Can an Old Family Polki Set Be Repaired or Remade in Surat?

Often, yes. An old Polki set can usually be cleaned, repaired or re-set, and when it is too worn or the design no longer suits you, its gold can go towards a new Polki or diamond piece. Because we make Polki jewellery in our own manufacturing unit in Surat, our team can look at a family set and tell you honestly which of these routes makes sense before any work starts.

What usually goes wrong with an old Polki set?

Polki pieces are made to last generations, but years of weddings and storage leave their mark. The most common problems are:

• Loose or missing stones, especially small Polki or pearls at the edges.
• Dull or darkened stones, often because the backing behind the stone has aged or moisture has reached it.
• Worn hooks, clasps and threads, so the necklace no longer sits right or feels unsafe.
• Broken earring supports or a bent maang tikka chain.
• Faded enamel or colour on the back of the piece.

Each of these is different to fix, which is why the set needs to be seen before anyone can say what is possible.

How is an heirloom set assessed?

Start by sending clear photos of the front and the back of every piece on WhatsApp, with close-ups of any damage. When the set reaches us, our team looks at:

1. The stones: how many are loose, missing or dull, and whether they can be re-set.
2. The gold frame: whether it is strong enough for repair, or worn thin.
3. The fittings: hooks, clasps, threads and earring supports.
4. What you want: the same look restored, a lighter version for daily functions, or a new design.

We then explain the options plainly, including what we do not recommend, so you can decide with your family.

Repair, re-set or remake: which is right?

• Repair suits a set that is sound but has a few loose stones, a broken clasp or tired threads. The look stays exactly as it was.
• Re-set suits a set whose gold frame is fine but whose stones need to come out, be cleaned and go back in, or be arranged in a slightly updated way.
• Remake suits a set that is badly worn, too heavy to wear, or simply not your style. The old gold can be taken in exchange towards a new piece, and a favourite motif can often be carried into the new design.

Many families choose a mix: restore the necklace exactly as the grandmother wore it, and remake the earrings into a lighter pair the bride will wear again. See our Polki jewellery page for the kind of pieces we make.

How are the gold and stones recorded?

Whatever route you choose, the work should be written down clearly. When a family piece is remade, ask for the weight of the old gold you handed over and the weight and karat of the new piece, each shown separately. The new gold carries a BIS HUID hallmark, which you can check in the BIS Care app. Our guide on how to tell if Polki jewellery is real explains what the bill for a Polki piece should show.

How do I keep the set safe afterwards?

Store each piece flat and separately in a soft pouch or lined box, away from damp. Keep it away from water, perfume and hairspray, wipe it gently with a soft dry cloth after wearing, and have the hooks and threads checked before each wedding season. Our guide on how to clean and store Polki and Kundan jewellery has step-by-step care tips.

What should I bring when I visit?

Bring every piece of the set, even the ones that are not damaged, so the whole set can be seen together and kept consistent. If you have the old bill, a family photo of someone wearing the set, or any loose stones that have fallen out, bring those too; they help our team understand how the set was made and how it looked. Write down which pieces the bride or the family wants to wear at which function, and the dates, so the work can be planned in the right order. If you live outside Surat, start with photos on WhatsApp and our team will explain the simplest way to bring or send the set for assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Can you add new stones to match an old Polki set?

Often, yes, though each Polki stone is unique, so an exact match is not always possible. Our team will show you the closest options before any stone is added.

Can an old Polki set be made lighter to wear?

Yes, in many cases. The set can be remade into a lighter design, or the heaviest piece can be split into two pieces that are easier to wear through long functions.

How long does Polki restoration or a remake take?

It depends on the work. A new custom piece usually takes 4 days to 3 weeks from the final design; for repairs, our team will give you a timeline once the set has been seen.

To have your family set looked at, send photos on WhatsApp to +91 99980 43886, or book a visit to our Parle Point showroom.