Loose Prong, Please Help!

[shimmer]

I am having trouble breathing right now b/c I just noticed a loose prong on my ering. It doesn''t look bent but just slightly raise where it should touch the facet.

I got the idea to check them out w/ a loupe after reading the "6-prongs-how are they set?" thread, and denverappraiser''s response about how the prongs should be set (very big thank you for posting that info btw!!!)

Anyhow, I am panicking b/c I have only had this ring for 4 months (to the day, tomorrow!) and am wondering if the setting may not be secure enough for me. It''s funny b/c just last night I had a dream that I was at Leon Mege''s and getting a three stone bezel set ring, with pave halo around the bezels....wacky, i know.

My question is, would a bezel setting be more secure than a six prong? I prefer very simple, delicate and classic settings, not any halos (don''t know why I was dreaming about one...) any suggestions for a bezel setting that''s not clunky that WF could set for me?

Thank you, I really appreciate your help!

Here''s a pic of my ring:

WF ACA 0.83 I SI2

 

[denverappraiser]

The mechanics of bezel setting is really about the same. There is a seat cut that holds the bottom and the metal is bent down over the top to hold it onto the seat. If the prongs are up a bit it increases the chances of you snagging things with them, it collects dirt and grunge underneath as you wear it and it’s the beginning of a loose stone. For a 6 prong setting you really need to have at least 3 of the up before the stone gets loose. That said, my recollection is that WF has a pretty good warranty for this sort of thing and I recommend you call them up and ask for advice on how to proceed. This sort of thing is quite common and it's normally a very simple repair.

6 prongs are plenty for a secure mounting. So are 4 for that matter. Buy a bezel if you want one but it won’t help with the security. (The best thing for that is to buy insurance. That won’t make it any safer either, but it’ll make it someone else’s problem.)

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICAG(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[shimmer]

Thank you for your insight, Neil.

I just gave a big sigh of relief b/c I spent the last hour trying to find a dainty bezel without a halo, not possible! I'm glad that the 6 prongs should be sturdy enough, but I have whacked my ring a gazillion times so I'll just have to be more careful

Since I'm sending it back to WF (most likely) should I ask FI for a setting upgrade? The CAD $ is so strong right now too...

In my search I found this ring which, even though it is halo, I am in

Just thought I would share my findings!

Thanks again Neil!