Are bezel set diamonds more secure?

[NOYFB]

I just got a bezel set full eternity band and I absolutely LOVE it, but I have heard/read some stories from women who have lost stones out of their band and I''m concerned. I''ve never had a full eternity band before and I am definitely taking precautions when using my hand to make sure that the underside of the ring doesn''t smack door knobs, etc, but I was just wondering if I should be more/less concerned because of the fact that the diamonds are bezel set? It is my understanding (and correct me if I''m wrong please) that bezel set diamonds have a *lip* of gold/platinum over the top of the diamond to protect it from falling out.

I would love to hear from ladies who have bezel set rings (e-ring or otherwise) on whether they have had any issues with losing stones. I love this ring so much and am constantly checking it, but I wonder if I''m being too cautious. Thanks!

 

[Richard Sherwood]

Yes, bezel set diamonds are usually more secure than prong set.

 

[Rockdiamond]

HI everyone!
It would make sense that a bezel is more secure- it certainly looks like that.
Actually, my experience is that bezels are not more secure than prongs.
There''s a few reasons.
Although it might seem there''s more gold touching the diamond on a bezel, that is not necessarily the case- bezels are usually thin compared to the thickness of most prongs. If it was very thick it would cover too much of the stone.
The other reason is that it''s easier to see if a prong is pulling up from the stone. If a bezel is about to fail, it might not be obvious.

Lil MIsfit- I''m sure you''ll be fine with your ring with the way you take care of it.
I''d suggest having it looked at occasionally by a jeweler to make sure it''s sound

 

[beaujolais]

Bezels can fall off? Ack !

Really?

I guess the stone would slip out of the bottom?

 

[elle_chris]

I think a bezel are safer when it comes to damaging your stone. I''ve knocked my ring around quite a bit and so far, no damage. Had it been prong set, i''m pretty sure I would have chipped it by now.

 

[Rockdiamond]

Date: 10/2/2009 5:04:59 PM
Author: sonomacounty
Bezels can fall off? Ack !

Really?

I guess the stone would slip out of the bottom?

HI all!
IMO, it's highly unlikely a bezel will "fall off" per se...
What you want to be careful of is thin areas on the bezel that may not be obvious. Loose stones need to be checked as soon as possible. You can sometimes hear or feel the stone rattle in the setting. Any rocking ( like if the stone is loose) may indicate a problem.

elle_chris- I love the ring in your avatar. If that's the bezel you are talking about it's surely one of the best type of designs. It allows a fairly thick bezel, yet a good percentage of the girdle exposed- truly a lovely and sturdy design.

I don't want to alarm bezel owners- just to remind them to exercise reasonable precaution, as bezels can also fail.