Do these prongs pose a risk? Can they be fixed?

[Dreamer_D]

I am very peeved right now because I louped my new OEC studs and discovered how poorly the diamonds are seated in the prongs. Below is the worst offender. Some of the others are better seated, but none really make me happy

I am so disappointed because I finally thought I had found a good local bench, but this work is really not acceptable.

I am not sure whether to ask them to fix it, or should I demand new mounts because I do not want ones that have been messed with and damaged (I paid for new ones, not repaired ones ), or if I should just take my business elsewhere. If they could do it right wouldn't they have done it that way the first time?

 

[ame]

I am very peeved right now because I louped my new OEC studs and discovered how poorly the diamonds are seated in the prongs. Below is the worst offender. Some of the others are better seated, but none really make me happy

I am so disappointed because I finally thought I had found a good local bench, but this work is really not acceptable.

I am not sure whether to ask them to fix it, or should I demand new mounts because I do not want ones that have been messed with and damaged (I paid for new ones, not repaired ones ), or if I should just take my business elsewhere. If they could do it right wouldn't they have done it that way the first time?

Id want them done right and this might be as good a job as this guy can do. My vatche(s) came with prong work like that.

 

[Frenchcut]

I would go elsewhere...why risk damage to your OEC's with a jeweller who clearly has no quality control?

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Go somewhere else. Do you trust the jeweler to remove the stones w/out chipping them? Maybe then, have the stones removed, get a refund and go elsewhere...otherwise, just eat the cost and take them to another place and have them remove the stones.

FWIW, long ago, I bought a pair of studs on ebay and they weren't set properly (kind of like yours) and had a local jeweler try and fix them and he did the best he could but the prongs weren't entirely symmetrical. He said it just wasn't do-able b/c they were platinum...I don't think anyone could tell when I had them on, but when I looked at them next to each other, I could tell.

 

[Dreamer_D]

I will take them to another jeweler and see what he says. I have had a crap time finding a local jeweler whom I trust. This one was doing so well thus far! These studs were a bit of a "test" and they failed I would like to give them a chance to fix them, because they are good to me in other ways and I have been happing with all the resizing they have done and with the setting job they did on my 1ct OEC, but at the same time if they could do it right they would have done it right the first time.

I'll go see another jeweler and ask them to take a look and give me an opinion on durability risk and whether it is a simple job of tightening the prongs.

 

[Dreamer_D]

And, this is not my first time at this particular rodeo Here is a thread from years ago, different ring, different jeweler:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/are-these-prongs-dangerous.81282/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/are-these-prongs-dangerous.81282/[/URL]

 

[Laila619]

There are only 3 prongs holding those stones in the first place, so even if they were perfectly done, it would be somewhat risky. However, it doesn't look like the prongs are holding the stones securely at all, so I'd be extra nervous. I'd maybe give them one more chance (with new mountings) but then if they still aren't done right, I'd try to find someone else. I know it sucks since you really liked them, but what can ya do?

 

[ame]

I don't think I have ever owned a ring that has been properly set/seated. EVERYTHING I have ever owned has had at least one prong that looks like that, and has been done by a bench that acts like a raging t-waffle when asked to rectify it.

 

[TravelingGal]

I don't think I have ever owned a ring that has been properly set/seated. EVERYTHING I have ever owned has had at least one prong that looks like that, and has been done by a bench that acts like a raging t-waffle when asked to rectify it.

I must be a shonky PSers...I don't think I have ever louped a prong to really know. Maybe I should do it now.

 

[Dreamer_D]

I just louped my Aurora which has 24 prongs and each is seater perfectly. All my rings from BGD have been seated perfectly as have my rings from Whiteflash.

TGal I do not loupe my jewelery as a rule. I noticed the prong issue on the studs with my naked eye, and looked closer because I was using this setting job as a test for this particular jewler to see if I trust them to do other more complex jobs.

 

[slg47]

ugh, that looks unacceptable to me. I am sorry it turned out that way and I hope they can fix it (or that some other jeweler can)

 

[TravelingGal]

I'd give him a stab at it if he's been good before...unless good jewelers are a dime a dozen where you are.

 

[Enerchi]

At least they aren't GLUED IN! BTDT!!!

Yes, go back to this guy that you have had good luck with up till now - tell him what you see and then give him the option to correct it. If it can't be done any better than that (and he should know when he looks under his own loupe) then find another bench.

Maybe, like you told me, it wasn't done by him personally? maybe it was farmed out??? If you like him in general and would prefer to stay with him and not leave, I'd give him another chance ... but that's me (and I would do anything to avoid confrontation, so perhaps I'm speaking from a pretty wimpy perspective!)

Totally see that they are not holding your stones correctly.

 

[Amys Bling]

I would go elsewhere...why risk damage to your OEC's with a jeweller who clearly has no quality control?

agreed. this may be the best the jeweler can do.

