Removing stones from jewelry? Tips/Advice?

[hombre_de_plata_flaco]

Does anyone here have any experience w/this?

What kind of tools do you need?

What about stones held in with adhesives as well as clasps?

How do you avoid scratching the gems? I am assuming this might not be too big a problem with diamonds given their hardness.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

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[desert dog]

why remove the stones

 

[hombre_de_plata_flaco]

why remove the stones

Because I want to send the stuff off for refining and I want to be able to properly calculate total scrap price. There have been a couple of threads here recently discussing the confusion that can arise with these refineries.

Or maybe I just don't feel like giving away free diamonds to a refinery since some don't return the stones at all.

 

[sniffer]

I would find a friendly jeweler and ask them how they do it

 

[NOLA_Ken]

Diamonds are usually held in place with prongs, you can open them with a tiny screwdriver, just give them a tap or two. If you're worried about scratching other stones, a little piece of masking tape should do the trick.

 

[Lakemonster]

the above works... there is a tool called a prong pusher thats a bit safer on the knuckles and fits in the hand better.

 

[dallgire]

just send the jewelry to me hombre i will be sure to keep it say!

 

[hombre_de_plata_flaco]

just send the jewelry to me hombre i will be sure to keep it say!

How can I have enough trust to send you jewelry when you won't even grant me the common courtesy to drive down here to Georgia for an afternoon of metal detecting?

P.S. Less than two weeks remain until the Gamecocks crushing defeat in Athens.

 

[N2CU]

I just used a small pair of wire cutters. Grip the prong along its length and bend it away from the stone.

 

[N2CU]

...or send them to ARA where they chemically remove the stones, sort them and return them at no charge (so I'm told).

 

[niffler]

There is a tool called a prong lifter, can be seen on Rio Grande jewelry website www.riogrande.com. For bezel set stones a tool called a burnisher is used to open up the bezel. For glued in stones, some kind of solvent like acetone will eat the glue. Hope this helps, Niffler

 

[gleaner1]

I found a few cheapy 14k with paste stones. Just rip em out with your teeth hombre. Its good for the digestion.

 

[dallgire]

just send the jewelry to me hombre i will be sure to keep it say!

How can I have enough trust to send you jewelry when you won't even grant me the common courtesy to drive down here to Georgia for an afternoon of metal detecting?

P.S. Less than two weeks remain until the Gamecocks crushing defeat in Athens.

you told me you lived in sc! I got lost! I dont see you making any moves either in all fairness!

P.S. Yes you are right we will have a crushing defeat in athens! 24-10 Gamecocks!

 

[boogeyman]

If you don't or can't find a prong pusher, Radio shack has a tool for straightening electronic component legs. It works pretty good, made of aluminum alloy. Price is right. They have small needle nose pliers that are great for spreading prongs, opening rings etc. Also small nippers / wire cutters that work well.

As far as glue MEK works great, laquer thinner comes in second (imho). The only drawback on glass stones with the foil back is the foil comes off with the glue. But since they're junk it doesn't really matter.

 

[s.c.shooter]

I bought a pair of jewelers pliers online for a few bucks. Just google jewelry tools and you should be able to aquire anything you need for this. Good Luck Hombre,