What Jewelry Services Does Hopman Jewelers Offer?

What Jewelry Services Does Hopman Jewelers Offer?

When you think of Hopman Jewelers, beautiful engagement rings, diamonds, watches, and estate jewelry may be the first things that come to mind. But did you know we offer many services to help you care for, repair, restore, protect, and even create your jewelry?

From a simple while-you-wait cleaning to custom jewelry design, insurance appraisals, watch repair, pearl restringing, permanent jewelry, and ear piercing, there may be more happening behind the scenes at Hopman Jewelers than you realize.

Located in beautiful Downtown Elkhart, Indiana, Hopman Jewelers has served our community since 1960. Here are some of the jewelry services you might not know we offer.

Table of Contents

• Does Hopman Jewelers repair jewelry? 
• Can I have my jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected? 
• What is a Deluxe Clean? 
• Does Hopman Jewelers repair watches? 
• Can I have jewelry custom designed? 
• Does Hopman Jewelers provide jewelry appraisals? 
• Can you restring pearls? 
• Does Hopman Jewelers offer permanent jewelry? 
• Does Hopman Jewelers Offer Ear Piercing?
• Can I sell gold, silver, or platinum to Hopman Jewelers? 
• Frequently Asked Questions 

Summary

Hopman Jewelers offers much more than jewelry shopping. Our services include jewelry repair and restoration, professional cleaning and inspection, watch repair, custom jewelry design, jewelry insurance appraisals, pearl restringing, permanent jewelry, ear piercing, and precious-metal buying.

Whether you need to repair a broken chain, restore a family heirloom, document jewelry for insurance, or turn an idea into a custom piece, our team can help you determine the next step.

Does Hopman Jewelers Repair Jewelry?

Yes! Jewelry repair is one of the many services available at Hopman Jewelers.

Fine jewelry is designed to last, but that doesn't mean it won't need maintenance along the way. Rings get worn, prongs become thin, chains break, and clasps eventually stop working properly.

Depending on the piece and its condition, jewelry repairs may include:

• Ring sizing 
• Prong repair and replacement 
• Stone tightening 
• Stone replacement 
• Chain repair 
• Clasp repair or replacement 
• Shank repair 
• Soldering 
• Refinishing and polishing 
• Jewelry restoration 

We can also evaluate older and sentimental jewelry that may require more extensive restoration.

If you're unsure whether something can be repaired, bring it in and let us take a look before giving up on it. You may be surprised by what's possible.

Can I Have My Jewelry Professionally Cleaned and Inspected?

Absolutely.

Everyday wear exposes jewelry to hand lotion, soap, cosmetics, skin oils, dirt, and other residue. Over time, all of that can accumulate underneath gemstones and inside settings, making jewelry look dull.

Our quick cleaning and inspection is typically performed while you wait.

We begin by inspecting your jewelry for potential concerns. When appropriate for the jewelry and gemstones, the piece is then placed in an ultrasonic cleaner. We finish by steaming away remaining dirt and debris.

Not every gemstone or piece of jewelry can safely go into an ultrasonic cleaner or be steam cleaned, which is one reason inspection comes first.

Professional inspection can also help identify worn prongs, loose gemstones, damaged settings, or other problems before they potentially lead to a lost stone.

Learn more about cleaning and inspections here.  

What Is a Deluxe Jewelry Clean?

Sometimes your jewelry needs more than a quick cleaning.

Our Deluxe Clean is a more extensive service designed to refresh the overall appearance of your jewelry.

Depending on the piece, this can include professional cleaning, polishing, and refinishing to help minimize normal surface scratches and restore the finish of the metal.

For appropriate white gold jewelry, rhodium plating can restore the bright white appearance many people associate with a freshly finished white gold ring.

Unlike our while-you-wait quick cleaning, a Deluxe Clean generally requires leaving the jewelry with us. Typical turnaround time is approximately 24–48 hours. Fees apply, and our staff can provide current pricing.

Does Hopman Jewelers Repair Watches?

Yes! Hopman Jewelers offers a wide variety of watch repair and maintenance services.

Whether your everyday watch simply needs a new battery or you have a mechanical, pocket, or luxury watch that requires more extensive attention, bring it to Hopman Jewelers and let us take a look.

