Why a worn prong catches
A healthy prong is a smooth rounded tip lying over the stone. Years of wear flatten and thin it until what is left is a thin hook standing slightly proud. That hook is what grabs fabric — and it is also most of the way to failing.
The fix
Re-tipping. New metal is added to the worn tip, shaped back over the stone and polished smooth. Done properly it looks like the prong always did, it stops catching, and it actually holds the stone again.
Simply filing a catching prong smooth is the wrong answer. It removes more of the metal that was already too thin. It stops the snagging for a few weeks and makes the real problem worse.
While it is here
- Every prong on the piece gets checked, not just the one you noticed.
- Stones get pressed to see which ones are moving.
- If the whole head has worn out, we will say so rather than re-tip prongs that are past saving.
- It goes back to you polished, with nothing standing proud.
How urgent
Not an emergency, but do not leave it for a year. Catching is the stage before losing.
Questions we get asked
Can you just file the prong smooth?
We would rather not. Filing removes metal from a prong that is already thin. Re-tipping adds metal back, which fixes the snag and the strength together.
How long does re-tipping take?
Most are same day. Several prongs on one ring is still usually a same-day job.
Will it look different afterwards?
It should not. The tip is shaped and polished back to the profile the prong had when it was new.
How often should prongs be checked?
Once a year is sensible for a ring worn every day. It is a quick look at the counter.
Not sure we can fix it?
Send a couple of details and we will call you back. Or just walk in — it is quicker, and we can actually look at the piece.
Drop it off, shop the mall, wear it tonight
We are inside Orland Square Mall in Orland Park. Walk in during mall hours, no appointment. Most repairs are finished the same day and a good number while you wait.
Where we are
Julio's Jewelry, 800 Orland Square Drive, Orland Park, IL 60462 — inside Orland Square Mall. Mon–Thu 10am–8pm · Fri–Sat 10am–9pm · Sun 11am–6pm. We are also at North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 W Cermak Rd, North Riverside, IL 60546.