Jewellery Repair Price Guide: What to Expect From Our Workshop

That favourite necklace with the broken clasp. The ring that no longer fits quite right. The earring that lost its backing somewhere between Monday and Friday. Sound familiar? Jewellery repair is something most of us need at some point, yet many people put it off simply because they have no idea what it might cost.

Pricing can feel like a mystery when you walk into a workshop without any prior knowledge. You want your piece fixed, but you also want to feel confident you are paying a fair price. That is exactly why we created this jewellery repair price list guide, to take the guesswork out of the process and help you feel prepared before you book your first appointment.

In this post, we will walk you through the most common types of jewellery repairs, what each service typically involves, and the price ranges you can realistically expect from a professional workshop. Whether you are bringing in a sentimental heirloom or an everyday accessory, this guide will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward without any surprises.

Transparent Pricing, Straight From Our Workshop

At Griffin & Co, we believe that every client deserves clear, honest information before entrusting us with a piece they cherish. That is why we publish indicative starting prices for our most common repair services, so you can approach any conversation with confidence rather than uncertainty.

We will also be straightforward about something that affects every jeweller working in gold right now. Precious metal prices have risen by approximately 72% year on year to February 2026, a shift that has meaningfully affected the material cost of any repair requiring new gold. We share this not as an excuse, but as honest context; the craft and care behind every piece of work remains constant, and our pricing reflects fair market reality rather than margin-building.

Every repair at Griffin & Co is carried out by our master goldsmiths in our own on-site workshop at 64 South Street, Chichester. Your piece never leaves the building and is never subcontracted to a third party, a distinction that matters enormously when the item in question is irreplaceable. This in-house, no-subcontracting approach is central to how we work.

All prices listed throughout this guide are indicative and VAT-inclusive. A complimentary, no-obligation estimate follows a hands-on inspection at our Chichester showroom, where our goldsmiths can assess the metal, condition and complexity properly before confirming your final quote. We welcome clients from across West Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Greater London, many of whom travel specifically for the assurance of workshop-backed expertise.

How We Price Each Repair

Several variables come together to determine the final cost of any repair, and understanding them helps set realistic expectations from the outset.

Metal type is the most significant factor. Sterling silver carries the most accessible starting prices, whilst 9ct and 18ct gold reflect higher raw material values. Platinum sits at the premium end of the spectrum; its density, elevated melting point, and the specialist skill required to work it mean both material and labour costs are greater than for gold. Ring width and weight matter too, because wider, heavier shanks consume more metal whenever material must be added.

The current gold price environment is also worth understanding clearly. Gold has risen approximately 72% year on year, reaching roughly $4,934 per troy ounce by early 2026. This is an industry-wide market condition, not a pricing decision made by any individual jeweller. Any repair requiring new metal, whether a shank replacement, a sizing that adds material, or a rebuilt claw, will reflect these higher raw material costs. Metal cost is treated as a discrete, billable component of every quote we provide.

Stone type introduces an additional consideration. Heat-sensitive coloured gemstones, including emeralds, opals, and tanzanite, along with certain lab-grown diamonds, may need to be removed before soldering or claw retipping can safely proceed. Stone removal and subsequent re-setting are separate stages, each carrying their own labour cost. This is routine protective practice, carried out to safeguard your piece throughout the process.

All prices presented in this guide are VAT-inclusive starting figures. Final pricing is always confirmed after our master goldsmith has assessed the piece in person. That assessment is complimentary and carries no obligation. Clients are warmly welcome to visit our Chichester showroom, or to book a private home visit for a full consultation before any work is agreed.

Ring Resizing

Ring resizing is one of the most frequently requested services in our Chichester workshop, and the process demands considerably more skill than many clients expect. Sizing down requires a master goldsmith to remove a precise section of the shank, bring the two ends together, solder the join, and then file and polish the seam to an entirely invisible standard. Sizing up typically involves adding a new section of matching metal, soldering it seamlessly into the band, and finishing the piece so that no trace of the alteration remains. Both operations conclude with meticulous polishing to restore the ring's original surface quality; the hallmark is carefully preserved throughout.

