Ring claws and prongs are small components with an important job: they hold diamonds and gemstones securely. Gradual wear can reduce the amount of metal around a stone long before the damage becomes obvious.
Ring claw and prong repair
Claw repair can involve retipping a worn claw, rebuilding damaged metal or carrying out more extensive setting work. The appropriate repair depends on how much sound metal remains and whether the stone and surrounding setting are secure.
Signs that ring claws may need repair
- A claw catches on clothing or fabric.
- One claw appears shorter or thinner than the others.
- A diamond or gemstone clicks or moves.
- A claw is cracked, bent or missing.
- The tips around a stone look flattened or worn.
- A previously repaired claw is wearing again.
What is claw retipping?
Claw retipping restores worn metal at the end of a claw where appropriate. Not every worn setting can be solved with a simple retip: heavily worn claws or damaged surrounding metal may require rebuilding or more extensive setting repair.
Why worn claws can lead to lost diamonds
As claws become thinner, their ability to secure a stone decreases. A stone may begin moving before it falls out completely. Early assessment can therefore prevent a relatively small setting problem from becoming a diamond or gemstone replacement.
If a stone has already been lost, see our diamond and stone replacement service.
How are damaged claws assessed?
We assess the claws together rather than looking only at the most obvious damaged one. Metal type, remaining thickness, stone security, previous repairs and wear around the complete setting can influence the correct repair.
How much does claw repair cost?
The amount of work varies between settings, so photographs or inspection are normally needed before a reliable quotation can be given. The number of claws involved, metal, stone handling and whether rebuilding is necessary can all affect the repair.
See our jewellery repair pricing guide for information about quotations.
Stop wearing jewellery if the stone moves
If a diamond or gemstone moves, stop wearing the piece until the setting has been checked. Catching claws should also be assessed before further wear or an impact distorts them.
Request a claw repair assessment
Send clear close-up photographs of the setting together with a photograph of the complete piece. Tell us whether the stone moves or whether any claws are catching or visibly damaged.