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Post by busy on Dec 27, 2023 18:37:45 GMT
Somehow, somewhere, between the morning of 12/23 and the night of 12/25, one of the prongs broke on my ring and the center diamond fell out. We’ve looked everywhere to no avail. We were at three different houses, in three different cars (including an Uber), and went on multiple walks and I to multiple stores and two restaurants in that time, so it literally could be anywhere. I haven’t given up looking but I think the chances of finding it are low.
Which brings me to my question… what would you do about replacing it? Just replace the diamond and have the broken prong fixed (or whatever a jeweler recommends for fixing/replacing the setting)? Get a new ring that’s as similar as possible to the old one? Get a new ring that’s more suited to your style today, regardless of if it’s like the old one?
I’m kind of torn. I loved my ring but I’ve had it for 25 years and it’s not really my style anymore. I hadn’t considered replacing it just because, but now that I have to do something, the idea of going new and more my style now appeals to me.
But on the other hand, it’s one of the very few things I’m sentimental about so part of me wants to get it fixed and get a new stone. I wonder if I’d always be a bit paranoid about it breaking again, though.
Or there’s the compromise of trying to find something new that’s as similar to the old one as possible, but tbh, that’s not very appealing to me. If I want something like the old one, I might as well keep the old one. I think I’d regret spending a bunch of money on a new ring that wasn’t exactly what I want.
What would you do?
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Post by Layce on Dec 27, 2023 18:47:08 GMT
Start looking around, that’s what! There are some beautiful settings out there. Design your own, even.
😊
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Post by ~summer~ on Dec 27, 2023 18:48:05 GMT
Oh this one is easy.
Completely new ring, completely new style.
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Post by getting started on Dec 27, 2023 18:48:35 GMT
I'm sorry you lost the diamond. That's upsetting and considering the number of places you've been it would be more than a bit difficult to locate.
Since you said the center diamond fell out, I would have a new ring made in my current style incorporating the other stones you had (and maybe the metal too - gold?). I assume it will be more expensive to design your own and bring some of your own materials than to purchase a new ring. The sentimentality however, will be tied to the new rings since at a minimum your other stones will be included.
If I were to fix the prong and replace the diamond on my old ring I would then worry about the other prongs.
So I'd take this as an opportunity to turn something sad into something great!
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Post by Merge on Dec 27, 2023 18:54:04 GMT
Go for a new ring and perhaps consider a diamond replacement that doesn't involve worker exploitation, like Moissanite or even white amethyst.
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Post by busy on Dec 27, 2023 18:56:09 GMT
Go for a new ring and perhaps consider a diamond replacement that doesn't involve worker exploitation, like Moissanite or even white amethyst. Whatever route I go as far as the setting, I will be buying a lab-created diamond. No mined diamonds for me anymore. |
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Post by Basket1lady on Dec 27, 2023 18:58:46 GMT
I'm sorry you lost the diamond. That's upsetting and considering the number of places you've been it would be more than a bit difficult to locate. Since you said the center diamond fell out, I would have a new ring made in my current style incorporating the other stones you had (and maybe the metal too - gold?). I assume it will be more expensive to design your own and bring some of your own materials than to purchase a new ring. The sentimentality however, will be tied to the new rings since at a minimum your other stones will be included. If I were to fix the prong and replace the diamond on my old ring I would then worry about the other prongs. So I'd take this as an opportunity to turn something sad into something great! This! If you want a new ring, get a new ring! Use what you can from the old ring to get exactly what you want. That way you still have the sentimentality but in a style that you like. But buy a manufactured stone vs a real diamond. I’ve hated my ring since the day DH proposed to me (shhhh!) I never told him and have worn it for 33 years. It’s fussy, the diamond is literally a chip, and my hair catch on it all the time. But he chose it and I’ve worn it ever since, but lately found out that it was a clearance ring that cost $150! I’d LOVE a new ring, but we just bought a house and it needs a new kitchen. So I’m picking the kitchen over the ring. |
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Dec 27, 2023 19:03:05 GMT
You'd be surprised how common this is, as I have a few friends it has happened to. They all replaced the diamond. I lost my diamond about 10 years ago while we were out of town. Retraced my steps, the whole thing and the diamond was never found. Because I was/am very sentimental about my ring I elected to have the diamond replaced and the prongs repaired. We did go up a little in size just to get an equal quality to the first ring. You seem very sentimental about your ring so I would have the ring repaired and diamond replaced. If you have an appraisal of the original ring, take it with you to the jeweler so they can match the diamond as closely as possible to the original one.
And as a warning to everyone else, have your rings checked yearly so they can repair those prongs if they need it!
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CeeScraps
Pearl Clutcher
~~occupied entertaining my brain~~
Posts: 3,827 
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Post by CeeScraps on Dec 27, 2023 19:23:45 GMT
One of my side gig's for a few years was working in a jewelry store. Whatever you decide to do get something that has more than 4 prongs on it. When a ring only has 4 prongs it's very easy for a diamond or whatever stone to fall out.
