Jewelry repair?
I have a few pieces of jewelry that are inexpensive but have a lot of sentimental value that I would like to have repaired without spending a fortune. One is a necklace with an incredibly delicate chain that broke, another is a pair of silver plated earrings that the silver is wearing off, so I'm wondering if they can be re-dipped or whatever they do? Last is a pair of earrings with a stone that came out of its bracket and I'm scared to put it back in myself for fear it will fall out and get lost.
All of the recs I could find on BPN are more than 10 years old and all of the places recommended are out of business now. Thanks in advance for any suggestions in the Oakland/Berkeley/El Cerrito area.
Feb 22, 2023
Parent Replies
I have used Oaks Jewelry on Solano for jewelry repair. The prices seem fair and the people there are always smart with their recommendations.
I asked for recs here a couple of months ago and was told about https://www.altanamarie.com/ on Piedmont Avenue. She took over the business from Sahadi Jewelers.
She replaced the missing stone in my channel set ring and kept in my budget by using a lab grown diamond - I could not be happier! You cannot tell the difference and I saved a ton of money. It was the perfect creative solution!
I would absolutely go back to her and plan to!
I have used 14 carrots or is it karats on college Ave. Reasonable. Spend the money and fix the things you loved!
Try Bill's Trading Post on College Ave in Berkeley. I've had them repair/adjust two necklaces for me in the last 6 months and they did a great job at reasonable cost. They specialize in Native American jewelry but they also carry a good selection of traditional gold and silver earrings, pendants, rings, and they are very friendly and helpful.
By the way I think it will be hard to find someone to fix your silver plated earrings and if you do, it might cost more than they are worth. I think you'll have to write those off.
I highly recommend Oaks Jewelers, a family-run business on Solano Ave. in Berkeley. I have been going to them for over 30 years, almost always for very small things, but they treat me with the same consideration as if I were spending thousands of dollars.
M Lowe & Company (510) 486-0613 next to Chez Panisse on Shattuck Ave. is a very reputable jeweler with decades of experience. I've purchased necklaces and earrings over the years and love them all. Margo Lowe is the owner, very knowledgeable gemologist, and there is a metal-worker/jeweler on site regularly to execute repairs and build their own designs. Very high quality. Highly recommend them!
I had the same issue and found Kim’s Watch and Jewelry repair near Chinatown in downtown Oakland. I started there because I also needed a link watchband adjusted.
I brought in 2 old chains which had broken which had sentimental value, and a bracelet which fastener was so difficult I wanted to replace with a magnetic closure. The owner was kind and helpful and reasonably priced. Very happy.
https://www.kimswatchesandjewelry.com/