You're paying so much for fine jewelry; shouldn't it last without needing repairs? That's not quite true. Fine jewelry should last a long time, but like any solid object, it will occasionally need some form of fixing over the years.

It Is Meant to Last, but It Can Show Signs of Wear

Fine jewelry is called "fine" because of the materials used and the craftsmanship that went into making the piece. The high cost of fine jewelry is due partly to the more valuable nature of the metals and gems involved, and partly because they are constructed so that they won't disintegrate easily. Think of all the costume jewelry you've had where a "gem" suddenly fell out because the glue was weak; in fine jewelry, the construction is such that stones should not fall out and metal should not break apart. Yet it is still possible for the jewelry to wear down or become scratched. Higher karat values of gold, for example, scratch more easily because gold is relatively soft.

Wear Is a Normal Part of Life

You have to realize that wearing the jewelry does expose it to forces that can create wear and tear, even if you do your best to take care of the piece. After years of wearing a gold wedding band, for example, you'll see fine scratches and dulling that occur in the course of everyday life. Fine jewelry is made so that the wear is minimal, assuming you aren't putting the jewelry through anything that's too rough. However, it will occasionally need to be cleaned up and put through at least some repair processes.

If It Can't Be Repaired, It Can Be Reset

Most run-of-the-mill issues with fine jewelry can be repaired. Prongs can be re-tipped if they wear down, gemstones can be cleaned, tarnish can be removed, light scratches polished out, and so on. If the jewelry item suffers damage that can't be repaired, you can look at resetting stones or replacing parts to essentially remake the ring. That won't replace sentimental value, of course, and if the stone itself is heavily damaged, you may need to look at creating a new design with the usable components of the old piece. But there is a way to extend the life of the jewelry piece in one way or another.

If your fine jewelry needs repair, you can take it to a jeweler to discuss what can be done. You have more options than you think, so don't let anyone tell you the item is a lost cause.

Reach out to a jeweler near you to learn more about jewelry repairs.