Prong Problems

[revo5268]

First post, but long time lurker. I've been shopping for an engagement ring for a few months now. And my searches often ended up here.

Long story short, I've was able to covertly get my girlfreind's ring wish list for what she would like for a ring. (She always wanted it to be surprise) I pretty much was able to get everything down except the prongs. I didn't even realize there was a difference between prongs until she brought it up AFTER I already ordered it. She actually likes the looks of the dainter claw prongs vs the ball prongs on the ring I got. They def. aren't the most rounded off ones I've seen, but they def. are not claw prongs. I don't think they look super rounded off but they aren't really pointed like claw prongs.

I went to two local jewelers who said they couldn't modify the ring since the prongs were casted into the ring. They also said if the prongs were the only thing I was worried about, I shouldn't worry since they thought the rest of the ring was fine.

I don't plan on ever buying another one and I really wanted this one to be everything she wanted. She's an ICU nurse so she pays extreme attention to detail. Sooo I'm thinking she will notice even if she doesn't say anything about it...

Am I over thinking things ? Or should I just get it swapped since I am under their return policy still. Thoughts? Any insight appreciated, thanks!

Some Pics of the ring:




What she definitely didn't want:



What I think she would prefer:

 

[Austina]

What a beautiful ring! I think purely from an aesthetic point of view, the pointy prongs do look nicer and enhance the stone.

 

[Mreader]

Where did you order from? Would you be able to get the prongs redone from the place you ordered? And yes if you can get it redone absolutely so it; I also think the claws are prettier.

 

[revo5268]

I got it from James Allen. They said they could have them redone but I would have to pay for the work if I sent it in for modification.

However, since I'm under their return policy still I can still exchange/return. It's silly but they said I can send it back, they will take the same stone and put it in the same style setting but made brand new with claw prongs. All of this free of charge too. Seems like a lot of hoops rather then just covering the work ?

But yes, that is an option I'm debating.

 

[Mreader]

I got it from James Allen. They said they could have them redone but I would have to pay for the work if I sent it in for modification.

However, since I'm under their return policy still I can still exchange/return. It's silly but they said I can send it back, they will take the same stone and put it in the same style setting but made brand new with claw prongs. All of this free of charge too. Seems like a lot of hoops rather then just covering the work ?

But yes, that is an option I'm debating.

That’s funny and yes more of a hassle. But I would do it if you know that’s what she wants.

 

[MissGotRocks]

How much would they charge if you sent the ring in for the prong modification?

 

[revo5268]

How much would they charge if you sent the ring in for the prong modification?

They didn't say up front. They said they would need have it shipped back and it would be about a week to determine the costs and would need me to confirm before proceeding. They estimated about a 3-4 week turn around time once they get the ring back.

Compared to just straight up returning it and having them make the same setting with the prongs I want it, would be about 2 weeks after they get the ring back. The only additional cost would be a $50 claw upgrade charge.

 

[Ally T]

I would definitely send it back & pay for the claw upgrade. I know it's a PITA to do, but as you say, you are only going to do this once & you need to get it right. It will be worth your time & effort.

It's a beautiful ring! She's a lucky lady!

 

[theredspinel]

Absolutely just send it back and get it remade. This is the option with the least extra cost to you, so imo it’s a no brainer.

As a side note (apologise in advance this isn’t going to be popular) but I feel at the fact the concept of extra hassle and jumping through hoops was alluded to up thread; but the only hassle and hoops I see are when a person wants something specific but doesn’t specify what they want because “surprise” so someone else is jumping through hoops and going through “hassle” to discretely figure out what’s going on in the mind of said other person

At least James Allen set out all the possible options clearly anyway, yes you’re right, I’m no romantic.

 

[CMN]

I wanted claw prongs but got rounded prongs….still want claw prongs….. and it bugs me all the time. Send it back and get the claw prongs.

 

[MissGotRocks]

They didn't say up front. They said they would need have it shipped back and it would be about a week to determine the costs and would need me to confirm before proceeding. They estimated about a 3-4 week turn around time once they get the ring back.

Compared to just straight up returning it and having them make the same setting with the prongs I want it, would be about 2 weeks after they get the ring back. The only additional cost would be a $50 claw upgrade charge.

