QuestionThe polished shaped azurite stone in a silver ring setting has fallen off, luckily immediately found. The stone was glued on to the 925 silver base, which is a filigree-like pattern. What glue is safe to use to glue it back on? It is my son's ring which I gave him for Christmas and he is disappointed that he can't wear it and afraid he will lose the stone if it falls off again. Thank you for your help.
AnswerHi, Judy.
I believe the best cement to use is a two part epoxy cement. One I prefer is Hughes 330, preferred because it is easy to work, cures in about 2 hours and remains water clear when cured. You might find a good epoxy at a local hardware, home supply or auto parts store but be certain is it the liquid form and cures fairly clear. A ring of funky colored cement around a stone look pretty bad and is very difficult to clean off. Super glues are not to be trusted for long term bonding in this case.
Clean any left over cement off the ring and stone as best you can. Be gentle with the stone since it can be damaged. If left over cement will not interfere with re-cementing, don't be overly concerned with it. However, do be concerned with cleaning the metal and the stone prior to cementing with the epoxy. Oils from fingers, etc., will not allow the most trustworthy bonding. Wipe both stone and silver with alcohol to clean and allow to dry. Do not touch the surfaces to be joined except to apply cement.
Before mixing the cement, do a trial run by placing the stone on the ring where it goes. Prop the ring so the stone will stay in place. Why do this? The cement will be loose for a while and will not cure for about 2 hours. You want to put the stone in place and leave it alone until completely cured and hard without moving the stone out of place. Do the trial run then mix the cement according to directions. A tooth pick or similar item will work to mix the cement. Mix it on a left over plastic baggie, piece of plastic, thick paper or other disposable surface. When mixed, apply to the stone lightly and to the silver lightly. Set the stone in place will all supported to stay unmoved until the cement cures. Leave the tooth pick or other mixer in the leftover cement. You can tell when the epoxy is cured by checking the unused portion and not messing with the ring until you know it is hard.
Judy, the most important thing is to clean the stone and ring, along with using the right amount of each part of the epoxy to mix. Follow directions and what I have said and all should work out just fine.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
