Have you ever looked at a favorite ring or pendant and wondered what keeps that precious stone in place? It’s not magic; it’s the work of tiny metal claws called prongs. These small but powerful pieces of metal are like the security guards for your valuable or sentimental gemstones. They hold everything securely, making sure your favorite piece is safe to wear every day.
But just like anything else you use often, prongs can get worn down over time. Daily life, shaking hands, doing dishes, or even just bumping into things, can cause prongs to wear thin, get bent, or become loose. When this happens, your stone is at risk of falling out, and that’s a problem far more expensive and heartbreaking than a simple repair.
How to Tell if Your Prongs Need Attention
You don’t have to be a jeweler to know when it’s time to get your jewelry checked. A quick at-home inspection can tell you a lot. Here are some signs to look for:
- Thin or Pointed Prongs: Run your finger gently over the prongs. Do they feel sharp or thin? This could mean the metal is wearing down.
- Bent or Misaligned Prongs: Take a close look at the prongs from the side. Are they all in a straight line, or do some look bent or pushed out of place?
- A Gap: Can you see a small space between the tip of the prong and the gemstone? If so, the prong might have been pushed up, leaving your stone insecure.
- A Wiggle: Very gently, using your fingernail, try to move the gemstone. If it wiggles or makes a slight clicking sound, it is not secure.
If you notice any of these issues, it indicates you should have a professional look at your jewelry. Taking a moment to do a quick check-up can save you from losing a treasured stone.
Our Professional Prongs & Tips Services
At Rick Terry Jewelry Designs, we are experts in caring for your jewelry. We handle these kinds of repairs with precision and care, to make sure your pieces are secure and look their best. Here are the three main ways we help:
- Prong Re-tipping: This is the most common repair for prongs that are simply worn down. We add a small amount of new metal to the top of the existing prongs, rebuilding them to their full size and strength.
- Prong Rebuilding: If the prongs are more severely worn or damaged, we can rebuild them completely from the base. This gives the gemstone a brand new, secure foundation.
- Full Head Replacement: For very old pieces or those with significant damage, it might be safer to replace the entire head of the ring. This is the part that holds the stone, and a new one provides the strongest possible hold.
Why You Can Trust Us With Your Jewelry
For over 30 years, Rick Terry Jewelry Designs has been a family-owned business in Knoxville. We understand that your jewelry isn’t just an item; it’s a piece of your personal story. We treat every ring, necklace, and earring with the care and respect it deserves. Our master jewelers have the knowledge and a steady hand to make sure your repair is done with expert craftsmanship and attention to detail.
We work in-house in our own workshop, which means we are in full control of the process from start to finish. You can be sure that your piece will be handled with the highest level of care.
The Repair Process: Simple and Safe
Taking care of your jewelry shouldn’t be a hassle. Our repair process is simple. You can book a consultation or just stop by our Knoxville shop. We’ll examine your piece, explain what needs to be done, and give you an estimate. There is no pressure, just honest advice to help you protect your jewelry.
A simple repair today can prevent a major loss tomorrow. Don’t let a loose prong threaten the safety of your valuable or meaningful jewelry.
Ready to protect what matters most? Book a consultation with our master jewelers today! We are Knoxville’s trusted jeweler, ready to help you keep your treasured pieces safe and beautiful for years to come.
