INLAY JEWELRY REPAIR

Inlay Jewelry Repair by Experienced Lapidaries

Over time, all inlay jewelry will eventually need repair — whether from everyday wear or a single accidental impact. What matters most is addressing damage early. Continuing to wear damaged inlay jewelry, especially rings, can quickly turn a small issue into a much larger and more expensive repair.

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Inlay jewelry is structurally different from traditional stone-set jewelry. Once an inlaid stone cracks or chips, water, oils, lotions, and other liquids can penetrate the epoxy beneath the surface. Because epoxy is what holds each stone securely in place, this type of damage can compromise the entire inlay section if left untreated.

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Why Prompt Inlay Repair Matters

In an inlay design, each stone is bonded not only to the metal channel, but also to the stones beside it. This creates a continuous structure where every piece plays a role in the strength of the whole.

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If moisture or chemicals weaken the epoxy:

• Stones may loosen or fall out

• Damage can spread beyond the original crack

• Repairs become more complex and costly

This is why early repair is critical to preserving both the appearance and integrity of your jewelry.

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Preventing Future Inlay Jewelry Damage

Many inlay repairs can be avoided with proper care and wear habits. Because inlay jewelry relies on a bonded structure rather than prongs or bezels, protecting the surface is key to long-term durability.

To help customers extend the life of their jewelry, we’ve created a detailed Inlay Jewelry Care Guide covering:

• Safe cleaning methods

• Activities to avoid while wearing inlay rings

• How chemicals, water, and impact affect inlay materials

• Proper storage to prevent cracks and stone loss

👉 Read our complete Inlay Jewelry Care Guide to learn how to keep your inlay jewelry looking its best and reduce the need for future repairs.  This guide is especially important for rings worn daily, such as wedding bands.

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Inspect Your Inlay Jewelry Regularly

We recommend closely inspecting your inlay jewelry — especially rings — on a regular basis. Look for:

• Hairline cracks

• Dull or cloudy areas

• Gaps between stones

• Chips or uneven surfaces

If your eyesight isn’t what it once was, a simple magnifying glass can help. You can also have a local jeweler inspect the piece under magnification. If there’s any doubt, it’s best to stop wearing the jewelry and have it evaluated.

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Repairs Should Only Be Done by an Inlay Specialist

Inlay repair is not standard bench jewelry work. Most jewelers are not trained in lapidary techniques and do not stock matching inlay materials such as turquoise, opal, or fossilized dinosaur bone.

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Many of the repairs we receive are the result of:

• Improper repair attempts

• Mismatched stones

• Incorrect adhesives

• Loss of original design integrity

At Hileman Inlay Jewelry, we are professional lapidaries with extensive experience in inlay construction and repair. We understand how inlay jewelry is built — because we build it ourselves.

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Gemstone Accents and Settings

If your inlay jewelry includes faceted gemstones, those settings should be checked periodically:

• Prong-set stones can loosen as prongs wear or bend

• Channel-set stones may shift over time

Regular inspection helps prevent unexpected stone loss and additional repair work.

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Start Your Inlay Jewelry Repair

If your inlay jewelry shows signs of damage, don’t wait. Early repair can often restore the piece while preserving its original design and materials.

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Use the form below to begin the inlay jewelry repair process. We’ll evaluate your piece and recommend the best course of action to restore it properly — the right way, the first time.