Retipping claws is one of the simplest, most important services a jeweller can offer. It’s a small repair with a big impact: restoring security to your stones, extending the life of the piece, and preserving sentimental value. At Custom Jewellery Designs in Hillarys, Perth, we treat retips as both a technical fix and an opportunity to care for the stories your jewellery carries.
What Claws Are and Why They Wear Down
Claws are the tiny metal prongs that hold a stone in place. They take the brunt of everyday life — knocks, knocks against fabric, handwashing and general wear. Over years the tips thin, flatten or chip, reducing the grip on the stone. Even a hairline crack or a barely-thinned tip can leave a gem vulnerable to movement or loss.
What Retipping Actually Is
Retipping replaces or restores the worn tips of the prongs. The jeweller adds a small amount of matching metal to the worn area, reshapes the prong, and carefully burnishes and polish-finishes the tip so it looks original. The job is surgical: it restores the prong’s ability to secure the stone without changing the design or silhouette of the piece.
Signs Your Jewellery Needs Retipping
• Visible thinning or flattening of prong tips
• Wobble or slight movement of the stone when gently pushed
• Snagging on fabric
• A missing or broken prong
• An heirloom piece you rarely wear because you fear damage
If you notice any of these signs, a retip usually prevents bigger repairs — and prevents the heartbreak of a lost stone.
The Retipping Process Step by Step
1. Inspection and assessment
The jeweller examines each prong under magnification and records which need attention and why.
2. Cleaning and preparation
The piece is cleaned so solder and metal join cleanly.
3. Metal application
A carefully measured amount of matching metal is added to the worn tip using solder or laser-welding, depending on the metal and setting.
4. Shaping and seating
The prong is re-formed to the correct profile, ensuring the stone sits properly and symmetrically.
5. Polish and finish
The tip is burnished and polished to blend with the surrounding metal, preserving the piece’s aesthetic.
6. Final security check
The stone is tested for movement and the overall setting inspected for any related concerns.
Why Retipping Matters Beyond Security
• Protects sentimental and financial value
A secure stone preserves family heirlooms and investment pieces.
• Avoids costlier repairs
Replacing a lost stone or rebuilding a setting is almost always more expensive than timely retipping.
• Preserves original design
Good retipping is invisible — it keeps the piece looking as the designer intended.
• Extends wearable life
Regular maintenance means you continue to wear the jewellery you love, rather than hiding it away.
Care Advice After Retipping
• Wear normally but carefully for the first few days to allow any minor polishing residues to settle.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners and ultrasonic machines immediately after repair unless your jeweller confirms it’s safe.
• Regular checks every 6–12 months prevent unexpected issues; more frequent checks for daily-wear rings.
• Keep a repair record so future jewellers know what work was done and which metals were used.
Common Questions and Practical Notes
• Will retipping change how my ring looks
No, a skilled jeweller matches metal and profile so the repair is discreet.
• How long does it take
Typical jobs complete in days rather than weeks; urgent cases can often be prioritised.
• Which metals are best for retipping
Any precious metal can be retipped; matching colour and karat is essential for a seamless finish.
• Can retipping be done on very old or fragile settings
Yes, but some pieces need additional reinforcement or partial rebuilds; we advise the least invasive, most conservation-minded approach.
