Proposal Went Great! 1 Week later I have ring issues

[Deucer]

Hi all,

Thanks in no small part to all the help I got around here, I was able to pick out an amazing ring for my girlfriend and she said yes! (since she's my fiance now, does that make her my ex-girlfriend )

Here's the story, if you want to read about it. [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/proposal-in-san-francisco-spoiler-she-said-yes.186528/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/proposal-in-san-francisco-spoiler-she-said-yes.186528/[/URL]

Rock: http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-i-color-si1-clarity_LD03050600?keyword_search_value=LD03050600

Setting: http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?forceStep=STYLE_STEP&offer_id=19851

That said, I'm pretty disappointed that I'm already having serious issues with the ring. My fiance was at work today and called me to tell me that the center stone is loose in the setting! The ring is beyond the 30 day return window, so my only option at this point seems to be repair. I called Blue Nile immediately, and they will make the repair for free, but I have to pay for shipping.

For the cost of shipping, I could easily get the ring repaired locally, but was cautioned that my warranty could be voided... also, my GF has only had the ring for a week, and will now have to be without it for two weeks while it gets shipped all over the place, which is not ideal.

I'm leaning towards getting it repaired locally. I'd appreciate any advice.

 

[JulieN]

Take it to a local place, and ask if the prongs can properly be tightened, or if the original work was not done correctly.

 

[liaerfbv]

What type of warranty does BN offer that would be voided? Do you plan to insure the ring? If so, you may not need to worry about voiding a warranty. I have never been impressed with BN work (I've had a few friends that have had setting issues repaired with them), so I would probably get it done locally. That being said, I would try to outright return the ring even if you are barely outside the 30 day window as it's not normal to be having setting issues this soon.

 

[Deucer]

I do have the ring insured. The warranty would include free prong tightening every 6 months, that's about it. In order to get the free tightening, I'd have to ship the ring back.

I just spoke with Blue Nile and they'd be willing to take the setting back for a refund, so that's an option. I like the center stone, so I'd be happy to keep that either way.

 

[jmarshall]

If you are having issues already, I would run (not walk) away from this.

 

[Christina...]

Before I sent the ring back to be tightened I would want to know that there wasn't a structural issue with the setting itself. No sense sending it back for tightening to find that the stone becomes loose in a week again....or worse is missing because there is structural issues with the setting. As time passes it may also become more difficult to have BN take responsibility for the setting issues. Have it checked locally before deciding which is the best course of action.

 

[SB621]

I do have the ring insured. The warranty would include free prong tightening every 6 months, that's about it. In order to get the free tightening, I'd have to ship the ring back.

I just spoke with Blue Nile and they'd be willing to take the setting back for a refund, so that's an option. I like the center stone, so I'd be happy to keep that either way.

Take the setitng back for a refund and get something else!

 

[Laila619]

Hi Deucer,

Honestly, I would switch the setting completely.

I know many here love 4 prong settings, but they make me so nervous. If one prong breaks or is loose, the stone is automatically loose. With 6 prongs, 3 would have to break or be loose to cause trouble.

 

[Mrs.W 514]

If they will let you return the setting I would just go ahead and do that. If you are already having problems with the setting they are only going to get worse.

 

[Deucer]

Looks like I'm sending it back. Good thing my fiance has 2 rings, LOL (see the story above).

Thanks for the advice everyone. And for the record, Blue Nile was unbelievably cool about all of this, and immediately offered a refund, no questions asked. I already have an email with the refund indicated.

The setting is absolutely gorgeous, and I'm really sad to have to return it. I'm planning to have a copy made locally to replace it.

 

[SB621]

Looks like I'm sending it back. Good thing my fiance has 2 rings, LOL (see the story above).

Thanks for the advice everyone. And for the record, Blue Nile was unbelievably cool about all of this, and immediately offered a refund, no questions asked. I already have an email with the refund indicated.

The setting is absolutely gorgeous, and I'm really sad to have to return it. I'm planning to have a copy made locally to replace it.

just an idea but this happened to a friend of mine and I thought they really spinned it on a positive note. Something also happened with their ering so they both took a day off of work. Went out for breakfast and then spent all afternoon going to jewelry stores and tried on different settings. They laughed and really enjoyed it. She said it was a very romantic afternoon. perhaps you could plan something similar. If you don't fall in love with something then you can have a similar ring made. She might find something completely different that she likes more. It is hard to know till you try it on.

 

[WillyDiamond]

Looks like I'm sending it back. Good thing my fiance has 2 rings, LOL (see the story above).

Thanks for the advice everyone. And for the record, Blue Nile was unbelievably cool about all of this, and immediately offered a refund, no questions asked. I already have an email with the refund indicated.

The setting is absolutely gorgeous, and I'm really sad to have to return it. I'm planning to have a copy made locally to replace it.

