I have been wearing the same cabochon-cut hematite ring for 25 years. Hematite is just delicate enough that after 25 years, it pretty much looked like granite - scratched, dinged and dingy.
I had been looking for a lapidary for two years. Every one from here that I called was either excessively expensive, wouldn't work on hematite, or is only open 9-5 M-F (really useful for someone who, you know, works!)... so I kept hunting.
During the Dundas West Street Fair, I happened to pass DP Jewellery and saw a sign mentioning "repair." I figured, what the hell, give it a try.
The lady behind the counter - the owner, I believe - repeatedly said that she would do the best she could but wouldn't guarantee it would be perfect. I like someone who doesn't try to give false hope! That said, I told her just as often that "if it's better than it is, I will be happy."
Well, she was completely wrong not to guarantee perfection, because it's sure as hell what she delivered. After a quarter century of wear, I have what looks like a brand-freakin'-new ring!
Her prices were eminently reasonable, parking near the business was easy, she was a really nice lady who was completely honest with her customer, the turnaround was fairly fast (less than 10 days - one other place was saying a month and about 6x the price). read more