Jason Chandler Brings Estate Piece Back To Life When is a repair more than a repair? Many jewelers measure it by the challenges involved. This can be particularly true when repairing antique jewelry. Lance Campbell, Lang’s Antiques jeweler, finds himself replacing 100- to 150-year-old design elements assuring that they blend seamlessly. Or the challenge can be sizing a diamond-accented heirloom ring from a size seven to a three and a half. Sometimes, the money earned from a repair can put it in a class by itself. Jason Chandler, Portland Jewelry Academy And then you come across a repair with a strong emotional pull requiring skill and sensitivity. This was the case for Jason Chandler when a rare retail customer entered his trade shop. “The Portland Artisan’s Shop is in a retail location,” Jason says, “but it doesn’t look like a store because most of our work comes from jewelry stores. So we don’t see a lot of retail customers.” And when they do come in, they’re looking for a custom design more often than not. But on this particular day, a father came in with an unusual request. He brought a sterling silver hamsa pendant — clearly not an expensive piece. Jason explains, “He and his wife had gone to India and bought the hamsa for their young daughter. It’s a symbol meant to protect the wearer from harm — something we would all wish for our children. It wasn’t exactly tourist jewelry,” Jason says. “I’d say it was a grade above that. But it was for a child and not expected to last forever.” Google Image Here, the story takes a tragic turn. Perhaps a year after the little girl received her gift, she died. The grieving father wanted it repaired so he could wear it on a chain in his daughter’s memory. “It wasn’t easy for him to talk about her, so I spent some time with him, and gradually he opened up and shared the story. I have children, so this tugged at my heart, and I wanted to make the piece as worthy of her memory.” The challenge was to strengthen it for longevity while maintaining the elegance and beauty of the symbol. And so his work began. Most of the marcasite had fallen out, so Jason suggested replacing them with black diamonds. Additionally, Jason suggested replacing the three blue CZs (set in the center three fingers) with aquamarines. He would bezel-set all the tones for security and longevity. The silver wasn’t thick enough to support the bezels, so Jason reinforced the back of the hamsa beneath each bezel with a small jump ring, carefully arranging them in a precise pattern. Jump rings (JR16:65030) and bezels (20929) “When he arrived to get it,” Jason says, “tears came to his eyes. The repair cost much more than the original piece, but I would’ve done the work just to see the look on his face. That was the real reward.” Have any of you had a memorable repair? We’d love to hear about it and look for the chance to feature it. We love talking about how awesome our customers are and sharing their stories. Check out these other features! Beyond the Glass Feature: Valerie Madison Fine Jewelry Beyond the Glass Feature: Dana’s Goldsmithing MatrixGold User Feature: Donna Kovalchick Finding Inspiration: Redesign and Repair While many are still recovering from a busy holiday season, we know jewelers are diving headfirst into repair season. This month will bring plenty of repairs to your doorstep, which will be an opportunity for you to find inspiration in how to improve the functionality of your customers’ pieces. Embrace your inner artisan and think of ways you can make your customer happy with a repair that makes their life easier. Finding Inspiration is a campaign to inspire the designer in every bench jeweler. This inspiration is not restricted to the creation of new pieces, but also to infuse your creativity in your repair work or other existing pieces. This month’s feature explores using this creativity in small, but meaningful ways. Chain Components: Finding the Missing Link With These Creative Solutions Repairs are more than simply fixing a piece of jewelry. They are the ultimate representation of your brand and your craft. A repair is also a prime opportunity to elevate your brand experience by infusing a little creativity into how you choose to approach the job at hand. Using a few of our new chain components, we present three new ways you can enhance a piece using Stuller findings. Chain Extenders: Provide Value With Versatility Chain length contributes significantly to the overall styling of any necklace. As you receive chain repairs this year, why not show them an adjustable chain extender 2001102:102S( ; 2001103:102:S)? Featured in our most recent issue of From the Bench, this little add-on provides your customer’s piece with versatility making it easier for them to mix and match any given chain with other necklaces to create a one-of-a-kind look. To get inspired by the potential stylings and to encourage your customers, check out the #neckmess hashtag on Instagram where you will find thousands of layered necklace looks. Magnetic Clasps: Create Simple Solutions If your customer is struggling to easily put on their bracelet or necklace, we have a solution for you. You can assist by recommending a magnetic clasp (28506:1010:P; 23714:1006:S). Our wide range of clasps vary in both style and strength. We also have styles with spring rings already attached so your customer can add or remove the clasp all on their own. A simple solution can be the difference that makes your customer enjoy wearing their jewelry more often. Chain Tags: Add a Personal Touch Chain tags notate the metal quality of the chain, but they could also be used to personalize a piece. Use one of our various engravable chain tags (23849:60003:S; 23848:60002:S; 2000852:1000:S) to engrave your customer’s initials, leave a memorable date, or even brand with your logo. Taking this extra step is an excellent way to further provide meaning and value to the piece. Leave Your Mark With Noteworthy Repairs Just like the fresh start 2021 is giving us, give your business a fresh start this year with a quality repair season. We hope you find new and creative solutions using Stuller findings. Whether you use the tips we gave today or other sparks of imagination, we wish you luck in crafting lasting relationships with your customers and providing the best service. For more tips and products to help you have a strong repair business this year, visit our website for special items we put together just for you. Share Your Inspiration Finding Inspiration is about you and our incredibly talented community of craftsmen, designers, bench jewelers, and artisans. We are inspired by your creativity and want to share your work! Share on social media how you have used Stuller findings to craft unique solutions and one-of-a-kind pieces for your customers. Be sure to tag us @stullerinc and use the hashtag #stullerfindings. We look forward to featuring more of your amazing work on a future installment of Finding Inspiration. Find your inspiration with some of these recent blog posts: Finding Inspiration: Micro Bezels Make for a Subtle Statement Finding Your Holiday Inspiration Content by Alissa Talbot Worlds by Taylor Dizor Kickstart Your Jewelry Repair Business With 5 Easy Tips Jewelry repair is an underlying revenue stream that pays the bills when things get slow. Did you know repair averages anywhere from 10% to 15% in monthly revenue? Research shows the main difference between a $1 million shop and a $2 million shop is not the number of jewelry repairs performed. It is the pricing of those repairs. You may be leaving big money on the table by undercharging or overlooking great sales opportunities. Here are five ways to maximize revenue through jewelry repair: 1. Promote on All Platforms As an expert in the jewelry industry and a trusted member of your community, take every opportunity to promote your business. Television, radio, and print ads are all great opportunities to tout your repair services. But don’t limit yourself to traditional media. Use Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to spread the word to customers who spend lots of time on those platforms. Check out our best social media tips here. 2. Offer Limited-Time Promotions Your promotion should be something you can do quickly and inexpensively, like a complimentary battery change. Offer to replace watch batteries for just the cost of the battery. Or offer half price on a chain solder. The idea is to reward your loyal customers while attracting new ones to your store without losing much time or expense. And, of course, a 15-minute turnaround time gives your customers 15 minutes to browse while they wait! 3. Don’t Discount Everything! If you’re like many jewelers, you’re not charging everything you could be for repairs. How do you know what you should charge? The industry standard is Geller’s Blue Book, which provides solid guidelines. Do some research to see how the recommended pricing in Geller’s Blue Book compares to your current rates. Then, adjust your pricing accordingly. Don’t be scared to raise your jewelry repair rates. After all, your time and workmanship are invaluable. 62-4388 4. Build Trusting Relationships You’ve seen the customer who hesitantly hands over her engagement ring to have a prong re-tipped.