Justin Robinson hasn’t completely tossed away his old flame, but it’s easy to see he has a new love.

Since the Starweld Performance laser welder came into his life less a year ago, his affection for jewelry repair has only grown. He still keeps his propane torch handy at his work station in the back of Robinson Jewelers and occasionally fires it up. His time and commitment, though, are pledged to the fancier, more expensive model.

“I don’t know what I would do without it now,” said Robinson, the third generation to work in the family business started by his grandfather in 1969.

“It’s made me a better jeweler, it really has,” Robinson said. “Aand we’re able to do things that we haven’t been able to do before. You can do things with that thing that you couldn’t think of doing with a torch. And the quality of work you get is untouched by a torch. … It’s almost completely taken the place of my torch.”

Using a laswer beam for repairs increases precision and practically eliminates the risk of damage to heat-sensitive gemstones, charms on bracelets and chains, Robinson said. It also significantly trims the work time. The end result is taking care of his customers and their valuable possesions, Robinson said.

“Trust is a big part of this business,” he said. ” The matters whether you’re buying a diamond or if you’re doin a jewelry repair. These people give me a piece of jewelry that’s worth $10,000 to work on, there’s a lot of trust involved. And you sure wouldn’t do anything to violate that.”

Unlike traditional repairs that require heating large areas, the computer-controlled laser pinpoints heat where metals are to be joined. Argon gas is used in the process, creating a barrier to kee out oxygen and strengthen the welded joint. Propane and oxygen are used with the torch, creating a clean flame. But a soldered joint from a torch is only about 15 percent s strong as the original.

Metal fused by a laser is about 95 as strong as the original.

“the main reason we wanted to get this is the quality of the work.” Robinson said. “I really do care about the quality of the work. These customers know that I do it, and that’s my last name attached to it. I’ve been trying to be as good as I can.”

As a teenager, Robinson worked in the store with his father and owner, Mike, beginning with engravings at the age of 14. He attended the New Approach School for Jewelers in Virginia Beach, Virginia leanring his craft from Blaine Lewis. Robinson is certified in platinum and gold smithing and is classified as advanced in basic stone setting and repair work.

“I’ve been fortunate becauase I’ve had a good education,” he said.

But he’s added  in his style and personality to his work. Among his favorite creations is setting stones.

“That’s an art in itself,” he said. ” There are so many types of stone settings … that’s my favorite challenge. Every stone setter is different. That’s really one thing where your own personal style can shine.”

Repair work is one area in which Robinson Jewelers can separate itself from the competition, Robinson said. Most jewelers either offer sizing and repairs for what they sell or do not provide service at all. Robinson does all its work in house, and the place of purchase is not an issue.

“These days to survice as an independent store, you really have to be able to offer something that no one else can,” he said. “I try to offer the best repair work that you can get.”

Robinson and his dad work side by side in the back of the jewelry store on Red Banks Road, with Mike Robinson concentrating on watches. The laser has allowed the younger Robinson to hone and expand his skills in different areas, including custom work and eyeglasses — which cannot be repaired by the torch. And he sure likes having it around to help out.

“It’s about 10 percent technique and 90 percent patience,” Robinson said. “It’s hard to find somebody that really does good work. … Every time I work on a ring or whatever, I treat it just like my mom’s, or my grandma’s, or my sister’s or girlfriend’s.”

“As time goes on, pieces of jewelry that are manufactured are getting more and more complex. It’s almost getting ot the point where a lot of theese pieces you cannot (repair) with a torch.”