If the prongs holding your gemstone appear thin, flattened, or uneven, they may need to be reinforced. Signs to look for include:

• The prongs feel rough or catch on clothing.
• One or more prongs appear significantly lower than the others.
• The gemstone feels loose or shifts slightly when touched.
• Visible gaps between the stone and prongs.

If you think your prongs are worn down, it’s best to have them examined by a professional. A quick assessment can determine if retipping is needed.

Worn prongs increase the risk of losing a gemstone.

Your piece’s prongs are responsible for securing the stone in place. Once they become too thin or break, the gemstone can shift or fall out entirely. This can happen unexpectedly, and replacing a lost gemstone—especially a rare or sentimental one—can be costly.

Prong re-tipping is a proactive way to maintain your jewelry’s durability and prevent an unfortunate loss. It’s a minor repair that can save you from a much larger issue down the road.

On top of that, polished new prongs look better than dull old ones.

Prong retipping involves carefully adding a small amount of metal to the worn-down prongs to restore their original strength and height. The process includes:

1. Assessment – Examining the condition of the prongs and determining if retipping is sufficient or if a full prong replacement is necessary. 2. Cleaning & Preparation – Removing any debris or buildup to ensure a clean surface for the new metal to bond properly. 3. Metal Application – Adding a precise amount of gold or platinum to rebuild each worn prong while matching the existing structure.
4. Finishing & Polishing – Refining the new prongs to match the original design, ensuring a seamless blend with the rest of the setting.
5. Final Inspection – Checking the security of the gemstone and ensuring the prongs provide a firm hold.

The process is done with extreme care to avoid heat damage to the gemstone. In the case of piece that feature delicate gemstones like opals, these gems may need to be removed prior to retipping.

The time required depends on the number of prongs being retipped and the complexity of the setting.

In many cases, a simple prong retipping can be completed within a week or less.

More intricate repairs, such as those involving multiple prongs, delicate filigree work, or heat-sensitive gemstones, may take longer.

For a precise timeframe, it’s best to bring your jewelry in for an evaluation. If you need an expedited repair, let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your timeline.

The cost of prong retipping varies depending on factors such as:

• The number of prongs needing repair.
• The type of metal used (gold, platinum, or others).
• The complexity of the setting.

For an accurate estimate, we recommend bringing your jewelry in for a complimentary consultation. Our experts will assess your piece and provide a clear breakdown of the work needed.

Not all prongs can be retipped. If a prong is significantly damaged, bent beyond repair, or missing entirely, a full prong replacement may be necessary. In such cases, we carefully rebuild the prong structure to restore the integrity of the setting.

Our goal is to provide the most effective and least invasive repair possible. If a simple retipping is sufficient, we will proceed with that approach. If more extensive work is required, we will discuss the best options for your piece.

Jewelry settings naturally experience wear over time, especially on rings worn daily. To prevent gemstone loss, we recommend having your prongs inspected at least once a year.

During an inspection, we check for signs of wear, thinning, or damage. If we notice any weak prongs, we can reinforce them before they pose a risk. Regular maintenance ensures that your jewelry remains secure and in excellent condition.