A clasp that no longer closes. A claw that has worn thin and left a stone sitting loose. A chain that snapped at the worst possible moment. A ring that no longer fits the finger it was made for. These are the small failures that happen to jewellery over time — and every one of them is fixable in the right hands.
At Franco Jewellers on Collins Street, Melbourne, our master jeweller carries out all jewellery repairs in-house. There is no courier bag, no unknown workshop, and no anxious wait wondering where your jewellery has gone. Your piece is assessed here, repaired here, and returned to you here — by the same skilled hands that create our custom engagement rings and wedding bands. That continuity of care matters, particularly when the piece involved is irreplaceable.
Jewellery Repair Services We Offer
Whether your piece needs a minor fix or a more significant restoration, our master jeweller — with over 25 years of specialised experience — has the expertise to return it to its best. We work with all precious metals including 18ct gold (yellow, white, and rose), platinum, and sterling silver, and with diamonds, coloured gemstones, and pearls.
Ring Resizing
A ring that no longer fits is a ring that doesn’t get worn. Weight changes, temperature, and the natural shift of fingers over time all affect fit — and resizing is one of the most common repairs we perform. We resize rings in all precious metals, both up and down in size, and assess each piece individually to ensure the resizing method chosen preserves the integrity of the band, any set stones, and the original finish.
Some rings — particularly those with channel-set stones, intricate patterns, or engravings running the full circumference — require additional care during resizing. We will always discuss this with you honestly before proceeding, including whether there are any limitations on how much a particular ring can be resized without compromising its structure.
Claw Re-Tipping and Stone Tightening
Claws wear down with everyday contact. A claw that has become thin, pointed, or bent is a claw at risk of releasing the stone it holds. This is one of the most important preventative repairs in fine jewellery — and one that is easily missed without a regular professional inspection.
Our master jeweller re-tips worn claws with precision, building them back to their original height and shape using matching metal. We also check and tighten any stones that have developed movement in their settings, preventing loss before it happens. If your engagement ring or any fine jewellery piece hasn’t been professionally inspected in the past year or two, a claw check is a worthwhile first step.
Chain and Clasp Repairs
Broken chains and failed clasps are among the most common jewellery repairs. Whether the break is a simple link separation or a more complex fracture at a solder point, our jeweller repairs chains across all precious metals with clean, strong joins that restore the piece to full wearability. We also replace worn or broken clasps — lobster clasps, box clasps, spring rings, and toggle clasps — sourcing appropriate replacements matched to the original metal and weight of your chain.
Stone Replacement
A missing stone — whether a centre diamond, a side stone, or a pave accent — changes the entire appearance of a piece. We source replacement stones matched to the original in cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight, and set them with the same precision applied to our custom work. For centre diamonds requiring replacement, GIA certification is available on request. For coloured gemstones including sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and others, we draw on our extensive network of suppliers to find a match that restores the original character of your piece.
Rhodium Plating for White Gold
White gold is naturally a light yellow colour — the bright white finish on white gold jewellery comes from a thin layer of rhodium plating applied during manufacture. Over time, this plating wears away, and the warmer undertone of the gold begins to show through. Re-plating restores the original bright white finish and also provides a protective layer that extends the life of the metal surface. We recommend re-plating white gold engagement rings every one to two years depending on wear patterns.
Professional Cleaning and Polishing
Oils, skin residue, cosmetics, and everyday grime accumulate in the settings and surfaces of jewellery over time, dulling stones and metal alike. Professional ultrasonic cleaning removes this build-up safely and thoroughly — restoring brilliance to diamonds and clarity to coloured stones in a way that home cleaning cannot replicate. We also offer hand polishing to remove light surface scratches and restore the original finish of your piece, whether high polish, brushed, or satin.
General Restoration and Repairs
Beyond the specific services listed above, our master jeweller assesses and repairs a wide range of jewellery issues: bent or damaged settings, broken earring posts and backs, soldering repairs, hinge and catch mechanisms on brooches and bangles, and the reattachment of decorative elements that have become detached. If you have a piece that needs attention and you are not sure whether it can be repaired, bring it in. We will give you an honest assessment of what is possible.
The Repairs Process at Franco Jewellers
Bringing jewellery in for repair should be straightforward and stress-free. Here is how it works at our Collins Street boutique.
