QuestionQUESTION: Hi
I really hope you can help me. I've had my engagement ring for 3 months, and have just noticed that its beginning to wear really badly at the back of the shank. I took it back to the jewellers and they said it was wearing down because of something I was doing, like typing. My keyboard is plastic and I don't touch the keys with the ring when I type! I then went to another jeweller for a second opinion and he suggested that as I got the ring sized (smaller) he felt in his opinion that it had been very badly sized, hence this wearing at the back and that this wearing wasn't caused by something I was doing. In your professional opinion, is this something that can happen and what should I do? Should I go back to the original jeweller and ask for the ring to be replaced as it wasn't provided 100% as it should have been when we bought it? I'm really stressing about this as this is only 3 months in and my fiancee spent a lot of money on the ring - hence we both want it to be perfect and to last. Your help and opinion is really appreciated and if you require I can forward an image if it helps to explain the situation. Many thanks
ANSWER: Dear Fine Lady, perhaps the time difference in our locations will allow you to attach a photo and use the follow-up to get back to me. Try to get an angle on the ring which shows the part of your greatest concern. I shall wait until I am home from work tomorrow to answer.
Thomas is Back as Promised--------------------------------------
I can see a funny state of affairs if rings really did wear down so quickly from everyday activity! Folks would be replacing the bottom halves of their rings at least twice a year. Now, we both know that simply is not happening. It did not happen to mother's ring, grandmother's ring or great granddad's ring. Sure, along the way the oldest rings would need some work but not all that often on the band itself unless very thin to begin with.
ACTUAL WEAR OR SIMPLE ABRASION AND DINGS
Keep in mind, actual wear is shown as a thinning of the metal. Other than that are the everyday little scratches and dings which will happen to any jewelry which is worn on the hands for any period of time. These are not serious. Actual thinning of the shank (ring band) is a problem you must address eventually. Which is the condition with your ring?
The ring was sized. The jeweler with the second opinion may be exactly right. When sized the ring still should show the same basic contour and thickness of the band as before. In sizing down, problems with thin bands are less of a problem than when a ring is made several sizes larger. The simple appearance of a larger ring with the same thickness of band as it was several sizes smaller will lead some customers to believe the shank has been thinned. It is not thinner but the larger circle of the larger size ring gives that impression! Since yours was made smaller, there is no problem of illusion to contend with.
If you are sure the ring is thinner, then what happened is this: When the ring was finished the jeweler took too much metal away and believed you would be ok with it or not notice. In sanding a sizing joint, it is easier than one would think to take a bit too much metal off. A little thinning may be quite apparent to the eye. Other folks will not notice and go on their way.
You should have some recourse with the jeweler who did the sizing work. A piece of metal may be put in and restore the thickness of the band.
I suppose a keyboard can cause some wear. This one along with my work as a jeweler has certainly done its share or wear...on my wrists. My rings don't touch anything on the keyboard.
Best wishes with this situation. You were wise to seek a second and now my opinion on this. Remember, I provide this information sight unseen on the ring before or after.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
Ring shape
QUESTION: Hi
Thank you so much for your response to date and I apologise it has taken me so much time to come back to you. As a further update I went for a third opinion! This jeweller said that he knew of the company who made my ring (UK based) that it was of good quality, any scores/scratches (some have come through already - he suggests I have done this unwittingly which I think I have done e.g. opening a metal filing cabinet - but will attach image as well) He said it was more paying for the quality of the diamonds on this ring, but that it was sometimes common for the ring to be resized and then to appear thinner, as this is now the style?? I'm totally confused but want to be as accurate as I can as I need to have my facts straight going back to the original jeweller. Thanks so much for any further light you can shed on this. Maybe I should say as well that I only wear my ring 9-5pm, once I get home I take it off as I do housework, wash dishes that kind of thing. I freak as if this is what happens when I barely wear it, what happens if I wear it all the time? So confusing, but appreciate your help to date
AnswerThomas is here again------------------------------------------
Honestly, I have not heard of a "thinner shank" being the style..it that is what you mean. Again, I seriously doubt the ring could be worn excessively in the short time you have worn it. It the ring has that much everyday abrasions, what of your finger doing the same events prior to having the ring? Humm. Something to think about.
From the very appreciated photo, the shank does not appear excessively worn. What I see is some uneven finishing. The band should be more evenly finished with no particular sudden changes in dimension or surface shape. Forms should blend neatly. I see some lack of neat blending on the photo. Is that how it truly looks and actually is?
The scores and scratches are going to happen, regardless. Otherwise, put the ring in a box and only look at it! I know you are going to wear this lovely part of your life and in doing so there will be surface abrasions. Still, I am not the person to tell you the ring has been finished too abruptly. Why? I did not see the ring prior to the sizing work. You are the one to have seen the ring. At this point, it is your call as to whether the ring is overly thin compared to the original condition prior to sizing. Wear simply would not have done it in such a short period of time. Only you can make the call if the present condition is acceptable or not. Then, you can talk to the original jeweler an see what may be done. I sure do wish I could offer more at this point.
Best wishes with it. God Bless. Thomas.
