Setting question: Center stone size range?

[erislynn]

Anyone know typically what range (+/-) of center stone sizes a prong setting can take? For example, if a setting originally held a 7.0mm round, what range mm above and below could it accomodate?

 

[tyty333]

Really depends on the setting...best thing to do is ask your jeweler or the person that originally made the ring. Do you have any pics of the
setting you could post?

 

[erislynn]

It's actually a classic Tiffany style setting. I suppose I could ask the vendor (BGD) but just wondering if veteran resetters already knew this.

 

[WinkHPD]

Anyone know typically what range (+/-) of center stone sizes a prong setting can take? For example, if a setting originally held a 7.0mm round, what range mm above and below could it accomodate?

This depends on the original head and the treatment the setter gave it. As an estimate, anywhere from 6.50-7.50mm may be possible. Going smaller is easier and safer because the shape and curvature of the head can be maintained. Going larger might be possible, but the shape of the curvature may change and going too large could actually be unsafe.

When I was first starting out in the business, back in the 1970's, I asked a bench jeweler what to do when I could not order a head to fit a specific diamond. He told me to always order the larger size, as bringing the prongs in to hold the diamond was always easier, better looking AND safer than spreading the prongs to allow the diamond to be squeezed in.

Depending on how long you have had the ring, it may be better to ask your vendor to replace the existing head with one made to specifically fit your new diamond.

For specifics, I agree with tyty333. Contact BGD and ask. They will surely be able to help you.

Wink

 

[erislynn]

Thank you for the detailed and professional info! I always appreciate when a jeweler shares their real world experience, and that is comforting to know in my case because I was thinking about using a smaller center stone. +\- 0.5mm gives me a good idea of what might work, but I'll confirm with BGD before putting in any orders. You're the best, Wink!

 

[WinkHPD]

You are very welcome. The folks at BGD will take good care of you.

Wink