Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Jewelry Repair
1. Do I need an appointment?
No. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours. Simply bring your jewelry in, and we’ll inspect it and discuss the repair options.
2. How long do repairs take?
Most repairs are completed within 3–14 business days, depending on the complexity of the work and parts availability. Rush service may be available for certain repairs.
3. Do you provide free estimates?
Yes. We provide a free inspection and estimate before beginning any repair. If additional issues are discovered during the repair, we’ll contact you before proceeding.
4. Can you repair all types of jewelry?
We repair most jewelry made from:
- Gold (10K, 14K, 18K, etc.)
- Platinum
- Sterling Silver
- Stainless Steel (select repairs)
- Fine gemstone jewelry
5. Can you resize rings?
Yes. We can size most rings larger or smaller. Some rings, such as eternity bands or certain designer styles, may have limitations.
6. Will resizing damage my ring?
When performed properly, no. Our goal is to preserve the appearance and structural integrity of your ring.
7. Can you replace missing diamonds or gemstones?
Yes. We can source and match diamonds and many colored gemstones as closely as possible in size, quality, and color.
8. Do you solder broken chains?
Yes. We repair many broken chains, depending on the style and condition. Some hollow or heavily damaged chains may not be repairable.
9. Can you fix broken clasps?
Yes. We repair or replace broken lobster clasps, spring rings, box clasps, and many other clasp styles.
10. Do you repair watches?
Yes. We offer many watch services including:
- Battery replacement
- Link adjustments
- Crystal replacement
- Gasket replacement
- Pressure testing (on eligible watches)
- General watch repairs
11. Can you repair heirloom or antique jewelry?
Yes. We take extra care with vintage and heirloom pieces and will recommend the safest repair approach to preserve their character.
12. Will my jewelry look new again?
Many repairs include professional polishing and cleaning, helping restore your jewelry’s shine. Deep scratches or heavy wear may still remain depending on the condition.
13. Is my jewelry insured while it’s in your care?
Your jewelry remains secure while in our possession. Ask us about our handling procedures if you have valuable or sentimental pieces.
14. Can you repair jewelry purchased somewhere else?
Absolutely. You do not need to have purchased the jewelry from us.
15. What if my jewelry can’t be repaired?
If a repair isn’t possible or wouldn’t be reliable, we’ll explain why and discuss alternative options such as rebuilding, redesigning, or remaking the piece.
16. How much do repairs cost?
Every repair is unique. Pricing depends on the type of repair, materials required, and labor involved. We’ll provide an estimate before any work begins.
17. Can you clean and inspect my jewelry?
Yes. Regular cleaning and inspections help detect loose stones, worn prongs, and other issues before they become major repairs.
18. Should I remove my jewelry before swimming or exercising?
Yes. Chlorine, saltwater, heavy lifting, and impact can damage jewelry or loosen stones over time.
19. What if a stone falls out after I notice it’s loose?
Stop wearing the jewelry immediately and bring it in as soon as possible. Continuing to wear it increases the chance of losing the stone.
20. Do you guarantee your repairs?
Yes. We stand behind our workmanship. Warranty coverage varies depending on the type of repair, materials, and the condition of the jewelry. We’ll explain any applicable warranty when your repair is completed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water-Resistance Testing
What is water resistance?
Water resistance is a watch’s ability to resist water under specific testing conditions. It does not mean a watch is permanently waterproof.
Is my watch waterproof?
No watch should be considered permanently waterproof. Water resistance can decrease over time as gaskets age, seals wear, or the watch experiences impacts.
Why should I have my watch pressure tested?
Pressure testing helps verify that your watch’s seals are functioning properly and can identify leaks before water causes costly damage.
When should I have my watch tested?
We recommend testing:
- After every battery replacement
- After any repair requiring the watch to be opened
- Before swimming, diving, or vacations
- After a hard impact or drop
- At least once every 12 months
Will the pressure test get my watch wet?
No. We use professional digital dry pressure testing, which checks your watch’s water resistance without immersing it in water.
What brands do you test?
We test most major brands, including:
- Rolex
- Omega
- TAG Heuer
- Breitling
- Tudor
- Cartier
- Longines
- Tissot
- Seiko
- Citizen
- Bulova
- Casio
- Movado
- And many more
What happens if my watch passes?
A passing result means your watch met the selected pressure-test conditions at the time of testing. You’ll receive a printed report documenting the results.
What happens if my watch fails?
A failed test indicates your watch has a leak or sealing issue. Common causes include worn gaskets, damaged crowns, cracked crystals, or improperly sealed case backs. We’ll explain the findings and recommend the appropriate repairs.
Does a passing test guarantee my watch will never leak?
No. A pressure test verifies your watch’s performance at the time of testing. Future impacts, aging seals, improper crown use, or damage can affect water resistance after the test.
Why should I test my watch after a battery replacement?
Opening the watch requires removing the case back. Testing afterward helps verify that the watch has been properly resealed and is performing as expected.
How long does the test take?
Most digital water-resistance tests can be completed in just a few minutes, depending on the watch and the services being performed.
Do I receive proof that my watch was tested?
Yes. Our Premium Watch Service includes a printed digital pass/fail report documenting your watch’s test results.
Can older or vintage watches be tested?
Many can, but some vintage watches may not be suitable for pressure testing due to age, fragile components, or previous damage. We’ll evaluate your watch before testing.
Why choose Larrea Jewelers?
We use professional Witschi digital pressure-testing equipment to verify your watch’s water resistance. Our goal is to help protect your investment by identifying sealing issues before they result in expensive water damage.
Did You Know?
Most water damage occurs because a watch is never tested after being opened. A simple pressure test can provide valuable information about your watch’s sealing condition and help you make informed decisions before exposing it to water.
Larrea Jewelers
Professional Watch Battery Replacement • Digital Water-Resistance Testing • Luxury Watch Service