Jewelry Repair
Dahlkemper Custom Jewelers specializes in jewelry repair, from ring sizing to delicate platinum jewelry restorations
For your security, we photograph, describe and insure every piece of jewelry. Your jewelry stays secure at Dahlkemper Custom Jewelers and locked at all times except when we are working on it. Jewelry repairs are done on-premises in our workshop under the guidance of our owner, Shawn Dahlkemper.
Dahlkemper Custom Jewelers offers free cleaning and security check of your jewelry, anytime, regardless of where you got your jewelry.
All jewelry consultants at Dahlkemper Custom Jewelers are certified in jewelry and gemology. We’ll begin with inspecting the security of your jewelry. We’re looking for worn or broken prongs, so you don’t lose any diamonds or gems. We’re also looking for worn supporting struts or links. A simple repair can save you from losing your pendant or bracelet when a link wears through!
Our cleaning station and jewelry spa is right behind the counter in full view, so we can clean your jewelry when needed to inspect it better. We’ll check that your gemstones or diamonds are secure and tight, and we’ll ask you questions so we can recommend the best repair for you. If repairs are needed, we’ll give you an exact quote and due date.
You don't need an appointment to have your jewelry cleaned and checked for security. In fact, we recommend having your jewelry cleaned and inspected every six months (about as often as you change the oil in your car.) Stop by anytime we're open!
Repair Services
We repair jewelry on premises at 2501 West 12th St Erie, PA in Yorktown Center. Our expert jewelers are masters at all repairs, from ring sizing, retipping prongs, and broken chains, to complicated restorations and custom work. We repair silver, gold, platinum and costume jewelry. Our repair work is excellent, and we work with clients across the country.
Ring Sizing
- the type of metal (10kt, 14kt, 18kt, platinum, silver or palladium)
- the width of the bottom of the ring (called the shank)
- the number of diamonds or gems in the ring (we tighten the prongs on everyone!)
- the number of sizes we are going up or down
We don't just size rings, we polish and rhodium plate them (if they are white gold). We also check and tighten any diamonds or gemstones, to make sure they are secure.
Most jewelers size to the half size, like size 6.0 or 6.5. Some size to the quarter size, like size 6.0 or 6.25. We are so precise that we size to the 1/8 size! That means that if you want a size 6.125, you can get that at Dahlkemper Custom Jewelers.
Chain and Clasp Repair
Chains can break when they get caught on something or links wear through after many years of wear. We’ll repair your broken chain and check the remaining links. Chain repair begins at $29.
Dahlkemper Custom Jewelers also replaces broken clasps, including spring rings, lobsters, hidden box clasps, magnetic clasps, and toggle clasps.
Prongs, Crowns and Tip Work
Over time, the metal holding your diamonds and gemstones wears away. We can add new metal, called retipping, to keep your diamonds secure. Depending on the condition and the style, we may recommend removing the existing crown (the piece that holds your diamond) and replacing it with a new crown.
Repair a broken tip or prong – When one prong holding a stone breaks, the other prongs usually need work too. We don’t want you to spend money to have us fix a prong, and then lose your diamond or gem because a different prong broke! For your security, we’ll often recommend replacing the entire piece holding the stone (called a crown or head). Prices to replace a crown vary, and we’ll give you an exact quote so you can choose either prong repair or crown replacement.
Missing Diamonds
Missing diamonds and gemstones occur when the setting is worn or if your ring receives impact. A thin bands studded with diamonds can torque (twist a small amount), even when lifting something heavy. This loosens your prongs and diamonds can fall out.
At Dahlkemper Custom Jewelers we make sure your prongs are strong and replace your missing diamond with one of a similar quality.
Re-Shanking
Over time the back of your ring (called a shank) will wear thin, and might even break. We’ll replace your thin shank with a nice, durable thick shank for many more years of wear.
Antique Jewelry Repair and Replica Jewelry
We are experts at antique and vintage jewelry restoration. We restore gold, platinum, silver and costume antique jewelry. Some pieces are so worn that we will use your diamonds and gemstones and recreate your jewelry.
We have restored or recreated vintage and antique jewelry. All work is done on premises in our workshop in Erie, PA.
Other Services
We are experienced in common repairs, like ring sizes, and uncommon repairs, like rebuilding channels,hand engraving, hand fabrication, custosm jewelry, and more! Repairs are photographed, described and insured for your security. Our jewelers are meticulous, and work under microscopes, so that your jewelry is restored to our exact standards.
We fix rings and jewelry that other jewelers say simply can’t be repaired because we’ve invested in the latest equipment and training. We repair all metals, including gold, silver, platinum, palladium, titanium and costume jewelry.
Many people want to reset diamonds or gemstones from pieces they no longer wear or have inherited. We can reuse your metal or give you credit for it and discuss the many options available to you. Custom designed jewelry is our specialty!
Repair FAQs
How long do repairs take?
Most repairs take about 5-7 business days, depending upon the extent of the repair and if we have any necessary parts in stock. You will be given a specific due date, which will be noted on your receipt. There are many steps each repair goes through, so we run our repairs in batches to keep our prices down. If you’d like to make an appointment we would try our best to repair jewelry while you wait or same day service, we’re happy to do so!.
How do I pick up my repairs?
You don’t have to keep track of when your repair is ready! We’ll text you when your jewelry is ready. You don’t need your receipt - for your security, you will be required to show your photo ID, and we’ll only release your jewelry to people listed on your account, or people you have specifically preauthorized. We can also ship your jewelry to you (usually $25-$50 for most pieces).
Can I pay with gold?
Have any old or broken jewelry that you won’t be wearing? Bring it in and we’ll give you a 15% bonus for store credit, which you can use towards your repair or anything else at Dahlkemper Custom Jewelers.
Is it safe?
The security of your jewelry is paramount at Dahlkemper Custom Jewelers. We photograph and describe your jewelry in our system, and insure it. Detailed instructions are written, and you’re given a receipt with the photos and full documentation. Then, we lock up your jewelry.
How do I get started?
Come in to Dahlkemper Custom Jewelers for a free cleaning and inspection. We'll give you a firm quote if repair work is needed. If you're unable to come in, you can contact us to discuss your project over the phone, via email, or text. You'll need to send your jewelry to us, so that we can repair it. We'll give you secure shipping instructions before you ship.