Beginner-to-intermediate project. Fourth in a series of 12 ring repair projects.

Intermediate project. Eighth in a series of 12 ring repair projects. Photos: Barry Blau.

Jewelry brought in for repair reflects the increasingly competitive marketplace for inexpensive fine jewelry. With care, however, you can repair it and keep your customer happy. A word of caution: The procedures shown here represent standard practices commonly used by jewelers across the country. Nonetheless, working with acids, solvents, torches, sharp tools, spinning tools, etc.…

Sitting at your bench one day, you reach for the next repair envelope, examine the contents and read the instructions. The envelope says, Name: Mrs. JB Tipton. Article: Lady’s yellow ring marked “14k” w/3 clear brilliants, approx. 3.2mm. Tips on all prongs are worn. Size 5 1/2. Instructions: Retip all with solder.”

Beginner-to-Intermediate project. This ring was always tight on Mrs. Ghirardelli’s finger. But as she was getting ready for a party the other evening, she could barely squeeze it over her knuckle. And once it was on her finger, she noticed that the ring pinched her skin like a tight corset.

Before they invented garbage disposals, we jewelers had it easy. But since the ’50s, when the industrial revolution invaded the kitchen sink, we have been fighting back in the war against home convenience devices that eat jewelry and flatware.