QuestionI have an old sapphire ring. I purchased a beautiful new stone and would like to take out the old stone and reset the new stone. Is there a special tool that I can use? I hate to take it to a jeweler. They get so irritated that you didn't buy your new gem from them. Thanks
AnswerCarolyn, I was doing Christmas today and working late on the eve. Sorry to keep you waiting a day here.
Unfortunately, there is not a special tool to remove the old stone and reset the new one. There is much more to it than simply bending back metal and removing the stone, placing in the new one and bending the metal to secure it.
Along the way, the metal will be blemished from pliers or whatever tool is used. You would need a way to get the mar out of the metal when done. What if the metal, perhaps prongs, is hard and cracks when bent to remove the old stone or when tightening the new one? You see, there is really a lot to stone setting and it is simply not a do-it-yourself job without the tools and experience to do it safely and securely. It is easier than you might believe to chip a stone when tightening the prongs or other setting to hold it safe. This is where experience counts.
Honestly, I would not recommend trying to remove and reset a new stone with no experience doing it and without experience with jewelers pliers, buffing devices, etc. All are needed to make it be done correctly and look good.
As much as you might not want to do it, going to an experienced jeweler is the best option. Otherwise, all is at your own risk.
Please use the follow-up to get back if you need more info. I should be here, recovered very slightly from the holiday season but still quite busy.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas. December 25, 2007 10:05pm
