Weak Pave Setting Repair: Can a Ring Be Strengthened?

Question
Hello Peter!

I have a ring that I absolutely adore, it is a pave setting with 2mm champagne diamonds. Went to the jewerly to have it resized, but being there I found out that was not possible because the layer in which the diamonds are set is so thin it would crack. It even has small holes near a few diamonds.

Now I don't care about the size, I just want to make the ring stronger, so it won't crack if I accidentally hit it. The jewerler told me there was no way to repair it, but the real no way is me doing nothing about it.

I've been researching and found a cement you use to set gems on gold, etc. 330 epoxy. I understand it dries clear and hard -not flexible at all. I was thinking on covering the back of the pave with the epoxy, so when it dries it makes the dome stronger and prevents the diamonds from falling out. As it dries clear, I'm thinking it won't affect the diamonds themselves. Maybe I should just cover the gold with it, without touching the diamonds (would be a hell of a job, but if that's what it takes...).

What do you think about this? I know it doesn't sound very high end, but I need to know if that is the best way to give the ring a longer life.

Any suggestions??

Thank you very much!!!!


Answer
Greetings, and I apologise sincerely for my slow response as my All Expert e-mail have been getting redirected to a sub folder by the server.....ah the joy of modern tech

Simply speaking your jeweller is either frightened by the prospect and was fobbing you off or sincerely correct.
You likely need a second opinion.
You could have the rails of the ring strengthened by thickening.
You could also have the ring remade.
All epoxy solutions are really not a solution at all and end up be a nightmare to keep pieces clean and glistening.

You could attempt what you suggest but I would suggest a thorough clean with ammonia and dish liquid using a toothbrush....and your right it would be a hell of a job, and perhaps the beginning of continual touch up and repair.

Without seeing the piece, I really cant give you a sound appraisal.

Good Luck and Cheers, P