To Azure or not to Azure

[BeachyKeen11]

Hello everyone. I've been googling about azures cut under channel set diamonds and saw some very old posts here about it. I'm still not sure what to do. I recently had my E ring reset for our 25th wedding anniversary. It is a center marquise diamond with east-west set baguettes and princess cuts alternating on the white gold band. The jeweler did not put azures under the side stones. It seems that everyone I've talked to has azures under their side stones. I went and talked to him about it and he said that he would be happy to cut them for me if I really wanted them, but he feels that it weakens the setting and you're more prone to losing baguettes that way. My previous ring had north-south set tapered baguettes on the side with azures and I never had an issue (25 years of constant wear.) I noticed that the baguettes looked a little cloudy (after 2 months of only wearing the ring when I leave the house) and he cleaned it for me with the ultrasonic cleaner and then steamed it. They immediately looked better. He told me that I could come in as often as I want to have him clean the ring. I don't know if I feel like having to go in all the time to have him clean it. Anyone care to share their thoughts? It does have a nice smooth feel on my finger and has a nice weight to it. Thanks!

 

[denverappraiser]

The primary reason for azuring is to make it easier to clean the ring. It's very helpful. As long as the design allows for it for structural reasons, I recommend it. That said, it's done before the stones are set. This isn't the sort of thing that can be easily put in as a retrofit.

 

[BeachyKeen11]

Thanks DenverAppraiser. I was wondering how he was going to accomplish that. It seems he would have to remove the stones first, and I assume that some of the baguettes may become damaged in the process, at a loss to him. I guess I will have to question him about how he would do it.

 

[Diamond_Hawk]

Hi BeachyKeen11,

Denverappraiser is wise as always.

Azures do help to make the cleaning process a bit easier. If you feel strongly about it, your jeweler may have suggestions based upon your specific configuration.

Regular cleaning at home (you can get a good quality home ultrasonic cleaner for regular use) along with professional cleaning should help to keep your ring sparkling.

 

[Tekate]

Hello everyone. I've been googling about azures cut under channel set diamonds and saw some very old posts here about it. I'm still not sure what to do. I recently had my E ring reset for our 25th wedding anniversary. It is a center marquise diamond with east-west set baguettes and princess cuts alternating on the white gold band. The jeweler did not put azures under the side stones. It seems that everyone I've talked to has azures under their side stones. I went and talked to him about it and he said that he would be happy to cut them for me if I really wanted them, but he feels that it weakens the setting and you're more prone to losing baguettes that way. My previous ring had north-south set tapered baguettes on the side with azures and I never had an issue (25 years of constant wear.) I noticed that the baguettes looked a little cloudy (after 2 months of only wearing the ring when I leave the house) and he cleaned it for me with the ultrasonic cleaner and then steamed it. They immediately looked better. He told me that I could come in as often as I want to have him clean the ring. I don't know if I feel like having to go in all the time to have him clean it. Anyone care to share their thoughts? It does have a nice smooth feel on my finger and has a nice weight to it. Thanks!

I love the way your baguettes are set.. it's looks almost like a block of ice.. just love it! happy anniversary and as to the azures, if you want it to be easier to clean, I'd get them.

 

[BeachyKeen11]

Thanks Tekate. I'm really happy with the design.

 

[Sunstorm]

It is always recommended except in rare cases where the structure does not always allow it. In your case I do not see why not. It aids light return and cleaning. Many goldsmits are lazy to do it, it is a lot of precise and tedious work when done and finished properly by hand. But today advanced technology allows for it to be done faster. We know many things are not done by hand fully. From a professional standpoint if you can get it done, do it. In case of very thin fishtail, etc. eternities with tiny stones it is not recommended for structural reasons, yours is not such a case.

 

[BeachyKeen11]

Thank you Sunstorm. It seem that the vast majority of jewelers recommend the azures. I will be talking to my jeweler about it.