Indicative starting prices, subject to inspection, are as follows:

• Sizing down: from £30 (sterling silver), £55+ (18ct gold), £80+ (platinum)

• Sizing up: from £45 (sterling silver), £75+ (18ct gold), £110+ (platinum)

These figures reflect straightforward plain bands. Rings wider than approximately 4mm, pieces set with stones, or those featuring intricate engraving, milgrain borders, or filigree detailing require individual assessment and will carry a higher price. If you are curious about how much ring resizing costs across different design styles, the variation can be significant once complexity enters the picture.

A point many clients overlook: certain coloured gemstones and some lab-grown diamonds are heat-sensitive and cannot safely withstand the temperatures required during soldering. At Griffin and Co, stone removal before resizing is handled in-house by our goldsmiths as a standard precaution, not an optional extra. Platinum resizing consistently commands a higher price than gold across all metal grades; its elevated melting point, greater density, and the specialist equipment required all contribute to that difference, a topic explored more fully in the platinum section below.

Claw Retipping and Reclawing

Of all the repairs that pass through our Chichester workshop, claw work is among the most consequential. The claws (or prongs) that hold your stone in place are, by design, slender and exposed. With daily wear, they gradually flatten, thin, and weaken until the stone they cradle is at genuine risk of loss. Claw retipping is the process of rebuilding those worn prongs, adding new metal to restore both height and grip, effectively re-securing the stone before damage occurs.

Indicative starting prices at Griffin & Co begin from approximately £25 per claw for sterling silver settings, rising to £40 or more per claw in 18ct gold and £55 or more per claw in platinum, reflecting both material value and the precision the work demands. Full reclawing of a classic four-claw solitaire typically falls between £120 and £180 or more, depending on metal type and the complexity of the head setting. These figures are starting points; every piece is assessed individually before a written estimate is provided.

It is worth noting that some settings require all claws to be addressed simultaneously. Treating only one or two worn prongs can create a visible mismatch in profile and finish, particularly in pavé or cluster arrangements. Your master goldsmith will advise on the most appropriate approach during the initial assessment.

Industry observation suggests that a significant proportion of jewellery owners continue wearing pieces with visibly worn claws for many months before seeking attention. A timely retip is far less costly than sourcing and resetting a lost stone, making preventative claw maintenance genuinely sound practice.

For heirloom or antique pieces, the stakes are higher still. Original claw profiles in Victorian, Edwardian, or Art Deco settings are often distinctive, and replicating them requires a craftsman working with the piece directly in hand. Our in-house workshop, serving clients across West Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire, allows for meticulous profile matching that a postal repair service cannot reliably achieve.

Soldering, Chain and Bracelet Repair

Soldering sits at the heart of jewellery repair, and clients across Chichester, Surrey and Hampshire most commonly bring us three related tasks: jump ring soldering (securing a pendant bail or reattaching a charm), chain repair (rejoining a broken link), and bracelet repair (replacing a clasp or restoring a damaged section). We group these together because they share the same fundamental craft and because that is how most clients naturally think about them.

Indicative starting prices across this category are as follows:

• Jump ring soldering: from approximately £18 (sterling silver) to £30+ (18ct gold)

• Chain repair: from approximately £25 (sterling silver) to £45+ (18ct gold)

• Bracelet repair: from approximately £35 (sterling silver) to £60+ (18ct gold or platinum)

Fine or delicate chains deserve a particular note. A herringbone, figaro or unusual-gauge chain requires our goldsmith to assess link integrity along the full length, not only at the visible break point. Additional care of this kind may be reflected in a higher quote, which we will always explain clearly before any work begins.

One detail that matters considerably for insured or sentimental pieces: we use only carat-matched solder throughout. A 9ct gold chain is repaired with 9ct solder; an 18ct chain with 18ct solder. This preserves hallmark integrity in line with the Hallmarking Act 1973 and ensures consistent metal composition, which can be important when presenting documentation to an insurer.

Every repair in this category is returned with a complimentary clean and light polish as standard, so your piece arrives back noticeably brighter than when it left. To request an assessment, visit our Chichester showroom or book a private consultation.

