Claws and prongs are intentionally small because they need to secure a stone without hiding it. That also means years of friction can remove a meaningful proportion of the metal before the change is obvious.
Warning signs
Look for a claw that appears shorter or thinner than its neighbours, persistent catching on clothing, a visible gap beside the stone, or any movement when the jewellery is handled gently. Do not deliberately push a stone to test it.
Why early repair matters
Addressing wear while the stone is still secure can be much simpler than dealing with a lost stone and a damaged setting. The surrounding claws should be assessed together because wear is rarely perfectly even.
If you suspect a loose stone, stop wearing the piece and request an assessment.
Need a repair? If the claws are worn, catching or no longer holding the stone securely, see our ring claw and prong repair service and request an assessment before continuing to wear the jewellery.