Frequently asked Questions
1.) What should I do first when valuable items break?
- Never ever "glue" your broken pieces together. It will skyrocket the price of restoration, especially if you use rubber, silicone, or epoxy cements.
- Relax! It is almost certain that it can be repaired!
- Pick up all the pieces carefully, so as not to cut yourself and not to cause further damage to the broken pieces.
- Wrap the larger pieces in bubble wrap or tissue and put inside a zip lock bag.
- Put small and tiny pieces in tissue and then put in zip lock bags.
2.) Are all restorers the same?
- No! Make sure they have experience and education by checking on their references and experience. It takes practice to do a quality invisible restoration. It also requires a continuing education to keep up on the latest techniques.
- The China and Crystal Clinic is a member of the Association of Restorers (AOR). The association prides themselves on continuing education and following careful guidelines for conservation as well as restoration. We do our own work (not hired out) and have over 60 years of combined experience in the restoration field. Please see our many references.
3.) Can I have dinnerware restored?
- You can, but we will not guarantee it for use.
- I would suggest you do it for decorative purposes only. Restoration is not fired in a kiln. The chemicals involved with glazing the items are not approved for food.
- Crystal items are a different matter. Chips taken out of crystal will have no effect on its future use. Crystal that is bonded together can usually be used again, depending on the material we use. Please let us know that you want to be able to use the item before we begin the process.
4.) How long will it take to have an item restored?
- It will depend on what the damages are. Normally we have a full restoration back to the customer in a matter of 4 to 6 weeks. A rebond only (conservation) usually takes about 1 to 3 weeks. Again, it depends on the degree of damage. To grind a chip from a goblet or bowl is usually a couple of weeks.
5.) Can I get an estimate before sending the piece?
- It is impossible to determine the amount of damages without being able to see the piece.
6.) How much will it cost?
- To have chips ground from a goblet runs from $20.00 and up. Depends on the thickness of the glass and the depth of the chip - not how many chips.
- To rebond (conservation) a piece starts at $45.00 and up.
- Full restorations start at $95.00 and up.
- Swarovski Crystals - $65.00 and up.
7.) Does restoration effect its value?
- That is up to the buyer! In other words, if the piece is valuable or rare it might not effect the price much at all - example a restored painting!
- If the piece is a family heirloom - value will be the fact that you can keep and enjoy it again without thinking about it being broken.
8.) How should I ship it to you?
9.) What if some of the pieces are missing?
- Missing pieces are our specialty! We can refabricate most anything, including some crystal parts.
10.) What if the item has already been restored or glued together badly?
- We have the correct method of removal for poorly restored items. It is not uncommon, for people to try and fix it themselves first.
- We have been re-restoring bad restorations for years and believe we are one of the best restoration studios available today.