Then I would send it back and let them make the modifications. Doesn't sound like it will take as long and you know it would only be $50.

 

[OdetteOdile]

I would send it back. I do think prongs make a big difference.

 

[revo5268]

Absolutely just send it back and get it remade. This is the option with the least extra cost to you, so imo it’s a no brainer.

As a side note (apologise in advance this isn’t going to be popular) but I feel at the fact the concept of extra hassle and jumping through hoops was alluded to up thread; but the only hassle and hoops I see are when a person wants something specific but doesn’t specify what they want because “surprise” so someone else is jumping through hoops and going through “hassle” to discretely figure out what’s going on in the mind of said other person

At least James Allen set out all the possible options clearly anyway, yes you’re right, I’m no romantic.

I totally get that and if it were me I’d want to be part of the build to get it right. But it’s not how she is so yea, here I am

I wanted claw prongs but got rounded prongs….still want claw prongs….. and it bugs me all the time. Send it back and get the claw prongs.

Dang. Deep comment.
Because I feel like this is exactly what she would think. I don’t think she’d ever say anything but she would think it.

I would send it back. I do think prongs make a big difference.

The more I compare, the more I’m noticing the difference. Crazy how such a small detail changes the whole vibe of the ring..

 

[Dee*Jay]

Self confessed prong ho here!

I know it's a hassle whichever way you do it (new ring or modify existing) but absolutely worth it in my opinion.

 

[yssie]

@revo5268, does she wear the ring on her finger whilst working?

A nurse is putting on and removing gloves all shift long. Every time those gloves go on or come off, they’re going to pull those prongs just a little - and claw prongs are infinitely more likely to catch, lift, and break off than the rounded prongs you’ve got right now.

I would definitely not do this unless she doesn’t wear her ring on her finger whilst working. Honestly with all that pave she really shouldn’t be anyway - if she does, can you talk with her about putting it on a chain instead?

If she doesn’t wear her ring on her finger whilst working - ignore and claw forth!

 

[revo5268]

Self confessed prong ho here!

I know it's a hassle whichever way you do it (new ring or modify existing) but absolutely worth it in my opinion.

Nothing wrong with liking what you like! But thanks, I think so too.

@revo5268, does she wear the ring on her finger whilst working?

A nurse is putting on and removing gloves all shift long. Every time those gloves go on or come off, they’re going to pull those prongs just a little - and claw prongs are infinitely more likely to catch, lift, and break off than the rounded prongs you’ve got right now.

I would definitely not do this unless she doesn’t wear her ring on her finger whilst working. Honestly with all that pave she really shouldn’t be anyway - if she does, can you talk with her about putting it on a chain instead?

If she doesn’t wear her ring on her finger whilst working - ignore and claw forth!

Legitimate concern and nooo she definitely would not be wearing at work. She doesn’t like her nice stuff getting banged around at work.

One of our friends wife is always posting on social media how she rips her gloves while on the job. And my girl mentioned how wasteful that is and she should just take it off for work…

 

[Catmom]

I know it sounds like a big hassle to return it but I definitely would do that. There is a big difference between the claw prongs and the ball prongs and if it were me the rounded ones would really bug me. If you have the chance to fix it now I would do that.

 

[elle_71125]

I would definitely send it back & pay for the claw upgrade. I know it's a PITA to do, but as you say, you are only going to do this once & you need to get it right. It will be worth your time & effort.

100% This! Its an absolutely stunning but I do think claw prongs would really elevate the look.

 

[Tonks]

Didn’t have time to read everything else but my two cents:

I love the look of claw prongs but in actuality, they are not fun to live with. They catch everything and lift really easily. I had a ring with claw prongs sent back to have the prongs rounded, and I honestly still don’t really like them because they’re too sharp. I cannot imagine pulling surgical gloves on and off over claw prongs at all, much less on a daily basis.

Is there any way you could give her the ring and see how the sturdier prongs work for her and then decide whether to modify it?

