9 replies to this topic

[cyang]

Today I went to a jewerly chain store to pick up a channel diamond setting for my loose diamond. I chose 6 prongs for the setting. After it is set (cost me $150), i was surprised to see the 6 prongs is not the usual arrangement.

The typical 6 prongs is with one on the top of the diamond and one on the bottom of the diamond, then 2 on the upper shoulder, 2 on the lower shoulder.

But the 6 prong setting i got is the typical style turning 60 degree. It end up having no prong on the top or bottom. two prongs on the upper shoulder, two on the side, and two on the lower shoulder.


Before diamond is set, i told the sales person to let the actual jeweler know that i want the top/bottom prongs are really vertical, which implies the typical directions. However, i don't think she got it at all. Is is normal diamond is set to the way they set it now?

I have attached pictures along with the message. The left One is be 6 prong setting i got (named as current_channel.jpg). The right one will be the one i want (named as tiffany_channel_right.jpg).

At the end of it, i told them i am not satisfied with the setting. They even told me that the setting they arranged is more sturdy, because on the top and bottom i have two prongs to protect my diamond, instead of one on the top/bottom. That is ridiculous. I can argue then there is less prongs on the side. Then they said it is more like hit something on the diamond top and bottom, than hitting on the diamond side. What kind of argument is that?


Anyway they said if i am not satisfied i can get it redone. I wonder if setting/un-setting too often will hurt diamond? Will those process crack diamond easily? The other thing i want to note is that there is a 1 - 2 mm (around that length) long mark somewhere at diamond girdle. I knew this before i set it to the ring. Do you think with another unset and set process, will that make diamond more tend to crack/chip?

Thanks. Appreciate your help.

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Edited by cyang, 01 November 2010 - 09:46 PM.

[davidelevi]

In normal circumstances, as long as it is done properly, there is no reason why a round diamond should be damaged by setting/re-setting.

What is the "mark on the girdle"? If it is a chip or a feather very close to the surface, then there is a greater risk.

On the setting - I can see where the confusion arose. You told them you want it "vertical" - but the way they looked at it is by holding the ring vertically by the shank. If you don't like it, ask them to redo it.

[cyang]

I am not quite sure whether it is chip or feather. They said it might be chip. But i don't see a visible piece missing. Even there is, it is very very shallow to detect. But from the loupe i can see a mark.

As for the prong setting, they just told me their default way of setting 6 prongs is like the way they set mine. But i don't belive that is the typical arrangement. The salesperson didn't really hear me on the vertical thing, therefore, i don't think she emphasize that to jewerler either.

So for my diamond condition, shall i take the risk to reset it? from 1 to 100%, what is the risk factor? Now after it is set into the ring, i can't even see the mark any more. If it worth the risk to reset, shall i also ask them to use prong to cover the mark? Will setting the prong right on the mark further stress the diamond?

They are explicit that reset will take the diamond out of the current head, unload the current head off the band, and set the diamond into a new head.

[davidelevi]

It's not a question that can be answered without seeing the stone (and actually having a fair amount of practice as a setter). I don't believe the risk is high, if it is something that the stone had before and it was not noted on (a presumably recent) grading report, but the jeweller is the one taking the responsibility... the same goes for the prong covering the mark. It may be a good idea aesthetically, but it may put pressure on a weak spot.

The fact that they want to replace the head is a point in their favour. Unsetting has practically no risk, and setting from a new head is less risky than having to re-tip or reshape prongs.

[jan]

Are you looking for a Tiffany style channel set ring? We happen to have one in stock that we made. It is in platinum with a .95 ct. GIA EX EX EX center diamond in VS2 H. If interested, let me know and I can put up a movie of the ring and stone. It's set correctly too.

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[HeartAndStone]

Hi cyang!

Well honestly, I like the setting, and for me the stone looks chunkier.
I think you should try it for a week or two, maybe you'll love it.

[cyang]

Really? HeartAndStone, you like it the current way it sets? Just be verbose here, the first picture where i hold the ring is the current setting.

Most people like tradtional setting (12 and 6 oclock). The current setting makes it like 4 prongs, since two prongs on the side are sort of hidden by the small diamond on the shank. It does not look very round to me.

I looked at my ring for two days now, and I still like the tradtiional setting. I will have it reset on Thursday. I really hope it turn out to be fine. I will post a picture afterwards.

[cyang]

Jan, your Tiffany style channel set ring looks nice. However, i already had the loose diamond, just got a setting for it.

Still curious, how much is that tiffany ring? Do you sell setting individually? I might have a friend looking for setting or even the whole ring including diamond. Also what is the band width? 3 mm? and how many small diamond stones are there? what are the total weight of small diamonds?

[HeartAndStone]

Hello cyang!

Yes, I like the non-traditional 6 prong setting, I think it's cool.
Well then good luck, can't wait to see some pictures, you will surely enjoy it!

[jan]

cyang, on 04 November 2010 - 03:01 AM, said:

Jan, your Tiffany style channel set ring looks nice. However, i already had the loose diamond, just got a setting for it.

Still curious, how much is that tiffany ring? Do you sell setting individually? I might have a friend looking for setting or even the whole ring including diamond. Also what is the band width? 3 mm? and how many small diamond stones are there? what are the total weight of small diamonds?

Hi,
We do sell the setting as well individually. On that particular setting it has .48 ct. of side diamonds. It is 3.9 mm on the top and tapers to 3.2 mm on the bottom. The mounting only is running $2300. The ring total is $6495. it has a .95 ct. center diamond GIA EX EX EX VS2 H. So the entire ring has 1.43ct. total weight in it.