Jewelry takes a beating. You wear it every day, through dishwashing and dog walks and gym sessions and everything in between. Over time, even the highest-quality pieces show signs of wear. The tricky part is knowing when something needs professional attention versus when it is just normal aging.

Ignoring a small problem now can turn into a big one later. A loose prong today becomes a lost diamond next month. A thinning ring band eventually snaps. The good news is that most jewelry repair is straightforward and affordable — if you catch it early enough.

Here are eight signs it is time to bring your jewelry to a professional, plus what to look for when choosing a repair jeweler in the Chicago area.