First: why did it crack?
Nearly always because the metal got thin there first. Occasionally a knock, or a stress point left by an old repair. It matters, because simply closing the gap in thin metal buys you a few months.
Two different repairs
Soldering the crack is right when the metal either side is still healthy — a clean break in a sound band.
Re-shanking is right when the crack happened because the band had worn away. The tired section comes out and new metal goes in. It costs more and it is the one that lasts.
We will tell you which yours is, and we will tell you honestly rather than selling you the bigger job.
Stones come first
A cracked band has usually been flexing for a while, and flexing loosens settings. Everything gets checked and pressed before the ring goes back to you.
Do not keep wearing it
A crack under load opens. A ring that opens on your finger can catch and bend, and bent metal with stones in it is a much bigger job than a crack.
Questions we get asked
Can a cracked ring be saved?
Nearly always. The question is whether it needs soldering or re-shanking, and that depends on how thin the metal is either side of the break.
Should I keep wearing it?
No. Every flex travels the crack further. Put it somewhere safe and bring it in.
Will the repair show?
On a properly finished job, no. It is soldered, shaped and polished back to the original profile.
Do you check the stones too?
Yes. A band that has been flexing usually has settings that need attention as well.
Not sure we can fix it?
Send a couple of details and we will call you back. Or just walk in — it is quicker, and we can actually look at the piece.
Drop it off, shop the mall, wear it tonight
We are inside Orland Square Mall in Orland Park. Walk in during mall hours, no appointment. Most repairs are finished the same day and a good number while you wait.
Where we are
Julio's Jewelry, 800 Orland Square Drive, Orland Park, IL 60462 — inside Orland Square Mall. Mon–Thu 10am–8pm · Fri–Sat 10am–9pm · Sun 11am–6pm. We are also at North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 W Cermak Rd, North Riverside, IL 60546.