Diamonds are part of a timeless tradition of love. In this day and age, couples are interested in showing love but may want the option to replace or remake old rings. The following article explains how to replace diamonds in the rings. This is one of many ways one can upcycle or re-purpose jewelry like rings, or diamond earrings, that are family heirlooms.
Key Takeaways
- The price for removal can depend on the type of metal, how many diamonds are being removed, and the design of the original ring.
- Diamonds can chemically and physically be removed from the metal.
- There are three common settings: prong (easiest to remove), bezel, and channel setting (most difficult to remove diamond).
- The more difficult the setting to remove, the more specialized the tools need to be to remove a diamond
Considerations Before Remove Diamond From Ring
The price for removal can depend on multiple factors such as:
- the type of metal
- how many diamonds are being removed
- the intricacy of the style of the original ring
The removal of a diamond by a professional or expert can cost from $300 to upwards of $900. This can be a steep cost for some. Eventually, making other changes to a ring after a stone removal can also add to the cost.
Diamond Removal Tool
Special tools, although they may be common for experts, are needed to remove diamonds from their setting. Before removing a diamond from the ring, it is common to use the following proper tools for removal:
- jewelry pliers
- hammer tools
- scalpel, or thin blade (millimeter thickness)
- polished bezel lifter (angled blade)
- jewelers magnifying glass
- separating disc (a quarter millimeter thickness or less)
These tools work best with sterling 92.5 silver, 14K gold, or white gold. This is because they are considered softer metals, and more pliable. The more pliable a metal, the easier it is to remove stones or repurpose a ring.
Physical Vs. Chemical Removal Process
There are two methods to remove the diamond from its ring: physical, otherwise known as mechanical method, and chemical method. This article mainly covers how to physically remove a diamond. That is because the chemical removal of diamond rings should be followed by an expert who knows how to handle the chemicals properly. It is also the most permanent change made.
A chemical liquid mixture called aqua regia, composed of nitric acid and hydrochloric acid is used to dissolve the metal band while leaving the diamond intact. It is recommended to test the diamond and materials before using either removal process.
Common Settings: How To Remove Diamonds from A Ring
A setting is used to not only secure diamonds and gemstones in place on a metal band. It is also used to protect the diamond itself. Diamonds are known to have a high hardiness level compared to other stones, but even they can become damaged. Settings on a diamond ring are like fads and styles; over the ages, they have come and gone.
In some situations, you may want to be working with a jeweler to reset the diamonds in the ring. They may give you options on how to best preserve the integrity of the ring, which could be difficult if the ring is stuck on your finger. In some situations, the diamond may need to be reworked to form a new shape. Depending on the setting of the diamond there are several ways to remove a diamond from the ring and to put the diamond back in the ring. As an example, we included the most common settings below.
- Prong setting
- Bezel setting
- Channel setting
Remove A Diamond From A Prong Setting
A prong setting holds a center stone in place, like claws, from the base of often a larger diamond. When worn on the hand, prongs allow the diamond to sit higher on the hand. In a prong setting, a diamond is usually held by four or six prongs. Generally, the six-prong is used to more securely hold the gemstone in place.
Depending on the diamond ring, it may be worth asking your jewelry retailer if they provide free services to remove from prongs. This process is considered the simplest setting to remove jewels.
To remove, use jewelry pliers to carefully bend the prongs outwards. Create a gap where pliers can be inserted between the stone and prongs so the rock can pop out. Bend the prongs back in place. The metal in silver or gold rings can sometimes be re-purposed. Otherwise, the diamond should pop right out. If this proves difficult, pliers can help in removal.
Remove A Diamond From A Bezel Setting
Other ways, like a bezel setting, hold a center stone in place from almost all sides and are used to protect stones from damage. Think of this as a band that surrounds the domed side of the gemstone. The profile of the setting allows stones to sit closer to the hand. This sometimes makes a diamond in a bezel setting more difficult to replace the metal, and therefore, a trickier setting to remove the diamond.
Since metal is encasing the diamond on all sides, we start with a scalpel or thin blade to try and wedge the center stone out. Be careful with the bezel lifter tool, which is wedged between the bezel and diamond and used to gently wiggle the diamond out.
