REPAIRS

JEWELRY & WATCH REPAIR FAQS

We've helped clients care for fine jewelry and watches for generations at Gerald Peters in Staten Island, New York. We regularly hear questions about loose stones, damaged prongs, ring sizing, broken chains, pearl restringing, watch service, and restoring cherished pieces. Since every repair begins with understanding the concern behind it, we have answered the questions we hear most frequently to help you know when to seek professional care and what to expect when you bring your piece to us.

WHAT JEWELRY REPAIRS DO YOU OFFER?

Gerald Peters offers a comprehensive range of jewelry repair services, including ring sizing, prong repair and retipping, stone tightening, soldering, chain repair, clasp replacement, rhodium plating, restoration, engraving, and pearl restringing. Our team can also assist with custom work when a treasured piece calls for a more personalized solution. For an accurate recommendation, bring your jewelry to our showroom for an evaluation.

DO YOU REPAIR WATCHES ON-SITE?

Yes, we offer professional watch repair on-site. Our watch services include battery replacement, bracelet sizing, polishing, and basic diagnostics, with additional services handled based on each timepiece's needs. During your evaluation, our team can explain which work can be completed in-store and whether specialized service should be handled by an outside facility. Contact us to discuss your watch and determine the appropriate next step.

HOW MUCH DOES JEWELRY REPAIR COST?

Jewelry repair pricing varies according to the metal, construction, gemstone condition, complexity of the work, and any parts required. We evaluate each piece individually so we can provide an accurate recommendation and pricing before proceeding. Bring your jewelry to Gerald Peters for an assessment and let our team explain the available repair options.

HOW LONG DO REPAIRS TAKE?

Repair times depend on the type and complexity of the service. Some services, such as certain battery replacements or ring sizing, may have faster turnaround times, while extensive restoration, specialized work, or repairs requiring specific parts can take longer. Ask our team about current turnaround times and available rush options when you bring your piece in.

DO I NEED AN APPOINTMENT FOR A REPAIR ESTIMATE?

Appointments can help with a detailed repair evaluation, especially during busier periods, and our team can advise you on the best way to have your jewelry or watch assessed. Bring the piece along with any relevant warranty cards, appraisals, receipts, or other documentation that may help us understand its history. Contact Gerald Peters before your visit to discuss your repair needs and arrange service.

CAN YOU RESIZE A RING WITH STONES OR AN ETERNITY BAND?

Many rings can be resized, but feasibility depends on the setting, stone placement, band construction, and the amount of adjustment required. Eternity, pavé, and channel-set rings may require extra care because resizing can affect the gemstones or their settings. When conventional resizing is unsuitable, alternatives such as sizing beads, reshanking, or creating a new ring may provide a better solution. Bring the ring in for an assessment so our team can determine the safest approach.

MY STONE IS LOOSE. CAN YOU TIGHTEN OR REPLACE PRONGS?

Yes. A loose stone should be evaluated promptly because worn or damaged prongs can increase the risk of losing the gemstone. Depending on the condition, our jeweler may tighten the existing prongs, retip worn areas, re-prong the setting, or recommend replacing the head when the original structure can no longer provide adequate security. We carefully assess the stone and setting before recommending the appropriate repair.

DO YOU REPAIR BROKEN CHAINS AND CLASPS?

We repair many broken chains and damaged clasps through services such as soldering and component replacement. Where appropriate, we can recommend a replacement clasp or repair that matches the jewelry's metal type, karat, color, and overall design. We can also assess weak links to help prevent recurring damage. Bring the piece to Gerald Peters so we can evaluate the break and recommend the right repair.

DO YOU OFFER JEWELRY RESTORATION FOR VINTAGE OR HEIRLOOM PIECES?

Yes. Restoring a vintage or heirloom piece begins with a careful assessment of its condition, construction, gemstones, and original details. Depending on the piece, restoration may involve replacing worn components, refinishing the metal, securing gemstones, or carefully rebuilding areas affected by years of wear while preserving its character. Our team can explain what can realistically be restored and what changes may be appropriate before work begins.

DO YOU RE-STRING PEARLS, AND HOW OFTEN SHOULD IT BE DONE?

Pearls can be restrung when the thread becomes worn, or the strand requires renewed support. Depending on the design and condition, restringing may include knotting between pearls, replacing the thread, inspecting the clasp, and checking the strand for other signs of wear. The ideal frequency depends on how often you wear the pearls and how you care for them, so regular inspection is a wise way to catch wear before the strand breaks.

CAN YOU ENGRAVE JEWELRY OR WATCHES?

Engraving can add a personal message, date, initials, or other meaningful detail to a suitable piece of jewelry or a watch. The available character count, lettering style, placement, and turnaround time depend on the item and material. Our custom design specialists can review your piece and discuss personalization options before the engraving is completed.

DO YOU REPAIR OR SERVICE ROLEX WATCHES?

Gerald Peters is a Rolex Authorized Service Center, providing service according to Rolex standards and procedures. Our service process assesses the condition of your timepiece, identifies required work, and maintains its performance using appropriate Rolex service practices. Rolex service includes a two-year service warranty. Learn more about the process on our Servicing Your Rolex page or contact our team to discuss your timepiece.

IS MY JEWELRY INSURED WHILE IT’S BEING REPAIRED?

When you leave a valuable piece with us, we document it as part of the intake process and store it securely while it is in our care. Insurance coverage and the specific terms that apply to a repair depend on the circumstances and applicable policy, so our team can explain the procedures relevant to your item at intake. Bring any available appraisal, receipt, or documentation to help establish the piece's details and value.

WILL MY RING LOOK “NEW” AGAIN AFTER POLISHING?

Professional polishing can restore shine and smooth many visible surface marks, helping a well-worn ring regain a refreshed appearance. Deep scratches, dents, significant metal loss, or structural damage may require additional repair, since polishing alone cannot restore missing material. We also consider the condition of gemstones and settings when determining the safest approach. For white gold, rhodium plating may be recommended when appropriate to restore its bright finish.

WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE BRINGING A WATCH IN FOR REPAIR?

If available, bring your watch box, papers, warranty documentation, and service records. It also helps to note the symptoms you have noticed, when they began, and whether the watch has recently been exposed to water, impact, or another unusual condition. Avoid attempting a DIY repair, as additional handling can complicate the original issue. Our team can evaluate the watch and recommend the appropriate service.

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED, AND DO YOU SERVE CUSTOMERS NEAR STATEN ISLAND?

Gerald Peters serves clients in and around Staten Island, New York, making our showroom a convenient option for customers searching for jewelry repair near me or watch repair Staten Island. Our location and surrounding neighborhood make it easy to plan a visit for jewelry evaluations, watch services, repairs, and other care needs. For directions, current store information, or to discuss your repair before visiting, please contact us to plan your visit.