Our watch services include:

• Watch battery replacement 
• Watch band replacement 
• Watch band sizing and adjustments 
• Gasket replacement 
• Pin replacement and repair 
• Stem and crown repair or replacement 
• Watch crystal replacement 
• Movement repair or replacement 
• Watch cleaning, overhaul and servicing 

We can also evaluate and service many different types of watches, including:

• Quartz watches 
• Automatic watches 
• Manual-wind watches 
• Pocket watches 
• Luxury watches 

How Do I Know What My Watch Needs?

Sometimes the answer is as simple as a new battery. Other times, a watch that has stopped running may have an issue with its movement, stem, crown, or another component.

If the bracelet is too loose or tight, we may be able to adjust it. If a watch band is worn or broken, we can help determine whether it can be replaced. Cracked or damaged crystals, missing pins, and worn components can also be evaluated for repair.

You don't have to know what's wrong with your watch before bringing it in. Stop by Hopman Jewelers in Downtown Elkhart and we'll take a look at it and discuss the appropriate next step.

Do All Watch Repairs Take the Same Amount of Time?

No. Something relatively simple, such as a battery replacement or bracelet adjustment, is very different from servicing a mechanical or luxury watch.

The type of watch, availability of replacement parts, and extent of the work required can all affect turnaround time and cost. We'll provide more information after evaluating your watch.

Can Hopman Jewelers Create Custom Jewelry?

This is one of the most exciting services we offer.

Custom jewelry allows you to create something specifically for you rather than choosing an existing piece from the jewelry case.

Maybe you have a loose diamond or gemstone that needs a setting. Perhaps you inherited jewelry that isn't your style but contains gemstones you'd love to wear. Or maybe you have an idea for something completely new.

Custom design can be a wonderful option for:

• Engagement rings 
• Wedding and anniversary jewelry 
• Right-hand rings 
• Pendants 
• Family jewelry 
• Heirloom redesigns 
• Memorial jewelry 
• One-of-a-kind gifts 

We'll work with you to explore what's possible and create a piece that tells your story.

Does Hopman Jewelers Provide Jewelry Appraisals?

Yes. Hopman Jewelers offers professional jewelry appraisal services, including insurance replacement appraisals and estate appraisals.

An appraisal provides detailed documentation about your jewelry, but the type of appraisal you need depends on why the value is being established.

What Is an Insurance Replacement Appraisal?

An insurance replacement appraisal is designed to document your jewelry and establish an appropriate replacement value for insurance purposes.

Depending on the item, an appraisal may include information such as:

• Metal type and purity 
• Gemstone identification 
• Diamond characteristics 
• Measurements 
• Estimated or known carat weights 
• Jewelry construction 
• Condition 
• Identifying marks or information 
• Photographs 
• Replacement value 

Having a current insurance appraisal can be especially important if your jewelry is ever lost, stolen, or damaged. Your insurance company can use the documentation to help determine what is needed to replace the piece with one of comparable quality.

What Is an Estate Jewelry Appraisal?

An estate appraisal serves a different purpose than an insurance replacement appraisal. Rather than determining what it would cost to replace an item through a jewelry store, an estate appraisal is used when jewelry needs to be valued for purposes related to an estate or other specific circumstances.

You may need an estate appraisal when:

• Settling the estate of a deceased family member 
• Dividing jewelry among heirs or family members 
• Establishing values for estate planning 
• Working with an attorney, accountant, executor, or personal representative 
• Documenting a jewelry collection as part of an estate 
• Determining appropriate values when personal property needs to be distributed 

For example, if several family members inherit a jewelry collection, an estate appraisal can provide an independent valuation of the individual pieces to help with an equitable distribution.

Is an Estate Appraisal the Same as an Insurance Appraisal?

No. This is an important distinction.

An insurance appraisal generally focuses on the amount necessary to replace an item with a comparable piece in the appropriate retail market.

An estate appraisal establishes value for a different intended use and market, so the value shown on an estate appraisal will be considerably less than insurance replacement value.  Estate appraisal values are fair market values.

That's why it's important to tell us why you need the appraisal before the process begins. We can help determine which type of appraisal is appropriate for your situation.

When Should I Have My Jewelry Appraised?

Consider having jewelry appraised when you:

• Purchase or inherit a significant piece of jewelry 
• Need documentation for your insurance company 
• Haven't updated an existing insurance appraisal in 3 years 
• Are settling an estate 
• Need jewelry valued for estate planning or distribution 
• Have significant jewelry without adequate documentation 
• Aren't sure exactly what you have 

If you're unsure whether you need an insurance replacement appraisal or an estate appraisal, bring your jewelry to Hopman Jewelers in Downtown Elkhart. We can discuss why you need the valuation and help determine the appropriate type of appraisal.