Cutting the bezel back is generally avoided by professional jewelers as it can scratch the precious stone during the process. While diamonds are very hard, they are not completely scratch-proof. However, if the ring is yours, and the metal band is not important, you can hammer the stones out of the bezel setting.
This involves cutting a portion of the bezel setting first. A jeweler will use jewelry pliers, and peel back the bezel setting. Sometimes, the jeweler finds a peg or something with a similar circumference to the set diamond to use with the hammer to knock it out of the setting.
Remove A Diamond From A Channel Setting
A channel setting is the most complicated setting on rings, and cannot be bent. The precious stones are pressed between metal, and set in a row for the lowest profile. Chemically removing diamonds is sometimes an option but only if you are willing to ruin the soft metal.
We generally recommend seeking professional expertise if you want to chemically remove diamonds.
Removing diamonds from a channel setting requires a special tool called a separating disc. This is basically a very small, motorized grinder. Using a jewelers magnifying glass, the individual carves an indent between the gems in the direction of the band and if possible in between the channels. The jeweler, being careful, carves the soft metal away from the set diamond.
An experienced jeweler will grind away from the direction of the diamond and into the center of the indent made. This is to prevent any portion scratching of the precious stones themselves. Once the setting has been ground away, pliers should help loosen the stones out.
Tiny stones are often used in a channel setting. You may find that the stones in this setting are damaged in the removal. If this occurs, it is unlikely you can keep its original shape. But you may still be able to save the diamond by reshaping it. Be sure to ask a jewelry professional about your options.
Whether a family heirloom or a future engagement ring, there are many reasons why someone would consider removing diamonds from its original band.
These days, it is more popular to repurpose old diamond rings with something new. In most situations, any of these options cost less money than buying a new ring entirely.
Cost to Remove Diamond from Setting
If you’re considering removing a diamond from its setting, it’s essential to be aware of the potential cost involved. Generally, the cost to remove a diamond from a setting can range from $50 to $1,000. This cost primarily covers the labor required for the delicate process of removing the diamond, and it can vary depending on factors such as the diamond’s size and shape.
Keep in mind that while this cost provides an estimate, it’s crucial to consult with a reputable jeweler who can provide a more accurate quote based on your specific diamond and setting.
FAQs on How to Remove a Diamond from A Ring
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Diamond from Ring?
The cost of removing a diamond from a ring varies based on factors like the metal, number of diamonds, and ring design. For example, a jeweler’s fee for removing a diamond from a wedding or engagement ring can range from $50 to $200 or more.
How Do You Remove a Gemstone from A Ring?
There are two methods: chemical and physical. Using a physical method, you can gently bend prongs with jewelry pliers to release the gemstone’s grip, remove it, and then re-bend the prongs for future use with another stone.
How Long Does It Take to Remove a Diamond from A Setting?
The time needed to remove a diamond from a setting depends on the complexity. If done by yourself, it might take a few hours. If done by a jeweler, it could take around 2-6 working days based on their expertise and the number of stones being reset.
How Are Diamonds Stuck to Ring?
Diamonds are secured to a ring through settings, like prong, bezel, or channel settings. They are held in place by the ring’s band and prongs, which are carefully bent to ensure a secure fit.
How to Remove Small Diamonds from Jewelry?
To safely remove small diamonds from your jewelry, gather tools like pliers, tweezers, and a screwdriver. Carefully look at the setting, place the jewelry on a soft cloth, and gently loosen the prongs or bezels holding the diamonds. Use tweezers or pliers to lift the diamonds from the setting with caution.
Store the removed diamonds securely and inspect your jewelry for any damage. For complex cases, consider consulting a professional jeweler to ensure the process is done safely and without damaging your jewelry or the diamonds.
Final Thoughts on Remove Diamond from Setting
Overall, the price for removing diamonds from a ring can vary depending on several factors such as the type of metal, the number of diamonds to be removed, and the complexity of the design. Diamonds can be removed chemically and physically, but the process can be challenging and requires specialized tools, especially for bezel and channel settings. It’s important to consult with a professional jeweler to ensure that the diamonds are removed safely and without causing damage to the ring.