If you have started shopping for a diamond in the Chicago area recently, you have probably noticed something that was not on the radar ten years ago: lab-grown diamonds. They are in nearly every jeweler's display case now, and the conversation around them has gotten louder — and more confusing.

Some people swear by them. Others are skeptical. And most shoppers just want a straight answer: what is the actual difference, and which one is right for me?

Here is what we tell our clients at LaBelle when they ask, which is almost every day now.

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.