Repairing a Cracked White Gold Cuff Bracelet with a Star Sapphire

Question
I am a stay at home mom that makes jewelry on the side. I made a cuff bracelet for a lady white gold with a cabochon star sapphire, about a quarter inch from the stone the gold cracked  and I was wondering if I could wrap the stone and repair it, or if I have to take the stone out (bezel setting) and repair it? I wasn't sure if it could take that much heat from the torch? I made it about a year ago.
Any info would be great.
Thank-you, Stacey

Answer
HI Stacey,

That is a tough call.  Sapphires can take heat but there is always a risk.  Most jewelers now days do have a simple solution.  They use a laser to make the repair, which keeps the heat local at the crack and does not affect the stone at all.  Of course they cost a fortune to buy, and does not help you at all unless you know someone how has one, in which case you could let them fix it for you.  You can do it the old fashion way and pack the stone, it should be okay.  If you have any doubt then take the stone out.  It is better to be safe than sorry.

Regards,

Steven D.Covey