Originally Posted by
Ceri
I remove them myself. I have taken pieces to a jewellers to do so and lost a ruby and 2 garnets to breakage in the process. I have only ever broken an opal which had a large crack running through it prior to purchase (the other two stones in the ring were the reason for purchase) but I recut the opal as a smaller stone so it was not wasted! I use pliers to release claw set gemstones working methodically on opposing claws to keep the pressure even thus avoiding breakage, snips and pliers to release bezel set gems (these are very tricky and require more patience especially if the stone is very well set) more often I work from the rear of the bezel first so that the stone has wiggle room before I cut the top of the bezel. Gypsy set, use a scorper to remove the metal surrounding the front holding the stone then press firmly using something lower on the mohs scale that the stone itself on the outer edge until it moves...these sometimes pop out with a ping...make sure your floor is clean!!! (I use a pencil to push) and for pave set the process is the same as gypsy set, move the prongs and or raised metail away from the stone and push firmly. for open backed pave push from the rear! Major rules of auction buying; take into account the buyers premium when working out what you are willing to pay and stick to your planned price!
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