Monday, September 30, 2013

CHECK YOUR PRONGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why Should You Check Your Prongs?

In the directions for Jeweler in the Dishwasher, it states that you should have your prongs checked before using the product.  After listening to feedback about this from several people, it has become clear to me, that most people don't seem to  understand why their prongs need to be checked before using Jeweler in the Dishwasher. So, I'm going to address this.

Notice the two rings in the sketches on the left.  The ring on the left has a red x next to a worn prong, and the ring on the right has a blue x next to the broken prong. When prongs become worn, like the prong next to the red x, they become sharp and start snagging on things, like blankets, towels, hair, sweaters, etc.  It is this snagging that can cause the prong to pop off, like the prong next to the blue x in the picture on the right.  Once the prong pops off, a larger portion of the girdle of the stone (the edge of the stone) is exposed, allowing it to be susceptible to chipping.

You will notice that all the rest of the prongs in the pictures above appear to be in good shape.  However, if these were actual rings and not sketches, the prongs would all be worn about the same amount.  Meaning, they are all in danger of snagging and popping off, allowing the stone to fall out of the mounting.  If a stone is loose in the mounting, and is not ever tightened, it will begin to cut away at the inside of the prong.  So, now you have the tips of the prongs that are very worn, along with the inside of the prongs being cut away, which is not noticeable to the naked eye.  However, a jeweler can see the damage and can guide you towards the proper repair.  If the prongs are worn, they can be rebuilt, and the rebuilding should last about 2-3 years. However, if there are several prongs that are worn and some that are broke, the setting should be replaced. A new setting will last around 5 years, depending on the kind of wear it receives, and whether the prongs are white or yellow gold.

If you don't have a local jeweler to check your stones, you can send them to our jewelry store and we will check the prongs.  If repairs need to be made, we will contact you regarding the type of work that needs to be done, and give you an estimate for the repairs.  Our shop has been in business for 40 years, and all the work is done on the premises. Contact us through our website; www.jewelerinthedishwasher.com and we will give you directions for sending in your jewelry.

So, make sure you have your prongs checked every 6 months, and do any maintenance, like stone tightening, or prong rebuilding, that needs to be done.  Use Jeweler in the Dishwasher to keep your mountings clean, and your stones sparkling!!

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