While at-home jewelry care is essential for daily maintenance, professional jeweler services are crucial for preserving the structural integrity, beauty, and value of your fine jewelry. Understanding when to seek professional help, what services are available, and what to expect during professional maintenance ensures your heirloom-quality pieces remain in optimal condition for generations.
This comprehensive guide, drawing on Deeve's five-generation expertise in fine jewelry and industry standards from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and American Gem Society (AGS), provides detailed insights into professional jewelry maintenance services.
Why Professional Maintenance Matters
Beyond At-Home Care
Even with diligent at-home care following our guides for gold and diamond jewelry, pearls, emeralds, and turquoise, professional services address issues that require specialized equipment, expertise, and techniques.
Professional maintenance provides:
- Structural integrity assessment and repair
- Deep cleaning beyond at-home capabilities
- Preventive care to avoid costly repairs
- Expert diagnosis of potential problems
- Specialized treatments (rhodium plating, re-oiling, etc.)
- Professional-grade equipment and techniques
Recommended Professional Maintenance Schedule
Annual Inspection (Minimum)
All fine jewelry should receive professional inspection at least once per year:
- Prong and setting security check
- Clasp and closure functionality
- Metal wear assessment
- Gemstone condition evaluation
- Overall structural integrity review
Frequency by Jewelry Type
Engagement rings and daily-wear pieces:
- Professional inspection every 6 months
- Prong tightening as needed (typically annually)
- Professional cleaning every 6-12 months
Special occasion jewelry:
- Annual inspection
- Professional cleaning before and after extended storage
Delicate gemstones (pearls, emeralds, turquoise):
- Annual professional assessment
- Pearl restringing every 1-3 years depending on wear
- Emerald re-oiling as needed (every 3-5 years)
White gold jewelry:
- Rhodium re-plating every 1-3 years (varies by wear)
- Regular inspection for plating wear
Essential Professional Services Explained
1. Professional Cleaning Services
Ultrasonic Cleaning
What it is: High-frequency sound waves create microscopic bubbles that dislodge dirt, oils, and debris from jewelry.
Best for:
- Diamonds and lab-grown diamonds
- Sapphires and rubies
- Solid gold (14K, 18K) without delicate gemstones
- Heavily soiled jewelry
NOT safe for:
- Emeralds (can worsen fractures)
- Pearls (can damage nacre)
- Turquoise (too porous)
- Opals, tanzanite, or other delicate stones
- Jewelry with loose stones
Process: Jewelry is placed in a solution-filled tank for 3-10 minutes while ultrasonic waves clean hard-to-reach areas.
Steam Cleaning
What it is: High-pressure steam removes stubborn residue and sanitizes jewelry.
Best for:
- Diamonds and hard gemstones
- Solid gold jewelry
- Final step after ultrasonic cleaning
NOT safe for:
- Heat-sensitive gemstones (emeralds, opals, pearls)
- Turquoise or porous stones
- Antique jewelry with fragile settings
Hand Polishing
What it is: Professional jewelers use specialized polishing compounds and equipment to restore metal luster.
Benefits:
- Removes surface scratches from gold
- Restores original shine and finish
- Safe for most jewelry types when done properly
Considerations:
- Removes microscopic layer of metal
- Should be done sparingly (not more than annually)
- Requires skilled jeweler to avoid over-polishing
2. Prong Inspection and Tightening
Why Prongs Matter
Prongs are the small metal claws that hold gemstones in place. Understanding how daily wear affects gold jewelry helps you appreciate why prongs wear down over time from friction, impact, and normal use.
Warning signs of prong wear:
- Visible thinning or bending of prongs
- Prongs that catch on fabric
- Stones that move or spin in settings
- Gaps between prongs and gemstones
- Prongs that appear shorter than original
Professional Prong Services
Prong tightening:
- Jeweler gently pushes prongs back over gemstone
- Quick service (often while you wait)
- Recommended annually for daily-wear rings
- Typically complimentary or low-cost
Prong re-tipping:
- Adds new metal to worn prong tips
- Necessary when prongs are too thin to tighten safely
- Requires removing stone temporarily
- More expensive than simple tightening
- Extends life of setting significantly
Prong rebuilding:
- Complete prong replacement
- Necessary for severely damaged prongs
- Most expensive prong service
- Restores setting to like-new condition
3. Rhodium Plating for White Gold
Understanding White Gold
White gold is naturally a pale yellow-gray color. Learn more about white gold vs yellow gold vs rose gold alloy differences. Most white gold jewelry is rhodium-plated to achieve a bright white finish.
