Are you missing components from a treasured family ring? Did you recently purchase a vintage ring that needs to be restored to its original luster?
Repairing, restoring, and customizing vintage rings is truly an art form. With the help of an experienced master craftsman, your antique ring can be rehabbed into like-new condition or transformed into something completely original. At Malka Diamonds, whatever you’re dreaming of for your vintage ring, it’s possible!
Cleaning a vintage ring
First, keep in mind that cleaning a vintage ring (or any ring) on your own can be risky. You should discuss the process with a trusted jeweler before attempting to clean a vintage ring.
Depending on the material of your ring, a different cleaning approach will be required. For example:
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Gold — Use a soft cloth to polish the ring
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Silver — Use a clean cloth and some water to polish the ring
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Diamond — Requires a special, professional cleaning solution
Generally, the safest way to clean a vintage ring at home is to:
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Soak your ring in warm water and dishwashing soap for about 15-20 minutes
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Use a soft toothbrush to gently brush the stone
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Carefully rinse your ring under warm running water
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Let dry completely
In truth, a simple at-home cleaning won’t do much. Truly restoring a vintage ring requires a professional touch. Your jeweler will understand exactly what type of cleaning approach is best for the style, age, material, and design of your ring.
Never attempt to repair a vintage ring on your own
We understand that some people don’t want to spend the time or make the investment to get a ring professionally repaired. However, repairing a vintage ring on your own is a huge risk.
We’ve worked with many clients who’ve attempted a repair on their own and are devastated when the result is...
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Lost gemstones
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Scratches
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Cracks
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Bent or loose prongs
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Damaged or broken bands
We don’t want this to happen to you!
What to look for in a vintage ring repair shop
As you consider where to get your vintage ring restored, there are a few important things to look for. Make sure the jeweler offers the following:
GIA CERTIFIED GEMOLOGIST
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the most prestigious professional gemology school in the world. The institution provides comprehensive knowledge of diamonds and other colored stones, including the scientific and technical aspects of identifying, classifying, and repairing them.
Choosing a jewelry store with a GIA gemologist on staff will ensure you receive the highest-quality vintage ring repair. Additionally, a jeweler with this certification can provide GIA certification for your ring once it’s been restored.
LASER WELDER
This modern piece of equipment is essential for precise repair. This machine allows your jeweler to seamlessly fix and resize your ring with incredible results.
COMPLIMENTARY EVALUATIONS
Look for a jewelry store that offers free repair quotes. You should be able to bring your ring in, have it evaluated by a jeweler, and receive a free quote for the cost to repair it. Because every type of ring restoration is different, be wary of a jeweler that lists flat fees for repairs and restorations.
Types of vintage ring transformations
You never know what’s possible with a vintage ring! Even the roughest looking ring can become a sight to behold after some expert TLC.
Some of the most common vintage ring repairs include:
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Repairing broken or bent bands
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Resizing bands
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Replacing missing gemstones
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Making room for a larger diamond
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Milgrain restoration or addition
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Filigree repair
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Adding rhodium plating
At Malka Diamonds, we love a challenge and can help our clients restore vintage rings to their original beauty.
Bonus: Caring for your vintage ring after it’s restored
The most important piece of advice we can give you is to always insure your ring. Insuring your vintage ring in the event it gets damaged (or even lost or stolen) will give you peace of mind and help you feel comfortable and confident wearing your ring daily.
Other helpful tips for caring for your vintage ring include:
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Avoid resizing it more than once
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Clean your ring 4 times a year (at the very least, get your ring professionally checked every year)
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Take off and safely store your ring during big hands-on activities or when being exposed to strong chemicals
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To avoid losing it, don't remove your ring in public
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Remember that the less you remove your ring, the less chance it will get lost!
Vintage ring restorations from Malka Diamonds
At Malka Diamonds, we are uniquely qualified when it comes to restoring vintage rings. Our store was founded on precision, craftsmanship, and 5-star service — and it shows!
Our vintage jewelry restoration and repair services are highly-rated and our team of diamond experts and GIA Certified Gemologists are always available to help. We love a challenge and will do everything we can to make sure your vintage ring looks fabulous
We not only provide vintage ring repair and restoration services, but also offer one of the largest vintage ring collections in Portland. We specialize in Art Deco, Edwardian, Victorian, Art Nouveau and Mid-Century rings.