Repairs & Care

Repairs & Care

First and foremost — we understand. Many of our customers wear their El Gato Montes pieces daily. Our leather goods are designed to be used, traveled with, broken in, and loved for years. Because of that, we completely understand how disappointing wear or damage can feel.

While our pieces are handcrafted with high-quality leather and carefully set stones, normal wear and tear is simply part of the life cycle of well-loved leather goods. At this time, we unfortunately cannot offer in-house repair services.

Below is a helpful guide for common situations.

Simple Leather or Hardware Repairs

For issues such as:

  • Broken or stuck zippers
  • Loose snaps or clasps
  • Minor tears or seam separation
  • Strap adjustments
  • Hardware needing replacement

A local shoe repair shop (cobbler) or leather repair specialist is often the best solution. Cobbler shops work with leather and hardware every single day. They are highly skilled in small structural repairs and typically offer fast turnaround times at very reasonable pricing.

To find one near you, simply search:

  • "Shoe repair near me"
  • "Leather repair near me"

An added bonus — most cobblers and leather repair shops are small, locally owned businesses. Choosing to work with one not only restores your piece but also supports craftsmanship and entrepreneurship in your community.

If a Stone Has Fallen Out

Our stones are set securely to the best of our ability, but like any hand-set stone in a piece that is worn and moved regularly, they can occasionally loosen over time — especially with consistent wear, travel, or impact.

If you still have the stone: bring both the piece and the stone to a local leather repair specialist. In many cases, they can reset it without issue.

If the stone is missing: we understand that this can feel disappointing, especially if you felt connected to that particular stone. This can also be an opportunity. You may choose to:

  • Visit a local crystal or gem shop and select a new stone that resonates with you now
  • Give your piece a renewed personality and story
  • Have a local repair specialist set the new stone for you

Many customers find this process meaningful. A piece that has lived with you long enough to need a new stone has earned a new chapter.

Why Wear Happens (Even With Quality Leather)

Leather is a natural material. It softens, stretches, and develops character over time. Hardware experiences friction. Stones are subject to movement and impact. When you use a piece consistently — for travel, festivals, work, and everyday life — it becomes part of your story. With time, that story shows in the material.

That isn't a flaw. It's part of the evolution.

Care Tips to Extend the Life of Your Piece

  • Avoid hanging heavy bags on sharp edges or chair backs
  • Store in a cool, dry space when not in use
  • Keep away from prolonged moisture or extreme heat
  • Clean gently with a soft, dry cloth — avoid direct pressure on stones
  • Condition leather every 6-12 months with a quality leather conditioner

A Final Note

We truly appreciate the love you give your El Gato Montes pieces. The fact that they are worn enough to need care means they are being lived in — and that means everything to us.

If you still have questions after reviewing this guide, feel free to reach out at support@elgatomontes.com. We're always happy to help point you in the right direction.