Looking for reputable jeweler in Washington DC area to set stone for reasonable price

[bp]

I recently purchased a 1 carat stone online and purchased the setting from a local B & M jeweler in the DC area. Because I didn''t buy the stone from them they are quoting me $350 to have the stone set. I called a couple other jewelers and the lowest quote I''ve gotten is so far is $270. Others have told me they need to view the stone and setting before giving me a quote. I feel like the quotes I got are overpriced, or is it just the norm since I didn''t buy the stone from them? I''m wondering what my options are and how much I should be paying. I would greatly appreciate any feedback.

 

[oldminer]

$350 to set your diamond into a mounting that this same store sold to you? Is this $350 in addition to what you paid for the mounting or was the mounting a part of the total $350 price?

If the response is $350 simply to set the diamond and polish the prongs, then it can be done for quite a bit less. If the mounting was included in the total $350 price for a complete ring, ready to wear, then you already made your deal and what are you asking about?

Once we see what the question actually is, maybe we can help.

 

[denverappraiser]

Refusing to give a price without seeing the details of the job is an entirely reasonable procedure and, frankly, I would count this as a mark of credibility for the jeweler to make this requirement and I would shy away from anyone who would give an over-the-phone quote on this sort of job. I''m guessing that the jewelers will be happy to offer you a free estimate if you show it to them -so show it to them. I agree that $350 is a bit expensive for the typical job but there''s no way of knowing if what you have is a typical job without looking at it.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ISA NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[bp]

Yes the same store that sold me the setting wants an additional $350 on top of what I already paid for the setting.

 

[oldminer]

Please tell me the style of setting.

The setting, 4 prongs, V prongs, multi-prongs, bezel ,tension, 6 prongs, etc????

What shape is the 1ct diamond, round or princess or some other fancy shape?

$350 does sound rather $$$ for setting a 1ct diamond.

 

[Kaleigh]

I''d call Pete ar Quest. They are just outside of DC, in Dunn Loring VA. Worth a shot at least!!

 

[bp]

Thanks to all for the feedback so far. Below is a link to my setting with all the specifications. Hope this helps...

http://www.scottkay.com/bridal/products.aspx?categoryId=94&page=1&productId=1638

As far as my stone is concerned it''s a 1ct. princess.

 

[Small]

I just bought a setting to reset my marquise in and they are charging me $20 as the setting fee. They have to take my marquise out of the setting and place it in the new setting I purchased from them. I didn''t originally buy my diamond there either.
I also got a similar quote from a B&M that was going to set my RB that I just bought from Wink. The cost of the setting plus a $20 setting fee. The setting wasn''t overly expensive either and they both will take responsibility for the stone if it breaks.
I think $350 is hefty but maybe I''m just lucky

 

[bp]

Hi Small,

What jeweler(s) are you referring to? in the DC area?

 

[diamond_quester]

bp, I would recommend Limon''s in Bethesda. it''s about 2 miles north of DC, and a few blocks from Charleston Alexander. I do not know how much they would charge but expect it to be "reasonable" rather than "exorbitant".