QuestionI have a 10kt gold ring with diamonds and would like to have the stones replaced with gemstones.
Is it possible to reset stones into a 10kt gold ring?
I've taken it to a couple of chain jewelry stores and they said that it is not possible due to the kt weight.
AnswerJennifer, the chain stores likely don't want to do the work or do not have someone on the premisis to do the work. I personally would want to see the ring and then make a judgment. The karat has nothing to do with whether the work can or cannot be done! If told that, it is not the real reason or perhaps they are misinformed.
Changing stones in a ring involves taking out what is there to start with. Sometimes that will damage the settings and added work is needed to make the ring suitable to hold new gemstones. Some depends on how the stones are set into the ring in the first place. If channel set, for example, the work is very, very involved and could be quite expensive, even to the extent of rebuilding and remaking new channels for the new stones!
If the stones are set in prongs, generally the prongs may be bent to release the original stones. If a prong breaks, that will need to be repaired before a new stone may be set into the ring. This is unpredictable and the breaking of a prong will surprise the jeweler as much as anyone else. Been there..done that!
I suggest you take the ring to a reputable local jewelry store, preferabley one which does "custom work". Custom work means they have an in-house bench jeweler who does the work. The jeweler can look at the ring and give an idea of the work involved to remove the originals and replace with new stones. That is the best approach. The chain stores generally simply not interested in doing this sort of work.
As I said, the fact the ring is 10k should have little or no bearing on the work you want done. Be certain to get an estimate first, with the understanding that more work may be needed than anticipated. As a jeweler who does this sort of work once in a while, I know that surprises do happen when working with a ring with which you are unfamiliar. If more work is needed, they should advise you as they get into the job.
I do hope this answer will get you going in the right direction. Best wishes in the ring "being able to be modified" in the first place. Best wishes in finding a competent jeweler to do the work!
God Bless and Peace. Thomas. July 5, 2006 8:01pm
