Are My Diamonds Safe?

Are My Diamonds Safe?

By Robert Underhill

Did you ever have that sinking feeling when you look down at your ring that it may be a missing a stone? Every day countless people discover missing stones in jewelry. A feeling of panic followed by frantic searching and grazing ensues. Many hours are then spent attempting to remember all of the places that as stone may have dropped out in prior days.

           In some cases lost stones are small and inexpensive, in others they can be as significant as a Diamond Engagement ring or an heirloom passed on by a loved one. Whatever the stone, in most cases the loss is avoidable.

         Over time precious metal erodes. The constant scuffing against harder surfaces ultimately leads to the thinning of the prongs and channels that secure your gemstones. Then one day while your car is squawking for you to put on your seat belt, you reach behind you, and rip it forward oblivious to the fact that you have hooked a prong on the upholstery. As you drive merrily down the highway your diamond slowly jiggles free from your ring.

           Now that I have completely terrified you there is a solution. See your Jeweler! A qualified jewelry expert can look at your fine jewelry and determine if detrimental wear has occurred. Most fine jewelers will provide this service at no charge, and recommend the repairs and maintenance necessary to keep your jewelry healthy. If prongs or channels need to be repaired or replaced they will advise you. In the most extreme situations, they may even recommend that the stones be remounted. When this happens you will have to make a financial decision as to whether the stones warrant a new ring.

         Establish a relationship with a knowledgeable trusted jeweler. It is important that you work with professional jewelers who can properly identify important issues and not recommend expensive unnecessary repairs or remounts when they are not warranted.

       In Summary:   

·         Have all frequently worn fine jewelry cleaned and inspected annually.

·         Be careful with delicate pieces and prongs around abrasive surfaces.

·         Develop a relationship with a trustworthy knowledgeable qualified Jeweler.