Shank Replacement

There comes a point in a ring's life when resizing or retipping can no longer address the underlying problem. When the shank, the band that forms the base of the ring, has worn so thin that it has become knife-edged, deformed under light pressure, or cracked repeatedly despite previous soldering, a full or partial shank replacement becomes the only responsible course of action. This scenario is particularly common in antique and heirloom pieces worn continuously for decades, where the lower portion of the band takes the greatest punishment against hard surfaces.

The extent of wear determines which option is appropriate. A half-shank replacement addresses the lower portion of the band and is suitable when wear is concentrated at the base. A three-quarter shank extends the new metal further up the sides, appropriate when thinning has progressed beyond the bottom curve. A full shank replacement retains only the original setting head and stones, fitting an entirely new band beneath them; this preserves every element of sentimental or antique value in the piece while restoring complete structural integrity.

Indicative starting prices at our workshop begin at approximately £95 for a 9ct gold half-shank, rising to £160 or more for 18ct gold and £240 or more for platinum. A full shank replacement starts at around £180 in 9ct gold and £280 or more in 18ct gold, though final costs are always confirmed following physical inspection and weighing. Prices can vary considerably depending on region and metal weight, which is exactly why a personal quotation from our workshop matters.

Of all our repair categories, shank replacement is the most directly affected by precious metal prices. Because fabricating a new shank requires a meaningful weight of fresh metal, the approximately 72% year-on-year rise in gold prices through 2025 and into 2026 has had a measurable effect on material costs. We price each shank replacement against current market rates, and our team is always transparent about how metal weight and carat influence the final figure.

For clients bringing in a grandmother's ring or an inherited piece of significant sentimental value, we encourage you to view a shank replacement not as a costly repair but as a considered act of preservation. The original setting, stones and character of the piece remain entirely intact; what changes is the structural foundation beneath them. Decades of wear can be resolved in a single service, and the ring is returned cleaned, polished, and structurally sound. To discuss a piece, request a private consultation or visit us in Chichester, where our goldsmiths will assess the shank in person and provide a clear, obligation-free quotation.

Rhodium Plating

White gold is one of the most popular choices for engagement rings and fine jewellery across Chichester, Surrey and Hampshire, yet many clients are surprised to learn that its characteristic bright white appearance is not entirely natural. In its purest alloyed state, white gold carries a warm, slightly yellowish tone, a result of the copper, silver and zinc used in its composition. To achieve the crisp, mirror-white finish most clients expect, jewellers apply a thin electroplated layer of rhodium, a rare platinum-group metal prized for its exceptional reflectivity and hardness.

This plating is not permanent. On high-contact areas such as ring shanks, daily friction gradually wears the rhodium layer away, revealing the warmer tone beneath. This is entirely normal and nothing to be concerned about; factoring in re-plating every 12 to 24 months is simply a routine part of owning and caring for white gold jewellery.

Our indicative starting prices reflect the complexity and metal content of each piece:

• Sterling silver or 9ct white gold ring: from £50

• 18ct white gold ring: from £75

• More intricate pieces such as necklaces, bracelets or pieces with detailed settings: from £90

Every rhodium plating service at Griffin & Co includes a thorough pre-plate clean, hand polish and ultrasonic treatment as standard. This preparation stage is what ensures the fresh plating adheres evenly and delivers a finish that lasts.

Where a piece carries deep scratches or surface damage, refinishing work will be required before plating can be applied. This is assessed carefully during your complimentary estimate and quoted transparently before any work begins.

Stone Setting and Tightening

Of all the stone-related repairs we carry out at our Chichester workshop, the distinction between stone tightening and full re-setting is the one most worth understanding before you request a quote, because the two services sit at very different points on the complexity and cost scale.

Stone tightening means re-securing a loose stone within its existing setting. No new metal is introduced; instead, a skilled goldsmith carefully closes existing prongs, claws, or bezel edges back into firm contact with the stone. It is a precise, often swift procedure, and indicative starting prices run from approximately £20 to £40 per stone, varying with metal type and the intricacy of the setting. Platinum, which work-hardens and resists manipulation, sits at the upper end of that range.

Full re-setting is an entirely different undertaking. It involves placing a stone into a new or significantly reworked setting, typically because the original has worn beyond recovery, the stone has already been lost, or the client wishes to refresh the piece's design. Starting prices reflect that additional labour: from approximately £55 for a simple bezel or claw in silver, rising to £120 and above for 18ct gold with pavé or channel configurations, where individual stones must be seated and secured in precise sequence across a continuous track or surface.