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Dec 27, 2023 19:27:30 GMT
I wonder if I’d always be a bit paranoid about it breaking again, though. If I were to fix the prong and replace the diamond on my old ring I would then worry about the other prongs. It's generally better to have the jeweler put a whole new 'head' on the ring if a prong breaks off. The head is what that prong mechanism is called. You'll almost always require a new head if you are changing to a different size stone. |
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Post by busy on Dec 27, 2023 19:32:03 GMT
I’m now thinking I am going to do both 😬
Get a new ring that’s my current style and is what I wear every day.
And also repair and get a new stone for my original ring, so I can wear it occasionally.
Y’all made me feel like it’s not terrible to want a new ring - so thanks 😊
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amom23
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,333
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Post by amom23 on Dec 27, 2023 19:46:18 GMT
DH and I chose a new ring for me almost 10 years ago. I still have my original wedding ring of course, but I love my new one. It's white gold with tons of diamonds in a flat profile band. So easy to wear and never gets caught on anything.
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Post by librarylady on Dec 27, 2023 20:05:44 GMT
Make sure your DH is in agreement with whatever you do. Sometimes men can be very sentimental on the wedding jewelry.
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Post by lemondrop on Dec 27, 2023 20:26:36 GMT
I am so sorry that you lost the diamond! I love your solution to do both  |
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ellen
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by ellen on Dec 27, 2023 20:37:08 GMT
The center stone of my ring fell out when a prong came loose. I was lucky because I noticed it right away and I was able to find it. I was setting up my classroom for the upcoming school year and I had darker carpeting, so it stood out a bit. At that time I decided that if I were to ever lose it I would replace it with a fake diamond. When I was holding the diamond in my hand it just seemed ridiculous that something that size would cost so much.
My husband gave me a nice ring for our 15th anniversary and I am of the opinion it is ok to have two nice rings.
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Post by littlemama on Dec 27, 2023 20:40:50 GMT
My diamond fell out at work a few years ago and we went on an all out search to find it. Someone found it on the floor, but replacing the prong at the time was not in the budget. I ended up getting a gold band and I love it.
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pantsonfire
Pearl Clutcher
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
Posts: 4,762
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Post by pantsonfire on Dec 27, 2023 20:47:47 GMT
I would get my ring fixed with a new diamond. My ring is a pressure ring so the diamond sits between the 2 edges. I also have 3 diamond embedded into the sides of the ring. If I was to ever loose one, I would replace the ring. We do have insurance on it.
Love my ring and don't want a new one. Plus this is the one that was blessed on our wedding day.
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pilcas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,920
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Post by pilcas on Dec 27, 2023 21:07:26 GMT
My prong broke on my engagement ring also. I noticed it one morning when I was still in bed and found the diamond in the bed. I like the ring but it’s sitting in my jewelry box waiting to be fixed. This happened a few years ago, I really need to do it.
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Post by koontz on Dec 27, 2023 21:09:14 GMT
I'm sorry you lost the diamond. That's upsetting and considering the number of places you've been it would be more than a bit difficult to locate. Since you said the center diamond fell out, I would have a new ring made in my current style incorporating the other stones you had (and maybe the metal too - gold?). I assume it will be more expensive to design your own and bring some of your own materials than to purchase a new ring. The sentimentality however, will be tied to the new rings since at a minimum your other stones will be included. If I were to fix the prong and replace the diamond on my old ring I would then worry about the other prongs. So I'd take this as an opportunity to turn something sad into something great! This exactly! It will still include the materials from your ring, for the sentimental value, and you will have something for the next 25 years! I am sorry though, that must have been upsetting. |
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Post by lisae on Dec 27, 2023 21:33:38 GMT
I would replace the ring entirely. First, I'd never be convinced that it was secure. What if one of the other prongs broke? Second, I'd want something more suited to my style. I had my diamond reset for our 15th wedding anniversary and it is more me than the simple solitaire we had at the engagement.
I might consider waiting a bit though. Gold is at an all time high and you will be paying a premium for whatever you choose right now. If you have any miscellaneous gold jewelry you don't want, now is a good time to sell it.