Assessment and quote: Bring your piece into our boutique at Suite 904, 220 Collins Street. Our master jeweller will examine it carefully and provide a clear assessment of the repair required along with a written quote. There is no charge for this assessment, and no work begins until you have approved the quote.
Repair: All work is carried out in-house. Turnaround times depend on the complexity of the repair — minor repairs such as clasp replacements and simple chain solders can often be completed within a few days, while more involved work such as stone replacement or full restorations may take one to two weeks. We provide a realistic timeframe at the point of assessment and keep you informed if anything changes.
Collection: When your piece is ready, we contact you to arrange collection. We walk you through the work completed and, where relevant, provide advice on how to care for the piece going forward — including recommended inspection intervals to catch future wear before it becomes a problem.
Why Trust Franco Jewellers With Your Repairs?
Jewellery repair requires more than technical skill. It requires the judgement to know when a repair is straightforward, when additional care is needed, and when a client should be advised that a particular approach carries risk. That judgement comes from experience — and our master jeweller brings over 25 years of it to every piece that comes through our workshop.
Franco Jewellers has been part of Melbourne’s Collins Street since 1968. The relationships we have built over 58 years are built on trust, and trust is built on honesty. We will not recommend a repair that is not needed, and we will not proceed with work without your full understanding of what is involved. If a piece has limitations — if, for example, a ring’s design means resizing is only possible within a narrow range — we will tell you clearly before you make a decision.
Everything stays in-house. Your jewellery does not leave our building. It is held securely in our boutique throughout the repair process, fully insured, and returned to you with a written record of the work completed.
Silvana and Daniela are on hand throughout the process. As second-generation owners who have grown up surrounded by fine jewellery, they understand how much these pieces mean — and they ensure every repair is handled with the care and attention that meaning deserves.
What Our Customers Have to Say
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does jewellery remodelling cost in Melbourne?
The cost of remodelling depends on the complexity of the design, the amount of new metal required, the number of stones being reset, and the labour involved. Because every project is different, we provide individual quotes after the initial consultation and assessment. There are no hidden costs, and we don’t begin any work until you have approved the quote in writing.
Can you use my existing gold and stones?
Yes — and this is often the most significant part of the process. Your existing gold is melted down and incorporated into the new piece. Your diamonds and gemstones are carefully removed, assessed, and reset into the new design. In most cases, very little new material is needed, which can make remodelling a cost-effective way to create something entirely new.
How long does jewellery remodelling take?
Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the project and current workshop load. A straightforward ring redesign may take four to six weeks; more complex pieces with custom CAD design and multiple stones may take longer. We’ll give you a realistic timeline at the outset and keep you informed throughout the process.
Is my jewellery insured while it’s with you?
Yes. All jewellery left in our care is fully insured. We’ll provide you with a written receipt and condition report at drop-off, and your piece remains securely held in our Collins Street boutique throughout the process.
Do I need an appointment?
For remodelling consultations, we recommend booking an appointment to ensure you have dedicated time with Silvana or Daniela without interruption. Walk-ins are welcome Monday to Saturday between 11am and 4pm, though appointment availability may vary. Sunday visits are by appointment only. You can book online or call us on (03) 9564 7755.
Bring Your Piece In for an Assessment
If you have jewellery that needs attention — whether it’s a loose stone, a broken chain, a ring that no longer fits, or a piece that’s simply lost its brilliance — bring it into Franco Jewellers for an obligation-free assessment.
Our master jeweller will examine your piece, explain exactly what it needs, and provide a clear written quote before any work begins. There is no pressure, no obligation, and no surprises.
Franco Jewellers is located at Suite 904, Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne — on the 9th floor of one of Melbourne’s most iconic heritage buildings, accessible via public transport with Flinders Street Station a short walk away.
Walk-ins are welcome Monday to Saturday, 11am–4pm. Sunday visits are by appointment only. Call (03) 9564 7755 or email franco@franco.com.au to arrange a time, or book online at https://www.franco.com.au/book-an-appointment/.
We also offer expert jewellery remodelling for clients looking to transform inherited or unworn pieces into something new, and Swiss watch repairs and servicing for luxury timepieces — all carried out in-house at our Collins Street boutique.
Contact Information:
📍 Melbourne CBD Showroom (by appointment)
📞 Call: (03) 9650 5133
📧 Email: enquiries@franco.com.au
