Tip: Avoid commercial cleaners with harsh chemicals that can damage delicate stones like opals or pearls.
4. Broken Chains, Clasps, and Settings
The issue: Even with fine craftsmanship, clasps can weaken, chains can kink, and settings can loosen—especially on pieces worn often.
The fix: Our expert jewelry repair services at J&M Jewelry include clasp replacement, chain soldering, re-tipping prongs, and reinforcing delicate settings—whether you’re dealing with a dainty diamond bracelet or a bold gemstone necklace.
Pro Tip: Have your chains and settings checked annually, especially before travel or special occasions.
5. Scratches, Scuffs & Worn Finishes
The issue: Gold and platinum can accumulate fine scratches over time, especially if worn daily. Matte finishes can fade and textured surfaces may lose their detail.
The fix: Our team can polish, refinish, or retexture your piece to restore its original look—whether it’s a mirror-shine diamond band or a satin-finish emerald ring.
Pro Tip: Store each piece of jewelry separately to prevent rubbing or tangling.
6. Outdated or Missing Appraisals
The issue: Without updated appraisals, your fine jewelry may be underinsured or lack proper documentation for resale, replacement, or inheritance.
The fix: We offer professional jewelry appraisals for diamond and gemstone jewelry, complete with grading, descriptions, and market-based valuation. It’s essential for insurance coverage and peace of mind.
Pro Tip: Reappraise every 2–3 years to stay current with changing diamond and precious metal prices.
Final Thoughts
From diamond jewelry that celebrates milestones to gemstone jewelry that reflects your style, each piece you own deserves expert care. Staying ahead of common issues—like engagement ring problems, ring sizing, and jewelry cleaning—can help you protect your investment and enjoy your jewelry for generations.
At J&M Jewelry, we’re proud to offer full-service care for your fine jewelry, including cleanings, repairs, inspections, and jewelry appraisals. Whether you’re restoring a vintage piece or maintaining a modern classic, our jewelers treat every item with precision and respect.
✨ Need a repair, resize, cleaning, or appraisal?
Contact us to schedule your appointment—our expert jewelers are here to help with all your fine jewelry care needs. Because your jewelry deserves more than sparkle—it deserves professional attention and lasting protection.
