Are these prongs "dangerous"?

[Dreamer_D]

Hey everyone, I was looking at my ring and noticed that some of the prongs are not correctly touching the stones. I wondered if any experts can let me know if this is dangerous (like can I lose a stone from this, or damage a stone). I also wanted to know whether this can be fixed easily? Could it have resulted from using my ultasonic cleaner?

In this picture, it is the right-side prong on the sapphire.

 

[Dreamer_D]

In this picture it is the two prongs on the diamond that are nearest the sapphire. The rest of the prongs look ok. Is this something that a jeweler can easily fix? I got this setting about 6 weeks ago.

ETA: I looked closer and it seems that on these prongs that the notch for the diamond is actually below the part that is sticking up off the stone, and the diamond looks well seated in the notch... this makes me think that the part that is not touching the stone and is sticking up is the decorative park of the "claw", not the part actually holding the diamond in. Please correct me if this is wrong.

 

[Ellen]

I'm no expert, but those prongs look like an accident waiting to happen. i.e. caught on something and pulled back/broken off.

I'd take the ring to your jewler and have them take a look ASAP.

I don't think US cleaning could do that, I think it's just a poor setting job. And it won't damage your stone per se, but you run the risk of losing a stone should you lose a prong.

 

[oldminer]

While the diamonds may be adequately secure, the setting job is not really acceptable. The prongs are supposed to be cupped and formed to hold the stone, not pressure it into place by their stiffness. Print out your photo and show the jeweler how the prong timps do not conform to the stone''s shape. They may agree to do it right or you may need to find someone else who is willing. Every time you play around with setting work there is a risk of stone damage and prong damage. It may suddenly become your fault if a problem arises. You are more or less stcuk in the middle now, so having the original jeweler agree to do the work over properly gives you the best protection. So, I suggest, you be diplomatic, but firm. Show them your evidence and let them take responsibility without accusing them of anything.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Thank so much for the information Ellen and Oldminer. That''s what I suspected.

I am not sure I am going to bother with this jeweler again... I need to think about it. The jeweler uses a number of different benchmen, and they vary in quality, but this was made by the best guy!! I got this made pre-PS as you can imagine. He promises that he will re-make things until they are "right", so there would be no issue with asking him to fix it, but I have already asked him to re-make this ring once before, the previous version was horrendous, and now I noticed this prong issue and it makes me very hesitant to bother. I paid $500 for this setting to be made, which given the price of gold, is very cheap, so you get what you pay for. I have gone in with issues with the craftsmanship before and he just doesn''t seem all that concerned, he doesn''t veen notice the issues I point out and just thinks I am perfectionistic. But he fixes it. I guess what I am saying is that I am not at all convinced that he will care about the quality the same way I do and actually do it right... if I ask him to fix it, I wouldn''t be at all surprised if something ELSE comes up!! One of my friends had him make a princess cut channel set band to go with her e-ring, and it needed to be made 3 times before she was happy with the craftsmanship.

Does anyone have any opinions about what I should do? I am sick of dealing with this guy to tell the truth.

DD

 

[Ellen]

Ok, if this was made by the best bench guy, it's time to move on!

If it were me, I'd go to a jeweler you trust, or think you might, and just be honest. Tell them what you told us, show them the ring, and just say, I want to be able to bring my things to someone I can trust. See what they say. I would imagine most would be quite willing to help, especially because this small favor can lead to more business for them. (and see what kind of job they do if you don't know them)

Good luck, and let us know how ity goes!

 

[Gothgrrl]

I am having the exact problem with my earrings. I was told because of the high crown, with the setting I have, the bar that connects the prongs, it''s almost impossible to have it set flush? I just want to make sure it will be safe.

 

[Ellen]

Gothgrrl, that doesn''t sound right to me. Lots of diamonds have high crowns, and yet prongs can sit on them properly.

Hopefully Dave or another expert will see this and chime in.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Date: 3/21/2008 1:03:01 AM
Author:dreamer_dachsie
Hey everyone, I was looking at my ring and noticed that some of the prongs are not correctly touching the stones. I wondered if any experts can let me know if this is dangerous (like can I lose a stone from this, or damage a stone). I also wanted to know whether this can be fixed easily? Could it have resulted from using my ultasonic cleaner?

In this picture, it is the right-side prong on the sapphire.

I see many setting jobs worse than this that have been holding up for decades.
Also it is possible (but hard to say from the photo) you have knocked the other side prong hard on something and pushed that side down and the right side has pushed up.

As Dave says, be diplomatic and enquire.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Thanks for your feedback everyone! Although I find my jeweler to be a mild pain in the *bleep* because he isn't a perfectionist, he has always been responsive and willing to fix anything that isn't right, so next time I see him I'm going to ask him to get these prongs fixed. I'm sure he will fix it for free without any question, I just get annoyed at the hassle of having to deal with this.

Thanks again!

ETA: Next time I need a setting made, though, I am working with someone else, probably WF.

DD