Inlay Repair FAQS
General Process of an Inlay Repair:
Once you reach out via email and send me detailed pictures, I will give you multiple repair options and ballpark quotes to go with them.
After you make a repair decision, I will give you my PO Box to send me your jewelry. I ask that you send a 50% non-refundable deposit at this time, and that check can be included in with your package that you send to me.
When I receive your package, I will do a thorough inspection and let you know if I see more damage that needs to be addressed and if the ballpark quote needs to be adjusted.
As I work on your piece, I will send you progress pictures and descriptions so you are kept in the loop the whole way through.
Once I’m finished with your jewelry piece, I’ll send you pictures of the final piece. I ask that you send the final payment out before I mail your jewelry back to you.
Then you get to enjoy wearing your inlay jewelry again!
FAQs
Can you give me a quote for repairing my inlay jewelry?
-Yes! I can give you a free estimate for the cost of repair, but do note that this is a ballpark range since I can't always tell the extent of the damage until I have it in my shop. This estimate is subject to change as I work since sometimes more damage may reveal itself, but I am always fair with my prices.
Can I send you pictures of what needs to be repaired?
-Absolutely, but my website doesn’t have an option to let you upload a picture right away. Just send me an email using my contact form with a brief description of the problem. Once I get back to you within 3 business days, you can provide me with clear, detailed (macro if possible) pictures of the damage from all sides. This will help me be able to give you a better ballpark estimate.
Can you match the stone exactly as the original looked?
-This is a tough one, because it depends. Stones like onyx look pretty much the same black no matter what, but with a stone like turquoise, there are so many variations in color from bluer to greener, or lighter to darker that it makes it extremely difficult to perfectly match the original. I may have exactly what we need already in my shop or I may need to purchase material that may match, but I can’t always guarantee that it will be a match since sometimes Mother Nature makes some really one-of-a-kind patterned stones that can’t be duplicated!
How long does it take to complete an inlay repair?
-Just like it’s nice to get seated at a restaurant in 10 minutes even though they estimated the wait being 45, I prefer to estimate time on the higher end since every repair is a little different and I may even need to research and order specific material for your repair, but it can take anywhere from 2-3 weeks to complete. I will always keep you updated during the repair process so you know what’s going on.
Do discount codes work for repairs?
-No, sorry! Those are only for items that are currently in my shop.
Other Important Inlay Repair Information:
I am not responsible for lost or damaged mail whether coming to me or on its way back to you. If you’d like additional insurance or pay for quicker returns, you need to inform me in advance of the value of your jewelry so I can include that in your quote.
I reserve the right to refuse repair service after inspecting your jewelry in-person. I will return your jewelry and your deposit, but ask that you reimburse me for the shipping back to you.
There is often more damage to the stone/stones in your inlay than what you can see with the naked eye. I am not responsible for any additional damage that reveals itself as I’m working on your repair, but I will work with you to come up with a solution that will incur an extra cost.
I reserve the right to adjust the repair cost as necessary if additional damage is revealed.
Please let me know in advance what type of metal your inlay jewelry is, usually by what is stamped on the underside. The process of inlay repairs involved grinding down the stones flush with the silver, which will remove a little bit of the metal. I can’t be held responsible if the jewelry was incorrectly stamped (for example, if the jewelry is stamped 18k gold but it’s actually gold fill and some of the gold layer is removed during the repair, I can’t be held responsible).
When you receive your jewelry back, inspect it thoroughly. I cannot be responsible for damage sustained after you receive your inlay jewelry and wear it, but I will provide an inlay care card in your box so you know how to better protect your special inlay pieces in the future.
I have the rights to video and photograph the repair process for website and social media promotion—with your anonymity respected unless you note otherwise.