Is it possible to reshank a ring? Just laser the shank of and laser one on?

[Gypsy]

My mother gave me her seven stone anniversary ring tonight (warm fuzzies) it's got seven BRIGHT round stones about 3 mm each, I'm guessing. But the shank's sized badly and it's worn down or shaved down on the inside, and I'm wondering if it's possible to just re-shank it? The prongs and baskets all see fine (will have them checked professionally tomorrow) even though the ring is 35 years old. I'd like to avoid a complete reset, as this is the only piece of jewelry my mother has from her marriage to my dad. Although I am wanting to get it dipped in rhodium as it's WG. Is this even possible? I've heard of vintage settings being reshanked... but well, I dont' know the terms and conditions under which this is done.

Pardon the atrocious pic quality-- cell phone camera was all I had available... but it shows you the shank and how desperately it needs help. It's doesn't get prettier IRL. Actually it looks worse IRL. Looks great on the finger where there's no shank visible though. Plus the ring needs an ultrasonic cleaning BADLY. (After prong and basket check).

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Diamonds do not mind being heated. Reshanking is a very simple process. Make sure you have it sized to your finger at the same time

 

[WinkHPD]

And while you are having it reshanked, have the jeweler retip any prongs that need it. With a little TLC you can be wearing this ring for another 35 years until you pass it on to your daughter who can repeat the process...

Wink

 

[strmrdr]

yep its reshankable if the top part of the ring is in good shape.
A friend of mine had a similar ring done.
No laser required a skilled bench could do it with a torch.

 

[Ellen]

Gypsy, my old wedding set looked like that after many years of wear, and my jeweler re-did it. As the experts have said, quite doable.

What a sweet gesture from your mom. I''m sure it means a lot.

Can''t wait to see it all fixed up!

 

[iheartscience]

That''s awesome of your mother-I''m sure that made you feel good. I had my grandmother''s 5 stone ring she gave me reshanked also. My local jeweler is extremely skilled and it looks perfect! I had to get all 20 prongs replaced, too, because they were so worn down. I can''t wait to see your ring after its makeover!

 

[surfgirl]

Gypsy, what a lovely surprise frm your mom! But shame on you for such a bad photo. Bad Gypsy, Bad Girl!

Can I ask the professionals another question about re-shanking...is it something very easy to do and is it the sort of thing that one could easily chip a stone when doing or no? I think my ering will need to be re-shanked at some point in time and I''m afraid the center stone girdle will get dinged when doing it. Gypsy, your ring seems pretty secure on top but I agree that re-pronging might make it look more delicate, if it has a more chunky look right now. Have you thought about sending it to Quest? They did such a great job on Miss Ellen''s ring...

 

[WinkHPD]

Done properly it is extremely unlikely that the girdle of your diamond would be chipped.

Done improperly the heat could fry the skin of your diamond necessitating a repolish, but that is fortunately rare to find a bench making that kind of error.

Wink

 

[Gypsy]

Hi EVERYONE! Thank you for responding. I''m so happy this can be done! Yes, it was wonderful of my mom. I knew it would one day be mine, as she has said, "one day all my jewelry will be yours." But I was surprised and happy that it was now.

Garry, thank you for reminding to address the sizing the ring. Gonna have to figure out which finger to size too first though. My left and right hand ring fingers are VERY different sizes. Hmmm.

Storm, thanks for the torch info... didn''t know. Glad to know!

Wink, thanks for responding especially as I''ll probably be asking you to do this for me too., hope you don''t ming.

We have such a great relationship, and I''m just so happy with you as my jeweler!

Ellen, I''m happy to know that you''ve had it done, and sucessfully too! It was very sweet of her, and especially now, it means a lot. I am really happy to wear of peice of hers daily.

Surfgirl: The ring''s baskets aren''t what I would choose for a NEW ring, but I REALLY wouldn''t change them at all as I want the ring to be as originial as possible. Plus they are very unique, and I like that about them. I think once the are white (I miss typed the ring is now in yellow gold, not white) I will reallly love them. The prongs and everything are so delicate looking straight down. Quest did a fabulous job on Ellen''s ring, and Pete is a great guy, and he would definitely be my second choice for this. Thanks for the suggestion! I do apologize for the picture quality I KNOW it''s terrible. On the plus side once it''s all fixed up I''ll post lots of pics with a REAL camera!

Thank you everyone!

 

[hearinggal]

Go ahead and have it re shanked, I just went through the process and for the first time in years I am comfortable wearing my ring, it is yellow gold with rubies, emeralds and saphires and it came through the process better than new.

I have a question for anyone out there, I have a 12 x 10 ovel Rubelite of very good quality but I dont like the yellow gold setting. I am looking to remount it into a white gold something with either pave diamonds or art deco style any one have any suggestions??? Locally i am at a zero and have checked a lot on line and they keep telling me my stone is too large for the settings i like. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Kate in Florida