What should I do if a stone looks loose in its setting?

ZKZ Editorial TeamMain answer · Product & gemmology desk

Stop wearing the piece, put it somewhere safe, do not try to press the prongs or glue the stone, and take it to a jeweler as soon as you can. A loose stone is usually a simple repair if you act early, but a stone that falls out can be lost.

How to tell if a stone is loose

• A rattle. Hold the ring near your ear and tap it gently.
• Movement. The stone tilts or moves when you touch it with a clean cotton swab or the tip of a soft brush, with no pressure.
• A different look. The stone sits lower or higher than the others, or looks cloudy or dull.
• A snagging prong. Jewelers Mutual says a ring that catches on clothing, blankets or hair may have a prong problem.

What to do

1. Stop wearing it. Jewelers Mutual advises not to continue wearing a damaged ring, as more damage may be done.
2. Store it safely. Put it in a pouch or a box, away from other jewelry, and mark where it is.
3. Do not repair it yourself. Jewelers Mutual asks readers not to hatch a fix-it-yourself plan, and says a jeweler or goldsmith should do the repair.
4. Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner. GIA warns that ultrasonic vibration can shake gems loose, and that stones should be checked before cleaning.
5. Take it to a jeweler. Ideally to the shop where you bought it, since they know the design.
6. Contact your seller or insurer. Check whether a warranty or insurance covers repairs.

What a jeweler may do

Fact Jewelers Mutual says that tightening the prongs that hold the stone is often a straightforward repair, that a bent or worn prong may be re-tipped, and that if two or more prongs are badly damaged the head may need to be replaced. A stone that has gone missing will need a replacement stone.

If the stone has fallen out

Our advice Check the place where you noticed it, the floor, the bowl and any clothing. Look with a torch from a low angle, as small stones reflect light. If you cannot find it, tell the jeweler, who can advise on a replacement. For a lab-grown stone, ask the seller whether they can supply a stone of the same size and quality.

Prevention

• IGI says it is prudent to have jewelry checked once a year, and GIA suggests every six months.
• Take rings off for heavy work and sport.
• Look at the ring regularly.

It depends Whether a repair is covered, and how much it costs, depends on the seller's warranty, the damage and the shop.

Uncertain We cannot tell from a description whether a stone is only a little loose or at risk, so treat any movement as a reason to have it checked.

Related reading: Resizing and Maintaining a Lab Diamond Ring · Prong vs Bezel vs Halo Settings for Diamond Earrings

Sources

• Jewelers Mutual, What to do if you need a ring repair
• GIA 4Cs, Can ultrasonic cleaners damage gems?
• IGI, Never do this with your jewelry
• GIA, Tips on caring for jewelry

Fact = stated by the cited source. Our advice = editorial recommendation. Uncertain / it depends = limits of what can be said in general.