Loose Stone Policy: What US Stores Will—and Won’t—Fix for Free

Loose stones are a common service request in jewelry stores. What a store will fix for free depends on three things: the cause (manufacturing defect vs normal wear), proof of purchase and plan coverage, and the store’s own policy. Below I explain the typical rules you’ll see across U.S. retailers, why those rules exist, and what you should expect to pay when a free fix isn’t available.

What stores commonly fix for free

Most U.S. jewelers will do limited, no-charge work when the problem is clearly a defect or when the customer meets simple conditions. Common free services include:

• Inspection and basic prong tightening within a short window — Many stores will check and tighten prongs free if you bring the ring in within 30–90 days of purchase. They do this to confirm the setting was made correctly.
• Manufacturing defects — If a prong breaks, a head is loose, or a solder joint fails because of faulty workmanship, the store will usually repair it at no charge. This applies whether the item was custom-made or mass-produced.
• Warranty-covered repairs — If the ring came with a written warranty that covers setting failures, replacements or rework described in that warranty are free. Read the fine print: warranties often exclude wear-and-tear.
• First-time adjustments under protection plans — Many stores include a first free prong check or free engraving/resizing when you buy a protection plan.

What stores will not fix for free

Stores generally won’t cover problems caused by normal wear, accidents, or negligence. Expect to pay if:

• Stones are lost due to everyday wear — Prongs wear thin over time. If a stone falls out years after purchase, that’s usually treated as wear-and-tear, not a defect.
• Damage from impact or misuse — Bent prongs, chips, or stones pushed out after hitting a hard surface are not free.
• Resizing that requires removing the stone — Removing a center diamond to resize a ring often adds a fee. If resizing is elective (e.g., size change for comfort, not a defect), it’s typically charged.
• Rhodium replating for white gold — White gold alloys (14K = 58.3% gold; 18K = 75% gold) are often plated with rhodium to look bright white. This plating wears off naturally and is usually a paid service.
• Loss or replacement of the stone itself — Replacing a center diamond or a custom stone is almost always paid. The store may offer to replace small accent stones cheaply if they stock matching melee, but center stones are separate buys.
• Work performed by a different jeweler — If you had a repair done elsewhere, many stores won’t cover subsequent problems as part of their warranty.

Why stores draw these lines

Understanding the reasoning helps when you ask for a favor. Stores want to protect customers from poor craftsmanship. They will fix defects because that’s on them. But wear-and-tear is inevitable: prongs thin with time, and plating rubs off. Covering those costs forever would be economically unsound for retailers.

Also, material differences matter. Platinum (commonly Pt 950, ~95% platinum) is more durable than 14K gold. A 1 ct round diamond (~6.5 mm) has more leverage on its setting than a 0.25 ct (~4.1 mm). Bigger stones and thinner prongs increase risk. Stores price labor and risk accordingly.

How policies usually work in practice

Expect these practical rules:

• Bring proof — Receipt, warranty card, or original paperwork. No proof, no free fix in most cases.
• Original buyer vs new owner — Warranties often apply only to the original purchaser. If you bought the ring used, coverage may be limited.
• Inspection first — A quick in-store inspection determines whether the issue is a defect. This is commonly free even when repair is not.
• Protection plans change the math — Annual maintenance plans can include free prong checks, free rhodium plating, and discounted repairs. Without a plan, routine maintenance is often paid.
• Turnaround — Basic tightening takes a few days. More complex work, like resetting a center stone, can take 1–3 weeks.

Typical costs when you pay

If a free fix isn’t available, here are ballpark prices you’ll see in the U.S. These vary by region and jeweler.

• Prong retipping: $30–$150 per prong depending on metal and number of prongs.
• Stone resetting: $50–$400 for resetting small stones; resetting a center stone often runs $150–$400 because it requires precise work and insurance while the stone is out.
• Rhodium plating: $40–$120 for white gold, depending on thickness and polish.
• Resizing: $30–$150 for small upsizes/downs in 14K gold; $150–$500 if removing/ resetting stones or working in platinum.
• Replacing accent stones: $10–$60 each for melee diamonds, more for colored gems.

How to increase your chances of a free fix

• Act quickly — Bring the item in as soon as you notice play or damage. Early inspections often lead to free tightening under short windows.
• Keep paperwork — Retain receipts, appraisals, and warranty cards. They’re usually required for free service.
• Enroll in a protection plan — If you want low-cost long-term maintenance, a plan can be cheaper than paying for multiple small repairs.
• Ask for the written policy — If the jeweler makes an exception, get it in writing. This prevents disputes if another issue appears later.

In short: expect free repairs for clear defects and very short-term tightening. Expect to pay for wear-and-tear, lost stones, and elective work. Know your metal (14K vs 18K vs platinum), bring documentation, and consider a maintenance plan if you want ongoing coverage. That lets you protect the stone without surprises.