Engagement ring problem

[BlackST]

I've put this in the watch forum as I know there are some knowledgable jewellery professionals in here.
Is it normal for claws on a ring to break?
I bought my fiancees ring from H Samuel about 6 years ago.
Since one of the claws that hold the diamond has broken 2 or 3 times. This time it is a different claw.
She works in an office so isn't exactly laying bricks all day or potentially hitting the ring every 10 minutes on things.

I will buy a new ring for her in the future but right now the claw needs to be fixed.

[anonymous-user]

It isn't normal - could be porosity in the metal, could be the claws have been over-polished (which makes them weaker), and it could be, even though your other half has been very careful, she has accidental damaged it more than once (yes, I know, this last one won't be the answer).

Rather than repair the claws again, I would suggest asking the original company to consider remaking the setting (collet). If the original jeweller isn't being helpful, you could arrange for an independent examination and report to help assess what might have causing the issues.

I know it can be very distressing when a problem occurs with an engagement ring - I hope you manage to get it resolved

[ecain63]

In my experience claws on modern rings yend to last 5 to 10 years before they need retipping. Some obviously last a lot longer and some really go to town and ruin the ring in a year or so.

Does your other half wear the ring 24/7 or is she careful to take her jewellery off at night and before housework etc? What catat is the metal? Some metals wear better than others.

As has been mentioned, it could be down to porosity in the metal (bad casting) but there are many factors. I'm happy to take a look if you want to send me an image.

Eddie

[ecain63]

EddieSteadyGo said:

It isn't normal - could be porosity in the metal, could be the claws have been over-polished (which makes them weaker), and it could be, even though your other half has been very careful, she has accidental damaged it more than once (yes, I know, this last one won't be the answer).

Rather than repair the claws again, I would suggest asking the original company to consider remaking the setting (collet). If the original jeweller isn't being helpful, you could arrange for an independent examination and report to help assess what might have causing the issues.

I know it can be very distressing when a problem occurs with an engagement ring - I hope you manage to get it resolved

Just noticed you mentioned it's an H Samuel item. In all honesty you have bought from the wrong people if you wanted an item that lasts. Luckily there are people who can help improve the longevity of your ring.

[BlackST]

ecain63 said:

EddieSteadyGo said:

It isn't normal - could be porosity in the metal, could be the claws have been over-polished (which makes them weaker), and it could be, even though your other half has been very careful, she has accidental damaged it more than once (yes, I know, this last one won't be the answer).

Rather than repair the claws again, I would suggest asking the original company to consider remaking the setting (collet). If the original jeweller isn't being helpful, you could arrange for an independent examination and report to help assess what might have causing the issues.

I know it can be very distressing when a problem occurs with an engagement ring - I hope you manage to get it resolved

Just noticed you mentioned it's an H Samuel item. In all honesty you have bought from the wrong people if you wanted an item that lasts. Luckily there are people who can help improve the longevity of your ring.

This seems to be the common theme having googled H Samuel engagement ring problems
It was bought when we were quite young. Not as well paid as I am now and also we thought that H Samuel were a reputable high street brand.
If I remember later to get some pictures I'd appreciate your thoughts on it.

Thanks for the replies Eddiesteadygo and ecain63.

[ecain63]

No worries, just let me know when you send them.