I have a mans dress ring...the ring is damaged so I would like to remove the topaz stone in the centre...but it seems to be very well fastened...how can I remove it without damaging the stone...is a solvent?...

Melody Zografos, May 2008

Depends on size of stone,as a diamond setter we find fastest way (and safest) is to use a cotton reel and a nail bluntened and tap under side into the cavity of the reel.

Stephen Hill, May 2010

There is probably no way for you to remove the stone without chipping the stone. You would be best to take it to a jeweler and have it removed. If the stone was prong mounted, you might have a chance, but I would think that the stone is mounted in a very solid mount. Being a mans ring, it is probably crimped in, which requires that the stone actually be cut or ground out of the ring with a burr or a jewelers saw.

Lew, May 2008