Denise came in to have the clasp changed on her diamond pendant because the lobster clasp failed and she almost lost her pendant. The diamond pendant was sentimental and valuable and she wanted a more secure clasp for her peace of mind.

We presented her with three choices. These clasps may not be as pretty and can be cumbersome to operate but is definitely more secure.

Denise chose the slide lock clasp.

Spring and lobster clasps

J Clasp

Slide lock

Overlap clasp  

Russell Oshita, the diamonddude
The Diamond Specialists Inc.
Diamonds Hawaii

When we examined it closely we noticed that it was an invisible set round diamond that was missing. It is called invisible set because the diamond appears to be floating with no apparent appendages like prongs to hold it in place.

While this is aesthetically interesting and pleasing to look at it is not the most practical way to set a diamond. To set it tiny grooves are cut under the girdle of the diamond. The metal is then pushed into these grooves to secure it in place.

The problem occurs when it is worn and banged around a little, these tiny grooves are not deep enough to hold it very securely and many of them eventually fall out.

For Susan we are going to remove the diamonds and bezel set them. Bezel setting is one of the most secure ways of setting a diamond that will also still look similar in appearance to the invisible set style using the same tube structure.

Russell Oshita, the diamonddude

The Diamond Specialists Inc.

Diamonds Hawaii

We told her that it was a not a good repair job. A proper repair was one that visually you could not tell where it was repaired and the only way you could detect it was to run your fingers along the chain to feel the slightly stiff spot where the chain was repaired.

We took it in for repair and when she returned to pick it up was very happy to have her beautiful chain back looking like new with no evidence of the glob.

Russell Oshita
The Diamond Specialists Inc.
Diamonds Hawaii

D. Fenley

Hi D,

It is a little difficult to answer your question at the moment because I need to get a little bit more information to properly help you.

Where do you live? It would be easier if you lived in Hawaii and brought the ring to us to inspect. If not there are some questions that you can help me with. Possibly send us a picture of the ring.

Could you tell me what kind of metal is used to make the ring?
Why was the ring remade instead of resizing? Was the original size far off from your ring size?
Did the jeweler explain why “bonding agent” used?

If the jeweler that did the resize is the one that sold you the ring you should not have a problem returning the ring.

Your answers will help me to better understand your exact situation.

Russell Oshita, the diammonddude
The Diamond Specialists Inc
Diamonds Hawaii

Hi, Russell. I appreciate the prompt response. Nick had purchased the ring from Charleston Gold & Diamond. They had resized the ring three times. When we got it back the last time, it tarnished within a few days. You could also hear that the diamond was so loose in the head that I could turn it with my fingertips and you could see it move at least 1/8”. The store rep claimed that they had ‘a bad batch of rhodium.’ I took the ring to another jeweler for examination, and she told me that they, too, have had that experience, but that it happens immediately. There were lumps of bonding gold stuck in the ring underneath the diamond, the ring isn’t even symmetrical to the naked eye, and there is a chip out of one of the baguettes that you can feel with your fingertip. I believe the ring is made of 14k gold with a .93 ct VS1 H diamond. I think they charged him around $6700. The original size of the ring was a 4.0, then he told them a 5.0. I took it in for resizing, which they claim they did. I asked them for cleats inside the band, as I have broken that finger and the knuckle is larger; this prevents the diamond from sliding around to the back. The jeweler insisted that I didn’t need it, and I don’t remember the new size – I think it’s a 6.5 and still doesn’t fit properly.

We took the ring back and just asked for our money back. It’s very, very poor quality in workmanship, not even apprentice work. They agreed to swap out the diamond for a new one (I don’t particularly care for solitaires) and refund him the cost of his ring. I will send you a photo of the ring. Let me know what you think.

We will be taking the new loose diamond to Paula Harrison in Mt. Pleasant, SC – she is a very good friend of mine and a jeweler with the highest reputation. Let me know what you think of the ring…

I appreciate your help,
Best regards,
D. Fenley
PS: Pictures to follow separately.

Hi D.

I am glad you were able to resolve your problem and you did not have to keep the ring. I am still very interested in seeing the pictures of the ring.

Russell Oshita, the diamonddude
The Diamond Specialists Inc.
Diamonds Hawaii

After taking a look at the ring we noticed that it was oval in shape. The ring looked like the bottom of it was just flattened and the sides of the ring bothered the fingers next to the ring. It looked uncomfortable.

