Ring Dilemma - So frustrated and don't know what to do!!

[JayKay]

I need your help and advice.

 

I got engaged on December 14, 2010.  My FI gave me a ring which was exactly what I wanted - white gold, solitaire with cathedral setting.   Here are some pictures:

 

 

 

For the first few months I had my ring I never had any problems. The problems started at the end of March. One day I looked down and noticed that one of the prongs holding the diamond up was completely bent over and the diamond was almost falling out.  I immediately took it off and took it to the store my FI bought it from.  They had to send it away to be fixed, which took 3 weeks.  They called me when It came in and I went to pick it up and my ring looked awful.  All four prongs were really crooked and when you looked at the ring from the side everything was not centered and was tipped to one side.  I told them immediately and once again they had to send it away to be fixed, which was another 4 weeks. 

 

Well everything seemed to be fine until today, when I looked down and noticed that the diamond was once again loose and I could spin it in a complete circle and one of the prongs was once again bent over.  I'm not hard on my ring, I don't wear it to work and I try my best to be careful with it.   Once again I had to take it to the store my FI bought it from and they sent it away, this time it will take 4 weeks. 

 

I absolutely love my solitaire ring, but I dont want to have to send it away every few months to get fixed, especially when my FI paid a lot of money for it!  I'm considering having my ring melted down and reset into a different setting, maybe a lower setting with more protection for my diamond, or with stronger, thicker prongs. 

 

Has anyone done this or thought of doing this?  Was it expensive?  I'm just really worried that if I do it I will regret it.  Any opinions or advice would be appreciated!

[luvmoo]

I am so sorry to hear you are having so many issues with your ring  I personally think that if the ring is what you want ( and what your FI chose for you, and put his heart into it) then i don't think you should change it... melt it down etc... You FI paid for THAT ring, with THAT setting and style. I think that when it comes back, if it has any further issue,. then i would take it back and demand that they remake it.. and make it properly... your FI paid alot of money for a beautiful high quality ring.. if thats not what it is turning out to be then it is up to that company to make it right...  i would make a stink for sure!! and document everything! 

good luck hun!!

[anichols8]

I agree with luvmoo, they should be willing to replace the ring.  Do you have it insured? 

[Evgal]

They don't sound very reliable.  I say go to another place and get it reset in a completely new setting.  There's nothing worse then looking down and seeing that diamond gone (it happened to my best friend).  

[merrylee]

That is the one thing I worry most about is that I lose my diamond but if I never did not wear my ring FI would be so hurt.  He actually went to a place that will replace any diamond lost period.  No hidden fees or anything,  But I agree they should be able to or willing to reset it. Maybe they'd be willing to let you exchange the band if that is what you truly want to do.

[wendyjd]

JayKay, sorry you are having trouble with your ring.  I just had mine reset into a very similar cathedral setting.  I too have a round diamond.  I really like it so far.  Just a word of warning, if you decide to change the setting, be careful to make sure that it fits well with your band.  I had to change mine from a tiffany 6 prong setting (which is what I wanted and what hubby picked for me) but I have an eternity band and either the diamonds or the prongs on the band were actually wearing/cutting into the prongs of the e ring. 

 

I'd suggest taking it to another branch (if it was a chain) or back to the original jeweler and see if they could reset it into another (but same) setting.  If you are unhappy, try to speak with a manager or owner to see if they can make the situation right.  There's always the BBB to file a complaint if the jeweler is a member.

 

GOOD LUCK!!!

 

 

[daizyduke]

I would try going to another jeweller for a second opinion.  Perhaps they need to redo the prongs.  It doesn't seem like the place you have been taking it to is able to fix it.  But since you love the ring, I wouldn't melt it down for a new setting.  I think you should be able to fix the setting you have. 

 

I think you should have the store pay the bill, since they are unable to fix it properly. 

[torilynnsmith]

Jay Kay - it looks like we have the same ring or at least very similar.  I have had no problems with my ring (aside from having to get it dipped more often than expected) and feel that you should have no problems as well.  Something is very strange that the same thing keeps happening.  I never take my ring off I wear to to work, yoga, clean just about anything.  I think it would likely break my finger before I could bend the ring or any prongs to be honest (took awhile as the high setting gets caught on a lot).  

 

FI got my ring at Peoples, not sure if yours did the same but I would definitely get in touch with head office if it is a chain as they will be better to help you!

[celticgirl]

I too have a smilar setting, but my diamond is princess cut.  I have had no issues, and wear mine everywhere, it has been 2 years and I havent taken it off once...  I dont think you should be having this problem.  Personally I would not want to change the ring that I was proposed to with, It would lose its meaning for me... I woudl complain until the problem was solved

[JayKay]

Thanks girls for all your advice.  My FI called up the store and complained enough until they finally agreed to replace the head with the prongs and where the diamond sits as maybe its a flaw with the gold, which is making it weak and therefore causing it to easily bend and loosen.  It will take 4 weeks to get my ring back, which really sucks, I hate not having it, but I guess its better to have it fixed and hopefully properly this time!  I will let you all know how it turns out when I get my ring back!