Installing dots or springs inside band?

Date: 10/2/2007 1:23:07 AM
Author:hearts12181
Hello everyone,

My fiance's fingers have a large knuckle, but once you go pass the knuckle, the finger is thinner. As a result, her engagment ring (top heavy due to solitaire setting) and diamond wedding band (less of a problem) tend to 'roll around' when she wears it. I understand this is a common problem and the mall jeweler said there are two ways to fix it. 1.) put two 'dots' inside the band to help stablize the ring or 2.) install this spring-loaded 'floor' that basically makes the band smaller when you wear it pass the knuckle. I have a few questions:

1.) Have you guys installed either of these and does it work? Which one is better? Is the procedure reversible if it doesn't work?

2.) Do you know any trusted San Francisco bay area jewelers who can do this? I bought this on Blue Nile so I can't go back to the original jeweler, but at the same time, I don't really trust the mall stores.

3.) What is a reasonable price for installing these? And how long does it take? Both bands are platinum.

Thanks for any insights!

Hearts

Date: 10/2/2007 9:43:04 AM
Author: Catmom
I have had both the 'dots' [sizing balls] and a bridge. I much prefer the bridge as it is more comfortable when taking on and off. I haven't had any experience with the springs but have heard that people seem to like them as well.


As far as sizing goes, my ER is a half size bigger than I would need so that it can go over my knuckle. My finger size is really a 4.5 but I need a 5 to go over my knuckle.

Date: 10/2/2007 6:07:30 PM
Author: hearts12181




Catmom, how long have you had the bridge? I assume it's spring loaded and the bridge holds your finger pass the knuckle. One concerns is I'm not sure if a spring loaded mechanism will last long. It sounds kind of fragile to me, but I may be wrong. The mall jeweler said such a mechanism will cost about $500. Does that sound right? Thanks!

Date: 10/2/2007 11:26:13 PM
Author: frugaljoe
I've seen this conversation before, and not seen an answer to a questions that's been nagging me. I don't know for certain what size I should have the setting made. I've compared her ring fingers to mine and they seem to size up closely with my pinkie fingers, and I've worn a ring she wears on her right ring finger for safe-keeping on my pinkie. However, when I size my pinkie, using the various online sizing tools, it's suggested that I have her ring sized at a 6. She's 5'3' and a petite 120lbs. Reading some of the other posts here, I can't imagine that a size 6 is the correct size.


Given my uncertainty, what would you recommend as to sizing the setting correctly (knowing that the setting will be a 6 prong, tiffany style platinum setting)? Should I have it sized at a 6, and then have it cut to fit, or have balls / dots added? I presume both of those techniques are an additional cost (I'll be using a local jeweler for the setting)? How much would a temporary setting (which I've seen mentioned, but don't know much about) cost?