requests for repairs on vintage jewelry

[Madeline]

As a maker of we arable art I’ve been fielding requests for repairs on vintage and costume jewelry. It’s lucrative, and I’m curious if other makers have been approached to fix or repair. 
tx

[HC_Charlie]

@Madelinewhat a great revenue stream! I think this service would be in demand. I have been asked to fix a few broken pieces over the years. I did my best but always felt nervous that I would "mess up" and ruin someone's jewelry (even it was costume and not very expensive). I don't do a lot of fine soldering so I would probably decline working on delicate pieces. Curious to find out what tools/techniques you might use for this...and do you use patinas to match antique or existing metal finishes.

[Madeline]

sorry to be so late Charlie - it's good to be able to fix things!  If they're attached to it, it has meaning and new life can emerge.  So it's a gift!  I've charged less than I thought my time is worth at times.  I've even given the item repaired to the customer and said "wait and month and if you're satisfied, pay me'.  They did.  Building confidence in your capacity is important.  I love researching materials and seeing what works with what.  Some glues are a no-no and some metals are as well.  Caution and understated confidence along with a warrantee.  I sell earrings with a warrantee.  I WANT IT BACK if it doesn't hold up for some reason.  I'll make it good. Keep the customer happy-usually.  When it is a question of making a copy of something: say they come with one of a pair - I defer. 1) I don't copy others work 2) they should approach the originator I will create a new pair which may reflect aspects of the onesie - but I won't copy.