
Five Types of Jewelry
You Should Never Throw Away

Jewelry carries more than just monetary value. Often, jewelry can hold memories and deep sentimental meaning. But even the most treasured pieces can end up in a drawer someday and collect dust. After a while, even the most well-crafted pieces may need a little TLC to restore their original beauty and function. After one look at what used to be something you thought you’d never part with, you start to wonder if you should sell it, or you might even ponder throwing it away. Before you make any quick decisions when it comes to your jewelry, you might want to consider bringing it in to a trusted jewelry store that specializes in repair.
With four generations of family jewelers, certified and accredited professionals, and a reputation for excellence, Munchel’s is proud to be the best in the industry when it comes to jewelry repair.
Here are five of the most common types of jewelry we regularly restore to life:
Heirloom Rings
These can include engagement rings, wedding bands, or family keepsakes passed down through generations. Many have intricate settings or antique gemstones that need special care. Whether it’s resizing, re-tipping prongs, replacing missing stones, or deep cleaning, restoring an heirloom ring keeps it wearable for years to come.
When deciding to repair your heirloom rings, you’ll need to choose a certified jeweler who understands the delicate craftsmanship of antique rings and treat each piece with the accuracy it deserves. They will also need to work with you to maintain the integrity of the original design while reinforcing it for everyday wear.
Broken Chains and Necklaces
Gold or silver chains can easily tangle, kink, or break at the clasp or links. Pendants may also fall off or the chain may stretch out over time. A broken chain doesn’t have to mean the end for your favorite necklace though. Repairing it restores its look and prevents the loss of pendants or charms with sentimental or monetary value.
When selecting an expert to repair broken chains or necklaces, you’ll want to make sure the jeweler is an expert in precisely repairing chain links, replacing clasps, and restoring tension in the metal, to name a few.
Damaged Earrings
Earrings are easy to drop or bend. Posts can break, clasps can loosen, and stones may fall out over time. We get it – If you’ve lost an earring in your pair, or one breaks, your set feels incomplete. Instead of tossing the broken one, consider repairing the post, securing the setting, or even custom matching a missing mate.
Your jeweler for this job will need to be trained in both fine and fashion earrings. They will need to take extra care to match design, size, and finish so your set looks great again. If an earring can’t be matched, you might also consider custom work for one-of-a-kind repairs.
Loose or Missing Stones
Stones can become loose in any jewelry piece, from rings to bracelets. Whether it’s a diamond, sapphire, or birthstone, movement in the setting means it’s time for a fix.
A loose stone is basically code for a ticking clock – it could fall out at any moment. Re-securing it saves the stone and the cost of finding a replacement later.
The repair process includes inspecting and tightening all prongs, bezels, and channels. Matching stones will need to be sourced if one is lost, and the setting should be structurally sound. Last, a trained gemologist will need to verify authenticity and quality for your peace of mind.
Watches and Timepieces
Mechanical and quartz watches can require everything from battery replacement to full movement service. Luxury or sentimental watches can be a bit trickier to stay functional. A simple battery change done incorrectly can damage internal components, and neglecting a needed service could lead to permanent damage.
Timepiece repairs have to be handled with the highest care, and the jewelry experts repairing your timepiece will need to use specialized tools and manufacturer-approved parts. Whether it’s a beloved heirloom or a modern designer piece, every watch must be treated as a precision instrument worth saving.
If you have a broken or old piece of jewelry and are wondering if you should have it repaired, you’ll want to ensure that you have the right jewelers for the job. At Munchel’s, we don’t just repair jewelry, we preserve legacies and grand memories. Our certified and accredited jewelers bring a level of expertise and integrity you won’t find at a typical repair counter or online quick-fix service. Every repair is handled in-house with transparency, care, and master-level skill.
If you need a jewelry repair consultation, stop by or call us at (863) 619-6269 and let us breathe new life into the jewelry you love.