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Post by snoopy on Dec 27, 2023 22:23:37 GMT
DH and I just had our 21st anniversary. My original engagement ring is a solitaire and my wedding ring is a ring guard/wrap. I was very young when we got engaged and married and my style has changed and my rings are a little uncomfortable because of how they “lock” together vs moving independently. I also sometimes feel that my rings look dated. Over the years, I have gotten a plain wedding band, a beautiful five-stone ring to wear alone and also a gorgeous lab diamond solitaire with matching plain band. I like the option to wear different styles, but ultimately, nothing compares to my original set. When I put it on, it just feels “right” to me. The set is pretty and sparkly, even though the diamond in the solitaire is not great quality, so I guess I’m more sentimental than I thought
I would definitely look around and try on different styles to see what you might like, but take your time and really think about what you truly want. If you can find an independent jewelry store (maybe family owned that has been in business a long time, has good reviews, etc) they can give you an estimate to repair your ring and can perform any repairs to make sure all of your stones are secure. My favorite local jewelry store is now selling lab diamonds as well. I hope you enjoy the shopping process and truly love your ring, whichever option you choose.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Dec 28, 2023 0:09:44 GMT
I like the idea of doing both, that’s what I would have suggested too. I no longer wear my rings because I can’t get them on anymore and my solitaire would constantly catching on things which annoyed me. Once one of the prongs same loose but didn’t totally break and thankfully I was able to get it fixed before the stone fell out. If I was going to get my rings redone I would choose a different style where the center stone is more inset so it doesn’t stick up like my current set does.
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Post by femalebusiness on Dec 28, 2023 0:49:49 GMT
Whatever you decide, most definitely save, cut open and sift through your vacuum bag. I have found several pieces of missing jewelry by doing just that.
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scrappinmama
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,883
Jun 26, 2014 12:54:09 GMT
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Post by scrappinmama on Dec 28, 2023 0:53:41 GMT
I lost a diamond on my wedding band. It was passed down from my grandmother. I was so upset. I was pretty sure it fell at church. Ladies were on their hands and knees trying to help me find it. I had helped in the nursery and we even looked in the diaper pail. We never found it. I was so upset! The wedding band had 6 diamonds that had been selected by my grandfather when he married my grandmother. I ended up having the diamond replaced, as well as all of the prongs. The ring has so much sentimental value, I can't imagine not wearing it.
with that said, if you don't have a sentimental attachment to your ring, definitely consider buying something new. From what I remember, it was pretty expensive to have my ring repaired and have a new diamond placed.
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Post by AussieMeg on Dec 28, 2023 1:03:46 GMT
I’m now thinking I am going to do both 😬 I'm a bit late to the thread, but that's what I would have suggested! Get the ring repaired with a cheap(ish) stone, to wear on a different finger (or to wear occasionally as you mentioned). Then, get a fabulous new ring to wear on the correct finger every day. Win/Win!  |
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Sue
Pearl Clutcher
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Location: SE of Portland, Oregon
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Post by Sue on Dec 28, 2023 1:22:09 GMT
Go for a new ring and perhaps consider a diamond replacement that doesn't involve worker exploitation, like Moissanite or even white amethyst. Whatever route I go as far as the setting, I will be buying a lab-created diamond. No mined diamonds for me anymore. Lightbox Lab in Gresham on Stark St. is having a special event sale until January 11th. I believe you can make arrangements for touring the lab if you're interested. They sell loose stones as well as beautiful jewelry. lightboxjewelry.com/pages/lightbox-lab |
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Post by katlaw on Dec 28, 2023 1:32:16 GMT
I would take what is left of the ring to a jeweller who can take what you had and remake something new. Then you have the history of the old melted / remade into something new and beautiful.
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Post by ~summer~ on Dec 28, 2023 1:51:37 GMT
Whatever route I go as far as the setting, I will be buying a lab-created diamond. No mined diamonds for me anymore. Lightbox Lab in Gresham on Stark St. is having a special event sale until January 11th. I believe you can make arrangements for touring the lab if you're interested. They sell loose stones as well as beautiful jewelry. lightboxjewelry.com/pages/lightbox-labthank you for the link - I’m treating myself to a tennis bracelet- they have some great options (I love 2peas!) |
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Post by CarolinaGirl71 on Dec 28, 2023 2:22:09 GMT
I'd say go for a new ring, whatever your style is now. And come back and show us a picture when you get it!
My DH upgraded my diamond for our 40th anniversary, and I had the jeweler take the old band, attach a hanger (that's not what it's called, but it's the thing that hangs it from a chain), and set my first diamond into it to make a necklace. Maybe you could do something like that with the old engagement band.
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AmandaA
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by AmandaA on Dec 28, 2023 2:32:57 GMT
I’m now thinking I am going to do both 😬 Get a new ring that’s my current style and is what I wear every day. And also repair and get a new stone for my original ring, so I can wear it occasionally. Y’all made me feel like it’s not terrible to want a new ring - so thanks 😊 DH and I just did this for my Christmas gift. I still love my ring, but got out of the habit of wearing it during Covid and needed to have it resized. I never wore it on vacation, to our lake house, or at the race track anyhow because I was so worried about something happening to it. It is insured, but I am very sentimental (and lost the diamond pendant I wore on our wedding day) and it just made me nervous. So we picked out something new, that still had some similar elements to my first rings, that I can just enjoy wearing without the worry. I am getting my originals sized, and all of the settings checked, so that I can wear it on occasion. |
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