Diamond Setting & Ring Modification: A Guide

Question
QUESTION: Hello Steven:
   I have some loose diamonds.  I have a catalogue that has gold earring mountings for the round stones that I have.  My question is how do I bend the prongs in to hold the stones I am guessing with a torch.
My second question is.  My engagement ring is white gold with diamonds on the side and a round center stone.  I want to take off the round center stone and replace it with a Princess cut diamond.  How do I get the old stone off and what type of head would I use for a princess cutr and how do I get it back on? Do I also use something like a "mini-torch"  Any suggestions or ideas that you could provide me with would be very appreciated.
Ellen Valentina

ANSWER: Hi Ellen,

To set diamonds you would need a jewelers tools.  They cut seats in the gold.  Then they bend the prongs down with other tools.  It takes some training to do it properly both for looks and function so you will not lose the stones.  The engagement ring sounds like a job for a good jeweler.

Regards,

Steven D.Covey

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Steven:
Do you have any idea (rought estimate) as to what you think a reasonable price would be to be charged for both of these.  My ring is White Gold and I want the earrings in yellow gold.

Ellen Valentina

Answer
Hi again,

I could talk to my jeweler friend whom I do gemstone cutting for and he does jewelry work on occassion for me.
I need to know what size diamonds you are talking about.

How many stones, two for earrings and one engagement ring?

Let me know then I will call him.

Steven D.Covey