Jewelry repair
Precision laser welding.
A torch heats a whole area of a piece. A laser welder joins metal at one tiny point, which makes it possible to repair close to stones, enamel, or old solder joins without disturbing them.
When you might need it.
- A break sits right next to a stone or an enamel detail
- A delicate piece, such as a filigree setting or fine chain, needs repair
- A previous repair used soft solder that needs to be redone
- Prongs need rebuilding on a heat-sensitive stone
What’s involved.
Joining
Small, precise welds join broken metal without heating the rest of the piece.
Building up
Metal can be added a little at a time, for example to rebuild a worn prong or fill a pit.
Finishing
The repaired area is shaped and polished to blend in with the rest of the piece.
Care at the bench.
What we watch for when we do precision laser welding.
Heat kept to one point
A laser joins metal at a very small spot, so stones, pearls, and enamel nearby can often stay in place during the repair.
Small, exact repairs
Each weld goes only where it's needed, which suits fine work on prongs, thin shanks, delicate chains, and hollow pieces.
When solder is better
Some joins are stronger or cleaner with traditional soldering. We choose the method that suits the piece and tell you why.
Preliminary pricing.
Your preliminary price range is free and comes from your photos. The final price is confirmed after we inspect the piece in hand, and no work starts until you approve it.
What affects the price
- The size and location of the repair
- How close the repair is to stones or other delicate details
- The metal and how much material needs to be added
- Finishing needed after the weld
If you’re mailing it in
Close-up photos of the damaged area help us judge whether laser welding is the right approach before you ship.
Start with photos. Don’t ship anything until we’ve agreed on shipping and insurance with you.
Get a free estimateCommon questions.
Is laser welding stronger than soldering?
Each has its place. A laser weld fuses the metal itself and is well suited to small, precise repairs near heat-sensitive areas. Some repairs are better done with solder. We choose based on the piece and explain why.
Can every metal be laser welded?
Gold, platinum, silver, and most jewelry alloys can be. Some materials and plated pieces need special care, which we'll discuss after reviewing your photos.
Can a piece be laser welded with the stones still set?
Often, yes. That's one of the main reasons to use a laser. We'll tell you from your photos, and confirm on inspection, whether the stones can stay in place.
Related services
- Diamond and gemstone settingTightening, re-tipping worn prongs, and resetting loose or replacement stones.
- Gold chain repairBroken links, failed clasps, shortening, and soldering on fine and heavy chains.
- Ring sizingUp or down in gold and platinum. We tell you before we start if a band can't be sized safely.
Send photos. Get a price. Decide from there.
The estimate is free and takes a few minutes. You’re under no obligation to go ahead.