Jeweller's bench with hammers and tools – repair and restoration at Sara Handmade Jewellery Kiama
Jeweller's bench with hammers and tools – Sara Handmade Jewellery Kiama
Kiama & South Coast NSW

Jewellery Repair
& Restoration

Your most treasured pieces deserve the finest care. Our experienced team restore, repair, and revive fine jewellery - with precision, honesty, and genuine respect for what your piece means to you.

Qualified Gemmologist
Obligation-Free Quotes
All Work Done In-House
Secure Post-In Service
Antique Specialists
After restoration – fully restored white gold diamond rings by Sara Handmade Jewellery
Before restoration – fused white gold diamond rings requiring repair
Before After
Expert Jewellery Repair

All Types of Fine Jewellery, Handled with Care

Is your most treasured piece showing signs of wear? Has a stone loosened, a chain broken, or a setting worn dangerously thin? At Sara Handmade Jewellery, our experienced jewellers specialise in restoring and repairing all types of fine jewellery - giving your beloved pieces a new lease on life with precision, care, and genuine appreciation for their history and significance.

We serve clients in Kiama and across the South Coast, and regularly undertake repairs for clients travelling from Wollongong, Sydney, Berry and Canberra. Whether you visit us in person or use our secure post to get your jewellery to us, every piece is treated as if it were our own.

Ask About Your Piece →
After restoration – fully restored white gold diamond rings by Sara Handmade Jewellery
Before restoration – fused white gold diamond rings requiring repair
Before After
What We Repair

Comprehensive Repair & Restoration Services

Not sure what your piece needs? Bring it in or send us a photo - we'll assess it honestly and provide a clear, obligation-free quote before any work begins.

01

Re-tipping & Claw Settings

Worn claws are the most common cause of lost gemstones - catching the issue early is far less costly than replacing a stone. We re-tip and reinforce claw and prong settings across rings and earrings, restoring the security of your stones and the structural integrity of your piece.

02

Ring Resizing & Re-shanking

We resize rings both up and down, and re-shank bands that have worn thin over years of daily wear - offering both half-shank and full-shank replacement. All resizing is carried out with careful attention to maintaining the original design and proportions.

03

Chain & Bracelet Repairs

We repair broken chains, bracelets, and clasps across all metal types - from delicate fine chains to heavy curb links. We also replace worn findings, including clasps, jump rings, and connectors, restoring your piece to full working order with a clean, seamless join.

04

Gemstone Replacement & Polishing

We source replacement stones matched as closely as possible to your existing gems in colour, cut, and size. Our gemmological expertise is especially valuable here - whether matching a sapphire hue, finding a diamond of a particular old-mine cut, or sourcing a rare coloured gem. Rhodium plating for white gold also available.

05

Antique & Vintage Restoration

Antique and vintage jewellery requires a uniquely delicate touch and deep technical knowledge. We understand the construction methods, alloy compositions, and stylistic conventions of earlier eras - from Georgian and Victorian pieces through to Art Deco and mid-century modern.

06

Rhodium Plating & Refinishing

Over time, white gold naturally takes on a warmer tone as the rhodium plating wears. We re-plate and refinish white gold pieces, restoring their bright, crisp finish. We also polish and refinish coloured gemstones that have lost their lustre.

Before and after jewellery restoration – Sara Handmade Jewellery Kiama
Before and after jewellery restoration – Sara Handmade Jewellery Kiama
The Process

What to Expect

1

Personal Consultation

We begin with a detailed discussion and careful inspection of your piece - understanding its history, its significance, and exactly what you would like to achieve.

2

Transparent Quoting

You receive a clear written quote outlining all recommended work before we begin. No surprises, no hidden costs. If additional issues emerge, we contact you before proceeding.

3

Expert Craftsmanship

Every repair is carried out by our skilled team who carefully work to bring your piece back to its original condition.

4

Final Polish & Quality Check

When complete, every piece is carefully polished and put through a thorough quality inspection - structurally, aesthetically, and mechanically - before it leaves the workshop.

