Can this ring be saved jewelry experts?

[yoopermom]

We couldn't afford a diamond when we got engaged 25 yrs ago, so DH bought me a ruby cocktail ring with diamonds around it. The band cracked, so I took it in to a reputable standalone jeweler, who just called back and said it's "not worth saving", that the band is worn out/cracked in various places, it needs tons of prong work, etc. In her opinion it would need a whole new shank (is that the right word? the actual ring part of it?), which would be 8-900 (ouch).

I feel badly because of the sentimental value, and because I am hard on my jewelery (never take it off basically, so I've learned to insure more recent pieces that we've bought...).

So is there anything I can do aside from put it in the jewelry box and let it sit? If I took it in to sell it for the gold, would they give me the ruby back and I could get it put in a different setting? Any other ideas would be welcome!

TIA!
Terri

 

[Kae]

You could change the setting & use the gold from the old ring.

Kae

 

[WizardLarz]

Any that could cost that much to repair I would get a second opinion on.

 

[yoopermom]

Yes, I'm definitely going to get a second opinion, but this "mom and pop" store is usually fairly reputable. It was not a super expensive ring, so I don't know if the tiny diamonds around the ruby are really worth resetting or not...

Terri

 

[DeaverTex]

This is so uncharacteristic of me, but...

Is it worth it to you? Not to the jeweler but to you, the girl who's worn the ring for so long. Sentimental value can't be appraised.

 

[diznygirl]

Yes, I'm definitely going to get a second opinion, but this "mom and pop" store is usually fairly reputable. It was not a super expensive ring, so I don't know if the tiny diamonds around the ruby are really worth resetting or not...

Terri

I've been told no. I agree that if it's sentimental, that you should do what you want.

Or, if you can get past the sentiment, now would be a good time to upgrade!

 

[RitaE]

I agree with the others, whether or not it is "worth it" is entirely dependent upon how sentimental you feel about it. It isn't the size or monetary value of the stones that have value to you, it is what they represent.

If it means a lot to you to have your original ring, then get it fixed up and wear it with pride.

 

[sksjasams]

I don't know if this is possible, but can it be repaired with less expensive gold - say 10k? My DH needed to replace his wedding band. We ended up going with 10k, since 14k was so much more expensive, especially compared to when we got the first ring 16 years ago. The 10k ring was MUCH less expensive. It still looks the same and is supposed to be more durable.

Good luck. I hope you can get it fixed.

 

[mickilee]

I had the same setting but in sapphire. I got a wider plain gold band. and the setting mounted on it.

 

[cornflake]

Agree it's only about what it's worth to you. Something can have market value of $1 but be priceless to someone.

However, that cost is likely due to the price of gold. Can you have the prong work done and it set on a band of a different metal, like titanium or something, which should wear better anyway. It'd only be the underside if the setting is the same so probably the colour shift wouldn't be noticible.

Or, do you have some other gold you don't wear that doesn't have sentimental value that you could trade for the gold needed for the ring?

 

[yoopermom]

Excellent thoughts, thank you everyone! I definitely wouldn't care if it wasn't "gold" anymore, but there would also be the cost of fixing/tightening the prongs, so I would have to get an estimate before deciding.

Jewelry repair is one of those expenses that I just at, I can't help it!

Decisions, decisions....

Thanks again....

Terri

 

[Lanshark]

Can you reset the stone/Stones in a new setting either a ring or necklace?

 

[denisem]

Can you reset the stone/Stones in a new setting either a ring or necklace?

Granted it was many years ago, but I had the shank cut from my engagement ring from a previous marriage (freeform style with marquise diamond & emeralds) and the jeweler put on a bail to use as a pendant. It was fairly inexpensive as he took the shank in partial exchange for the bail & workmanship.