Every stone-related repair at Griffin & Co begins with a thorough inspection by our GIA-certified diamond specialists. For high-value diamonds or rare coloured gemstones, this assessment is far more than a formality. It establishes the stone's condition before any tools approach it, documents pre-existing inclusions or chips, and ensures the correct handling protocols are applied from the outset. That documented baseline protects you and us equally.

This expertise becomes particularly relevant for lab-grown diamonds and heat-sensitive coloured stones such as emeralds, opals, and tanzanite. These materials may require the stone to be fully removed before any soldering or claw work is performed, after which a re-setting fee applies in addition to the metalwork charge. A postal repair service cannot make those real-time, bench-level judgements; an in-house workshop with genuine gemstone knowledge can, and that difference matters when the piece is irreplaceable.

The practical advice is straightforward: if you notice any movement in a stone, even the faintest rattle when the piece is held to your ear, act promptly. A loose stone noticed early is almost always a tightening. Left for months, as many jewellery owners do with a small stone movement, the stone may be lost entirely, turning a modest repair into a full re-setting or even a bespoke commission for a replacement stone. A free estimate from our workshop costs nothing; the risk of waiting can cost considerably more.

Refinishing, Polishing and Engraving

Three distinct services fall under this heading, each addressing a different degree of surface wear or personalisation.

Professional polish and clean is the lighter treatment, suited to pieces that have accumulated everyday dullness, minor surface marks, or the residue of daily wear. Using ultrasonic cleaning, steam, and a carefully selected buff, our goldsmiths restore the original sparkle without removing appreciable metal. Indicative starting prices run from approximately £20 for a silver piece to £45 or more for an 18ct gold ring. Notably, a clean and polish is included as standard with most other repair services at Griffin; clients collecting a piece after a resize or claw retip will notice the renewed finish the moment it is returned.

Full surface refinishing goes further, removing scratches and restoring the piece to its original intended finish, whether that is a high-polish mirror, a soft satin, or a brushed texture. Starting prices run from approximately £45 for silver to £80 or more for 18ct gold. Mixed-finish pieces, such as a ring combining a high-polish face with a brushed shank, require selective masking to preserve the intentional contrast between surfaces; this is always identified and discussed during your initial assessment before any quote is confirmed.

Engraving adds or refreshes text, dates, or motifs on the inner or outer surface of a piece, and is often the most personally meaningful of the three services. Our in-house capability covers standard roman and script lettering, numerals, dates, and simple motifs, starting from approximately £25 for up to ten characters, with additional characters charged incrementally. Complex heraldic or pictorial engraving falls outside standard pricing and is quoted on a bespoke basis following a private consultation. To discuss any of these services, visit our Chichester showroom or request a home visit at your convenience.

Platinum Repairs: Why the Cost Is Higher

Platinum melts at approximately 1,768°C, roughly 700–800°C higher than 18ct gold. That single fact explains much of what makes platinum repair more costly. Standard jeweller's torches used for gold and silver work cannot reach the temperatures platinum demands safely. Our Chichester workshop uses specialist high-temperature torch equipment alongside laser-welding technology, which delivers precisely focused heat with minimal thermal spread, protecting surrounding stones and preserving the structural integrity of the piece throughout the repair.

Platinum is also denser than gold. At 21.45 g/cm³ compared with approximately 15–16 g/cm³ for 18ct gold alloy, any repair requiring new metal uses meaningfully more material by weight to fill the same physical volume. For resizing upward, shank replacement or claw reclawing, that density difference translates directly into higher material costs, particularly given current precious metal prices.

These are not repairs to entrust to a general-purpose jeweller or a postal service. The Griffin & Co team has worked with platinum for decades, and our on-site workshop is equipped specifically for it. Assessing a platinum piece before repair requires handling it directly: evaluating metal thickness, stone settings and structural condition in person. Posting a high-value, sentimental platinum ring introduces risks that no amount of insurance fully remedies.