If you really love the setting like you said, I would let them repair it, this kind of stuff happens, I am sure it has happened to other PS vendors, if it is not repaired to your satisfaction, then get a refund. My 2 cents.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

So glad they were good about the return! It would never be satisfactory to have to send a ring long distance for prong tightening. I never had to have my prongs tightened in 20+ years with my original setting. It was only when I caught a prong on something and pulled it away from the diamond that I had to have a jeweler even touch it!

I will say, be super careful about considering local custom work unless you have a LOT of positive recommendations from people who have similar settings.

 

[WillyDiamond]

One thought occurred after re-reading this thread, your fiance has had the ring a week, perhaps she hit it on something or caught a piece of thread on it when putting on a sweater or garment, for example, and pulled the prong. You don't even know or recall the event when it happens. This stuff happens as DS2006 noted in her post. I know it is only one week, but this could happen the same day. Maybe its not BN's fault.

 

[04diamond<3]

But for that to have happened in a week?? Seems odd, if it were me, I'd take send it back and get my money. If it's poor quality it's poor quality and no matter how many times you send it back that's just the way it's going to be.

I would however, suggest getting a 6 prong for a stone that size because if one of those prongs is loose or gone, so is the diamond!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I don't think the center stone should be loose within a week. It is best to return while they have a chance. If they get it fixed and it happens again next month, it will likely be too late to return it.

04, I agree with you that 6 prongs are safer, but I will say when my prong got bent, the other three still were holding the stone in the notches of the prongs. So the diamond doesn't always fall out. Insurance is just so important since stones can be lost!

 

[WillyDiamond]

But for that to have happened in a week?? Seems odd, if it were me, I'd take send it back and get my money. If it's poor quality it's poor quality and no matter how many times you send it back that's just the way it's going to be.

I would however, suggest getting a 6 prong for a stone that size because if one of those prongs is loose or gone, so is the diamond!

Yes, it could happen the day she put on the ring. All you have to do is bang it the wrong way or catch it on somethings and you bend the prong. The OP had the ring in his possession for a few weeks before giving it to his fiance, I will assume he looked at the ring a few times and the prongs were in good order, now one week later there is a problem? Perhaps it is bad workmanship, I am not ready to condemn BN. Anyway, the OP should handle it any way he sees fit. Best of luck.

 

[SB621]

But for that to have happened in a week?? Seems odd, if it were me, I'd take send it back and get my money. If it's poor quality it's poor quality and no matter how many times you send it back that's just the way it's going to be.

I would however, suggest getting a 6 prong for a stone that size because if one of those prongs is loose or gone, so is the diamond!

Yes, it could happen the day she put on the ring. All you have to do is bang it the wrong way or catch it on somethings and you bend the prong. The OP had the ring in his possession for a few weeks before giving it to his fiance, I will assume he looked at the ring a few times and the prongs were in good order, now one week later there is a problem? Perhaps it is bad workmanship, I am not ready to condemn BN. Anyway, the OP should handle it any way he sees fit. Best of luck.

No one is condemning BN If anything I think they are shown in a very positive light for their customer service in handeling this situation. If OP goes with another setting or goes local I think BN handled the entire thing with grace and wonderful customer service as they should. The only thing we are taking issue is with the acutal setting. I agree that a prong shouldn't bend within 1 week of wear. It is probably faulty and BN recongizes this with the full return. Good for them!

 

[Hospatogi]

I'm sorry that you had issues with your ring but am really glad that its less stressful because of BN's great customer service! I know it's been said before but please be careful about trying to replicate your setting with another vendor. I know I might be sounding too cautious but I'd ask your local jeweler if they have done this setting before and see examples of their work just to be sure it's exactly what you want. After all the time, effort and sentiment involved I'm sure you want the ring to be perfect
PS your proposal was very sweet and I love the ring ! Please post some hand pics when you get your ring back

 

[Dreamer_D]

A local replication could just be exchanging one issue for another.

 

[OMG_AMG]

I'm glad to see that BN is willing to make their customers happy

I was intrigued by your proposal story (I also live in SF) and as such, I clicked on your picture...AND I was shocked to see the picture...because I know your fiance!! (I actually saw the same picture on facebook awhile back hehe)

congrats again to the both of you! and good luck with your ring!

 

[Deucer]

I'm glad to see that BN is willing to make their customers happy

I was intrigued by your proposal story (I also live in SF) and as such, I clicked on your picture...AND I was shocked to see the picture...because I know your fiance!! (I actually saw the same picture on facebook awhile back hehe)

congrats again to the both of you! and good luck with your ring!

HAH! That's great! Took a look at your posts and it looks like you're proposing soon. Good luck!

 

[Deucer]

A local replication could just be exchanging one issue for another.

Definitely something to consider.

