Issues with Double Prong

[rmvfc32513]

In the last 6 months, I've had a bent or broken prong occur 4 times. The ring is currently double pronged. Each time, the jeweler fixes the prong but it doesn't last long before another prong bends out of place. I previously thought that double prongs added extra security but now I'm not sure whether the thinness of the double prongs seems to be presenting an issue, or if this shouldn't be happening. The jeweler has offered to meld the double prongs into a thicker single prong but I was hoping to get thoughts on whether this would actually prevent future issues or if it seems like there's an issue with the quality of the setting itself (and therefore would be best suited with an entirely different ring altogether). I am concerned that if the ring is converted to a single prong and a prong bends again, the diamond could fall out given there would be 4 prongs instead of 8.

 

[tyty333]

No pictures?

 

[rmvfc32513]

It's tough to see but in the top left, you should be able to see one of the prongs bent up out of place.

 

[valenledge]

Is it always the same prong(s)? Do you notice them getting caught in sweaters or towels, etc.?

Double prongs should be pretty secure, though forging them into one prong may make it harder for a prong to lift since there are less individual catches, especially with claw prongs.

Another option is tab prongs, where there are no points to catch on, and those can sit super flush against the angle of the diamond. I had tab prongs on my original engagement set, and no issues ever being caught or lifted by daily wear.

I'm so sorry. How stressful! At least your diamond has stayed put!

 

[rmvfc32513]

Unfortunately it's tough to say whether it's the same prong however my guess would be that it isn't always the same one given how many times it's happened. Thanks for the tip though on the tab prongs, I'll discuss with my jeweler to see if this is an option too.

 

[Lookinagain]

I'm not sure that is typical of double prongs. My emerald cut diamond has double prongs and that has never happened to me. Do you know how or when it is happening? For instance are you often catching it on a sweater or something else? Do you work a lot with your hands or sleep with the ring on your finger? Others can probably speak with more knowledge about how common this is but to me I would think that having this happen so many times in 6 months, barring what I mentioned like catching on a sweater, is unusual and I'd question the making of the setting. Did the jeweler who has repaired it for you make it as well?

 

[rmvfc32513]

I'm not sure that is typical of double prongs. My emerald cut diamond has double prongs and that has never happened to me. Do you know how or when it is happening? For instance are you often catching it on a sweater or something else? Do you work a lot with your hands or sleep with the ring on your finger? Others can probably speak with more knowledge about how common this is but to me I would think that having this happen so many times in 6 months, barring what I mentioned like catching on a sweater, is unusual and I'd question the making of the setting. Did the jeweler who has repaired it for you make it as well?

Yes the jeweler that repaired the ring was the jeweler who made it. This is why I am concerned with having the prongs melded into single prong, because I'm not sure if that would resolve the problem if it's an issue with the making like you said.

 

[K98]

I wonder if, because of the nature of the corners on a step cut, the very tips of some of the prongs can’t lay flat against the stone? And then inevitably get snagged.

 

[bludiva]

+1 on the tab prong idea

do you know what you are catching the prongs on? it shouldn't be *that* easy to bend even if the prongs are thin

 

[distracts]

+1 on the tab prong idea

do you know what you are catching the prongs on? it shouldn't be *that* easy to bend even if the prongs are thin

In the pic, the lower right prong looks to have a big fuzz on it.

I'd suggest taking it to a second jeweler to get another opinion on the issue if possible. Also after you get the prongs fixed, take a loupe, hold the ring up to the light, and turn it around so you can see every prong, backlit, and check that they are all flush to the top of the stone (no gaps where light comes through - if you backlight the ring this will be obvious).

 

[Lookinagain]

yes, make sure that the prong sits tightly against the stone. Also that the prongs are positioned correctly at the corners. You can see from the photo below how tightly the prong fits against my (dirty) EC.

 

[rmvfc32513]

yes, make sure that the prong sits tightly against the stone. Also that the prongs are positioned correctly at the corners. You can see from the photo below how tightly the prong fits against my (dirty) EC.

My prongs are very sharp, if that makes sense. Especially compared to your picture. I feel like that makes it very easy for cotton, fabric, etc. to pull against the prong. You’re prongs also seem more substantial where mine are very very thin.

 

[yssie]

Prongs also don’t seem to be symmetrical in the corners - And based on the threads one or both of these are catching too..

 

[yssie]

Can you take some more clear photos?
You need to back the camera away from the stone a bit.

 

[fussykiki]

Would it be the metal issue? It seems it is too easily bent. When my rings caught on clothes, my rings win all the time.

 

[rmvfc32513]

In the pic, the lower right prong looks to have a big fuzz on it.

I'd suggest taking it to a second jeweler to get another opinion on the issue if possible. Also after you get the prongs fixed, take a loupe, hold the ring up to the light, and turn it around so you can see every prong, backlit, and check that they are all flush to the top of the stone (no gaps where light comes through - if you backlight the ring this will be obvious).

So the original jeweler has offered to replace the top of the ring, changing it from double to single prong. They agreed to split the cost of $1600. As you recommended I took the ring to a separate jeweler for a second opinion and they advised they couldn’t change the top but could instead weld the split prongs into single prongs for $200. Do you have any recommendation on which is better?