 

[ame]

I don't think I have ever owned a ring that has been properly set/seated. EVERYTHING I have ever owned has had at least one prong that looks like that, and has been done by a bench that acts like a raging t-waffle when asked to rectify it.

I must be a shonky PSers...I don't think I have ever louped a prong to really know. Maybe I should do it now.

I have never needed a loupe to see that kind of work. Just hold it to the light and it's clear as day.

 

[ame]

At least they aren't GLUED IN! BTDT!!!

VERY TRUE.

Speaking of---what's the status? All fixed?

 

[Enerchi]

At least they aren't GLUED IN! BTDT!!!

VERY TRUE.

Speaking of---what's the status? All fixed?

Hi Ame!
Yes all fixed, my diamond is safe and secure again - woo hoo! They showed me when I picked it up last friday, under 30x magnification on the GIA microscope (did I mention that is one SWEET MACHINE?!?!?!) and my pretty stone is sitting right were it should be, hugged lovingly by newly reshaped prongs! Very happy!! Thanks for asking!

And the next time I want to see glue and a piece of jewelry together - it better be from a gum ball machine, not a diamond merchant!

(Sorry to interrupt Dreamer!)

 

[ame]

At least they aren't GLUED IN! BTDT!!!

VERY TRUE.

Speaking of---what's the status? All fixed?

Hi Ame!
Yes all fixed, my diamond is safe and secure again - woo hoo! They showed me when I picked it up last friday, under 30x magnification on the GIA microscope (did I mention that is one SWEET MACHINE?!?!?!) and my pretty stone is sitting right were it should be, hugged lovingly by newly reshaped prongs! Very happy!! Thanks for asking!

And the next time I want to see glue and a piece of jewelry together - it better be from a gum ball machine, not a diamond merchant!

(Sorry to interrupt Dreamer!)

WOOHOO!

 

[denverappraiser]

Go somewhere else. Fixing this will be even more difficult than the original setting job. That said, it *IS* possible to fix and presumably the original setter will mess with it for 'free'. Someone else is going to charge you the full price to do the job but you're already unhappy and it is entirely possible that it will get worse not better if it's not done with a fair amount of skill.

Do make sure that the new setter understands both that you're a picky client and show them exactly what it is that you're unhappy with. They may decline the job if they think you're a PIA but it's best to make your standards clear up front and if they don't want to rise to the task then they have the opportunity to duck out gracefully.

FWIW, it doesn't look like you're at risk of stones falling out if that's what you mean by 'risk' in the headline.

 

[junebug17]

Ugh, how disappointing! I think I' d try someone else - I can sympathize, I had a ring sized and when I got home I noticed one prong isn't even touching the stone. I didn't need a loupe to see it. I'm not really comfortable with bringing it back to him. I was thinking of trying a high-end jeweler? Not sure if that in itself is any kind of guarantee of quality work.

Sorry I couldn't offer better advice, but at least I could offer a little empathy! I hope you can find someone who will do a decent job.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Went to another well respected jeweler and asked him to look at it. He says the mounts are safe to wear. Most likely, he said it is an issue of the bench person not being familiar with old cuts and their high crowns -- so the notches were cut at the wrong angle. That doesn't totally fly with me since the crown angle and pavilion angle on the more effending stone are the same as they are on a modern RB, but moot point...

To fix it needs new mounts used and a better bench according to the jewler I saw today. The jeweler I used originally has four bench people including the owner. The youngest one, who is a very nice guy and has done my other work, set the earrings and I think was not experienced enough with old cuts. The owner is on vacation. When he is back next week I will go back and ask them to reset them properly with new mounts, and will ask that the owner take personal responsiblity for examining the outcome. I think they will respond favourably, they are an upstanding place. If they won't do that and don't see what I am talking about as a problem, I will request a refund. Worst case, I guess I just eat the cost. I will NOT allow them to just try and tweak the existing mounts.

Then I will just use BGD who have done excellent work for me in the past.

Denver Do you think it is PIA to be unhappy with this type of setting? For real?

 

[stargurl78]

I can't say whether or not the prongs are a risk but that would bug the crap out of me. I think you have the right plan to go back and have the owner fix it for you. It just sucks that you can't go into a place, pay for something, and be confident that it will be done right. I have yet to find a decent jeweler in my area so I understand your frustration.

 

[Mili-Lani]

Hi Dreamer,

I'm usually a lurker but felt I had to say something. I experienced something similar with my new earrings from GOG. These were 4 prong martini earrings and apparently they are more difficult to set. You can read some of the email exchange here:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/question-abut-martini-style-earrings.167008/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/question-abut-martini-style-earrings.167008/[/URL]

There's also a pic of a correct setting job at the bottom of that thread. After posting to PS, Jonathan fixed everything himself (I should have only dealt with him in the first place) and the prongs are how they should be set on what I consider sizeable stones.

