Resetting an antique ring - will I destroy the original setting?

[Piglet9j7]

I have an Art Deco antique engagement ring. I love the setting, but I''ve been thinking about resetting it as a solitare. I''m wondering what the chances are that I would completely destroy the setting if I were to have it taken out of it''s original setting. There is a chance I might not like the diamond (3ct) as a solitare, and would want it put back in the original setting.

Does anyone know the process of removing a diamond from a setting, and how risky it is?

Thanks!

 

[tyty333]

We need to know how the stone is held in place or a picture would really help.

 

[LGK]

If it''s bezel set, it''s probably not possible. Other types of settings it is a lot more likely to be possible. Best thing to do would be to ask a bench/jeweler. If it''s prong set though, it is likely that at worst you''d have to rebuild the prongs later if you wanted to reuse it.

You should probably post pics of it.

Really! OK, mostly I just want to see it

, but it would help answer your question too...

 

[Jim Summa]

If you love the setting then don''t do anything to it. If you''re curious about what a diamond that size would look like then find a solitaire you like and have a CZ set in it and wear it to see what you think. This would eliminate risk on damaging your setting or your stone.

 

[Michael_E]

Removing any diamond from it''s setting is very easy and, if done carefully, replacing would be nearly as easy. Make sure that the craftsperson you choose to do the work is good at it and that they feel comfortable in assuring you that replacing it will not be a problem. How''s it done ? With prongs they are bent back to allow enough room to remove the stone. With a bezel the craftsperson either uses a thin hand saw or a graver to cut the bezel at the corners, (or in strategic places in the case of a bezel without corners. Then a flat graver is pressed in along the stone, lifting the bezel. Doing the bezel can be touchy as one has to remember not to do any prying and to keep the back flat against the stone. Once you''ve done a few it''s very fast and easy. If the bezel is very hard or is too thick to use this technique, then it needs to be cut off and a new bezel formed to replace it. This can be very difficult in platinum rings which have small diamonds, since those small diamonds will be burned by the torch if they are too close to the replacement area, so will need to be removed and replaced as well. This is very much easier when done at a shop which has a laser, so you might ask around and see who has this tool if the ring is a bezel set platinum ring and small stones.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 1/23/2010 7:35:50 PM
Author: Jim Summa
If you love the setting then don''t do anything to it. If you''re curious about what a diamond that size would look like then find a solitaire you like and have a CZ set in it and wear it to see what you think. This would eliminate risk on damaging your setting or your stone.

This is a good idea.