Restored with Skill and Precision
Expert Vintage and Antique Jewelry Restoration
Some jewelry carries a lifetime of memories. A family heirloom may have been worn by your great-grandmother, your grandmother, and your mother. Now it’s yours, and it may need a loose stone fixed, a prong repaired, or a clasp restored.
Johantgen Jewelers has been restoring vintage and antique jewelry in Minneapolis since 1896. As a family-owned and operated business with over 130 years of experience, we understand traditional jewelry-making techniques and know how to preserve a piece’s character while restoring its function.
- Conservative restoration that preserves original character- or a complete redesign, if that is your choice.
- Deep knowledge of jewelry reconstruction techniques
- Careful handling of irreplaceable family pieces
- Over 130 years of expertise with antique and vintage jewelry
Our Unique Expertise With Antique and Vintage Pieces
At Johantgen Jewelers, our 130-year history gives us a distinctive advantage when working with antique jewelry. We’ve been using time-honored techniques continuously since 1896, which means we understand historical construction methods from direct experience.
Time-Honored Techniques on New and Old Pieces
We apply traditional craftsmanship techniques to both antique restorations and new custom work. This versatility allows us to repair vintage pieces using appropriate methods while also creating new jewelry with the quality and character of earlier eras.
Transforming Old Pieces Into Something New
Many clients bring us antique jewelry they love but don’t wear. We specialize in reimagining these pieces, preserving the precious materials and sentimental value while creating something fresh and wearable. A grandmother’s brooch can become a pendant. An outdated ring can be redesigned while keeping its original stones.
Blending Old and New
We can incorporate traditional techniques into modern designs, giving new pieces the craftsmanship quality of antique jewelry. This approach works beautifully for clients who appreciate vintage aesthetics but want something designed for their own style.
Understanding What Makes Antique Pieces Special
Having worked with jewelry from every era since our founding, we recognize the construction methods, materials, and design elements that give antique pieces their character. This knowledge guides every restoration decision we make.
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Restoration Services for Vintage and Antique Jewelry
Every antique piece presents unique considerations. Here’s what we commonly address:
- Structural Stabilization
Antique pieces often need reinforcement without visible modification. Worn shanks, thinned settings, weakened joints. We stabilize structures to prevent future damage while preserving the piece’s appearance and character.
- Prong and Setting Restoration
Old prongs wear, bend, and break. Original settings loosen over time. We restore prongs and settings to secure stones properly, matching the original style and construction.
- Stone Tightening and Replacement
Loose stones are common in antique pieces. We tighten stones carefully, respecting delicate settings. When stones are missing, we source appropriate replacements or match existing stones as closely as possible.
- Clasp Repair and Replacement
Antique clasps wear out, break, or stop functioning safely. We repair original clasps when possible. When replacement is necessary, we source or create clasps that match the piece’s style and work reliably.
- Chain Repair and Restoration
Antique chains often feature links and construction no longer commonly used. We repair antique chains using appropriate techniques, matching original link styles and maintaining the chain’s character.
- Ring Sizing With Period Sensitivity
Sizing antique rings requires special consideration. Some designs can be sized using standard methods. Others have construction that makes traditional sizing difficult. We assess each ring individually and explain what’s possible.
- Enamel Repair
Antique enamel work requires specialized knowledge. We assess enamel damage and discuss repair options honestly. Some enamel can be repaired or stabilized. We’ll tell you what’s realistic for your specific piece.
- Pearl Restringing
Antique pearl necklaces need periodic restringing to remain safe to wear. We restring with appropriate silk thread and proper knotting between pearls.
- Cleaning Without Damage
Antique jewelry requires gentler cleaning methods than modern pieces. We clean antique pieces using appropriate techniques for their specific materials and construction.
- Full Restoration Projects
Some antique pieces need comprehensive work. We approach full restorations carefully, creating detailed plans and discussing every step before proceeding.
Have an antique piece that needs attention?
Bring It All
How We Approach Antique Jewelry Restoration
Step 1: Listening to the Piece’s Story
Before we examine anything, we want to hear about it. Where did it come from? What do you know about its history? What matters most to you? This context shapes our approach.
Step 2: Careful Examination
We examine your piece thoroughly, assessing construction methods, materials, era, condition, and any previous repairs. This examination often reveals things owners didn’t know about their pieces.
Step 3: Honest Assessment
We tell you exactly what we found, what the piece needs, and what we recommend. We explain the options and their implications. You get honest guidance based on our experience.
Step 4: Discussing Your Goals
What do you want from restoration? A piece you can wear daily? Something for occasional special occasions? Your goals shape the restoration plan.
Step 5: Detailed Plan and Quote
We provide a specific restoration plan describing exactly what we’ll do. You understand the work we’re proposing and why. The quote covers everything.
Step 6: Careful Restoration
We do the work using appropriate techniques for the piece’s era and construction. Original material is preserved wherever possible. Your piece is treated with the respect its significance deserves.
Step 7: Return and Education
When your piece is ready, we walk you through what was done and discuss ongoing care. Antique jewelry often has different care requirements than modern pieces.
