Do you have an old ring that you are tired of but still want to retain the precious diamond set within it? If so, you are probably curious about how to pluck this precious stone out!
The following article will provide instructions on how diamonds can be removed from a variety of settings.
How Can You Remove Diamonds From Their Setting?
The removal process will depend on the type of setting that the diamond is. Prongs simply have to be bent backwards. A bezel setting will require special tools or having to cut away a portion of the setting and needing to apply greater force.
Notes About Removing Diamonds from a Ring
It is important to understand that when removing diamonds from a ring the ring itself may be irrevocably damaged in the process. Thus, you must be prepared to throw it away.
Damage is more likely if the setting is quite intricate or if there are numerous stones in the setting. You or the jeweler will have to alter several elements of the setting to get the diamond out and it may not be able to regain its original shape.
The second thing to be aware of is that if you are attempting the removal by yourself, you will need proper tools. Never attempt to get a diamond out with tools you have at home. Diamonds are tough, but they can still be damaged if you aren’t careful.
These tools can involve jewelry pliers, tools to cut through metal bands, and hammers.
How to Remove Diamonds from a Prong Setting
It is probably easiest to remove diamonds from a prong setting. For this, all you need is a pair of jewelry pliers. However, you should take the malleability of the metal into consideration here.
Metals such as gold and silver are ductile and thus easy to manipulate. If the metal is quite brittle, though, you need to be careful when handling it as the metal can crack.
Use the jewelry pliers to gently bend each prong back and outwards. Do this until the diamond has enough space to be removed by hand.
How to Remove Diamonds from a Bezel Setting without Damaging the Setting
A bezel setting can be a little trickier to remove. The method that you use will depend on whether you want to maintain the integrity of the ring or not.
If you don’t want to damage the ring, then first carefully examine the setting. Are there any gaps or openings between the stone and the metal? If there are, take a scalpel or a thin blade and insert it here.
Use the blade to gently move the bezel further away from the diamond. Once the gap is large enough, it is time to use a tool known as a polished bezel lifter – it has a flat side and a domed side.
The flat side should be placed against the diamond and the domed side against the metal. Rock the lifter against your thumb and push it outward. Gently move it around the bezel setting as you go. The bezel will move outward enough for you to remove the diamond.
How to Remove Diamonds from a Bezel Setting without Special Tools
If you are planning on discarding the ring, then you don’t need to take as much care when removing the diamond.
In this case, you can start by cutting a portion of the metal around the diamond. Naturally, you will need a blade that is capable of doing this. Remember to secure the ring so that you don’t hurt yourself during the process.
Then, use the pliers to peel back a portion of the cut metal. This will make it easier for the diamond to pop out after the next step.
Next place an object that has a similar circumference to that of the diamond but that has a long, protruding end. You will place this over the diamond and then hammer the end of this object. The force and vibrations of this should force the diamond to fall out of the setting.
How to Remove Diamonds in Side Settings
You can use any of the techniques mentioned above when removing diamonds in the side settings. Bear in mind that smaller diamonds are quite tricky to deal with. They aren’t as easily displaced as the larger stones.
As such, you may require more jewelry tools to help you remove the stones from their settings.
Can Diamonds Be Removed from Any Setting?
Technically, yes, diamonds can be removed from any setting at all. However, the setting will determine how easy the job is.
As mentioned, a prong setting is easy and a bezel setting is a great deal harder. If the ring has a cathedral setting or something equally as complex, though, then this job has to be undertaken by a professional.
This is especially true if the large diamond is surrounded by smaller stones. If the stones aren’t diamonds and merely precious stones, there is a greater risk of them being damaged during the removal process.
This is why jewelers are often engaged for such tasks.
Removing Diamonds Using Chemicals
Yes, some jewelers will use a chemical solution known as aqua regia. It is a combination of nitric acid and hydrochloric acid.
The ring is placed in the solution and the metal band dissolves in the chemicals. The diamond, however, remains unaffected. This method is used when you don’t want to risk any damage to the stone at all. As mentioned, though, the metal band will need to be discarded.
This is a very potent solution. As such, only jewelers have access to it. It is best not to try this method out for yourself as the risk of an accident and injury is quite high.
How Can You Take Diamonds Out of a Ring?
To remove diamonds out of a ring, you often require special expertise and tools – the prong setting is easier as you simply have to bend the prongs backwards but a bezel setting may require cutting and even hammering to get the stone out.
Methods for Removing Diamonds from Ring Settings
There are a few different methods for removing diamonds from ring settings depending on the type of setting and level of expertise.
For prong settings jewelry pliers can be used to carefully bend the prongs outward creating a gap for the diamond to be removed.
Bezel settings on the other hand require a scalpel or thin blade to be wedged between the diamond and the metal followed by the use of a bezel lifter tool to gently wiggle the diamond out.
It’s important to note that attempting to remove diamonds from complex settings without professional assistance can lead to damage to the ring or stones.