I got a look at the ring last night. None of the prongs is seriously bent, but the diamond is moving around (rotating) within the prongs just a bit when tapped. It wasn't anywhere close to getting loose from the setting.

My take on the whole situation is that if I'm going to have setting issues, I'd rather have them locally than have to ship back to BN even one more time. I gave them a shot and it didn't work out. They were great about the situation, so no harm no foul. I have a couple of vendors locally with good reputations, and one specifically who does custom work, so I'm going to try that next.

 

[TC1987]

I think I just would have found a good local jeweler and had that peg head changed to either a 6-prong or a more substantial 4-prong. (Assuming that there was no problem with the shank, the size, or loose stones in the shank.) But it's your ring, and only you can make the decision. Settings vary in heft and durability, and it's her special e-ring, so you have the right to be selective, lol.

My experience is that it's not so unusual to have a newly-set stone get just loose enough to rattle audibly. I've had more problems with my CZ rings than the diamonds. But it only required one tightening and then I had no problems with any of them after that. "Used" or pre-worn prong heads gave me the most trouble, because they seem softer and predisposed to bending just enough.

 

[Dreamer_D]

A local jeweler can work on your BN mount. You don't need to start from scratch. They can switch the head.

 

[PS34one]

While it perfectly normal to freak out when you notice that your diamond is loose after just being set, I would like to point out that this can be perfectly normal and not uncommon. When a diamond is set in a new head, the new head has to be "Seated" for the stone. This requires making small grooves just below the portion of the prong that will be bent over the crown of the diamond. This "seat" is where the girdle of the diamond will sit. On a newly set diamond, even a few small hits to the top of the stone can cause it to shift slightly in a new seat and it may need to be tightened again.
4 prong, 6 prong, I think those are all important to consider and can differ depending on the diamond, head, and wearer.
I just want to point out that if you purchased a good quality ring from a reputable jeweler and the stone gets a little loose after its set, don't feel like you have to imidiatly return it because its doomed. It most likely just needs to be tightened and it will be just fine.

 

[PS34one]

Hey Deucer,
this may sound a little pushy since I just posted, but I was looking Closer at your post from this morning about returning your ring to have a duplicate made at a local Jeweler. Please forgive me for being so blunt, but with your best interest in mind please reconsider. I think this would be not only unwise but perhaps a little irrashional. Again, please forgive me. Lets look at the Facts....
You already purchased a beautiful ring that your fiance loves and you both love the design of the ring and have no desire to change it.
Aside from the diamond needing to be tightened a little, which can be perfectly normal as I posted above, nothing is wrong with the ring.
Custom work is expensive, and non-returnable, and you don't know what the finished product will look like until its done.
A duplicate will never look the same as the original design.
In addition to that, there is not even any practical reason to have this ring remade because the security of the center stone has absolutely nothing to do with the shank. A die-struck peg head (like the one I am almost sure was used in your ring) is totally secure and if you have the ring remade they are going to custom reproduce a shank and stick another die-struck head on top just like the one you already have. Can you see why I am urging you to reconsider?
Sincerely, PS 34one

 

[Deucer]

Hey Deucer,
this may sound a little pushy since I just posted, but I was looking Closer at your post from this morning about returning your ring to have a duplicate made at a local Jeweler. Please forgive me for being so blunt, but with your best interest in mind please reconsider. I think this would be not only unwise but perhaps a little irrashional. Again, please forgive me. Lets look at the Facts....
You already purchased a beautiful ring that your fiance loves and you both love the design of the ring and have no desire to change it.
Aside from the diamond needing to be tightened a little, which can be perfectly normal as I posted above, nothing is wrong with the ring.
Custom work is expensive, and non-returnable, and you don't know what the finished product will look like until its done.
A duplicate will never look the same as the original design.
In addition to that, there is not even any practical reason to have this ring remade because the security of the center stone has absolutely nothing to do with the shank. A die-struck peg head (like the one I am almost sure was used in your ring) is totally secure and if you have the ring remade they are going to custom reproduce a shank and stick another die-struck head on top just like the one you already have. Can you see why I am urging you to reconsider?
Sincerely, PS 34one

No, I appreciate it! I never thought about replacing the head only, and I've been considering that option...

Especially after looking at the setting some more, while the stone is moving around, its extremely secure in the setting, and it's not even close to coming out. I'm leaning more and more towards repairing the head rather than replacing it.

Decisions, Decisions....

 

[JulieN]

How about a six prong head? 1.63 carats can handle two more prongs.

 

[aljdewey]

Honestly, it's not uncommon for a stone to become a bit loose right after receiving the ring.

Polishing a ring is like sanding a 2 x 4; some of the material polished away can become lodged where the prongs are just enough to give the appearance of a snug fit. Once the ring is steamed and cleaned a few times, the debris dislodges, leaving the stone a tiny bit loose.

All that's required is a bit more tightening of the prongs.