Caring for a Loose Gemstone Ring

Due to everyday wear and tear, wedding rings and engagement rings may eventually be subject to loose gemstones. It is vital before buying that the wearer knows how to take care of an engagement ring. While some engagement rings are more likely to stay intact simply by design, others require special care in order for the ring to look as new as it did on the day it was purchased. However, life happens, and that is why taking care of engagement rings is incredibly important to maintain the lifespan of the ring.

Loose Prongs

One of the most common fixes of an engagement ring is of a loose gemstone. Diamond loose stones, as with other types of gemstones, typically loosen up due to the loosening of prongs. At first, this issue can seem relatively minor compared to other issues that could arise involving a ring, but eventually, the prongs can become so loose that there runs a risk that the diamond or other gemstone may fall out. As the gemstone is the priciest part of the ring to replace, it is clear that immediate action should be taken if the wearer notices that the prongs are loosening and the stone is sliding around more than usual. Wearers should take special care to seek out this problem as it occurs without many wearers even noticing until it is too late and the diamond becomes lost.

What are ring prongs, and what is their function?

With all of this talk of prongs, it becomes necessary to explain what a prong even adds to the ring. Prongs are the little bits of metal that reach around the stone to subtly keep the stone in place. Although not every ring uses prongs, they are the most typical form of mounting for diamond rings. While most rings use prongs, they can range in size and number depending on the ring in question. Prongs allow the wearer to show off more of the diamond instead of the metal around it; prongs remain subtle and simple in order to stay out of the way of the overall effect of the diamond. Additionally, prongs take up little space on the diamond which, in turn, allows more light to reach the diamond. Prong settings typically show off a more sparkly diamond than other settings.

Prongs have an important job because diamonds are the hardest substances on the planet, and therefore, the prongs are made of a much weaker material. Prongs are typically weakened by bumping or rubbing of the ring against everyday objects. Sometimes prongs can even get caught on clothing which make them bend and loosen. These damaged prongs make the diamond more susceptible to damage, or worse, becoming lost. A damaged prong is most commonly seen with a worn down and flat end and thinned metal. Damaged prongs usually also become bent and stick out more than the other prongs which makes it easier to damage the prongs further. Therefore, it is important to seek out repairs as soon as one notices a damaged prong,

Engagement Ring Preventative Care

Unfortunately, very little can be done with a damaged or lost gemstone. Therefore, the main forms of engagement ring care should be preventative. With this being said, it is important to check strength of the prongs on somewhat regular basis. One way to check the prongs is with a 10x loupe, a folding magnifying glass that allows the wearer to check for crevices and spaces where they do not belong. If a wearer sees gaps that were not originally there or the presence of dirt or hair in the gaps, she most likely has a loose gemstone.

What if I don't own a loupe?

If the wearer does not want to use a loupe or does not own one, they can tap on the gemstone with her fingernails. If the diamond visibly shifts or radiates a strange rattling noise, then the gemstone is most definitely loose. There is one additional method to check on the security of the prongs; however, this method is usually only enacted when the wearer is already suspicious of a loose gemstone. Use fingers to gently twist and turn the stone, if there is movement, the prongs are loose.

With loose prongs, it is vital to always seek the help of a professional. Attempting to fix the prong at home may result in further damage to the prong or the diamond itself. Also, many companies may not honor warranties on the ring if the wearer tries to fix the ring at home. On the bright side, a loose or damaged prong is relatively easy to fix for a professional; some professionals or jewelers may even offer this service for free! If this is not the case, typical prices can range from 25 dollars to 50 dollars to fix a prong, making it one of the most inexpensive fixes for a precious gemstone ring.

If all of this preventative care seems daunting and the wearer is still unsure whether or not the stone is loose, an easy fix is to get the ring inspected closely and often by a professional. This preventative measure is a surefire way to be certain the ring is in good, wearable shape. Contact us by phone at 1(844)-234-6463 or email at service@withclarity.com. Our Live Chat is available during business hours Monday - Friday 10AM - 6PM ET. We are here to help!