How Often Should I Get My Prongs Checked? | Jewelry Care Tips from Floyd & Green Jewelers in Aiken
When you think about fine jewelry, you probably imagine sparkle, sentiment, and celebration—not repairs. But just like a car needs regular tune-ups, your jewelry needs care too. One of the most overlooked yet essential parts of jewelry maintenance is checking your prongs. At Floyd & Green Jewelers here in Aiken, we like to remind our clients that tiny details, like a prong check, can make the difference between keeping your diamond safe and losing it forever.
In this month’s edition of our Repair Tips Blog Series, we’ll answer the question: How often should I get my prongs checked? We’ll also share insider advice from our experienced jewelers, introduce you to the local experts who work right here in our store, and give you simple jewelry care practices to make your treasures last a lifetime. Plus, if you’re engaged or soon-to-be, we’ll highlight our I DO Bridal Event—a special opportunity you don’t want to miss.
What Are Prongs and Why Do They Matter?
If you’ve ever looked closely at your engagement ring or favorite gemstone jewelry, you’ll notice small metal claws that hold the stone in place. These are called prongs. Their job is to secure your diamond or gemstone, ensuring it doesn’t loosen or fall out. Over time, daily wear can cause prongs to thin, bend, or even break—leaving your stone vulnerable.
Here in Aiken, we see this often with active lifestyles. Whether it’s gardening, playing tennis, or simply wearing your ring every day, life can be tough on jewelry. That’s why regular prong checks are vital.
How Often Should You Get Prongs Checked?
The golden rule: at least once every six months.
At Floyd & Green Jewelers, we recommend a professional inspection twice a year, especially for engagement rings and pieces you wear daily. Think of it as a dental cleaning for your jewelry—routine, preventative, and far less costly than replacing a lost diamond.
That said, if you notice your prongs snagging on fabric, feel sharp edges, or see your stone shifting, come in right away. Don’t wait until your scheduled checkup.
Why Choose Floyd & Green Jewelers for Repairs?
One word: experience.
We’re proud to have two bench jewelers with over 30 years of combined expertise working in-house. That means your jewelry never has to leave our store or get shipped off somewhere else. We handle everything locally, right here in Aiken. Our staff has decades of experience helping customers protect their most precious pieces, and we treat every repair as if it were our own heirloom.
That local trust matters. Many national jewelers send your ring away for weeks. At Floyd & Green, your treasures stay safe, secure, and close to home.
The Importance of the “I DO” Bridal Event
If you’re engaged—or planning to be—the I DO Bridal Event at Floyd & Green is your chance to celebrate love while also learning how to protect your investment. Along with exclusive bridal collections and special offers, our expert jewelers will be available to inspect your ring and explain how prongs, sizing, and cleanings work.
It’s not just about saying “yes” to the ring—it’s about saying “yes” to a lifetime of care. And that’s something we take seriously.
Jewelry Care Tips to Make Your Pieces Last Longer
Beyond routine prong checks, here are some pro tips from our Aiken team to help your jewelry look beautiful for years to come:
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Schedule Regular Cleanings and Inspections
Twice-a-year professional cleanings let us catch problems early. We’ll inspect prongs, check clasps, and polish your jewelry back to brilliance. -
Remove Jewelry During Physical Activities
Gardening, exercising, swimming, or even heavy lifting can bend prongs or loosen stones. Slip your ring off before these activities to protect it. -
Store Jewelry Separately
Diamonds are the hardest substance on Earth—but they can scratch other gemstones and metals. Use a soft pouch or separate box compartments. -
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Household cleaners, chlorine, and even beauty products can damage metals and dull gemstones. Take jewelry off before cleaning or swimming. -
Keep an Eye on Everyday Wear
If you feel a snag or catch on fabric, it could mean a prong is bent. Don’t ignore it—bring it in for a quick check.
Ultrasonic cleaner used for professional jewelry cleaning at Floyd & Green Jewelers in Aiken.
Why Aiken Chooses Floyd & Green Jewelers
We’ve been proudly serving the Aiken community for years, building trust one relationship at a time. Customers return not only for our selection but for our personalized service and in-house expertise. With two bench jewelers on staff and over three decades of combined repair experience, we’re uniquely positioned to care for your jewelry without sending it away. That means faster turnaround, peace of mind, and the reassurance that your treasures are always in good hands.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
We’ve seen it too many times—someone comes in heartbroken because a stone is missing. The good news? Most of these losses are preventable with routine prong checks and professional maintenance.
Think of jewelry care as an investment in your memories. Engagement rings, anniversary gifts, heirloom pendants—these aren’t just accessories; they’re milestones. And we’re here to help you protect them.
Join Us at the I DO Bridal Event
If you’re planning your forever, mark your calendar for our I DO Bridal Event at Floyd & Green Jewelers in Aiken. Along with incredible bridal selections, special offers, and expert guidance, it’s the perfect time to start your jewelry journey on the right foot—with care, education, and local support you can count on.
Final Thoughts
Your jewelry tells your story—let us help it shine for generations. Check your prongs every six months, clean your jewelry regularly, and trust Floyd & Green Jewelers in Aiken to provide the care your treasures deserve. With our in-house bench jewelers and decades of expertise, we’re here to keep your diamonds sparkling, your gemstones secure, and your memories intact.