You may think that you’ve found the perfect diamond ring, but choosing a setting that will keep your stone safe and secure can be nerve wracking. Depending on the shape, construction, and design of the setting you choose, your diamond might run a higher risk of falling out over time. There are a few reasons why that happens, but there are also ways to prevent losing your precious investment.
Why does the setting matter?
There are a variety of popular setting choices, and they all have different traits that are better or worse for the longevity of your diamonds. Sometimes, it might be a while before you notice that a smaller diamond has fallen out. Some settings are better than others if your main concern is keeping your stones in the right place. Pave-set stones are one of the riskiest settings, whereas bezel and prong-set diamonds tend to be more secure. The smaller the diamonds, the higher the chance that they’ll fall out due to the type of setting. That’s not to say that all pave-set stones are expected to have issues, but it is something to keep in mind if this is the design you’re going for.
Keep an eye out for wear and tear
Even if you choose a more secure setting, no design is foolproof and all rings are subject to wearing down over time. Look for signs of deterioration such as bent prongs, loose stones, or chipped mounting parts on a regular basis. If your stone moves at all, it’s time to take it in for a tune up. It’s simple to tighten the mountings on most stones, and you never know when the setting is going to give. A bit of damage is to be expected since rings are one of the most handled pieces of jewelry, but knowing what to look for can prevent you from losing something so expensive.
Don’t overlook design and construction
The metal that’s used for the setting, fasteners, and mounting parts in your ring has a big impact on how well the diamonds will stay in place. Softer metals such as yellow gold run the highest risk, so it’s recommended to use platinum, palladium, or white gold to fasten the stone. This is especially true for prong-set diamonds, since they are more likely to bend and break over time. It’s possible to use platinum prongs that are coated in yellow gold, if that’s the look you’re going for. If you’re really concerned about the safety of your diamond or gemstone, avoid using an inlaid or invisible setting if possible since it’s more likely for your stone to fall out or for the glue to wear off more quickly.
Insure your ring for maximum security
Regardless of the setting or stone you choose, taking out an insurance policy on your ring is the surest way to protect your investment. In some cases, your ring may be covered by your renters’ or homeowners’ insurance policy. If your ring is worth more than $5,000, an appraisal might be required but most policies cost an average of $2 for every $100 the ring is worth. This amounts to approximately $100 to $200 per year for median ring costs. Some things to consider, however, are the terms of your insurance contract. Can you choose who repairs or cleans your ring? Does your policy also cover loss or theft? What happens if your ring is damaged outside of your home country? Depending on your answers to these questions and the provider you choose, insuring your ring can be a low-cost way to make sure that one of your steepest investments is safe and protected.
When it comes to a piece of jewelry you likely wear everyday, some loosening and movement of the stones is nearly inevitable. Regular maintenance and attention is the best way to diagnose problems before any stones are lost, but the style and physical characteristics of your ring also play a large role in how soon these issues will arise.
