QuestionMy wife would like to purchase a bar set (7 stone) baguette and princess shaped diamond ring but unfortunately the only rings we can find are 2 sizes too big, my wife is a size J and the ring we have found is an L
What are the risks involved in getting this resized? will the diamonds become too loose in their setting
AnswerDear Keith, to go from size L to J will mean approximately 2.5 mm (1/10 inch) of metal must be cut out. The ends are brought together and brazed. The question is if moving the sides that much will spread the bars enough to loosen the gems.
A jeweler really needs to see the ring and make the determination and even then surprises may occur. For instance, if the band is heavy, bending will almost certainly entail hammering with a a soft faced hammer to form the shape and bring the ends together. This will spread the bars somewhat. With great care, the jeweler can tighten the baguettes between the bars if needed as rounding is done. The spread should not be so great as to prevent the stones from being reset should the loosening cause stones to come out. You would need to know beforehand that this is an extra charge of labor beyond normal sizing.
Keith, if the band is not heavy, it is quite possible to bring the ends together wiht pliers, braze the joint, round slightly but not so much as to reshape the top of the ring. This will make the ring the correct size but it will not be totally round since the topo section is still the curve of a size L. This little amount will be not noticed on the finger and the ring will fit just as well if not better than if perfectly round. This situation will possibly have a few slightly loose gems but an easy tightening to make all secure.
I so hope this helps. If you need more,I might be able to help if a photo from the side(finger hole showing) and top of the ring is attached and sent to me in a follow-up.
Note: These UK sizes are the same as 4 3/4 (J) and 5 3/4 (L) in USA and Canadian sizes.
Best wishes. God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