In Hawaii people on average are smaller and ring sizes average about a size 5. Most rings are made in a standard size 6-7. Julie was a 4 1/2.

The ring was made oval because of the diamonds set on the side of the center diamond. Resizing the ring smaller would sometimes loosen the diamonds and they would fall out. The jeweler that originally resized it did not want to deal with the side diamonds and did not work on resizing it properly.

Our jeweler was able to make the ring round and re-tighten the diamonds on the side.

It is now comfortable, beautiful and appreciated. All is well in the world.

Russell Oshita, the diamondude
The Diamond Specialists Inc.
Diamonds Hawaii

We took a look at her bracelet and found that her clasp was not working properly. It was an easy adjustment to make it secure again. Both the clasp and the safety attachment had to be adjusted.

Most diamond tennis bracelets are constructed the same way in the clasp department and should be checked periodically to make sure it is working properly. With constant use it will become loose.

You should gently pull the bracelet at the clasp area. If it comes out without resistance it should definitely be adjusted. The safety latch should also be checked and adjusted if necessary.

Periodic inspection will insure that you have a long time to enjoy your tennis bracelet.

Russell Oshita, the diamonddude
The Diamond Specialists Inc.
Diamonds Hawaii

The jewelry she had were some chains and rings and they were turning black. This was a result of silver oxidizing or commonly known as tarnish.

To get the tarnish off you can just purchase silver cleaner from the drugstore. Longs has several brands available. Some of them are just cleaners and will just remove the black tarnish. It is usually in liquid form. These will not make the silver shiny.

Others are polishers that will remove the tarnish and polish the silver. These are usually in paste or semi-liquid form. These may not remover the tarnish in the recessed areas but will make the silver shiny.

To get  a brand new just bought look it is best to take it to a professional jeweler who will take out all the dents and scratches, remove the tarnish and polish the jewelry to a high shine.

Russell Oshita, the diamonddude

The Diamond Specialists, Inc.

Diamonds Hawaii

Upon inspection we found that it was an 18k white gold ring that was originally plated with Rhodium.

We explained to her that gold is yellow and pure gold is 24k. Eighteen karat gold is eighteen parts out of twenty four which make the gold content 75% the rest is white metals primarily nickel, palladium and zinc. That would mean that the majority of the metal is yellow. The whiter metals will dilute the yellow color a bit but still leave it with a tinge of yellow.

Joan’s ring was rhodium plated which covered the white gold and made it look whiter. Rhodium is a metal in the platinum family and is white in color, but as plating it is just a surface covering and is eventually is worn off exposing the yellowish tinge of the white gold.

We told her that she can have it periodically re-plated, the frequency dependent on how active she is, possibly every year or two.  She could also have it remade in platinum or palladium, other white metals, never having to worry about color changing or plating.

She decided to have it re-plated and to make it in platinum or palladium when she was ready to change the style of the ring, maybe in a year or two.

Russell Oshita, the diamonddude

The Diamond Specialists, Inc.

Diamonds Hawaii

We suggested several alternatives. Fortunately the size difference between her knuckle and the inside of her finger was not a great deal of difference, just about a 3/4 size difference. For her we suggested using a ring guard. It is a clip-like piece of metal that acts as a spring inside the ring and will take up the looseness once it passes the knuckle.

In extreme cases we recommend a special hinged band that opens up to go past the knuckle and locks to the proper size with no looseness.

Ring guards make for a more comfortable fit and works very well for the people that really need it. Agnes was happy that there was a solution for her problem because she still enjoys wearing her diamond ring.

Russell Oshita, the diamonddude   

The Diamond Specialists, Inc.

Diamonds Hawaii

We told him that it was not a problem he should worry about. We explained that 14k gold jewelry will get darker if it sits and is not worn.

He bought these bracelets several years ago to give his granddaughters when they turn sixteen. They are only nine and seven. These bracelets were in storage.

When jewelry is worn it does not have a chance to tarnish because it constantly is in contact with clothes and other objects.

The alloys in the gold, primarily the copper in the alloy will tarnish and make the gold appear darker. It is a surface color change and can easily be removed by polishing it. His bracelets were polished, restoring it to its normal color and given back to him. All’s well again.

Russell Oshita, the diamonddude

The Diamond Specialists, Inc.

Diamonds Hawaii