Showroom open Tues-Sat 10-6, walk-ins & appointments welcome, click here to schedule  253-839-7389

fwcj 70 logo

Jewelry Repairs Near Me: Soldering Jewelry, Other Common Jobs

Education, General

Goldsmith Soldering a Ring

Jewelry Repairs Near Me • Soldering Jewelry 

Requests for Jewelry Repairs are a common occurrence in the Jewelry Industry. Common occurrences include broken chains, repairs to cracks that have appeared in rings, and many others. At Federal Way Custom Jewelers located in the Seattle Tacoma Metro area, we have experienced craftsmen that undertake the simplest of repairs, to the more complex soldering jobs. Following is some information on how our craftsmen are able to help our customers that need their jewelry repairing.

Soldering

Soldering jewelry is a process used in many different repairs, from repairing snapped chains to fixing cracks in rings to joining a wedding set together. There are several different types of soldering. Some are simple, some complex, some using different tools and hardware like lasers. How you solder a piece can also change depending on what kind of metal you are working with. What we cover in this blog is primarily applicable to soldering gold or silver. When working on platinum or palladium it can be much more complicated.

Jewelry Repairs Near Me • Soldering Jewelry • Federal Way Custom Jewelers.

Chain Repair

Broken chains are an unfortunately common occurrence. It makes sense. Chains are often worn regularly, which means they get a lot of wear and tear. Because of the nature of them and the way they hang and dangle, they also often get caught on clothing, arms, toddlers, etc. How do we repair a broken chain? We solder it! Soldering a chain is generally a simple task, but the process can be vastly different depending on the type of chain you’re working on. If it’s a simple cable link chain, the solder job is fairly easy. As chains become more intricate or delicate or lightweight, we may end up having to use a laser solder machine as opposed to a standard torch.

Laser Solder

A laser solder differs from a standard torch fire in that you can heat up a very precise area without heating up surrounding areas. This can be advantageous when working with very small or delicate pieces. For example, a standard torch is not viable for some chain styles. Chains can occasionally have very small or thin links, or can even be hollow to save weight. If we use a standard torch on one of these examples, we risk the surrounding links melting down or otherwise losing structural integrity. When we use a laser, we can heat up only the spot we need to repair. This can be applicable to more than just chains. If we are working on a ring or pendant with stones that are delicate or otherwise heat sensitive, like pearls or opals, we will often use a laser to avoid the risk of damaging the stones.

Ring Repairs

Cracks can develop in rings requiring them to be soldered. One part of a ring that can crack is the shank. This can occur for a variety of reasons. Cracks in shanks occur primarily because the metal is brittle. Brittle gold has multiple causes. The most common causes of brittle metal is either bad cast, where something went wrong in the making of the ring, or chlorine damage. Sometimes a ring can have no pre- existing brittleness at all and still crack if they’re impacted hard enough in the perfect spot. The most common crack that can occur in a ring is on the sizing seam. If your ring has ever been sized, the sizing seam is where the ring was soldered after it was sized. That seam can occasionally crack. This can happen for a number of reasons but primarily occurs if the sizing was done with a bad batch of solder.

Soldering a chain by Federal Way Customer Jewelers.

In addition to cracks in the shank, cracks can also form in the undergallery of the ring. The undergallery is the structure of the ring below the stones. The causes of these cracks are similar to cracks in the shank (casting flaws or chlorine damage causing brittleness, impacts, etc.). However, because this structure can be very intricate, it tends to be even more prone to cracking and damage than the shank of a ring. Depending on the design and the stones set in a ring, a laser solder may be necessary for undergallery repairs. In complicated filigree designs, a torch is too imprecise to guarantee a good result.

If you are looking for a reputable jeweler to undertake some jewelry repairs for you, then look no further. Federal Way Custom Jewelers has been in the business since the 1950s and they specialize in jewelry repairs, customization, personalization, and of course, the selling of top quality jewelry from their showroom in Federal Way, Washington State. At Federal Way Custom Jewelers in the Seattle Metro area, we have an excellent reputation in Jewelry Repair. We are able to undertake quality repairs from customers all over the United States. So, no matter where you live, we’d like to invite you to contact us regarding any items you would like to be repaired. No job is too small and we will provide you with details regarding your repair including pricing, estimated times and any other relevant information.

Contact us today to find out about your jewelry repair.

