suspension ring trouble...PLEASE HELP!!!!

[shammas]

I bought a suspension ring and got engaged about a month ago. The size that my fiance originally chose was too big. So we took it to the jewler and asked to size it from a size 6 to a size 5. When we picked it up, the ring was sized at under a 4 and in the shape of an egg. We were not pleased and told them to fix it. We got it back and the size and shape were right. But after just 10 days of getting it back, the diamond has come really loose. I have heard that these types of rings have to be very specially designed and i am worried that the jeweler is not competent and that he possible could have ruined the ring sizing it. SHould he be able to fix it so that the diamond will not come loose again or do we need to start with a whole new band?

 

[kenny]

(Edit: Sorry - I assumed you meant tension setting (rings with no metal under the diamond) if I am wrong disregard my posts in this thread.)


I'd go for a refund and get your tension setting made by one of the trusted few like Steven Kretchmer, Gelin Abaci or Niessing who have more of an established reputation specializing in these settings.

If you can't get a refund I'd exange it for another non-tension setting from your jeweler.
I would not even accept a second try at a tension setting from this jeweler.

 

[princessv]

I thought that tension set rings can''t be resized

 

[kenny]

I think with Gelin Abaci if you return it to them they can file out a little of the inner metal but this can only make it slightly larger.
If anyone else does the work the warranty is void.
Also I think for a nominal fee they can replace it with a new one (they keep the old one naturally.)

 

[Garysax]

Date: 4/22/2006 11:32:35 PM
Author:shammas
I bought a suspension ring and got engaged about a month ago. The size that my fiance originally chose was too big. So we took it to the jewler and asked to size it from a size 6 to a size 5. When we picked it up, the ring was sized at under a 4 and in the shape of an egg. We were not pleased and told them to fix it. We got it back and the size and shape were right. But after just 10 days of getting it back, the diamond has come really loose. I have heard that these types of rings have to be very specially designed and i am worried that the jeweler is not competent and that he possible could have ruined the ring sizing it. SHould he be able to fix it so that the diamond will not come loose again or do we need to start with a whole new band?

Ouch, sorry to hear that. I would not go back to the same jeweller that gave you a loose tension, it would terrify me. Tension sets can''t really be resized. As was said before, there are only a few companies with a legit rep to do these rings--G+A, kretchmer, bunz, some others--I get one from them if you''re still into the tension set.

 

[shammas]

the ring is a suspension and not a tension. does that make a difference?

 

[JulieN]

a rose by any other name...?

can you describe a suspension setting?

 

[valeria101]

Let me guess... like this one below? (or some tension-like looking ring with a bridge under the stone)

If so, then bending the ring out of shape must have ruined it, if anything - the two arms holding the diamond have to stay in position precisely nonetheless, even if they do not apply any exceptional pressure to keep the stone in place. If this is the same jeweler than made the setting, I am a bit puzzled... that they didn't do the sizing right. It wasn't even that much - one size down!

As far as I understand, these are just about as tricky as tension settings - the rings must keep their original shape at all cost, and that means thicker frames. And difficult sizing... For safety alone, I would rather have a tension setting rather than this type. If it is a matter of preference, some such settings have the top-down look of a half bezel - with the tips of the 'arms' rounded to hug the diamond not just touch the girdle like a tension ring (example).

My 2c

 

[denverappraiser]

Shammas,

‘Suspension’ is an unusual term and a picture or link would be helpful to be sure that we’re talking about the same thing. If it’s a tension ring like the gelin abachi or Kretchmer designs, the above advice is dead on. Buy the real thing, not the imitations, and have the work done by the manufacturer. They’re tricky.
The style that Ana posted are usually not that hard to size down a single size but it does take some care to get it right and there can be some complications depending on the details of your ring. Changing the curvature will change the relative positions of the channel walls on the outside which changes the way the stone is held in place. Sometimes this is pretty easy and sometimes it involves some rebuilding of the channels and resetting the stone. A good craftsman should be able to tell you what is required to get it right. Go to another store that has a jeweler in-house and discuss the matter with them. You’re asking them a favor but most benchies are pretty nice folks. You can come back later and buy something from them but don’t leave the ring. The problem is that you have a warranty, either written or not, from the original jeweler that will be voided if you have someone else work on it. If they say that it’s something minor, take it back to the original jeweler and have them fix it. If they say it’s something important or something that can’t be repaired, take it back and demand a refund or a new ring as you prefer.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ISA NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[shammas]

the picture that valeria posted is very similar to the ring that i bought. so it kind of sounds like when he resized it the first time and turned it into a oval, he ruined the tension setting. then when he tried to make it round, it wouldn''t hold the diamond in well.

 

[denverappraiser]

That''s not a tension setting. That''s a channel setting. Tensions are a whole different animal.

Probably the reason the jeweler made it oval was to avoid changing the shape of the curve below the channel because he/she didn''t want to do the work required to fix it when the angles change. When you asked to have it made round, they STILL didn''t want to do the work to fix it, which is why you are having problems.

My advice is still the same. Talk to another qualified jeweler or appraiser about what''s required to make it 100% right, then go back to the original jeweler and insist on a repair, replacement or refund.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ISA NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver