Diamond Ring Upgrade: Re-setting a Larger Stone - Expert Advice
Question
Ring
Hello. I have a diamond ring that I would like to put a larger diamond into. The teeth holding it are quite thick, but I went to one jeweler and he said that the entire setting would have to be cut off at the base to do this and could possibly ruin the ring. I was wondering if you agree, or have any other suggestions on how this could be done. Also, I am not sure if this is your area of expertise, but the ring is supposedly from the 1930's. The stamps inside read "CAS 14k PJ". Does this mean anything to you, or lead me to the original manufacturer?
AnswerHI CLAUDIA,
I THINK IT WOULD DEPEND ON WHAT SIZE DIAMOND YOU WANT TO SET IN THIS RING. IF THE DIAMOND IS A LOT LARGER THAN THE ONE ALREADY IN THE RING THEN HIS SUGGESTION WOULD BE THE BEST WAY TO GO IF YOU WANT THE DIAMOND REPLACED. I WOULD SUGGEST THAT YOU SET A LARGER DIAMOND IN ITS OWN BAND AND NOT USE THIS BAND AT ALL, OR YOU COULD TAKE THIS RING AND REMOVE THE STONE AND PUT THE NEW BAND TOGETHER WITH THE OLD SIDE BY SIDE GIVING IT A WHOLE NEW LOOK. BY REMOVING THE OLD MOUNTING YOU WOULD GIVE THE NEW DIAMOND THE ROOM TO SPREAD OVER BOTH BANDS.
ALL I CAN TELL YOU FROM THE STAMPINGS IS THAT IT IS '14K' GOLD. THE 'CAS' & 'PJ' ARE MORE THAN LIKELY A MFG STAMP AND HALLMARK OR A STYLE DESIGNATION. IF IT IS FROM THE THIRTIES THE MAKER OF THE RING PROBABLY IS NOT IN BUSINESS ANY LONGER SO YOU WOULD HAVE TO GO TO THE LIBRARY AND RESEARCH THE HALLMARK TO SEE WHO USED IT. GOOD LUCK.
PETER