When Rhodium Plating is Needed
Signs your white gold needs re-plating:
- Yellowish tint showing through
- Uneven color (plating worn in high-contact areas)
- Dull appearance despite cleaning
- Visible wear on ring shanks or bracelet links
The Rhodium Plating Process
- Cleaning: Jewelry is thoroughly cleaned to remove all oils and residue
- Polishing: Surface is polished to prepare for plating
- Electroplating: Jewelry is submerged in rhodium solution with electrical current
- Rinsing and drying: Excess solution removed and jewelry dried
- Final inspection: Quality check for even coverage
Timeline: Typically 1-2 weeks (some jewelers offer rush service)
Cost: $50-$150 depending on piece size and complexity
Frequency: Every 1-3 years depending on wear and body chemistry
4. Pearl Restringing
Why Restringing is Essential
Pearl necklaces and bracelets are strung on silk thread that weakens over time. Proper restringing is critical for preventing strand breakage and pearl loss. See our complete pearl care guide for more details.
When to Restring
Frequently worn pearls: Every 1-2 years
Occasionally worn pearls: Every 2-3 years
Immediate restringing needed if:
- Thread is visible between pearls
- Thread appears discolored or frayed
- Knots are loose or stretched
- Strand feels loose or saggy
Professional Restringing Process
- Pearl inspection: Each pearl examined for damage
- Cleaning: Pearls gently cleaned if needed
- Silk selection: Appropriate silk thread chosen for pearl size
- Knotting: Individual knots tied between each pearl
- Clasp attachment: Secure attachment of clasp
- Final inspection: Tension and security verified
Timeline: 1-3 weeks
Cost: $50-$200+ depending on strand length and pearl count
5. Ring Resizing
When Resizing is Needed
- Weight changes affecting finger size
- Seasonal swelling or shrinkage
- Inherited jewelry that doesn't fit
- Rings that spin or slide off
- Rings that are uncomfortably tight
Resizing Methods
Sizing up (making larger):
- Metal added to ring shank
- More complex and expensive than sizing down
- May affect ring design if significant size increase
Sizing down (making smaller):
- Section of metal removed from shank
- Generally easier and less expensive
- Minimal impact on ring appearance
Resizing Limitations
Cannot be resized:
- Eternity bands (stones all around)
- Tension-set rings
- Rings with continuous patterns
- Some alternative metals (tungsten, titanium)
Limited resizing (1-2 sizes max):
- Rings with intricate designs
- Channel-set bands
- Rings with gemstones on shank
Timeline: 1-3 weeks
Cost: $50-$300+ depending on complexity and metal type
6. Gemstone Re-Oiling and Treatment Renewal
Emerald Re-Oiling
Most emeralds are treated with cedar oil or synthetic oils to enhance clarity. Over time, cleaning and wear can diminish these treatments. Learn more in our emerald care guide.
When re-oiling is needed:
- Emerald appears cloudier than when purchased
- Inclusions more visible than before
- Every 3-5 years as preventive maintenance
Process:
- Emerald cleaned thoroughly
- Placed in vacuum chamber with oil
- Oil penetrates fractures and inclusions
- Excess oil removed
Cost: $50-$200 per stone
Turquoise Re-Stabilization
Some turquoise may benefit from professional re-stabilization or re-waxing. See our turquoise care guide for details on treatments.
7. Clasp and Closure Repair
Common Clasp Issues
- Spring clasps that won't close securely
- Lobster clasps with worn springs
- Box clasps that don't lock
- Bent or damaged jump rings
- Worn safety chains
Professional Solutions
- Clasp replacement (most common)
- Spring replacement in existing clasps
- Jump ring replacement
- Safety chain addition
Cost: $30-$150 depending on clasp type and metal
8. Chain Repair
Common Chain Problems
- Broken links
- Kinked or twisted chains
- Stretched chains
- Worn links (thin spots)
Repair Options
- Soldering broken links
- Replacing damaged sections
- Complete chain replacement if extensively damaged
Cost: $40-$200+ depending on chain type and damage extent
Choosing the Right Jeweler for Professional Services
Qualifications to Look For
- Certifications: GIA Graduate Gemologist, AGS Certified Gemologist
- Experience: Years in business, specialization in fine jewelry
- Equipment: Professional-grade tools and technology
- Insurance: Jeweler's block insurance for your pieces while in their care
- Reputation: Reviews, referrals, industry standing
Questions to Ask
- What is your experience with this specific service?
- Do you perform work on-site or send it out?
- What is the estimated timeline?
- What is the cost estimate (get it in writing)?
- Do you provide insurance while jewelry is in your care?
- What is your warranty or guarantee policy?
- Can I see examples of similar work you've completed?
