How to check if prongs are loose??

[kgwen]

I recently had my ring resized a 1/4 up. That same night I noticed the diamond was slightly loose in the setting. Is is possible that the
prongs were accidentally loosened during the resizing?
I got my prongs tightened by the same jeweler the next day, so it is secure again now. I am afraid it will loosen again in the future.

How can i periodically check if the prongs are tight enough without trying to twist the diamond slightly. I read that this was not good for the setting.
I was doing this previously, so maybe i loosened the diamond myself!!!

I also read that shaking the ring near your ear and listening for a clinking sound may work.

I have a platinum 4 prong Fine line setting from Whiteflash so the quality should be there.... I think I will be getting a 6 prong however if and when I get an upgrade.

 

[jaz464]

Ooh, I would not do that twisting thing!
Do you have a loupe? If not I would get one. They are not very expensive. That is the best way for us to check our rings ourselves. Also, go to a jewler every 6 months to have them check the prongs and general condition of the ring.

 

[turtledazzle]

I think I remember reading on these boards somewhere that you can use a sheet of paper as an easy test to see if a prong is loose -- the sheet of paper should not be able to slide between the prongs and the diamond. HTH

 

[kgwen]

Thanks everyone for the responses. Does anyone know if jewelers generally charge for inspection/prong tightening if you did not purchase from them?
Jazmine-- can you recommend where to purchase a loupe online?

 

[Ellen]

Date: 7/11/2006 6:00:23 PM
Author: kgwen
Thanks everyone for the responses. Does anyone know if jewelers generally charge for inspection/prong tightening if you did not purchase from them?

Jazmine-- can you recommend where to purchase a loupe online?

I just took my ring in for a moved/bent prong to a jeweler I did not purchase from. They fixed it and cleaned it for free. Most will.

Another warning sign that something is amiss is if a prong starts catching fibers.

 

[turtledazzle]

Date: 7/11/2006 6:00:23 PM
Author: kgwen
Jazmine-- can you recommend where to purchase a loupe online?

I''m not Jazmine, but David Atlas sells them on the gemappraisers website: https://products.gemappraisers.com/pc-33-1-professional-gem-loupes-10x-20x-30x.aspx. I''m sure there are a ton of other places as well. I''ve never bought one, though -- James Allen included one with the diamond I purchased from him (nice little gift to inspect my precious with

)!

 

[SeaOats]

An easy way to know if the stones are loose in the prongs is to take the ring, put it near your ear, and tap it gently. If you hear rattling, bring it to your jeweler asap.

 

[jaz464]

My appraiser recommended this place and it is where I got mine:

http://www.kassoy.com/loupes01.htm

Ebay would also be a great place to find a cheap loupe.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Got my loupe on ebay for just a couple of dollars!