[Jewelry making - Article 01002] - Re: [Orchid] Alexandrite Ring Repair

[Peter W . Rowe]

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    Mike, first be certain it's a synthetic.  this should be a "no
    brainer" ID, but be sure.  Among other things, i've seem some glass
    products that at first glance seemed similar, which are more fragile
    than the synthetic corundum (sapphire) common synthetic. 

    If the stone (unlikely for that size) is a true synthetic
    alexandrite, then it deserves particular care since unlike the cheap
    corundums,  it's a bit pricey and might be hard to replace.  And it
    likely will not respond well to retipping. just remove it for the
    repair. 

    But for what you describe, it's mostly likely the cheap corundum
    product. 

    Either way, I'd not recommend retipping directly on the stone. 
    Corundum itself can take the heat, but you'd need to be very careful
    to avoid contacting the stone with flux at soldering temps, as that
    can etch corundum, and you'd need to use a torch flame that was
    neutral to slightly oxidizng, again to avoid chemically altering the
    aluminum oxide.  It CAN be retipped, if you're careful, but
    understand that it's a bit risky.  These stones may be under some
    strain, and even if you don't damage it with flux or the heat, they
    can crack.  So you'd need to be very careful and gentle with slow
    heating and cooling rates.l. Sometimes it's possible to pull a
    damaged prong away from the stone so there's a millimeter gap between
    the worn prong and the stone, which makes it then much simpler,
    especially with a very tiny torch, to get some more metal on the tip
    without overheating the stone.  Be ready for the stone to
    dramatically shift color during heating.  don't worry, when it cools,
    it comes back. 

    But if you're unsure of this, or don't wish the risk of having to
    spring for a new stone (probably cost you 25 bucks or less) if you
    damage it, then just remove the thing.  that's the safest way to go
    on a number of issues.  

Peter

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