Red Flags to Avoid
- Unwillingness to provide written estimates
- Pressure to make immediate decisions
- No insurance coverage for your jewelry
- Vague timelines or cost estimates
- No certifications or credentials
- Poor reviews or complaints about lost jewelry
What to Expect During Professional Service
Initial Consultation
- Inspection: Jeweler examines piece under magnification
- Assessment: Identifies issues and recommends services
- Estimate: Provides written cost and timeline estimate
- Documentation: Creates detailed description and photos of piece
- Authorization: You approve services and sign agreement
During Service
- Your jewelry is logged into secure inventory system
- Work performed by qualified jeweler or gemologist
- Quality control inspection before return
- Updates provided if additional issues discovered
Pick-Up
- Jeweler explains work performed
- You inspect jewelry before accepting
- Care instructions provided
- Warranty or guarantee documentation given
- Future maintenance recommendations discussed
Cost Expectations for Common Services
Professional Cleaning
- Basic cleaning: $0-$30 (often complimentary)
- Deep cleaning with polishing: $50-$100
- Ultrasonic + steam + polish: $75-$150
Prong Work
- Prong tightening: $0-$40 (often complimentary)
- Prong re-tipping (per prong): $30-$60
- Complete prong rebuild: $150-$400+
Rhodium Plating
- Ring: $50-$100
- Bracelet: $75-$150
- Necklace: $100-$200
Pearl Restringing
- 16-18" strand: $50-$100
- 24-36" strand: $100-$200
- Multi-strand: $150-$300+
Ring Resizing
- Simple band (up to 2 sizes): $50-$100
- Ring with stones: $100-$200
- Complex design: $200-$400+
Note: Costs vary by region, jeweler, and metal type. Platinum work typically costs 20-30% more than gold.
Preventive Maintenance: Worth the Investment
Cost of Prevention vs. Repair
Understanding why jewelry repairability matters for long-term value helps you appreciate preventive maintenance.
Prevention:
- Annual inspection: $0-$50
- Prong tightening: $0-$40
- Professional cleaning: $0-$100
- Total annual cost: $0-$190
Repair after neglect:
- Lost diamond replacement: $500-$10,000+
- Complete prong rebuild: $150-$400
- Emergency repairs: Premium pricing
- Potential total loss of irreplaceable piece: Priceless
DIY vs. Professional: When to Choose Each
Safe for DIY (with proper technique)
- Regular gentle cleaning with mild soap and water
- Soft cloth polishing
- Basic storage and organization
- Removing jewelry before activities
ALWAYS Professional
- Prong work of any kind
- Resizing
- Rhodium plating
- Pearl restringing
- Gemstone re-oiling or treatment
- Clasp or chain repair
- Setting repair or replacement
- Engraving
- Structural repairs
Insurance and Documentation
Before Professional Service
- Photograph jewelry from multiple angles
- Document any existing damage or wear
- Verify jeweler's insurance coverage
- Get written estimate and service agreement
- Notify your insurance company for high-value pieces
After Service
- Update appraisals if significant work performed
- Keep all service records and receipts
- Document warranty or guarantee terms
- Update insurance documentation if needed
Special Considerations by Jewelry Type
Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands
Daily wear requires more frequent professional attention:
- Inspection every 6 months minimum
- Professional cleaning 2-4 times per year
- Prong check with every cleaning
- Rhodium plating (white gold) every 1-2 years
Vintage and Antique Jewelry
Requires specialized expertise:
- Seek jewelers experienced with antique pieces
- More frequent inspections due to age
- Gentle cleaning methods only
- Preservation-focused approach
- Documentation of original condition
High-Value Pieces
- Use only certified, insured jewelers
- Consider appraisal updates after service
- Maintain detailed service records
- Verify insurance coverage during service
Seasonal Maintenance Recommendations
Spring (March-May)
- Annual inspection for all pieces
- Professional cleaning after winter storage
- Prong tightening before summer activities
Summer (June-August)
- Pre-vacation jewelry check
- Clasp security verification
- Consider leaving delicate pieces home during travel
Fall (September-November)
- Rhodium plating for holiday season
- Pearl restringing before holiday events
- Professional cleaning for special occasions
Winter (December-February)
- Post-holiday inspection
- Repair any damage from increased wear
- Professional cleaning before storage
Related Care Resources
Complement professional maintenance with proper at-home care:
- Complete Guide to Caring for Gold and Diamond Jewelry
- How to Clean and Care for Pearls
- How to Clean and Care for Emeralds
- How to Clean and Care for Turquoise
Learn More About Jewelry Quality
- Gold Education Hub - Understanding gold quality and durability
- Diamond Education Hub - Lab-grown diamond care and quality
- Casting vs Forging Gold Jewelry - How construction affects maintenance needs
- Is Gold Jewelry an Asset? - Understanding jewelry value
Conclusion
Professional jewelry maintenance is an essential investment in preserving the beauty, structural integrity, and value of your fine jewelry. While at-home care handles daily maintenance, professional services address structural issues, perform specialized treatments, and provide expert assessment that ensures your treasured pieces remain in optimal condition.
At Deeve, we offer comprehensive professional jewelry services including complimentary inspections, cleaning, prong tightening, and expert repairs. Our five-generation expertise ensures your heirloom-quality pieces receive the specialized care they deserve.
Remember: Regular professional maintenance is far less expensive than emergency repairs or replacing lost gemstones. Schedule annual inspections, address issues promptly, and your fine jewelry will remain beautiful and secure for generations to come.