 

[ringo865]

Aren’t claw prongs (meaning, the baby claws, not the long talons) mostly finish work? Such that they could just file them into claws and not have to remake the entire ring? At any rate, yes if she specified that’s what she likes, then that is what you should present to her. Even if it means you propose on valentines day instead of MLK

 

[yssie]

Aren’t claw prongs (meaning, the baby claws, not the long talons) mostly finish work? Such that they could just file them into claws and not have to remake the entire ring? At any rate, yes if she specified that’s what she likes, then that is what you should present to her. Even if it means you propose on valentines day instead of MLK

Claws would need more length than the amount of metal left in [these] finished rounded prongs permits.

 

[revo5268]

Didn’t have time to read everything else but my two cents:

I love the look of claw prongs but in actuality, they are not fun to live with. They catch everything and lift really easily. I had a ring with claw prongs sent back to have the prongs rounded, and I honestly still don’t really like them because they’re too sharp. I cannot imagine pulling surgical gloves on and off over claw prongs at all, much less on a daily basis.

Is there any way you could give her the ring and see how the sturdier prongs work for her and then decide whether to modify it?

She wouldn’t be wearing it at work, so in that respect it won’t be a problem. As far as snagging on things, I think her priority is how it looks over functionality for this.

Claws would need more length than the amount of metal left in [these] finished rounded prongs permits.

That was the impression I got from the local shops that they didn’t feel comfortable modifying it. And couldn’t replace the whole prong since it’s casted into the ring.

 

[Garnetgirl]

Another vote for getting what she’d like, upfront. Now is the time to make the change, or it will forever bug you and/or her.

When I first came to Pricescope, I wondered what all the fuss was, with people going on about prongs. I had never paid attention before.

But now that I’m educated, Ha! Ha! (Smilies not working right now) I see that they really make a difference to the appearance of a jewellery piece.

 

[revo5268]

Another vote for getting what she’d like, upfront. Now is the time to make the change, or it will forever bug you and/or her.

When I first came to Pricescope, I wondered what all the fuss was, with people going on about prongs. I had never paid attention before.

But now that I’m educated, Ha! Ha! (Smilies not working right now) I see that they really make a difference to the appearance of a jewellery piece.

I agree. If I’m going to see the ring for the rest of our lives, I don’t want to be reminded that I could of got what I really wanted..

 

[LLJsmom]

I agree. If I’m going to see the ring for the rest of our lives, I don’t want to be reminded that I could of got what I really wanted..

excellent way to look at it. and good to know yourself. get the claws. they will make a huge difference.

 

[diamondyes]

Look at it this way: this development is part of your engagement story. You are the guy that is going the extra mile to get your beloved whatever she dreams of! Sounds like a great way to set the tone for the whole rest of your lives

The extra effort just adds to the romance. You didn’t go to Costco on your lunch break. You put thought and research into it and when it wasn’t perfect you sent it back! Bravo.

 

[LilAlex]

I love the look of claw prongs but in actuality, they are not fun to live with. They catch everything and lift really easily.

This is my sense, too. I love the look but would avoid for a daily-wear ring.

But hard to argue with a $50 swap fee either way...

 

[allycat0303]

Revo,

She wants claw prongs? Return it to James Allen, get the new setting.

Doesn’t really matter if it seems like too much work rather then modifying original one, she will wear it for the rest of her life. What is 1-2 weeks proportional to the REST OF HER LIFE.

If it is the cost… well let me be frank…. It is absolutely insignificant compared to what you’ve already spent. And it is insignificant to the mild annoyance she might have everyday for the next… 60 years.

I know you mentioned that she will NOT be wearing her ring at work.. but my comment for that in general.

I also work health care. My original engagement ring was double claw prong. I used to wear it to work. I did NOT have a problem. Strangely enough, I never had an issue at all with prong snag, but I had a halo on it, so maybe that prevents material from brushing up in that way.

In my case, the disposable latex gloves are loose and never snagged. If I was doing more complex sterile procedures, I took my ring off. It doesn’t fit under the tight sterile gloves. And if you are doing a sterile procedure it’s inappropriate to have it on… likely contaminated and causing microperforations in the glove.

My opinion is that if she knows enough about engagement rings to KNOW what a claw prong is, then it will bother her.

 

[revo5268]

Thanks everyone to help validate what I thought was the right thing to do. Dropped it off yesterday. Stay tuned for an update once I get it back !

 

[meely]

Glad you are getting them changed, it will make such a difference