# Prong retipping

> Retipping rebuilds the worn prongs of a setting: metal is added to the tips, reshaped and the stone is checked to be secure.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/prong-retipping/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-09-16
- Updated: 2026-09-16
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/reparacion-de-garras-retipping/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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With wear, prongs thin out and the stone can come loose. Retipping restores the metal at their tips before that happens.

![Steps of the technique: Clean, Protect the stone, Add metal, File, Close, Polish](https://www.711grados.com/media/diagrams/retipping-steps.en.svg "Summary of the steps")

## How it is done

1. The piece is cleaned and each prong examined.
2. Metal is added to the worn tips (solder or laser).
3. They are cleaned, rounded and closed again over the stone.
4. It is polished.

## When

When prongs are flat, thin or bent, or the stone moves.

## Prevention

An annual check ([professional maintenance](https://www.711grados.com/en/professional-jewelry-maintenance/)) catches wear in time.

## Cost

It is a cheap repair compared with losing a stone.

## Step by step

1. **Clean.** And examine each prong.
2. **Protect the stone.** From heat.
3. **Add metal.** To the worn tip.
4. **File.** And round.
5. **Close.** Over the stone.
6. **Polish.** And check.

## Tools and materials

- Torch or laser ([laser](https://www.711grados.com/en/laser-and-spot-welding/))
- Files and burs
- Pusher
- Loupe ([loupe](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelers-loupe-and-microscope/))

## Common mistakes

- Heating with the stone in place.
- A prong left higher than the others.
- Closing too hard: the stone cracks.
- Not checking the other prongs.

## See also

- [Prong setting](https://www.711grados.com/en/prong-setting/)
- [Laser and spot welding](https://www.711grados.com/en/laser-and-spot-welding/)
- [Professional maintenance: what a jeweler checks and how often](https://www.711grados.com/en/professional-jewelry-maintenance/)