topic Re: Earrings - type of closure - possible to change? in Jewelry

Earrings - type of closure - possible to change?

Julie_23 — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 08:21:36 GMT

Does anyone know if jewelers are able to change out the type of closures on earrings? For example, change a "hinge with snap bar closure" to that of a simple post/clutch style that is commonly seen on a pearl stud earring?

I realize it may depend on the jeweler, and I hope to ask them. But, I was hoping someone might have input here.

Thanks!

Re: Earrings - type of closure - possible to change?

Desertdi — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 09:48:20 GMT

I have had wires and shepherd hooks changed to lever backs.

Re: Earrings - type of closure - possible to change?

Shanus — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 12:08:51 GMT

@Julie_23 wrote:

Does anyone know if jewelers are able to change out the type of closures on earrings? For example, change a "hinge with snap bar closure" to that of a simple post/clutch style that is commonly seen on a pearl stud earring?

I realize it may depend on the jeweler, and I hope to ask them. But, I was hoping someone might have input here.

Thanks!

@Julie_23 The best answer is “it depends”. Is it silver or gold, does a stone have to be removed to solder on the backing (called a finding), is there enough room to accommodate the type of closure you’d like? The jeweler can answer your questions.

Re: Earrings - type of closure - possible to change?

violann — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 13:05:54 GMT

“Where there’s a Will, there’s a Way”. I’ve had a lot

of earrings converted and done some conversions myself.

In a situation like yours, my DH pulls the original closure off the earring with his trusty pliers, then I glue on the post and clutch with super glue.

Needless to say, the pricier the earring, the more I want them converted by a jeweler.

My dad gave me “scr*w on” post and clutch platinum studs set with a .25 k diamond each, and when I had them converted the very upscale jeweler used a white gold lever back, which I found infuriating, but the trade off was, I wear them much MUCH more NOW, than before I had them done.

If I were you, I’d get an opinion from a couple jewelers and base my decision on what info you were given by each of them.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Re: Earrings - type of closure - possible to change?

CalminHeart — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 13:41:45 GMT

Yes earrings can be changed. Just be sure to find a good, local independent jeweler. Never go to chain or mall jewelers for repairs.

I've had a lot of earrings changed over the years. I don't like to wear posts or shepherd hooks but if I like the earrings, I'll get them and have them put on leverbacks.

I wear only 14k and buy close-out leverback earrings in rose gold and yellow gold so I always have them handy...it's cheaper than having a jeweler get 14k leverback findings for me.

Re: Earrings - type of closure - possible to change?

Julie_23 — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 17:27:59 GMT

Thanks so much, everybody. Your replies really helped!

Re: Earrings - type of closure - possible to change?

IMW — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 18:18:34 GMT

Yes

Re: Earrings - type of closure - possible to change?

Kachina624 — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 20:54:27 GMT

@Desertdi. @Julie_23. I buy big lots of silver plated leverbacks and change the shepherd's hooks to leverbacks myself. I have jeweler's tools that I got at Walmart and can change them in 30 seconds or less. With the snap bar, a jeweler could simply twist off the anchor part of the closure and solder the bar in place permanently and add a butterfly clasp. This would only work on sterling or gold, no costume jewelry.

Re: Earrings - type of closure - possible to change?

SilleeMee — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 23:22:03 GMT

@Julie_23 wrote:

Does anyone know if jewelers are able to change out the type of closures on earrings? For example, change a "hinge with snap bar closure" to that of a simple post/clutch style that is commonly seen on a pearl stud earring?

I realize it may depend on the jeweler, and I hope to ask them. But, I was hoping someone might have input here.

Thanks!

Removing the hinge part of a hoop to replace it with a stationary post would require cutting off the hinge then soldering a post where the hinge was before. If there are any gemstones set in the hoops, then those will need to be removed before any of this can be done and that will cost a lot....but it can be done.

Re: Earrings - type of closure - possible to change?

Julie_23 — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 05:49:07 GMT

Thanks again to you all --- great input and suggestions for sure!! I really appreciate your help.

Re: Earrings - type of closure - possible to change?

Desertdi — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 09:35:57 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:
@Desertdi. @Julie_23. I buy big lots of silver plated leverbacks and change the shepherd's hooks to leverbacks myself. I have jeweler's tools that I got at Walmart and can change them in 30 seconds or less. With the snap bar, a jeweler could simply twist off the anchor part of the closure and solder the bar in place permanently and add a butterfly clasp. This would only work on sterling or gold, no costume jewelry.

@Kachina624 Wow.....You're good! Actually, I have thought about taking a basic jewelry-making course, since I would like to shorten some 18" necklaces to 16". I just need a good swift kick to get myself motivated(!) d

Re: Earrings - type of closure - possible to change?

Kachina624 — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 18:35:28 GMT

@Desertdi. I took a beading class a few years ago at Rio Grande Jewelry Supply, which is the largest in the country. I wanted to take a silversmithing class but couldn't find one here. Can you believe it? I took one in college and loved it.