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Quick Questions?
Please reach out to us at support@elgatomontes.com
Repairs & Care
A Note About Repairs
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 it can feel when something needs attention.
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 repairs. However, most repair needs are more accessible and straightforward than you might think, and can often be handled locally, quickly, and cost-effectively.
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 helps restore your piece but also supports craftsmanship and entrepreneurship within your own 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 daily wear, impact, or pressure.
If You Still Have the Stone
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
If the stone has been lost, 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. Select a new stone that resonates with you now
Give your piece a renewed personality and story
A local repair specialist can typically set a new stone for you. Many customers have used this moment as a meaningful refresh.
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, especially 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
To help preserve your leather goods:
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 or impact on stone settings
Check hardware periodically to ensure screws or snaps remain secure
If you wear your piece daily, consider rotating it with another item in your collection. Allowing leather to rest between uses can significantly extend its lifespan and reduce stress on hardware and stone settings. You may also choose to condition your leather occasionally with a high-quality leather conditioner designed for full-grain leather.
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 to:
support@elgatomontes.com
We’re always happy to help point you in the right direction.
There are no products listed under this category.
Quick Questions?
Please reach out to us at support@elgatomontes.com