QuestionHello, I recently bought a diamond band. It is currently a 7 and we need it to be a 6.25. The jeweler I brought it to says the ring will end up being oval because he doesn't want to effect the stone mountings. The ring has an elevated mounting of approx 10 diamonds total 1ct. Does this sound possible. Will oval be a problem should I look for another jeweler. If so do you have a reference in central NJ.
Thanks
Glenn
AnswerHello, Glenn. Thanks for the question.
A ring size is approximately 2.5mm or 1/10 inch. This means something less than that will need to be removed from the bottom of the ring band to reach a size 6.25. Generally, this is a minimal down sizing and forming the ring oval would not be needed. However, I would really need to see the actual ring design and the stone settings to know for certain if the ring may be resized down 3/4 size and be rounded out safely.
What happens is this: The correct amount of metal is removed from the band to make the ring smaller. Then the ends are brought together by bending the band. The ends are fitted carefully and brazed to form a complete unit. Normally, after preliminary sanding of the braze joint to check the joint for pits, etc., the ring is placed on a steel ring mandrel(tapered hard steel rod) and gently hammered with a soft face hammer to reform the ring to round again.
Apparently, the jeweler believes bringing in the ring sides will spread the stone settings apart and loosen the stones. If the settings are decently constructed, even if a stone or two becomes loose the stone may be tightened as good as new and after final finishing you are good to go.
The jeweler may see something in the design which causes hesitation to resize the ring. You might want to ask the jeweler specifically what the problem would be and if any loose stones may be securely tightened should stones loosen.
Oval shapes are not a problem in most cases. With the ring going down only 3/4 size, any oval effect should be quite minimal. Some people find the oval shape more comfortable once this sort of sizing is done. What to be avoided is more extreme oval shapes which severely distort the appearance of the ring and may cause finger fitting problems.
With some designs, leaving the ring oval and not round is the only option. Then again, if the jeweler did not sell the ring in the first place, they may be wanting to avoid any possible future problems once they work on the ring.
I would suggest checking with another jeweler to get an opinion on the resizing. Ask if the sizing will affect the stone settings. A second opinion is a good option at this stage. You see, some jewelers are more comfortable with the work than others. Much has to do with experience at the work bench. Then again, the first jeweler may be completely correct. Another opinion is needed to clarify the situation for you.
Sorry, I do not know a jeweler to recommend in your area.
Glenn, if you have a question on this answer or have more to add, please do not hesitate to use the follow-up option to get back with me.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas. December 28,2007 1:20PM