One point worth noting for clients weighing platinum against white gold: platinum requires no rhodium plating. Its cool-white patina develops naturally with wear and is considered part of the metal's character. White gold typically requires re-plating every one to three years at a recurring cost. Over the lifetime of a piece, that distinction matters. For a fuller understanding of platinum ring repair and what the process involves, the metallurgy rewards a closer look before committing to any repairer.

Protecting Heat-Sensitive Gemstones During Repair

Several common repairs, including resizing, soldering, claw retipping and shank replacement, require direct torch heat applied to metalwork. For most pieces set with diamonds or durable gemstones, this presents no concern. However, a meaningful range of stones respond poorly to heat exposure. Emeralds, opals, tanzanite and certain treated sapphires are all susceptible; heat can permanently alter or destroy the colour centres within the crystal lattice, producing irreversible discolouration or fading. As the GIA notes on gem treatments, treated stones may require special care, and the treatments themselves are not always visible to the untrained eye. Certain lab-grown diamonds produced via the chemical vapour deposition (CVD) process may also carry post-growth treatments that are thermally unstable, making them a newer category requiring careful pre-repair assessment.

At Griffin & Co, every heat-involved repair begins with a thorough examination of the set stone by our master goldsmith. Where a stone is identified as heat-sensitive, it is carefully removed before any metalwork begins and re-set with precision once the repair is complete. This is professional standard practice, not an exceptional measure, and transparent explanation of each repair stage is central to how we build client confidence.

Stone removal and re-setting adds a stage to the process. This additional step is always quoted clearly and transparently upfront; it is never presented as an unexpected charge after the work has been carried out.

This is a meaningful distinction when comparing in-person workshop care with postal repair services. A piece sent by post is assessed only after it arrives, meaning the full condition and sensitivity of a set stone may not be known before work commences. For clients across Chichester, Surrey and West Sussex bringing us coloured gemstone or CVD lab-grown diamond pieces, our on-site assessment eliminates that uncertainty entirely.

When Repair Becomes Reinvention: Heirloom Restoration and Remodelling

Every repair service described in this price guide shares a common purpose: returning a piece to the condition it once held. Remodelling is a fundamentally different conversation. Where repair restores, remodelling transforms, taking inherited or damaged jewellery and giving it an entirely new life while honouring the original materials and the sentiment they carry. It is a category that no standard repair price page addresses, because it cannot be reduced to a line item.

The pieces that prompt this conversation are wonderfully varied. Inherited rings arrive whose stone is beautiful but whose setting belongs firmly to another era, too high-profiled for daily wear or simply at odds with how the new owner dresses. A collection of orphaned earrings and broken brooches accumulates in a drawer, the metal and gemstones too meaningful to discard yet too damaged to wear. A grandmother's brooch, set with sapphires she loved, would be far more at home as a pendant worn close to the chest every day. Thoughtful redesign allows clients to honour the past while embracing their own aesthetic. Modifying a family piece is not erasure; it is continuation.

It is also worth knowing that original metal need not be lost. Gold or platinum from an existing piece can often be melted down and incorporated directly into the new creation, keeping its material history intact.

Because no two remodelling projects share the same starting point, there is no fixed price list for this work. The absence of one is intentional and reflects a quality standard, not a gap. Each project is scoped individually and follows Griffin's established bespoke commission journey: Consultation, Stones and Metals assessment, CAD Design, and Handcrafting. A proper quote follows a proper conversation.

Crucially, Griffin's GIA-certified specialists assess any inherited stones during the initial consultation, evaluating cut, colour, clarity, and carat to determine condition and suitability for a new setting. This professional heirloom assessment is included as part of the consultation, not charged as a separate service, and it provides the informed foundation every remodelling project deserves.

Two clear paths are available. Clients are warmly welcome to bring their pieces to our Chichester showroom for a private, unhurried appointment. For those across Surrey, Hampshire, Greater London, Richmond, or Guildford who would prefer a more relaxed setting, our team is available for a private home visit, bringing the consultation to you.

Repair Turnaround Times

Most repairs entrusted to our workshop are returned within 14 to 21 working days from the point of drop-off or receipt. That window is not padding; it reflects the full sequence every piece moves through: initial assessment, the repair itself, quality checking by our goldsmith, and a final clean and polish before it is returned to you. Each stage matters, and none is skipped.

