Hello everyone,
OK, so I have been working on this bracelet in white gold with some
stones. I finished everything, set all but one stone: a 7x7mm
emerald, and last night, in the process of setting this emerald I
bent one of the prongs too much and broke it off. I have set stones
before, but consider myself a beginner, and nervous considering it
was an emerald. I was using pre-fab settings soldered in between
these forged pieces of white gold. At this point I can’t solder a
new prong on because of the other stones next to it (rubies on
either side, and iolites next two the rubies) and do not have any
fancy equipment like a laser welder to do it with. Is there anything
I can do to save this bracelet, or should I be starting over? I am
pressed for time, this bracelet is a commision for a friend and is
overdue, and I would like to finish this ASAP. I am in Los
angeles/Inland Empire area and will probably need to find a stone
setter or any jeweler who would be willing to help me fix this
problem. I would be willing to pay you or trade or something for
your time. I would appreciate any help that other orchidians out
there could offer, as I do not know what to do at this point.
Thank you all.
Jacqueline M. Bell, dba.
Sylas Studios
P.O. Box 1086
Chino Hills, CA 91709
www.sylasstudios.com
Jaqueline, I know you’re in a hurry, so I’m sending this to you
off-list as well as an Orchid post.
I’ve experience laser welding a wide variety of work, including
plenty of prong retipping and replacement in immediate proximity of
many colored stones, including emeralds, opal, “mystic” topaz,
aquamarine, corundum, etc… I’ve repaired cable and anchor chains as
small as 1mm while keeping the chain fully articulated (no
soldered-together links resulting in a “hard spot”). I’ve been
successful with white & yellow gold, platinum and sterling silver for
jewelry applications, titanium for eyeglasses and even reshaped a
customer’s copied car key by welding it with stainless steel, then
filing to a shape closer to the original.
If you can’t find a local Orchidian to help you, the only way I can
would be for you to overnight the ring to me on Saturday or Monday,
and I will overnight or express mail it back, insured, the same day
it arrives here.
If you need my services, please feel free to contact me off-list via
email and/or call me at work tomorrow (Saturday)(954)-763-8279.
10:00am to 5:00pm EST
James S. Duncan, G.G.
James in SoFL
Jacqueline,
Look in the JCK directory or industry magazines and you should
certainly be able to find someone that does laser repairs to the
trade in your area. Or contact Laserstar, located in LA, they sell
laser welders and should be able to direct you to someone who will do
laser repairs to the trade. Barring that, depending on the value of
the sale, it might even be worth findng a retail repair shop with a
laser.
Not having seen your piece and the exact position of the prongs
relative to other stones and what not, I can’t say 100% that it will
solve your problems, but we have a laser here and it works wonders.
Good luck!
Jalia
Jalia M. LaNoue
Goldsmith
Spinelle Fine Jewelers
Napa, California