Engagement Ring Repair Advice? LONG!

[orangemonster]

Hi All,
I am new to the forums (well not really as I''ve lurked for years!) I have a problem I am hoping some of you can help me with. I picked out my engagement ring 3 years ago (have since married) and it is a beautiful ring. 2.02 princess center stone with 3 ct invisible set mounting.

My problem:
the stones in the mounting have loosened a couple of times and I''ve cracked a stone a couple of times. I had it repaired once by the jeweler it was purchased from. We moved out of state and the side stone has again cracked/loosened (repair from original jeweler not impressive so we thought we''d try ASG approved jeweler in our new state).

Jeweler first said they could replace the stone. After their master bench jeweler (is this a good thing?) looked at it she said she didn''t want to touch it. They recommended one of the following choices:

1. they send it out to a NY expert/specialist in that type of setting to have it fixed but the problem could reoccur down the road. COST: $200

2. they send it out to a NY expert/specialist to remake the ring with invisible set stones. COST: $2200

3. they remake the ring in their store by the master bench jeweler. It involves taking a wax cast of the setting and remaking it with new gold, using the same diamond stones. The difference is they would make the side stones ''channel'' set instead of invisible set (what they are now) and that would secure the stones better. COST: $1300

Not sure what I will do yet. I wonder if I made a mistake choosing that type of setting (many say invisible set is a delicate setting and damages easily).

PLEASE help a newbie with this! ADVICE IS APPRECIATED GREATLY!

 

[neatfreak]

Well, unfortunately the very thing you''re having an issue with is why invisible set stones are not recommended for everyday wear like engagement rings.

I wouldn''t get it repaired again personally unless you change it to a channel set which from what I understand is much more secure.

Otherwise, I would move away from the invisible set altogether and just get a different ring that is sturdier.

 

[orangemonster]

Thanks neatfreak... do those prices quoted sound ''right'' to you?
Also, anyone else''s opinions are welcome! I do need help with this decision!

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 6/19/2007 11:01:31 PM
Author: orangemonster
Thanks neatfreak... do those prices quoted sound ''right'' to you?

Also, anyone else''s opinions are welcome! I do need help with this decision!

I don''t think the prices seem crazy. But then again, I am not familiar with the costs to repair that type of ring. Sorry!

 

[orangemonster]

Anyone else have an opinion? I really can use the advice as I have to make a decision in the next day or so.

 

[iheartscience]

I would get a different setting altogether. Invisible setting are just not practical for daily use. Plus I''m just not crazy about them in general. I think you could get a much nicer setting from one of the Pricescope vendors for a great price.

 

[orangemonster]

My jeweler can replicate exactly my current setting, just with channel set stones instead of invisible set. Is channel set reliable?

 

[chrono]

Yes, channel set is more secure than the invisible set. I would choose that route. They are able to withstand more bumping and normal wear and tear than what you have now, plus the diamond tends to stay secure longer.

 

[orangemonster]

Thanks so very much for the great advice!

 

[Iceman]

I wish you all the best. Most People selling the product dont tell you the problems manufactured into the mountings sometimes.

We stopped selling that type of mounting about 6 months after they came out. Even the best manufacturer with the best warrenty was still not enough to keep the customer happy.

Its not if , but when the next time that will happen. They are pretty rings. Just comes with a lot of maintance.

Let us know how this turns out.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I''d just be sure you really like channel set. if you are starting over, you may as well look at all the available choices before making a decision. And I would start over and not try to fix those rings.

 

[NYCsparkle]

i think you should choose a sturdier setting for everyday wear. my friend had similar issues with her invisible set ring a while back and she reset her diamond and hasn''t had problems since. she reset it into an x-prong setting and took the side diamonds and made an invisible set band for occassional wear with them. ....i''d love to see pics of your ring. it sounds amazing.