Keeping your jewelry in the best condition possible allows it to retain the original beauty you once fell in love with–a keepsake piece that tells the tale of romantic memories, special moments, and other exciting milestones. Jewelry can last for years after it is purchased–provided it is well taken care of in every aspect, including repronging and resetting the stones.
This brief blog post will cover how to tell if your stones are loose, prong tightening, prong retipping, and prong replacement. Uncovering possible issues with your favorite jewelry will keep you from losing stones or damaging the design.
How to Tell if Your Stones Are Loose in Prong Settings
Gemstones and diamonds are set into the mountings of the metal design meant to hold them.
Prongs are slim metal wires securing the stone to the mounting and can be modified to fit the design of any piece. Prongs may look like claws or wider wires, appearing as clamps, v-shaped raised settings, and other styles. Three-prong (holding the tip of a marquise or pear-shaped stone), four-prong, and vintage six-prong settings are common styles for prongs.
Overtime, the stone can loosen from the prong setting, wiggling in the metal. The wearer can sometimes hear the stone moving. This constant jiggling may damage the stone, presenting danger; it may fall out and get lost.
Prong Maintenance: Fixing Prong Settings
Tightening the prongs will restore the stone to its secured state, sitting tight within the setting. Tightening uses the original prongs, once again refashioning them to fit the shape and size of the stone. The jeweler uses pliers guiding the stone/diamond into its proper position.Repronging consists of adding more metal to the tips of the prongs. Over years of use, your favorite jewelry may be damaged, caught in clothing, hair, or brushed against objects. These everyday activities cause the thin metal of the prongs to break off. Building up the wires with much-needed reinforcement adds durability to the worn-out prongs.
Prong replacement consists of removing the entire part of the prong setting and soldering new prongs into the mounting. Prong replacement may be necessary if the prongs are too broken, worn out, or unsuitable for the stone/diamond. Rebuilding the prongs makes new prongs for broken prongs, damaged prongs, and may fix initial incorrect placement of the stone. Breathe life into a piece that features older parts in need of refreshment.
These methods can be used in any jewelry design featuring prong settings. Fixing prongs is an easy process that will not take away from the jewelry’s integrity and unique design. Restore and rebuild any piece by practicing proper jewelry maintenance.
We are pleased to offer a variety of jewelry repair services for your prong setting questions. Do you need the best advice regarding your prong settings? We handle different types of jewelry – allow us to guide you on the best and quickest way for jewelry repair. Send us a note, a picture in an email, or contact us with your concerns.