Most jewellery that comes to the bench is far from beyond saving. A ring that no longer fits, a chain that snapped, a claw worn thin after years of wear: these are everyday repairs, and done properly they add decades to a piece. This guide explains what affects repair prices, what common jobs start from, and how long they usually take.
How repair pricing works
No two pieces arrive in the same condition, so every repair is quoted after inspection. The main things that affect the price are:
- The metal. Silver, 9ct, 18ct gold and platinum each behave differently under heat and cost differently to replace.
- The width and design of the piece. A slim plain band is simpler than a wide or stone-set ring.
- How much metal needs adding. Sizing a ring up, or rebuilding worn claws, means adding new gold, which is charged at the day's gold price.
- The condition of the piece. Old repairs, thin spots or loose stones sometimes need attention before the main job can be done safely.
Common repairs and starting prices
As a guide, prices at Syna Jewellery start from (including GST):
- Ring resizing, 9ct/10ct gold (up to 2 sizes, band up to 4mm): from $120
- Ring resizing, 18ct gold/platinum (up to 2 sizes, band up to 4mm): from $180
- Gold chain repair (single break): from $60
- Rhodium plating (rings): from $85
Claw re-tipping and stone setting are quoted individually. You'll find the full list on our Jewellery Repairs page.
Ring resizing
Sizing a ring down means removing a small section of the band and rejoining it. Sizing up means stretching the band slightly or, more often, adding a new piece of matching gold. Done well, the join is invisible and the band keeps its strength.
Some rings need extra care, or can't be resized at all: full eternity rings with stones all the way around, tension settings, and some patterned or two-tone bands. If your ring falls into one of these, an inspection will tell you what's possible.
Chain and necklace repairs
A single break in a gold chain is usually a quick, clean repair. Worn clasps and jump rings are worth replacing before they fail, since that's where most chains are lost. If a chain has several weak points, it can be more sensible to replace a section than to keep repairing it.
Claw re-tipping and stone setting
Claws hold your stones in place, and they wear down slowly with daily wear. Signs to watch for are a ring that catches on clothing, a stone that moves when you touch it, or a claw tip that looks flat. Re-tipping builds new metal onto the worn claws before a stone is lost, and it costs far less than replacing a diamond.
Rhodium plating
Most white gold has a natural warm tone, and its bright white finish comes from rhodium plating. That plating wears over time, and how often it needs redoing depends on the piece and how it's worn. Rings take the most contact and can need re-plating from about six months, while other pieces usually last longer. For more on looking after your pieces between visits, read our guide to caring for fine jewellery.
How long repairs take
Simple repairs can be ready from 48 hours, depending on the work involved. Complex work, such as rebuilding several claws or restoring an heirloom, takes longer, and you'll know the timeframe when you receive your quote.
Repair or remodel?
Sometimes the most loved pieces have been repaired so many times that remodelling makes more sense. Your existing gold and stones can be reworked into a new design that suits how you wear jewellery today. Read more about jewellery remodelling.
Bringing a piece in
All repairs are carried out by hand at our private workshop in Bridgeman Downs, on Brisbane's northside, a short drive from Aspley, Carseldine, Albany Creek and Chermside. Visits are by appointment, so you'll always speak directly with the jeweller doing the work. Book a visit and bring the piece along for an inspection and quote.
