Help with ring setting: Stability issue, or paranoia?

[QuietStorm]

Hello all,

I previously posted asking for advice on which sapphire to choose for my engagement ring upgrade. I chose the antique cushion cut one. This required a new head being soldered onto the old shank (that way, I could keep most of my original engagement ring).

I was checking it out the other day, and noticed what might be a problem. There seems to be a tiny hole near the soldering. I don’t necessarily mind the imperfect, handmade, antique look, but I wonder if this will cause issues down the road.

If I need to have it reworked, taking it back to the same bench is not an option. I’m looking for any and all recommendations. Thank you in advance! Sorry for the abysmally dirty ring! I need to buy an ultrasonic cleaner.

 

[tyty333]

Lovely ring! I really like the stone and setting.

I think it is typical that some rings have holes there. I personally, would have it closed because I wouldn't want gunk going up there
(hand cream etc). While you're getting it fixed, I would have work done on the prongs. They dont look evenly spaced or straight. I*would have
them turned into claw prongs if possible at this point.

Beautiful ring...just needs a few minor adjustments to push it over the top!

Edit...maybe you can tell PSers where you're located so they can give some recommendations in your area.

 

[QuietStorm]

Lovely ring! I really like the stone and setting.

I think it is typical that some rings have holes there. I personally, would have it closed because I wouldn't want gunk going up there
(hand cream etc). While you're getting it fixed, I would have work done on the prongs. They dont look evenly spaced or straight. I*would have
them turned into claw prongs if possible at this point.

Beautiful ring...just needs a few minor adjustments to push it over the top!

Edit...maybe you can tell PSers where you're located so they can give some recommendations in your area.

Thank you so much! I’d imagine retipping the prongs should help? I’ve always secretly wanted claw prongs.

As far as local recommendations go, I am located in southeast Kansas.

 

[Karl_K]

A: is normal for that head setup.
B: is a poor soldering job, a void in the solder. May or may not be a huge issue. In the pic it looks like there is enough solder there that its minor but an in person inspection would be needed to be sure.

 

[QuietStorm]

A: is normal for that head setup.
B: is a poor soldering job, a void in the solder. May or may not be a huge issue. In the pic it looks like there is enough solder there that its minor but an in person inspection would be needed to be sure.

So sorry, I meant to point out that I am concerned about B. Thank you for pointing that out. I agree that an in person inspection is needed.

 

[Karl_K]

Can you post a pic taken strait down at the table to show the prong position and size from that angle?

 

[QuietStorm]

Can you post a pic taken strait down at the table to show the prong position and size from that angle?

Is this what you mean? Edit: I don’t know why the picture turned 90°.

 

[Karl_K]

strait down to the top of the stone
So the top of the stone is parallel with the camera.

 

[QuietStorm]

strait down to the top of the stone

Ah. Oops.

 

[Karl_K]

Prongs are decent....not perfect but there is a lot worse out there.

 

[QuietStorm]

Prongs are decent....not perfect but there is a lot worse out there.

Thank you.

 

[oldminer]

You could get the little hole closed up easily enough under the sapphire, but you'll never see that when it is being worn. It does not have any effect on durability/ It is just a little bit of a tiny sloppy spot in the workmanship. The prong tips are not at all "bad" or worrisome, but they are a little misaligned and could be improved. Re-tipping them is not needed or even desirable. They are not too short or ugly looking now, but a little bit of work from a good setter can make them more visually attractive by a small amount. Re-tipping them will leave visible evidence of the added metal and although they may be different, they may look less than improved in the end. I suggest not going in that direction.

My advice is to wear it, enjoy it and concentrate on the beauty of the sapphire. The ring does not look wrong and you'll get more comfortable with it over time. I sure hope so!

 

[QuietStorm]

You could get the little hole closed up easily enough under the sapphire, but you'll never see that when it is being worn. It does not have any effect on durability/ It is just a little bit of a tiny sloppy spot in the workmanship. The prong tips are not at all "bad" or worrisome, but they are a little misaligned and could be improved. Re-tipping them is not needed or even desirable. They are not too short or ugly looking now, but a little bit of work from a good setter can make them more visually attractive by a small amount. Re-tipping them will leave visible evidence of the added metal and although they may be different, they may look less than improved in the end. I suggest not going in that direction.

My advice is to wear it, enjoy it and concentrate on the beauty of the sapphire. The ring does not look wrong and you'll get more comfortable with it over time. I sure hope so!

Thank you so much! This really helped quiet some anxiety I had over the stability of the setting.