Any options aside from complete remake?

[Kim N]

When I picked out my engagement ring, I (foolishly

) thought that I would never get DSS, so I didn''''t pick out a ring that could work with an upgrade. Well, now I''''ve got DSS, and I want to upgrade, but the ring won''''t accommodate a larger stone without a lot of work and money, essentially remaking the ring, which cost a large amount (to me) already. I love the setting and would really like to use it for the potential new stone. Is my only option to get the setting remade? Just wondering if PSers know of any options that I haven''''t thought of. I''''d much rather pour my money into a new stone than into making a second identical ring. Has anyone else had this problem? Would appreciate any insight!

 

[Stone Hunter]

I''ve never remade a setting but I''ve read of people taking the head off and putting a new head on a ring. This has allowed them to have a larger stone in the same setting.

HTH

 

[Kim N]

Stone Hunter, yes, I''d initially intended to just switch out the head, but the head is integrated with the sides on this setting, and the sides have pave, so I''ve realized that wouldn''t work after all.

 

[upgrading mama]

could you post a picture?

If it is all cast in one piece, probably needs a recast. Mine is all one piece and when I upgraded, I had to get the whole ring recast, identical setting.

 

[pricescope]

Kim is that the ring? Do you have another picture so we can see the head?
Also maybe you would like to move to Rocky Talky?

 

[Kim N]

Sophie, I haven''t been able to get any decent pictures of the head--all far away or blurry. Thanks for letting me know you had to go through the same thing.

Irina/Leonid, yes, that is the ring. If this thread should be in RockyTalky, could you please move me there? I don''t have good close-ups of the head from where it''s attached to the shank, but one of the pave bands comes up and is connected to the side of the prongs.

 

[denverappraiser]

Kim,

Show it to a bench jeweler. There's a pretty good change that the head can be replaced with one that will fit your new diamond. It depends a lot on the way the head is attached to the shank.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

edited to fix spelling errors.

 

[Kim N]

Here''s my one clear picture of the head. The pave comes right up to the prongs, and it''s soldered there. Any suggestions on options?

 

[Rhino]

Hi Kim,

I''d ditto Neil. Bring it to a local bench jeweler and have him look at it. He''ll let you know the possibilities of being able to just replace the prongs or if it needs a remake he''ll know that too. Keep us posted.

 

[MustangGal]

I just bought a RHR almost exactly like that. Maybe the entire head section could be cut out and a new one soldered into it''s place?