Can a jeweler "comfort-tize" a ring later?

[S&I]

Hi All,

I'm not sure if this is the right forum to post this topic.

I have an almost-4mm-wide channel-set diamond band that is not a comfort-fit band. I was thinking about taking it to a jeweler to have them attempt at making it comfort-fit without shaving off too much metal. I don't want the integrity of the channel to be compromised, so I was thinking that maybe shaving only the bottom inside edge of the ring (no channel on the bottom half - it's not an eternity) would work.

Does anybody know if this is possible, and if so, would the ring feel more like a comfort-fit band? Is there any danger in having my local jeweler do this?

Thanks in advance!

 

[S&I]

Update: I found a local jeweler that does a lot of custom pieces. They say they can do it, but I'm still a bit worried about the outcome.

Does anybody have any experience with modifying a band like this? I want to make sure this type of thing is easy to do, before I take it in to this place and pay $35 (is that too low?), only to learn that it's not going to turn out right.

 

[Todd Gray]

If the inside of your ring shank is flat and the outer edges are flat, it might be possible for a jeweler to soften the edge by filing it down a little without compromising the integrity of the ring. A "comfort fit" shank is essentially a shank with a raised inner rounded section that slopes off into the sides of the ring - there really isn't a way to add metal to the inside of the ring shank to curve it, but a similar feel can be created by softening the edge... it depends on the construction of the ring of course!

Does the current shape of the ring shank actually cause discomfort?

 

[S&I]

Thanks for your helpful response Todd.

My current band is flat on both sides, similar to a pipe-cut. It isn't super uncomfortable, but I can definitely feel how wide the band is on my short finger. The bottom of the shank doesn't taper down at all, so it's the same width all the way around the ring. I just had this idea of shaving down the inside edges in hopes of trying to make it a bit more comfortable putting it on and taking it off.

 

[D&T]

is it the width of the band or the thickness? I ask, because I actually find Really wide band to be comfortable BUT its usually the THICKNESS (from inside of shank to outside) that's uncomfortable. I recently had my ering (about 2.3mm thick) and 4mm width thinned out (1.8mm) and much more comfortable than before.

 

[S&I]

Hi D&T, how are ya? Any new resets on your horizon?

I hadn't thought of the thickness of the band being the reason behind its uncomfy-ness. It is quite thick compared to my other rings - I'll have to measure it tonight when I get home.

Do you think shaving down the thickness of the band is all I really need? I probably don't want too much of it shaved down because that would make my ring a bit looser, right?

 

[D&T]

Hiya Sandy!

I would think that shaving(thinning) would help tremendously. I'm not sure of the logistic behind it all, my ring was a plain solitaire and Michael after reducing the thickness of it, had it sized correctly, so as for size, he must have resized it for me afterwards because it fit the same as the original very thick ring, but the comfort was 10 times better.

heheh nah,, no reset itch... although this new up and coming designer Victor Canera is high on that reset list should I venture that route again

 

[Todd Gray]

Hi D&T, how are ya? Any new resets on your horizon?

Do you think shaving down the thickness of the band is all I really need? I probably don't want too much of it shaved down because that would make my ring a bit looser, right?

It won't make the ring looser if the jeweler reduces the thickness from the outside of the ring

 

[D&T]

It won't make the ring looser if the jeweler reduces the thickness from the outside of the ring

Hi Todd,

Sandy has diamond channel set, how will that work? I'm assuming they can't reduce that part, so if there were enough metal underneath, can the jeweler reduce the metal that way, and then resize possibly? because then it would give it a more uniform thickness all around instead of just the undershank?

Plain shank I can see that could work but with diamonds on it? TIA

I guess my next question Sandy,

Is it uncomfortable just underneath or next to your pinky and middle finger? my ring was uncomfortable all around bottom and side to side, but once it was thinned out all around, it feels great now. Just trying to trouble shoot before you have to go to the jeweler more than once. I had to take my channel set ring in four times to a jeweler once and I won't do it again, finally I just took it with it being out of round but at least my diamonds were secured.

 

[Camus]

My cousin asked her jeweler this a while ago and was told that it all depended on how flat and thick the band itself was, If there was a lot of delicate work along the shank it would make it more difficult. Go to a trusted jeweler and ask them if they are able to do it for you. Maybe some other vendors here on PS will be able to answer too.

 

[S&I]

Thanks Todd, D&T, and Camus.

It's not too terribly uncomfortable once I get the ring on, but I do 'feel' its presence in between my fingers and on the bottom part. I just wanted to see if it were possible to have it glide onto my finger like my other comfort-fit bands, instead of having to force it onto my finger, if that makes any sense. Of course, this is the widest ring that I have too so maybe that's a factor?

I didn't get a chance to measure the thickness of the bottom part of the ring because my husband and I went to the Joe Satriani concert last night. But if I had to guess, I'd say it's around 3mm thick. I know it's the same thickness all the way around, so it's however thick the channel on the top has to be to hold 0.075ct diamonds.

I'm going to try talking directly to the bench person to explain my concerns, and hopefully he'll be able to tell me what my options are. I'm hoping he'll let me just stay there and while he's shaving the ring little by little so I can tell him exactly how it's feeling. Thanks so much for all your comments and thoughts! I'll return with my findings/results - hopefully I'll get a chance to talk to the jeweler by next weekend.

D&T, I always thought your pic with all your e-ring resets was so cool, seeing the step-by-step transformations! I'm glad you're still loving your current setting - it is quite a beauty!
Camus, did you get in contact with Victor to talk about your project yet? I can't wait to see what you come up with!

 

[asscherisme]

Yes, but I would only trust someone who knew what they were doing. I had an eternity band that was channed set and the edges were a bit sharp almost. The jeweler rounded them and made the ring into a comfort fit for me. It made it feel a bit larger by about 1/2 size. No regrets doing it either.

 

[asscherisme]

If the inside of your ring shank is flat and the outer edges are flat, it might be possible for a jeweler to soften the edge by filing it down a little without compromising the integrity of the ring. A "comfort fit" shank is essentially a shank with a raised inner rounded section that slopes off into the sides of the ring - there really isn't a way to add metal to the inside of the ring shank to curve it, but a similar feel can be created by softening the edge... it depends on the construction of the ring of course!

Does the current shape of the ring shank actually cause discomfort?

This is what my jeweler did exactly.

 

[S&I]

Thanks asscherisme! I think that's going to be my approach when I finally have time to take my ring into the jeweler. I confirmed with my saleslady at the store that if I came right when they opened and before they get too busy, I could sit and talk to the bench person about doing slight adjustments little by little, until it feels better.

I'm glad your ring turned out great - it makes me feel better about taking my ring in.

 

[S&I]

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to come back with an update. I was finally able to go to the jewelry store today, hoping that they wouldn't be as busy as usual due to the super-cold weather. I was right - I practically got the whole store to myself.

The jeweler was able to shave down the edges of the inside of the ring so it's a lot more comfortable. I told him to not touch the channel part of the ring at all, because I didn't want the integrity of the channel to change. I was charged $35 plus tax for this service.

Thanks again for everyone that commented with their experiences and thoughts!