Engagement ring broken

[RiaSara]

Hello all, I got engaged last June, my partner purchased my engagement ring about 6 weeks before. I noticed earlier that 3 of the 4 claws around my diamond have broken off?! I don’t do anything like DIY / gardening / cleaning etc wearing the ring, I don’t wear it to bed, and am really careful with it, so no idea how this could have happened. I’ve taken it off now so I don’t lose the diamond.

He took out a 1 year insurance policy when he bought the ring. I’m taking it back to the shop on the weekend to get it looked at, but before I go I just wanted to know if this is something the insurance is likely to cover? I’ve got a horrible feeling they are going to put this down to wear and tear. Although I genuinely have been so careful with it.

AIBU to think this should not have happened within less than a year? The ring cost £1,000.

Hi OP. What metal is the ring and what kind of retailer sold it?

Hi Zanite, it is white gold and it was F Hinds

There's no way that the claws should simply break off with normal daily wear, never mind three of them. If the claws haven't been finished properly, they might catch and possibly bend a little, but snapping off sounds like the ring was badly made. One possibility is the wrong solder was used for the claws, or it was badly soldered full stop.

I would take a few photographs, and possibly visit an independent local silver/goldsmith to ask them to take a look (most will oblige) before handing over your ring.

On the plus side, Hinds are - as far as I know - a decent company, and they should put this right. They should apologise and replace the ring, as it was likely to have been defective when they sold it to you.

Sorry this has happened OP - hope you get it sorted out.

Even if it was wear and tear (which it certainly shouldn't be after less than a year), the insurance should still cover it. I lost a side stone out of my engagement ring because the prong broke off. The insurance paid for the stone and the setting to be replaced.

OP, I was very tired last night and my answer was accurate, but possibly out of date by about 20 years

These days, although repairs are made by hand, many chain jewellers use CAD technology or similar, and the likelihood of someone having built this from scratch are very slim.

In all honesty, if they offer you a refund, I would take it and commission a goldsmith to make the same ring by hand. They could work from your photos and create exactly the same ring, but it would be heirloom quality, instead of the disappointment you're experiencing now. Even with the astonishing price of gold atm, it could probably be made around your budget.

If they offer a replacement, I would probably ask a few questions about how gold prongs can snap off, and why the replacement ring is any different!

Thank you for your replies. I will report back once I have been to the shop incase anyone is interested. My concern is that if they repair this, I’m guessing it is going to be a weak point and this could happen again and result in me losing the stone!

Fingers crossed they can repair it 💍

Not quite the same, but my wedding ring has some pavé diamonds - one fell out very quickly (can't remember exactly, but within a month I'd say). I sent it back to the jeweller, they repaired it and the ring has been perfect for the past 20+ years.