You can see some pics of the finished product here [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-2-42ctw-studs-in-4-prong-martinis-from-gog-and-bgd.168139/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-2-42ctw-studs-in-4-prong-martinis-from-gog-and-bgd.168139/[/URL]

In the end, the prongs should securely touch the stone to prevent the stone from getting lose or catching on hair or lose fibers from clothing. I'm not sure if your jeweler is associated with PS but let's hope this gets settled as that is not a satisfactory job.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Thank you Mili Lani. I see that setting diamonds into earrings is not so simple You'd think it would be. No, my local jeweler is not a PS jeweler. I have been very happy with the work they did for me thus far -- resized two rings, polished and dipped hubby wb, set a larger OEC into a fishtail mount -- so was very disheartened to see this work.

Their shop has three bench people, and I think the youngest/least experienced set these earrings. He is a very nice guy, and did my other work... not sure why this was so poor. The owner was also on vacation which could have affected things.

Next week when the owner is back I will go in and see if they are willing to rectify it with new mounts. One of the studs is ok, not great, but ok. The three photos I posted above are all one from one stud -- all three prongs are not seated. So I would even be satisfied if they fixed just that earring with a new basket. If they won't or don't think this is a problem, I will request a refund and just take my business elsewhere in future I guess! I am hopeful they will do better. I have seen their work and it is good, so this may have been an abberation because they are not used to old cuts, which have wonky outlines and different CA and PA than modern rounds.

 

[Amys Bling]

Went to another well respected jeweler and asked him to look at it. He says the mounts are safe to wear. Most likely, he said it is an issue of the bench person not being familiar with old cuts and their high crowns -- so the notches were cut at the wrong angle. That doesn't totally fly with me since the crown angle and pavilion angle on the more effending stone are the same as they are on a modern RB, but moot point...

To fix it needs new mounts used and a better bench according to the jewler I saw today. The jeweler I used originally has four bench people including the owner. The youngest one, who is a very nice guy and has done my other work, set the earrings and I think was not experienced enough with old cuts. The owner is on vacation. When he is back next week I will go back and ask them to reset them properly with new mounts, and will ask that the owner take personal responsiblity for examining the outcome. I think they will respond favourably, they are an upstanding place. If they won't do that and don't see what I am talking about as a problem, I will request a refund. Worst case, I guess I just eat the cost. I will NOT allow them to just try and tweak the existing mounts.

Then I will just use BGD who have done excellent work for me in the past.

Denver Do you think it is PIA to be unhappy with this type of setting? For real?

i dont think many people would be happy with that setting job- but maybe PSers are just a diferent breed..

 

[Dreamer_D]

I went back and talked to the owner. He said it looked like not enough time was taken. He did not seem very concerned but agreed to fix it. I asked if he would use all new mounts, and he said "Oh no, we will just fill it in with gold and then reseat them." I did not push the point because frankly I am not an expert and I suppose they might know what they are doing.

I will note that in my purchase order he drew a picture of what I wanted I guess, "seat the stones correctly" was not a clear enough instruction for the setter. I am really shocked and disappointed by this since this is a highly reputable place that does a tonne of business and prides themselves of hand forging (these are stock mounts though). Lame.

I picked them up and below are the prongs. I think its an improvement for security, but it looks like crap! In real life you cannot see any of this of course, but the principle irks me. I paid for nice new mounts, not *repaired* mounts, which is what I now have. I am going to leave it be and likely will reset the stones with BGD in the future because I know they do the type of work I like.

Do these all look safe now? No worry of losing any stones?

ETA: The main one that worries me still is the one on the left in the top photo.

 

[Enerchi]

They definitely look improved... and the diamond appears to be more secure, but I agree w the BGD setting (I posted my studs in your request for macro shots) They really know what they are doing. This setting looks like it's scratched/hacked up on the top left photo.

I know what you mean- you paid for a quality that you did not receive. How many items leave a jewellers bench looking like this, but so many will not look this closely, will they? That peeved me off too in my situation. The benches have the tools to see at great magnification - they can see what is wrong - why don't they correct it before it goes out? Not sure how that can be changed. IS there no quality control when items are completed??? I don't know the answers, just a rambling thought, but it is frustrating for those buyers who do take the time and effort to really examine closely.

You can't help but feel ripped off...

 

[Amys Bling]

It's definitely look safer- but I agree how you feel like you got fixed up settings as opposed to beautiful new settings :/

 

[ame]

Humph. Well... Not really impressed. I would think they may be safe for the short to medium term. Not sure what you paid but I still would not have been happy with the repair over replacement. And the fact that he had to draw.. That's scary

 

[Mrsacornblue]

You are a better person than me, Dreamer! I would have insisted on new mounts because those look "refurbished" in macro view and the stone still doesn't look completly straight. Plus, I would worry about the strength and durability of the setting with the stone being pried out and put back in. I would think that setting a round diamond straight into a stock mounting is fairly basic for most jewlers but I guess not!