Jewelry store owners immersed in the craft understand firsthand the pivotal role of in-house repairs and custom work. Industry data underscores this sentiment, revealing that repair services can bolster a jewelry store’s revenue by an average of 10%–15%. Furthermore, custom jewelry sales saw a remarkable 38% surge from 2019 to 2020, signaling a thriving market that continues to flourish.

Established in 1944, Rio Grande stands as a trusted industry source, fortified by its extensive network of industry connections with Berkshire Hathaway sister companies like Nordt and LeachGarner. This longstanding legacy enables Rio Grande to support bench jewelers and retailers with comprehensive supplies crucial for building profitable repair and custom services.

Reliable Revenue and Solid Connections
When sales slow and seasonal rushes end, in-house repairs are a significant revenue stream that pays dividends beyond individual services. Even minor repairs and restorations encourage customers to spend more time browsing in the store, giving them the opportunity to spend more. The meticulous care taken in preserving cherished memories and reviving treasured possessions fosters trust and loyalty among a shop’s clientele, ensuring that your establishment remains their preferred choice for future purchases. Another—perhaps surprising—advantage is that repair customers account for around 60% of foot traffic to jewelry stores, drastically building a retailer’s potential customer base. In most cases, customers visit the store twice for repairs—once for dropoff and once for pickup.

Stocked and Streamlined
Staying stocked with important tools and supplies is a must when it comes to efficient, profitable repairs, from go-to bench basics such as torches and hand tools to a wide range of precious metal raw materials. And when it comes to upping the efficiency and profitability of repairs, few investments have more impact than a jewelry laser welder, which makes complex repairs and heirloom restorations easier and less time-consuming. By producing a small heat zone, a laser welder eliminates the need to remove delicate, heat-sensitive gemstones and allows the jeweler to complete tasks like delicate prong retipping and inlay restoration in a fraction of the time. Quicker repairs increase capacity—and profitability.

In-Demand Designs for Discerning Customers
A skilled jeweler at the helm of a well-outfitted bench is instrumental in fulfilling the personalized preferences of today’s discerning clientele. Whether it’s offering sentimental engraving on a wedding ring or crafting bespoke, one-of-a-kind pieces, custom work presents a myriad of revenue opportunities. Foundational materials, including high-quality precious metals, lay the groundwork for creativity, while core classics such as settings, mountings, and rings provide a streamlined approach to custom designs, allowing for personalized touches with minimal time investment.

Committed to Customization
Modern consumers, particularly younger generations, gravitate toward personalized engagement, wedding, and bridal jewelry that reflects the uniqueness of their relationships. While traditional diamond engagement rings remain perennial favorites, alternative center gemstones like lab-grown diamonds, sapphires, and moissanites have gained considerable traction. Embracing varying degrees of customization, from intricate stone setting to start-to-finish custom designs, enables a store to cater to an expansive range of preferences, ensuring that your offerings remain as diverse and dynamic as your customers.

By making the most of in-house repairs, investing in cutting-edge equipment, and embracing the artistry of custom jewelry design, your business can both enhance revenue and strengthen customer bonds, positioning your store as a trusted presence in the ever-evolving jewelry landscape.

Explore Rio Grande’s vast array of essential supplies for custom designs and repair work, including high-quality precious metal raw materials, hand tools, production equipment, and classic gold findings.