QuestionHi, I'm wondering what the easiest way to remove flush set stones is. The metal is 18k yellow gold and I'm trying to remove 4 2.5mm diamonds and 4 2.5mm sapphires from an eternity style band. I do not need to save the band, only the stones.
Thank you.
AnswerHello, Jennifer.
Since you do not need to save the band, the project becomes relatively easy with much less risk of damage to the stones.
I recommend using a jewelers saw with a small blade, perhaps a 2/0 or 4/0. Saw across the ring right up to the girdle of the stone on each side. (Use care not to saw against the stone.) Cut across the band away from the stones so you can bend the band sides in. Bend the band at the saw cut, starting by holding the band with pliers just beyond an outside stone and bend downward in relation to the top of the stone. The saw cut is the weakest area and when the band bends the metal will pull away from the stone. Do this for each stone and there you are! Very little metal is lost and the stones are safely removed.
Otherwise, the work involves using a graver or similar tool to gently remove metal from around the stone until enough is remove for the stone to be pushed out of the setting. A stone is easily damaged this way.
Best wishes. God Bless ans Peace. Thomas.
