tension diamond ring with culet

[hastyone]

I have a tension set diamond engagement ring. The culet touches my finger. (Actually it grazes it) I have taken it back for sizing because it was too big. Since they made the mistake with the size, they might have to make a whole new ring. No problem there - either way I am sure they will do the right thing.

While discussing the sizing issue I mentioned to the owner that the culet was touching my finger. He didn't feel it was a problem, although I disagree. It doesn't hurt, but I am afraid I might damage the culet and that would destroy the beauty of the ring.

He sent it to his jeweller off-site. I have always used this shop and with a few minor exceptions, they have been very good to me.

I asked that he look into fixing the ring so the stone doesn't rest on my finger.

Is the culet supposed to touch the skin? Thanks.

 

[iota15]

I don't think it's supposed to touch the skin - but I suppose it could if it doesn't bother you.

Since it does, you should ask them to put the diamond a little higher.

Also, from what I know of tension rings, they will need to completely remake a new one. Tensions have to be very precise.

 

[hastyone]

I don't think it's supposed to touch the skin - but I suppose it could if it doesn't bother you.

Since it does, you should ask them to put the diamond a little higher.

Also, from what I know of tension rings, they will need to completely remake a new one. Tensions have to be very precise.

Yes - I'm a little nervous about the entire process. It likely has to be a remake. Thank you for bringing that to my attention.

 

[hastyone]

Are there any jewellers who could comment on this for me? (re: both the culet touching issue and the remake)

Thanks

 

[bcavitt]

First question is if it truly is a tension set ring. There are only about 3-4 manufacturers of such rings (Steven Kretchmer is the only one I can think of off the top of my head, but I know there are a couple more.), and if you do have issues such as this it absolutely has to be remade. True tension rings are made from special alloys in order to provide the amount of tension to hold the diamond in place. The other alternative is a channel set ring with an open bottom. In either situation I'm shocked that the ring is designed so that the culet goes anywhere near your finger. It honestly sounds like you don't have a true tension ring and the designer screwed up bigtime.

 

[hastyone]

It is a copy of a Claude Thibodeau ring. The material is 19K. The jeweller who does the work is fairly well known in my area, but I hesitate to out him if he screwed up.

I am feeling pretty down about this now. I had the opportunity to get an original, but the amount of money I would have to spend was almost 3 times what I paid. It's a right hand ring with a 1 carat diamond.

 

[hastyone]

The reason why I am asking was to find out if the designer screwed up by allowing the culet to graze my finger.

Can any experts weigh in on this one please? (If you are an expert, please accept my apology) I am, however, looking for more comments so when I pick up the ring I will know what I am talking about.
Thanks

 

[hastyone]

Newest in:
I picked up my tension set ring and while driving home I thought all was well. It wasn't. I suppose the heat from the interior of the car expanded my finger and while at a stop light, I played with the stone and it spun around!!!!!

I had checked it in the shop and all was fine...

I had to drive back and drop off the ring. Again. And this time for an issue I saw coming. Dam*

ETA: The culet still touched my finger. The manager had said that it was high enough after sizing it on the (metal thing) instument used for measuring ring size. (The problem with that is the fact that my finger is not made out of metal and any movement whatsoever pushed the culet into my finger).

 

[ooo~Shiney!]

Oh NO !!!

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

OMG that is NOT OK! My husband has a tension set ring from Bruce Boone and the only time culet has touched his finger is when he has randomly been really bloated, on a day to day basis, not at all. If you are concerned about the integrity of your ring and the cost I would really suggest you check out Bruce Boone. He uses different metals, usually titanium and cobalt but also can use gold I think. Either way he's a pro at tension, contact him.

 

[pyramid]

I definitely think the culet should not be touching your skin. I would want that ring redone.

 

[hastyone]

Thanks everyone - I am looking into a re-make, although I'm worried about the fact that this jeweller does all of my jewellery, tennis bracelet/engagement ring/wedding band/anniversary and wedding gift ring, earrings etc. etc.), and I doubt that I would get my money back to go elsewhere. Not really sure I want to (I'm worried about offending him and definitely want to return).

I'm glad to hear about the culet not touching your hubby's finger unless bloated. If I do not bend my finger then it doesn't touch - but honestly - we all bend our fingers!

I'll keep you all posted.

 

[hastyone]

Newest:
They are doing a complete re-make of my ring. The culet will be higher so it doesn't touch my finger at all! I am so relieved they are doing this and without a big struggle.

I'll come back and post a picture when it's done. Thank you so much for being there!