Ready to give your antique piece the care it deserves?
Schedule!
Why Minneapolis Trusts Johantgen With Irreplaceable Jewelry
We’ve Been Here Since 1896
Our shop opened when the Victorian era was still ongoing. We’ve been working with antique jewelry since it was contemporary jewelry. The techniques we use have been passed down through generations of our craftspeople.
Family-Owned for Over 130 Years
As a reliable family-owned and operated business, we’ve handled precious heirlooms for five generations of Minneapolis families. We understand the weight of being entrusted with something irreplaceable.
Conservative Approach
We believe in doing what’s necessary to achieve the goal while preserving what makes a piece special. We’re not trying to make antique jewelry look brand new. We’re preserving character while restoring function and safety.
Honest Guidance
We tell you the truth about what’s possible and advisable. If we recommend against doing something, it’s because we believe it’s in your piece’s best interest.
Your Piece’s Ongoing Home
After restoration, we remain available for your piece’s ongoing care. Cleaning, inspection, minor adjustments, and advice about wear and storage.
Looking for jewelers who understand what you’re protecting?
You've Found Them
Don’t Take Our Word for It
When Minneapolis families need restoration for jewelry that can’t be replaced, they trust Johantgen:
“I brought in a mid-century Philippe Watch chronograph that had been sitting for decades, and Todd, the watchmaker, not only confirmed it was powered by a Valjoux movement, but brought it fully back to life.”
-Dan Monaghan ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I wanted to customize my wedding band using diamonds from my late grandmother’s ring. Todd was so patient and helped me create something more beautiful than I ever could have imagined. I would highly recommend him and his services!!!”
-April Ouellette ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I brought a pocket watch in to Johantgen Jewelers that I had recently acquired from my father. It had been his grandfather’s watch, but had been in storage for 40-50 years. Todd did a wonderful job getting it working perfectly. He also provided me with a lot of historical information about the watch and its value. I had an excellent experience, and would recommend Johantgen for your jewelry needs.”
-Mark Bothun ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Working with Johantgen Jewelers was the right choice when it came to having my custom wedding ring repaired. My ring is 10 years old and because of its intricate design and the nature of my job it had suffered…”
-Megan Grunerud ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Johantgen Jewelers is the ONLY place I will ever purchase fine jewelry or have repairs done. I have known Todd for about 35 years. My wedding ring has been well maintained and upgraded by his shop. He is an artisan…”
-Kathy Snyder ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Highly recommended! Todd is an expert at what he does and it’s great having a jeweler I can trust! He resized my wife’s golden birthday ring she got when she was 10. The ring has been in the family for multiple generations. Todd did a great job resizing the ring and my wife absolutely loves it and never takes it off.”
-Dominic Zebro ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I am beyond thrilled with my 25-year wedding ring from Johantgen Jewelers! They worked magic by repurposing my first ring, skillfully using the original diamonds, stones, and gold. The team designed a special setting that beautifully…”
-Lonna Rubesch ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Some things matter too much for careless hands.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my jewelry is truly antique?
Generally, “antique” means over 100 years old, while “vintage” refers to pieces 20-100 years old. Dating jewelry involves examining construction techniques, materials, hallmarks, and style. We can help assess the age of your pieces during examination.
Will restoration affect my piece’s value?
It depends on the restoration. Careful, appropriate restoration that preserves original character typically maintains or improves value by making pieces wearable and preventing further deterioration. We discuss these considerations when relevant.
How long does antique jewelry restoration take?
Simple repairs might take a week or two. Complex restorations can take several weeks to months. We provide realistic timelines after examining your piece.
How much does restoration cost?
Every piece and restoration is different. We provide detailed quotes after examination so you know exactly what’s involved.
Can you restore pieces that have been poorly repaired before?
Often, yes. We’ve repaired damage from inappropriate previous work. Whether we can fully address previous issues depends on their extent. We’ll give you an honest assessment.
Do you work on all eras of antique jewelry?
We work on pieces from virtually every era: Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Retro, Mid-Century, and vintage pieces from more recent decades.
What if my antique piece is too fragile to restore?
Some pieces are best preserved as display items rather than wearable jewelry. We’ll tell you honestly if that’s the case and discuss alternatives.
Can you source replacement parts for antique pieces?
We have access to vintage findings and period components. We can also create parts using traditional techniques when sourcing isn’t possible.
Can you transform an antique piece into something new?
Yes, this is something we enjoy doing. We can redesign antique jewelry into new pieces while preserving the original materials and sentimental value.
Have a question about your specific piece?
Let's talk!
We’re Here When You’re Ready
Inherited jewelry can feel like a responsibility you didn’t ask for. We can help you understand what you have and make decisions at your own pace.
Johantgen Jewelers has been helping Minneapolis families with estate jewelry for over 130 years. We evaluate everything fairly, share our assessment honestly, and let you decide without pressure.
Whenever you’re ready, we’re here.
Visit Our Minneapolis Shop