Restore & Repair month at Jade Jewellers: Giving your jewellery new life

Why Jewellery Repair Matters
At Jade Jewellers, we understand that jewellery carries more than just aesthetic value. It holds stories, milestones, and memories. From heirloom engagement rings to everyday favourites, each piece has a tale worth preserving. That’s why we approach every repair and restoration with care, precision, and over 40 years of expertise. Gary, our Master Jeweller, has dedicated his life to the art of jewellery craftsmanship. With a career spanning four decades, his hands have restored thousands of beloved pieces. "We don’t just repair jewellery," Gary explains. "We repair memories."

Over time, even the most well-crafted jewellery experiences wear and tear. Prongs loosen, bands thin, and stones can shift. But with proper care and timely repair, your treasured items can be worn and loved for generations to come. At Jade Jewellers, we offer a full range of repair and restoration services. Ring resizing involves measuring your finger, cutting and reshaping the band, and soldering it to ensure a seamless finish. Proper resizing maintains both the integrity and comfort of the ring. Stone resetting, whether it’s a diamond that has come loose or a missing sapphire, ensures your stones are secure. We rebuild worn prongs or bezels and re-seat each gem with care. For those looking to breathe new life into old pieces, jewellery redesign allows us to melt down your original gold and reimagine it into a fresh, personalised design while retaining its sentimental value.

Debunking Jewellery Repair Myths
Understanding your options is key to making informed decisions. Let’s debunk some of the common misconceptions about jewellery repairs. One myth is that resizing weakens the ring. In reality, when done professionally, resizing does not compromise the structure. Skilled jewellers reinforce the band to ensure strength and durability. Another misconception is that repairs change how the piece looks. In truth, quality repairs are designed to be virtually invisible. Our aim is to maintain the original character and charm of your jewellery. Some believe their jewellery is too old or fragile to repair. However, even antique and delicate pieces can often be restored. With specialised tools and a gentle hand, age becomes a feature rather than a flaw. Finally, many assume that only simple designs can be resized. Complex, detailed rings can also be resized by an experienced jeweller who understands the nuances of fine craftsmanship.

Gary’s Top Five Jewellery Care Tips
To help you care for your jewellery and minimise the need for major repairs, Gary shares his top five expert tips. First, remove your jewellery during physical activity. Even diamonds can chip under force, so take off rings and bracelets when exercising, gardening, or doing household chores. Second, keep it dry. Moisture and chemicals can tarnish metals and dull gemstones, so avoid wearing jewellery in the shower, pool, or while applying lotions and perfumes. Third, clean your jewellery gently and regularly using a soft toothbrush, warm water, and mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials that can damage finishes. Fourth, store your jewellery with care. To prevent scratches, keep each item in its own soft-lined pouch or compartment and avoid direct sunlight and humid environments. Lastly, schedule professional check-ups every 6 to 12 months. We provide thorough cleaning and inspections to check for loose stones, worn settings, and any signs of damage.

Inside the workshop

Behind the elegant showroom in our Brisbane store lies the heart of our craftsmanship: Gary’s workshop. Here, you’ll find a bench with pliers, torches, files, and decades of skill. It’s a space that speaks to both tradition and innovation, where timeless techniques meet modern tools. The atmosphere is calm but focused, where each tool has its place and every project is approached with purpose.

This is where Gary brings jewellery back to life. Whether it's a simple chain repair or a complete transformation of a treasured heirloom, he begins by closely examining each piece under magnification, identifying areas that need reinforcement, cleaning, or reassembly. His process is methodical, honed over years of experience, ensuring that nothing is rushed and every detail is accounted for.

From delicate soldering of broken links to hand-carving new settings for missing stones, the work done here is as varied as it is precise. Sometimes, a piece requires historical knowledge—understanding the original era’s craftsmanship to ensure a sympathetic restoration. Other times, it’s about working with customers to redesign something completely new, using existing materials to tell a modern story with timeless appeal. Gary’s workshop is where your jewellery is not only repaired but truly respected and revived.

Visit us in store
If you’ve ever wondered what happens to your jewellery after you hand it over, we’d love to show you. We welcome visitors into our Brisbane store for complimentary consultations, where you can speak with Gary, and explore your options — whether it’s a light clean or a full restoration.

The door is open, the bench is ready, and the story of your jewellery is just getting started.