Survey Reveals Half of Jewelry Owners Experience Breakage, but High Cost Concerns Keep Many from Repairs

■ How do you handle jewelry and accessory repairs?

Whether it's a stone coming loose from a long-cherished ring or a necklace clasp suddenly breaking, most jewelry wearers have experienced such mishaps. While some seek immediate repair, many others tuck their items away in a drawer, unsure of where to go or worried about the expense.

JEWELRY KIKUYA, in collaboration with NEXER Co., Ltd., conducted a survey on 'Jewelry and Accessory Repair and Maintenance Experience and Awareness' among 154 men and women nationwide who own jewelry.

### Survey Overview
- Methodology: Online survey
- Period: April 9, 2026 – April 15, 2026
- Target: Jewelry and accessory owners nationwide
- Valid Responses: 154 samples

### Key Findings

#### 50.0% Have Experienced Damage or Breakage
When asked if they had ever experienced damage or breakage to their jewelry, exactly 50.0% answered 'Yes' and 50.0% answered 'No'. It appears that owning jewelry inevitably leads to encounters with damage or deterioration over time, often due to daily use affecting delicate designs.

#### Most Common Response: 'Stored as is' at 31.2%
Among those who experienced breakage, the most common action was to 'store it as is' (31.2%), followed by 'sent for repair' (27.3%), 'threw it away' (15.6%), and 'left it unattended' (13.0%). Less than 30% sought professional repair, while over 40% combined are leaving their damaged items untouched.

#### 66.7% Request Repairs from the Original Store
Of those who did seek repairs, 66.7% went to the store where they originally purchased the item. This indicates that most people prefer consulting the original retailer first for a sense of security. Other destinations included specialty jewelry repair shops (23.8%) and department stores (4.8%).

#### Reasons for Choosing a Repair Shop
Participants cited several factors for their choice:
- **Original Purchase Store:** 'It feels more reliable for parts,' 'It feels more certain.'
- **Specialty Shops:** 'Good reviews on social media or from friends,' 'Convenient location.'

#### Why People Don't Repair Their Jewelry
The primary reason for not seeking repairs was the concern that the 'cost seems high.' The lack of clear pricing often acts as a deterrent, leading many to leave their precious items unused in storage. The sentiment common across responses was the need for trust that the item would be properly fixed.