Channel set stones - what is involved in the tightening process if stones become loose?

[rogue]

EDIT: sorry, the title was supposed to be "what is involved in the tightening process IF stones become loose?"

As a new channel set mounting owner, and someone who is considering another channel set for a matching eternity band, I'm wondering what kind of trouble I might run into in the future. Specifically, from my understanding, it seems fairly common for a couple stones to become loose in the channel after some wear--not so loose they fall out necessarily, but loose enough that you can shift it a millimeter or so left and right in the channel. What is involved when a jeweler or setter tightens a loose stone? Are they opening the channel and reseating the stones? Are they taking a pair of plyers and squeezing the metal closer together? Are they filling in the loose spots with metal?

Have people had any problems that resulted from fixing any loose stones? I wonder if the cure is worse than the disease.

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[rogue]

Bump.

 

[denverappraiser]

It will depend on how the stone was originally set and why it became loose. There is no straight answer that covers all conditions. The usual reason that channels loosen up over time is craftsmanship problems in the original piece but wear on the top of the channels and stones and general customer abuse can be the cause as well.

The customary solution is to hammer on the top of the channel wall so that it’s pressed tightly against the stone. In the short term this usually works but whether it fixes the real problem depends entirely on what the root cause of the problem is.
If you have a problem that persists, have it inspected by an appraiser or by a jeweler other than who sold you the piece.
Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[asscherisme]

Hmmm, something new to worry about with my new channel set eternity band, thanks a lot! (said with a smile on my face).

Is your band platinum? I wonder if platinum will hold the stones tighter over time than gold since gold bends easier?

 

[rogue]

My band is platinum, but I really don''t like the idea of someone taking a hammer down on the channel. No problems yet, but I completed my full ring appraisal yesterday and my appraiser mentioned that it often happens. When he saw the look on my face he said that even when the stones are loose, they are often still in the channel and thus will not necessarily fall out. I worry a lot.

Maybe should have stuck with solitaire (of course , now I NEED to complete the look with the channel set eternity, but you know).