Back To The Blog Menu

Buying an engagement ring is a big deal — especially if it’s your first time and you’re planning a surprise proposal. You want the moment to be unforgettable, the ring to be perfect, and the reaction to be joyful.

But if you’re not careful, even small missteps during ring shopping can tip your partner off or result in a ring that misses the mark entirely.

To help you make the right choice without spoiling the surprise, here are five of the most common engagement ring shopping mistakes — and how to avoid them.

1. Not Doing Enough Research Before You Shop

Jumping into ring shopping without understanding the basics is one of the biggest mistakes first-time buyers make. If you don’t know the difference between a round cut and a princess cut — or you assume bigger always means better — you risk buying a ring that doesn’t match your partner’s style or values.

What to Do Instead:

  • Learn the 5 C’s: Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat, and Certification

  • Pay attention to the styles they admire (on friends, social media, etc.)

  • Browse ring types online before visiting a jeweler

Being informed gives you confidence, and it helps you spot quality and value when you see it.

2. Guessing Their Ring Size Without a Plan B

Getting the ring size wrong can turn a magical moment into a fumble — especially if the ring won’t go on, or worse, gets stuck. Asking them directly spoils the surprise, but guessing with no backup plan is risky.

What to Do Instead:

  • Secretly borrow one of their rings and have it sized

  • Ask a trusted friend or family member who might know

  • Use a ring sizing guide or tool while they’re sleeping (if you dare)

Pro Tip: If you have to guess, go slightly larger. It’s easier to resize down than up — and most jewelers, like FWCJ, offer complimentary resizing.

3. Talking Too Much or Being Obvious About Your Plans

If you start bringing up marriage or jewelry more than usual, your partner may suspect something’s up. Even casual mentions can start to unravel your surprise — especially if your partner is observant.

What to Do Instead:

  • Keep your research private (use incognito browsing!)

  • Enlist a trusted friend for feedback instead of asking them directly

  • Space out any ring-related conversations so they feel organic

The less you say, the more powerful your surprise will be.

4. Letting a Salesperson Talk You Into the Wrong Ring

When you walk into a jewelry store unprepared, it’s easy to get overwhelmed — and even easier to be upsold. A persuasive salesperson might convince you to buy something that looks impressive in-store, but doesn’t align with your partner’s taste or your budget.

What to Do Instead:

  • Set a clear budget before you go

  • Look for jewelers (like FWCJ) who focus on education, not upselling

  • Prioritize style and quality over size alone

Remember, your goal isn’t just to impress — it’s to choose a ring that feels like them.

5. Waiting Too Long to Start Shopping

This is a huge one — especially for surprise proposals. Many rings require adjustments, resizing, or customizations. Waiting until the last minute can mean shipping delays, limited inventory, or not enough time to make it perfect.

What to Do Instead:

  • Start shopping at least 6–8 weeks before your planned proposal date

  • Communicate with your jeweler about timelines and turnaround

  • Consider proposing with a temporary setting and finalizing the design together later

Planning ahead gives you room to breathe and keeps your proposal stress-free.

Final Thoughts: Get the Ring, Keep the Surprise

Buying an engagement ring doesn’t have to be stressful — even if you’re doing it all in secret. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make confident decisions and deliver a magical moment your partner will never forget.

At FWCJ, we help first-time buyers every day — guiding you through the process, answering questions, and making sure your ring is as perfect as the proposal. Whether you’re just starting your search or ready to make a move, our team is here to help.

Start your journey today — Schedule an appointment or stop by our store to speak with a jeweler who understands the importance of your moment.

FAQs: Engagement Ring Shopping for First-Time Buyers

K
L
What are the biggest mistakes on engagement rings?
Common mistakes include guessing ring size, shopping too late, buying without research, overspending, and choosing a ring based on trends instead of personal style.
K
L
What should I know before going engagement ring shopping?
You should understand the 5 C’s (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat, Certification), know your budget, have a sense of your partner’s style, and leave time for resizing or custom work.
K
L
What are the 5 C’s of buying a ring?

  • Cut – Determines sparkle

  • Color – Measures colorlessness of the diamond

  • Clarity – Refers to internal flaws or inclusions

  • Carat – The weight (and size) of the diamond

  • Certification – Confirms the diamond’s quality and grading

K
L
Can I buy a ring without my partner knowing?
Yes! With the right strategy, you can choose a ring that fits their style and size without giving away the surprise. This blog covers exactly how to do it.