Question
engagement ring.gif
My mother never had had her engagement ring and wedding soldered together. One side of the engagement ring is worn flat by turning against the wedding band. The settings for solitaire center stone and the side stones are also affected. The settings for the diamonds is white gold, and the body of the ring is 14kt yellow gold. The bottom of ring is also very thin so it needs a new shank, even if it was not damaged. Is it possible to restore/repair the area of the ring that will not be replaced by the new shank?
The attached image is not of my mother's engagement ring her ring is the same style.
AnswerDear Cathy,
This style of ring is quite familiar to me. I have seen many with years of wear and many with wear just as you describe. In general, if not worn totally thin, repair of the top is possible. Keep in mind, this might be costly.
Replacing the center setting is not recommended if there is anyway to build up the sides if worn. The same goes for the rest of the top. To repair the worn side of the ring, keep in mind this is likely not going to duplicate the opposite side which is not so worn. Repair will begin first with security of the stones, likely building up prong ends on the stones. Next, a piece of thin gold may be needed for the side of the center crown and another for the yellow part of the band beneath the side stones.
All considered, the best approach may be to have those areas built up with sections of gold soldered on and then the band soldered to the engagement ring. This allows the bench jeweler a little leeway in the detail needed in the repair since some will be hidden by the band. To duplicate the detail will be trying to duplicate the other side, wear and all, even if not so worn as the side which faced the band.
If both sides of the center setting and some of the ring base beneath it to either side are quite thin, the same repair style may be used on both sides of the ring. Sure, this will not look exactly like the original did but will look fine and add much durability to the ring.
Find a reputable store with a bench jeweler working there. Try to use a store with the jeweler there because there is more control over the outcome and the store is "face to face" responsible for the outcome. If they send the ring out, sure, the store is responsible but the one doing the work may not feel quite so obligated since you are not a known person to them. In a store where a jeweler does work at the bench, you will become a known person to them. Also, it is possible the sales staff will have gained a better knowledge of repair services than in a store where all work is shipped out to be done.
I do hope these suggestions are useful. Let me know of the outcome if you think of it at the time.
Cathy, best wishes, God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
