Some pieces hold more than sparkle, they carry memories. That necklace your grandmother wore every Sunday, or your father’s worn-down wedding band, these items connect us to family history. But with time, even the most treasured pieces start to lose their shine. If your heirloom jewelry is tucked away in a drawer because of damage or wear, it might be time to bring it back to life.
Why Old Jewelry Fades
Jewelry goes through a lot over the years. Everyday wear, exposure to chemicals or water, and even long-term storage can take a toll. Gold bands can thin. Gemstones may loosen. Chains break, and metal finishes wear off. While it’s natural, these changes don’t have to be permanent.
Restoration vs. Redesign
Some people want their jewelry fixed exactly as it was. Others want to refresh the look while keeping its meaning. At Rick Terry Jewelry Designs, we help with both. Restoration means fixing and cleaning while keeping the original style. Redesigning lets us change parts of the piece, like turning a ring into a pendant, so it fits today’s style and needs.
Not sure which path fits your piece? Think about how you want to wear it. If it’s a family heirloom passed down through generations, you might want to keep it true to its original form. But if the setting is too fragile or outdated, a new design might be the better choice.
How the Process Works
Step one is bringing your item to us for a look. We’ll clean it, check the structure, and talk about your goals. Sometimes a simple polish and stone tightening is all that’s needed. Other times, we may recommend replacing missing stones or rebuilding worn-down prongs.
We only use ethically sourced materials, and our certified gemologists can match vintage stones or help you choose modern alternatives if needed. Whether it’s platinum, gold, or silver, we handle each item with care.
Want to learn more about gemstone restoration? GIA’s article is a helpful place to start.
Why Choose Professional Help
While DIY cleaning kits may work for light touch-ups, deeper damage requires experience. We use advanced tools to check structural integrity, spot hidden damage, and clean delicate pieces safely.
Choosing a local jeweler also means you can speak face-to-face about your concerns and requests. At Rick Terry Jewelry Designs, every project is personal. With over 30 years of experience, we’ve seen everything from early 1900s brooches to mid-century diamond solitaires—and restored them all with precision.
Bring the Memories Back
Heirloom jewelry is about more than value, it’s about legacy. When you restore a piece, you’re keeping a story alive. Whether you’re planning to wear it yourself or pass it down, giving it new life honors the people and moments it represents.
You don’t have to leave it in a drawer. Let it shine again.
Book a consultation today and see what your family piece could look like tomorrow.
FAQ: Jewelry Restoration
- Can restoration fix pieces with missing parts?
Yes. We can recreate lost elements such as gemstones or clasps and match them to the original design. - How do I know if my jewelry is worth restoring?
Sentimental value is reason enough. If you’re unsure about its structure or quality, we can inspect it and offer honest feedback. - Will restoration change how the jewelry looks?
Only if you want it to. We can restore pieces to their original form or modernize them to better fit your taste. - Is it safe to restore antique pieces?
Yes, with proper care. We handle delicate antiques with tools designed for detailed work. - Can restored jewelry be worn daily?
Usually, yes. But we may recommend design updates for durability if the original structure is too fragile.
