I have concerns with the prongs of a new ring and would appreciate any help / advice I can get.
I purchased the semi mount and the diamond from two separate vendors from the States, and got it set by a local setter here in Melbourne, Australia. The ring has a four prong platinum head, and the stone is a cushion cut. After inspecting the ring through the loupe, I am left wondering about the setter's workmanship and the ring's structural integrity. All four prongs look jagged and there is little contact between the stone and the prongs (little pavilion support / arch (hook? hole?) on crown side / non-touching tips). I have not gotten back in touch with the setter yet.
Another local jeweller I spoke to said... while it wasn't the best workmanship, cushion cuts are more difficult to set, and my fiance should just enjoy the ring. They suggested the best thing to do would be to go back to the original setter and just get the lifting tips pressed down onto the stone, because...
• to smooth the jagged edges, the stone will need to be taken out, and that will weaken the prongs.
• to fill the holes, the stone could be ruined from heat if solder is used, and rebuilding the prongs / getting head replaced will be very expensive.
I am confused, and after some second opinions.
My questions are...
A. Am I looking at the ring unnecessarily too closely / Is my expectations unrealistic (stone should sit nicely into the angles cut into the prongs and no space around them that can be observed with the naked eye / tips sit flat against the crown facets / smoother finish)?
B. Are the things I've noticed only of aesthetic concern, or could they lead to problems (prongs breaking in the not too distant future with daily wear etc)?
C. Are these prongs repairable (large amount of metal seems to have been removed from some parts already. will this pose a problem?)? What should be looked at, if at all (pushing down the tip only / edge polishing only / leave it as is etc)?
D. If I should go back to the original setter, what should I ask for and expect? Should I be concerned about any potential damage to the stone or the ring when the repair work is done?
E. Any other opinion / advice please?
Thank you for all your help!
