How Often to Check Your Jewellery Prongs and Clasps

A diamond rarely falls out without warning. The prong that holds it loosens slowly, and the signs are there if you look. A short routine protects your jewellery.

How often to check

• At home: a quick look every few weeks for pieces you wear daily, and before wearing occasional pieces.
• At a jeweller: every six to twelve months for daily-wear pieces, and every year or two for occasional pieces.

The home check

Prongs and settings

1. Hold the piece under a good light, with magnification if you have it.
2. Look at each prong. It should touch the stone and be rounded and smooth, with no gaps.
3. Look at the stone from the side. It should sit level, not tilted.
4. Gently tap the piece near your ear. A faint rattle can mean a loose stone. Stop wearing it and take it to a jeweller.
5. Run a fingertip lightly over the setting. Prongs that snag or feel sharp may be worn or bent.

Clasps and chains

1. Open and close the clasp. It should work firmly, without sticking or springing open.
2. Pull gently on the chain, and look at each link. Look for stretched, thin or open links.
3. Check jump rings, the small rings that join the clasp to the chain.
4. For bracelets, check the safety catch.

Earrings

1. Check that posts are straight.
2. Check that backs grip firmly. Replace worn ones.
3. For hoops and drops, check the hinges and the joins.

Rings

1. Look at the band for thinning on the underside, where it wears most.
2. Check that the shank is round and has not been bent.

Signs that need attention

• A stone that moves or rattles.
• A prong that is bent, flat or missing.
• A thin spot on a band.
• A clasp that opens by itself.
• Snagging on clothes or hair.

What a jeweller does

A jeweller will inspect under magnification, tighten prongs, replace worn parts, repair clasps and clean and polish the piece. Re-tipping a prong, adding a little metal to a worn prong, is a common repair. Many jewellers offer inspection as part of their service.

When to stop wearing it

If a stone is loose, do not wear the piece. Place it in a small bag or box with the stone, if it has fallen, and take it to a jeweller. A loose stone can be tightened in minutes, but a lost stone is lost.

Why wear happens

Prongs are small, and they rub against clothes and hair daily. Over years, they thin. Bands thin at the base. Clasps and links wear. It is normal and fixable.

Keep a service record

Note when you had a piece checked. It helps you plan the next check, and the record is useful if you ever sell.

Common questions

How long do prongs last? It depends on wear and metal. Many last for years, and periodic checks catch wear early.

Is it expensive to retip prongs? Prices vary. It is usually modest relative to the value of the stone.

Can I check my pieces with a loupe? A 10x loupe helps, but it is not necessary.

Make it routine

Our team can check your pieces whenever you visit. Book an appointment, or see how to clean them at home in how to clean diamond jewellery at home. You can also browse our diamond rings for pieces designed with secure settings.