Expected lifespan of a diamond ring in platinum setting

[jdazer]

Is it generally expected that a stone will remain in its setting for the life of the bearer or do most stones usually get reset eventually, say after 5-8 years, due to prongs getting more loosened over time through non-extreme wear and tear?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/25/2010 3:32:34 AM
Author:jdazer
Is it generally expected that a stone will remain in its setting for the life of the bearer or do most stones usually get reset eventually, say after 5-8 years, due to prongs getting more loosened over time through non-extreme wear and tear?

A setting that is worn and treated carefully and with luck of course, can last many years. Key is to get the prongs checked regularly to make sure the integrity of the metal is sound and to keep the stone secure.

 

[yssie]

I would expect a plat setting to last a lifetime with proper care, barring accidents.


You want to check your prongs regularly - you can do this at home with a loupe (and multiple thick fluffy towels on the floor!!), but definitely don't let it become a once-every-eight-years occurence

 

[sparklyforever]

when you are checking your prongs... is it a matter of looking to see that they are not bent? anything else?

 

[yssie]

Date: 2/25/2010 6:56:56 AM
Author: sparklyforever
when you are checking your prongs... is it a matter of looking to see that they are not bent? anything else?

I''m sure one fo the experts will have much more info. on this... I believe there''s a list that Karl wrote up somewhere, I can''t find it though!


I have a routine:
1. Check overall ring shape for dents/out of roundness
2. Loupe diamonds, check for scratches/girdle chips
3. Loupe prongs, check to make sure the diamond is sitting properly in the indent, check that there''s no white space from the prong bending away from diamond, check that prong is straight (not bent out of shape but still hugging diamond)
4. Sometimes prongs can loosen just the tiniest bit and the diamond will start to spin/rattle, but you won''t necessarily see it - don''t twist it to check! I read somewhere on here (probably on that hiding list) to hold the ring by the shank and flick your fingertip against it, and you''ll hear if it spins or rattles in place.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/25/2010 6:56:56 AM
Author: sparklyforever
when you are checking your prongs... is it a matter of looking to see that they are not bent? anything else?

Basically cast a careful eye over the prongs, check to see if they are holding the diamond properly and that the prong tips aren''t broken or bent. Check carefully that the stone is secure in the mounting and isn''t moving or rattling. This is a regular inspection you can do yourself but I would suggest perhaps yearly, get an expert to check the ring and prongs for you. If you catch a prong or hit the ring then get an extra inspection.

 

[susimoo]

Date: 2/25/2010 7:02:36 AM
Author: yssie

Date: 2/25/2010 6:56:56 AM

Author: sparklyforever

when you are checking your prongs... is it a matter of looking to see that they are not bent? anything else?

I''m sure one fo the experts will have much more info. on this... I believe there''s a list that Karl wrote up somewhere, I can''t find it though!



I have a routine:

1. Check overall ring shape for dents/out of roundness

2. Loupe diamonds, check for scratches/girdle chips

3. Loupe prongs, check to make sure the diamond is sitting properly in the indent, check that there''s no white space from the prong bending away from diamond, check that prong is straight (not bent out of shape but still hugging diamond)

4. Sometimes prongs can loosen just the tiniest bit and the diamond will start to spin/rattle, but you won''t necessarily see it - don''t twist it to check! I read somewhere on here (probably on that hiding list) to hold the ring by the shank and flick your fingertip against it, and you''ll hear if it spins or rattles in place.

Thanks for that Yssie.

Off to get my loupe right now!!!