More involved work, such as shank replacements, full reclawing, or pieces requiring stone removal and careful re-setting, will sometimes require additional time beyond that standard window. When this applies to your piece, it is communicated clearly during the estimate stage, before any work begins, so there are no surprises.

We understand that life does not always allow for a relaxed timeline. If you have a wedding, anniversary, or milestone occasion approaching and need your piece returned sooner, please mention this at the point of booking. Where workshop capacity allows, we will do our very best to prioritise your repair in the schedule.

Postal repair models introduce an unpredictability that can be unsettling when a cherished piece is involved. With our on-site workshop in Chichester, you receive a clear timeline at the point of drop-off and retain direct access to the goldsmith throughout. No uncertainty, no waiting on a courier update.

One point worth stating plainly: a prioritised turnaround means your piece moves forward in the schedule. It does not mean steps are shortened. Every piece, regardless of urgency, receives the same meticulous care from start to finish.

How to Get Your Free Repair Estimate

Beginning your repair journey with Griffin & Co is designed to be straightforward, unhurried, and entirely without obligation. There are three clear ways to start.

Visit our Chichester showroom at 64 South Street (PO19 1EE), where a member of our workshop team will examine your piece directly and provide a considered assessment without any pressure to proceed. Book a private home consultation if you are based across Surrey, Hampshire, Greater London, Richmond, or Guildford and would prefer a more personal first conversation in your own surroundings, particularly if the piece is fragile, high-value, or holds significant sentimental importance. Contact the workshop via our website, telephone, or email before travelling, so the team can discuss the nature of the repair, help you understand what to expect, and confirm whether an in-person visit is the best next step.

Every estimate is free and carries no obligation whatsoever. Crucially, assessments are conducted by a master goldsmith, not a sales assistant. That distinction matters: the person examining your piece is the same person who will carry out the work, which means the advice you receive from the very first conversation is grounded in genuine technical expertise.

All repair work is performed entirely in our on-site workshop. No piece is ever sent to a third party, and you are welcome to ask questions about the process at any stage. For complex or high-value pieces, we always recommend an in-person assessment, as accurate pricing depends on examining the metal, the setting, and the condition of the piece directly.

To begin, book a repair consultation through our concierge path or contact the workshop directly for a more self-directed first conversation. Both routes lead to the same experienced team and the same standard of meticulous craftsmanship.

A Final Note From Our Workshop

Jewellery repair pricing across the UK varies according to metal type, stone sensitivity, repair complexity, and the ever-shifting cost of precious materials. What remains constant, however, is that a trusted jeweller should offer clarity at every stage. Publishing indicative prices, as we do here, is our baseline commitment to that principle; a starting point for informed conversation, not a fixed menu.

From a craft perspective, the single most valuable step any client can take is to have a piece assessed sooner rather than later. Minor wear, a slightly loose claw, or a hairline fracture in a shank rarely stays minor. Left unattended, what might have been a straightforward repair can evolve into a considerably more involved restoration. It is also worth asking, with an open mind, whether like-for-like repair is truly the right path. For inherited or sentimental pieces, remodelling into something worn and treasured daily is often the more meaningful choice.

At Griffin & Co, every repair is handled in our own on-site workshop, by craftspeople with over 60 years of combined experience and GIA-certified diamond specialists. We use 100% recycled metals wherever possible, and our verified five-star reviews reflect the trust placed in us by clients across Chichester, West Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and beyond.

We are here for the long life of every piece, not simply the transaction in front of us. Whenever you are ready, we welcome you.

Conclusion

Jewellery repair does not have to feel like a leap of faith. Now you know what the most common repairs involve, what realistic price ranges look like, and how a professional workshop approaches each job with care and expertise. You also know that bringing in a beloved piece sooner rather than later can prevent small issues from becoming costly ones.

Your favourite pieces deserve to be worn, not left sitting in a drawer because a repair feels too uncertain or expensive. Armed with this guide, you can walk into our workshop feeling informed, confident, and ready to ask the right questions.

Ready to get started? Book your repair consultation today and let our team give your jewellery the attention it deserves. Because every piece has a story, and yours is worth preserving.