Can You Restring Pearls?

Yes!

Pearl necklaces and bracelets require a different type of maintenance than many other pieces of fine jewelry.

Over time, the silk or other stringing material can stretch, weaken, discolor, or become damaged. If you notice larger spaces developing between your pearls or if the strand appears stretched, it may be time to have them restrung.

Hopman Jewelers offers professional pearl restringing services to help keep your treasured strands secure and ready to wear.

Don't wait until the strand actually breaks. If something doesn't look right, have it inspected.

Does Hopman Jewelers Offer Permanent Jewelry?

Yes, and this has become one of our most fun services!

Permanent jewelry is custom-fit jewelry that is welded together rather than secured with a traditional clasp.

At Hopman Jewelers, you can choose from our selection of chains and create a permanent bracelet or other available style.

Permanent jewelry is especially fun for:

• Mothers and daughters 
• Best friends 
• Sisters 
• Couples 
• Birthdays 
• Celebrations 
• Girls' days out 
• "Just because" 

You can stop in for permanent jewelry, or make it an event by hosting one of our Permanent Jewelry Parties.

It's jewelry and an experience all rolled into one.

Does Hopman Jewelers Offer Ear Piercing?

Yes! Hopman Jewelers offers ear piercing right here in our Downtown Elkhart store.

Whether you're celebrating a first pair of earrings or simply adding another piercing to your collection, ear piercing is another fun way to make a jewelry moment a little more special.

Our team can help you choose your earrings and guide you through the piercing process, including instructions for caring for your new piercings afterward.

Ear piercing can be perfect for:

• A first pair of earrings 
• Birthdays and special milestones 
• Mothers and daughters 
• Adding a second piercing 
• A fun day out with friends 
• Simply treating yourself to something new 

Contact Hopman Jewelers or stop in to learn more about our ear-piercing services and current pricing.

Does Hopman Jewelers Buy Gold, Silver, and Platinum?

Yes!

That tangled chain, single earring, broken bracelet, old mounting, or jewelry you simply don't wear anymore may still have value because of its precious-metal content.

Hopman Jewelers buys qualifying gold, silver, and platinum.

You don't necessarily need to know what you have before coming in. Bring your items to the store and we'll take a look.

And remember: broken doesn't necessarily mean worthless. A piece may no longer be wearable as jewelry but still have value as precious metal.

What About Jewelry You Don't Know What to Do With?

This may be the most important service of all: you can ask us.

Jewelry boxes have a funny way of accumulating mysteries.

You may have Grandma's ring that needs repair, a loose gemstone you don't know what to do with, an old chain that keeps breaking, jewelry you inherited but don't wear, or a piece you're simply curious about.

Bring it with you.

Sometimes the answer is repair it. Sometimes it's clean it. Sometimes it's redesign it. Sometimes it needs an appraisal. And sometimes you may decide you'd rather sell the precious metal.

You don't have to know which service you need before walking through our doors. That's what we're here to help you figure out.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jewelry Services

Do I need an appointment for jewelry repair?
No, you can stop into Hopman Jewelers with your jewelry and let us take a look. Depending on the type of service needed, we'll explain the next steps and expected turnaround time.

How do I know if my jewelry needs repair?
Look for loose stones, bent or catching prongs, cracks, broken clasps, stretched chains, thinning metal, or anything that suddenly feels or looks different. When in doubt, have the piece inspected.

Can you repair jewelry that wasn't purchased at Hopman Jewelers?
Yes. You are welcome to bring jewelry to us for evaluation even if it wasn't originally purchased from Hopman Jewelers.

Should I have my jewelry cleaned before bringing it in for repair?
No. Bring it in as it is. We'll inspect the jewelry first and determine the appropriate cleaning and repair process.

Can old jewelry be made into something new?
In many cases, yes. Depending on the condition and construction of the original jewelry, gemstones may be incorporated into a new custom design. Bring your jewelry in so we can discuss the possibilities.

More Than a Jewelry Store

For more than six decades, Hopman Jewelers has been part of the Elkhart community. While beautiful jewelry may bring you through our doors, taking care of that jewelry for years to come is an equally important part of what we do.

Whether you need a quick cleaning, an important repair, a jewelry appraisal, a custom creation, or simply some guidance about a piece sitting in your jewelry box, visit us at Hopman Jewelers in beautiful Downtown Elkhart.

Jewelry for every engagement.