Restored, not made new.
Some of what comes through the door has belonged to three people already. Inherited and antique jewelry is restored at the bench in Boston, keeping the character of the original rather than making it look new.
It should still look like itself.
A ring worn for a lifetime carries the shape of that wear, and it is part of what the ring is. Restoration here repairs what would make the piece fail and leaves it recognisably the piece it was, rather than polishing it into something out of a catalogue.
The work draws on everything the repair bench does, resizing, retipping claws, soldering, clasps and chains, and stone tightening, applied to a piece that has to stay what it is. All of it is done by hand, at one bench in Boston.
Old metal, old stones.
Older stones and mounts can carry hidden stress. Heat can alter certain stones, worn settings can fail, and pieces that have been plated or repaired before may not survive rework.
None of that is a reason not to restore a piece. It is a reason to say it first: any risk we can see is pointed out before work starts, and whether to go ahead is your decision.
How a restoration runs.
The same four steps as any repair, taken more slowly.
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Bring it in
Walk in Monday to Saturday, or book a half-hour visit. Bring the piece, and anything you know about it.
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The risks, said first
Any risk we can see in the metal or the stones is pointed out before anything is agreed.
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A ticket and an estimate
Every item left with us is receipted, and released against the ticket or proof of identity. If the work needs more than the estimate, we call for your approval before going on.
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Guaranteed for a year
The workmanship is guaranteed against defects for one year from completion. If it is not right, bring it back and we will put it right.
Questions about restoration.
- Will my piece look new afterwards?
- No, and that is deliberate. Restoration keeps the character of the original rather than making it look new.
- Can an inherited ring be resized?
- Resizing is one of the repairs the bench does, on old rings as on new ones. With an older piece, any risk we see in the metal or the stones is pointed out before work starts.
- Can the stones from an old piece go into a new one?
- Yes. A stone you own can be set into a new piece made to your design; see custom jewelry design. Older stones can carry hidden stress, and any risk we can see is said before setting.
- Is restoration work guaranteed?
- Yes. The workmanship is guaranteed against defects for one year from the completed work. Completed restoration cannot be returned, but if it is not right, bring it back and we will put it right.
Also at the bench.
Bring the piece.
The store is open Monday to Saturday, 09:00 am to 04:30 pm, and is closed on Sundays. Walk in during normal business hours, or call ahead and we will make the time.
Or call the bench directly at 857‑991‑1679, or the mobile on 424‑206‑8618.