 

[Lookinagain]

Did the second jeweler indicate any reason why this is happening? If the prongs were not made properly by the first jeweler, I don't see why you should have to pay anything for them to be made right so I'm curious what the second jeweler thought was causing this.

 

[Karl_K]

what metal are the prongs made of?

 

[rmvfc32513]

Did the second jeweler indicate any reason why this is happening? If the prongs were not made properly by the first jeweler, I don't see why you should have to pay anything for them to be made right so I'm curious what the second jeweler thought was causing this.

The second jeweler said it’s a very delicate construction because all 4 prongs come to a point at the bottom with no other support. Also, the claw prongs separate very low as opposed to higher up which would offer more support.

 

[rmvfc32513]

what metal are the prongs made of?

Platinum

 

[Lookinagain]

Can you show a photo of the side view of the ring where the second said they come to a point at the bottom? As well as the area where the separate? I only have one ring with claws but they don’t “separate” or come to a point. I’m not sure if that’s right or wrong but a photo would help others to let you know if the ring is constructed correctly. If it isn’t you should not have to pay to have it built the proper way by the original jeweler. You can see in the photo I posted above how mine were made.

 

[rmvfc32513]

Can you show a photo of the side view of the ring where the second said they come to a point at the bottom? As well as the area where the separate? I only have one ring with claws but they don’t “separate” or come to a point. I’m not sure if that’s right or wrong but a photo would help others to let you know if the ring is constructed correctly. If it isn’t you should not have to pay to have it built the proper way by the original jeweler. You can see in the photo I posted above how mine were made.

 

[rmvfc32513]

So the top picture shows how deep the slit in the double prong is. The bottom picture shows how the prongs come to a point and are otherwise unsupported. I agree with feeling like I should not have to pay. I am especially surprised at the estimate from the original jeweler of $800 to change the top, when the second jeweler said it should only cost $300-400. The second jeweler is not willing to change the top though because it isn’t their ring and they don’t carry this style, they are only able to meld the split prongs together.

 

[bludiva]

how much do you like your setting? for 1600 you could potentially buy a sturdier one. even if the other jeweler joins the prongs the whole head looks fragile imho.

 

[Lookinagain]

Also, what size is your diamond? It looks pretty substantial for a setting that appears to be fragile.
I don't know enough about jewelry construction (others here do, I'm sure) so I'm not sure that the part I've circled in red would impact what I circled in yellow. But aside from the prongs, the way the stone is sitting on the shank makes me think one good knock and the whole top could pop off. Maybe dealing with the prongs now and actually changing your setting will save you a bigger issue in the future.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Very easy to join the prongs most of the way until they need to split.
Platinum does bend more easily than white gold. But it does not wear away much at all.

 

[Catmom]

I have double prongs and have never had an issue with them at all so I don't think it's a double prong issue. Maybe a construction issue.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

I have double prongs and have never had an issue with them at all so I don't think it's a double prong issue. Maybe a construction issue.

Lets see t aside on photo please CatMom

 

[rmvfc32513]

I spoke again with the original jeweler. They advised that the 4 repairs they previously performed were just “band aid” approaches. Meaning, if you look at the side of my ring, you can see that there is a basket around the prongs underneath the center stone. Because of this, each time they repaired the bent/broken prong, they were only replacing the top portion of the prong above the basket. This explains why the prongs have been very easy to bend again ever since the first repair. They said it isn’t possible to replace the entire prong due to the basket and the best approach would be to replace the whole head of the ring. I am very disappointed that they are quoting $800 to replace the head when local jewelers are quoting $300-400. He also admitted that this shouldn’t be happening so many times over the last 6 months, especially when I’ve only had the ring since 2016. I asked why they wouldn’t stand behind their product and cover the full cost and was advised that it would be “tough to swallow” because I didn’t buy my center stone from them, which I found appalling. He said he is speaking with his manager again one last time to see if they’ll cover the repair. Because of that, I won’t mention the name of this NYC jeweler but will tomorrow if they are unable to do the right thing so that any potential customer can see my story as a warning.

 

[distracts]

I spoke again with the original jeweler. They advised that the 4 repairs they previously performed were just “band aid” approaches. Meaning, if you look at the side of my ring, you can see that there is a basket around the prongs underneath the center stone. Because of this, each time they repaired the bent/broken prong, they were only replacing the top portion of the prong above the basket. This explains why the prongs have been very easy to bend again ever since the first repair. They said it isn’t possible to replace the entire prong due to the basket and the best approach would be to replace the whole head of the ring. I am very disappointed that they are quoting $800 to replace the head when local jewelers are quoting $300-400. He also admitted that this shouldn’t be happening so many times over the last 6 months, especially when I’ve only had the ring since 2016. I asked why they wouldn’t stand behind their product and cover the full cost and was advised that it would be “tough to swallow” because I didn’t buy my center stone from them, which I found appalling. He said he is speaking with his manager again one last time to see if they’ll cover the repair. Because of that, I won’t mention the name of this NYC jeweler but will tomorrow if they are unable to do the right thing so that any potential customer can see my story as a warning.

The problem doesn't seem to be with the entire prong though - only with the tips which are catching. I'm unsure what replacing the entire prong will do other than cause you to spend more money.