5

Your Approval

You inspect your finished piece before you take it home. We are not satisfied until you are. If anything is not right, we address it - no questions asked.

Heritage & Heirlooms

Reviving Vintage & Sentimental Jewellery

Antique and vintage pieces hold a special place in the workshop. We approach these commissions with deep respect for their original craftsmanship - preserving period-specific details like milgrain edging, filigree work, and old-mine cut diamond settings wherever possible.

We understand the construction methods and alloy compositions of earlier eras - from Georgian and Victorian pieces through to Art Deco and mid-century modern. Our team restores heirloom pieces with the care they deserve, ensuring the piece is structurally sound and safe to wear while retaining its character and soul.

If you wish to update the style of a vintage piece rather than restore it, ask about our jewellery remodelling service - which can transform your sentimental jewellery into a contemporary design while retaining its precious materials and story.

Explore Remodelling →
Bespoke jewellery craftsmanship – Sara Handmade Jewellery Kiama
Bespoke jewellery craftsmanship – Sara Handmade Jewellery Kiama
At-Home Care

Caring for Your Jewellery Between Services

A little regular care goes a long way. Here are our artisans' recommendations for keeping your fine jewellery at its best between professional inspections.

Clean Gently

Mild soap and warm water with a soft toothbrush for intricate details. Dry thoroughly with a clean, lint-free cloth after every clean.

Store Separately

Keep pieces in individual pouches or compartments to prevent scratching. Avoid letting jewellery tangle or rub together in storage.

Remove Before Activities

Remove jewellery before swimming, exercising, gardening, or using household cleaning products. Chlorine and chemicals accelerate wear.

Annual Inspections

Bring fine jewellery in for a professional inspection and clean at least once a year. Catching a worn claw early is far less costly than replacing a lost stone.

Safe Storage

Store jewellery away from direct sunlight, humidity, and extreme temperatures. Coloured gemstones can fade with prolonged UV exposure.

Apply Last

Put on jewellery after applying perfume, hairspray, and cosmetics. Chemicals in beauty products can dull metals and damage certain gemstones over time.

Common Questions

FAQs on Jewellery Repair & Restoration

Have a specific question about your piece? Send Sara a message and we'll respond promptly.

Repair addresses specific damage - a broken clasp, a loose stone, a bent shank. Restoration is a more comprehensive process that aims to return a piece as closely as possible to its original condition, often involving multiple repairs, structural work, polishing, and refinishing. Both are services we offer, and we will recommend the most appropriate approach at your initial assessment.
Yes - antique and vintage restoration is one of our specialties. We understand the construction methods and materials of earlier eras and approach these pieces with the care they deserve. We aim to preserve original details wherever possible and will always consult you before making any significant structural decision.
We can source replacement stones matched as closely as possible to your existing gems in colour, cut, and size. Our expertise in coloured gemstones is particularly valuable here - whether it is matching a specific sapphire hue or finding a diamond of a particular old cut. We also polish, re-cut, and refinish damaged stones where possible.
Most standard repairs are completed within 1–3 weeks, depending on complexity and whether materials need to be sourced. More extensive restorations may take longer. We provide a realistic timeline at your initial consultation and update you if anything changes.
Yes. We regularly accept repairs from clients across the South Coast, Sydney, and Canberra via our secure post-in service. Please contact us first to discuss your piece - we will advise on the safest way to send your jewellery, and it is fully insured while in our care.
Absolutely. We can remodel your old or unworn jewellery into a new, custom-designed piece that suits your current style and story. This is one of our most meaningful services - and it begins with the same conversation as any repair. Ask us about our jewellery remodelling service.
Start the Conversation

When Repair Isn't Enough

Occasionally a piece may be beyond economical repair - or you may feel it's simply time for something new. We can often design a bespoke piece that incorporates the gemstones or precious metal from your original jewellery, preserving what matters most while starting fresh with the design.

Send Sara a Question →
Kiama Berry Gerringong Wollongong Nowra Southern Highlands Sydney Canberra Post-In Australia Wide
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