How Much Does Jewelry Repair Cost? (2026 Guide)
How much does jewelry repair cost?
Most common jewelry repairs cost between $40 and $250 in 2026, depending on the service, metal, and number of stones. Simple work like cleaning, polishing, or a basic chain solder is at the low end; resizing rings with stones, prong rebuilding, and platinum work sit higher. Every RJS repair is quoted in writing before work begins, and every piece is insured under a Lloyd's of London Jewelers Block Policy.
2026 jewelry repair price ranges
| Service | Typical range (2026) | What drives the price |
|---|---|---|
| Clean & polish | $39–$60 | Metal, tarnish/scratch level |
| Ring resizing (gold) | $60–$180 | Sizing up vs. down, stones present |
| Ring resizing (platinum) | $150+ | High-heat laser welding required |
| Prong retipping | $5–$12 per prong | Number of prongs, metal |
| Stone tightening | $10–$25 per stone | Setting type, stone count |
| Laser welding | +20–30% vs. soldering | Metal, complexity |
| Rhodium plating | $60–$120 | Piece size, prep |
| Chain/clasp repair | $40–$90 | Break type, metal |
| Pearl restringing | ~$5 per inch | Length, knotting |
Ranges reflect published market pricing; your written quote may differ based on the piece.
What affects jewelry repair cost
- Metal: Platinum costs more than gold—it doesn't flow like gold and needs high-heat laser welding.
- Stones: Rings with stones require careful, sometimes laser-based work and often stone tightening afterward.
- Complexity: Antique/vintage restoration and shank rebuilding are labor-intensive.
- Turnaround: Rush service typically adds 50–100%.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to resize a ring? Gold resizing typically runs $60–$180; platinum starts around $150 because it requires laser welding.
Is a quote free? Yes—reputable repairers provide a free written evaluation and quote before starting.
Does repair cost include shipping? For mail-in, confirm insured shipping both ways; some labs include it, others add insurance separately.
Related services & guides: Ring Sizing & Resizing · Prong Retipping · Rhodium Plating · Ring Resizing Cost Guide · Start a repair
2026 jewelry repair price chart
Typical U.S. bench prices for common repairs, before shipping and insurance. RJS quotes every job in writing after inspection — nothing starts before you approve the number.
| Repair | Metal | Typical cost | What drives it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain solder (single break) | Gold / silver | $25 – $60 | Link style and thickness; hollow or rope chains cost more |
| Clasp replacement | 14k / 18k gold | $40 – $120 | Clasp type and gold weight |
| Prong re-tip (per prong) | Gold | $35 – $75 | Metal is built up to rebuild worn prong tips |
| Prong re-tip (per prong) | Platinum | $55 – $100 | Laser welding and harder finishing |
| Stone tightening | Any | $15 – $45 | Number of stones and setting style |
| Stone setting (customer stone) | Any | $40 – $150 | Stone size, shape and setting type |
| Ring resizing | Gold | $60 – $180 | Sizing up adds metal; see the ring resizing guide |
| Rhodium plating | White gold | $50 – $90 | Piece size and prep work |
| Polish and clean | Any | $25 – $60 | Depth of scratches and piece complexity |
| Earring post replacement | Gold | $30 – $70 | Laser welding near stones adds cost |
| Shank replacement (half) | 14k / 18k gold | $150 – $350 | Width, karat and weight of new metal |
| Rush / expedited handling | Any | +50% – 100% | Bench time reserved ahead of the standard queue |
Prices reflect typical 2026 U.S. trade pricing for insured bench work. Final quotes depend on inspection of the actual piece.
What changes the price of a repair
The same repair can quote very differently. These are the variables a bench prices against.
- Metal and karat
- Silver is cheapest, gold sits in the middle, and platinum costs most because it needs laser welding and more finishing time.
- Stones near the work
- Stones close to the repair need heat protection or laser work and a tightening pass afterward.
- Amount of new metal
- Repairs that add metal — re-tipping, sizing up, shank work — scale with gold or platinum weight.
- Construction and finish
- Hollow pieces, engraving, milgrain and two-tone designs need extra hand work to match the original.
- Turnaround and logistics
- Standard insured mail-in runs 10-15 business days; rush adds 50-100%. Shipping and insurance are quoted separately.
Ring resizing cost FAQs
- How much does it cost to fix a broken chain?
- A single break in a gold or silver chain usually costs $25-$60 to solder. Hollow, rope or very fine chains sit at the higher end.
- How much does re-tipping prongs cost?
- Expect $35-$75 per prong in gold and $55-$100 per prong in platinum.
- How much does rhodium plating cost?
- Rhodium plating for white gold typically costs $50-$90, depending on piece size and prep work.
- Is it worth repairing jewelry instead of replacing it?
- Usually yes. Most repairs cost a small fraction of replacement value and keep the original metal, stones and design.
- How long do jewelry repairs take?
- Standard insured mail-in repairs are completed within 10-15 business days of arrival. Rush handling is available for an added fee.