How to Get Started With Class Ring Stone Replacement

Class rings are hefty pieces of jewelry, but they aren’t half as durable as they look, especially when it comes to the stones! If your stone is worn down or broken, here’s how you can fix it up or get it replaced.

Things to Consider Before Class Ring Stone Replacement

An assortment of class and military rings.

Unlike fine jewelry and costume jewelry, class rings are in their own separate category when it comes to the stones in their design. Many stones used in class rings are either genuine gemstones, such as onyx and tiger’s eye, or glass and synthetic gemstones. Complex class rings may even have specially cut stones, or metal emblems that are inserted into the middle of the stone. 

Another thing that you need to take into consideration is the metal of the ring. Class rings are well known for unique, proprietary metals created by class ring manufacturers such as Jostens or Herff Jones. These unique metals are often designed to give rings a certain durability or appearance at a more affordable price. For instance, Jostens creates rings from a patented alloy known as Solaris Elite, a yellow metal that mimics the appearance of gold without the cost.

The metal of your ring is important because it will affect how the jeweler can set it. Since many class rings are made from tough metals such as stainless steel, you can’t send your ring to a local jeweler because they will not have the proper equipment to work with the setting. So how do you go about finding someone who can replace your class ring’s stone? Here’s how you can get started.

How to replace your class ring stone

1. Find a jeweler who can do the work: Not every jeweler can supply, cut, and set class ring stones in-house, so dropping your ring off at a local jeweler may result in a firm “No” or extra costs as the jeweler will have to send your ring out to another facility. To find a jeweler who can handle class rings, check out companies that deal with stainless steel jewelry and offer stone replacement as a service (like us!)
2. Evaluate the stone: Once you’ve found a capable jeweler, the ring is now in their hands. The jeweler examines the damage to the stone, as it could be worn down, cracked, chipped, or completely broken. Depending on the damage, the jeweler can recommend a specific course of action.
   For stones that are worn down or chipped, we often polish down the existing stone so the client can retain the original gem and restore its appearance. The polishing process only removes the damaged surface of the stone, taking away any shallow blemishes to reveal the unbroken stone underneath.
   
   

   A class ring stone before and after polishing

   For broken stones, the only way to restore the class ring is to remove them and replace them with a new stone. In this case, the jeweler moves the ring through the stone replacement process. 

3. Remove the original stone and take measurements: To get started, the jeweler has to measure the dimensions of the new stone. If the original ring’s stone is mostly intact, the jeweler can remove it and measure its length, width, and height. If the stone is broken and incomplete, or missing, the jeweler removes any remaining fragments from the ring and measures the setting.
   
   

   A class ring with a completely broken stone.

4. Supply and cut the new stone: After the jeweler determines the measurements, the jeweler then checks with the lapidary to get a new stone. Depending on the stone, the lapidary may supply the same type of stone, or a synthetic gemstone if the original was glass. Certain stones can take a while to source, so the process may range from 1-3 weeks. Once the lapidary sources the stone, it’s cut to match the dimensions of the setting. The recutting takes approximately 3-5 days.
5. Set the new stone: When the stone is ready, the lapidary passes it over to the jeweler. Most class rings are bezel set; this means that a thick rim of metal surrounds the stone and holds it in place. While it gives the ring a seamless look, this setting is tricky to work with, especially with tough metals such as stainless steel or siladium. The jeweler pushes the rim of the bezel back, cleaning out the setting to ensure that no residue or dirt is left before setting, and eases the stone into place. Once the stone is resting flat in the setting, the jeweler then hammers the rim back into position to hold the stone.
   
   

   The class ring after stone replacement and polishing.

Now you’re ready to get started on class ring stone replacement! Don’t let years of wear and tear or procrastination stop you from restoring your class ring. If you have a piece you want to fix, comment below and we’ll help you out.