Procedure for giving self-purchased diamond to jeweler for mounting?

[romwarrior88]

I bought a semi-mount from a jeweler and am about to purchase my diamond from somewhere else (internet). Once I receive my stone and take it to the jeweler for mounting, what should I do to protect myself in the event of loss, or anything else that may happen to the stone while in their posession? I am probably being paranoid but how do I know that the stone I give them is indeed the stone that I get back on my mounting? Will I need to get it appraised before and after mounting?

Any tips on this process would be greatly appreciated!

-RW

 

[lawyeretal]

I am about to be faced with a similar challenge - my thought is to let them know that I have the cert (show it to them), so that if it does not match for some reason after it is mounted you can be certain that a lawsuit will follow.

That's my 2 cents.

Mark

 

[rosebud]

Hi RW,

I'm going through this process right now and I went for the two appraisal route: loose and set. My appraiser cut me a deal on the two appraisals (and I think this might be common practice), so it is worth it to me. Good luck!

 

[laney]

Hi, Haven't done this yet but I am about to. I did already purchase over the internet. Bascially I've been told that the jeweler will look at the diamond with you, either draw out the plot, review the laser inscriptions on the diamond through a microscope, and prepare a signed agreement form. Then, after you recieve the ring back, before you leave the shop, you look under microscope again and make sure your inclusions match your agreed plot, and your inscription is there. Kinda, check in , check out. This was a lot of cash - so you shouldn't feel weird about insisting to look under microscope in your new mount.

Most jewelers say that they wouldn't risk the shot to their reputation to switch diamonds, which we all hope is true - but mistakes can happen. They should always let you check before you leave - but the jeweler should present you with some sort of procedure on how they handle this.

You can always get the semi mount, and the diamond and have the appraiser set it for you. Some apprasiers do this. But if it's platnium you may want to check first that they can do it.

Good Luck!

 

[WinkHPD]

----------------
On 7/7/2004 6:59:02 PM lawyeretal wrote:

I am about to be faced with a similar challenge - my thought is to let them know that I have the cert (show it to them), so that if it does not match for some reason after it is mounted you can be certain that a lawsuit will follow.

That's my 2 cents.

Mark----------------

Why would you ever walk into someones's business and expect them to work with you if the first words out of your mouth are I am a lawyer and I am here to sue if you don't take good care of me?

Personally I would approach it entirely from a positive point of view. I would go in, ask if you can have your diamond set by them. Then I would ask them if they would mind making a diagram of your stone for you and letting you see it under a microscope. No scope or no allow view, time to find another jeweler. When you have seen the stone and made a diagram you can make a point of looking at the diagram and folding it up to take with you.

"Oh, I can hardly wait to see it again when it is set! I just love looking at the inside of my stone, I wish I had my own scope!" Say this or something similar and every one involved knows that you will be looking again. I think it could be a lot more enjoyable for every one than walking in with a giant chip on your shoulder and a threat.

Anyone who walked in to my office with a threat would be politely invited to leave. Just my opinion of course.

Wink

 

[WinkHPD]

----------------
On 7/7/2004 7:32:18 PM laney wrote:

Hi, Haven't done this yet but I am about to. I did already purchase over the internet. Bascially I've been told that the jeweler will look at the diamond with you, either draw out the plot, review the laser inscriptions on the diamond through a microscope, and prepare a signed agreement form. Then, after you recieve the ring back, before you leave the shop, you look under microscope again and make sure your inclusions match your agreed plot, and your inscription is there. Kinda, check in , check out. This was a lot of cash - so you shouldn't feel weird about insisting to look under microscope in your new mount.

Most jewelers say that they wouldn't risk the shot to their reputation to switch diamonds, which we all hope is true - but mistakes can happen. They should always let you check before you leave - but the jeweler should present you with some sort of procedure on how they handle this.

You can always get the semi mount, and the diamond and have the appraiser set it for you. Some apprasiers do this. But if it's platnium you may want to check first that they can do it.

Good Luck!----------------

Obviously I should have read further, yeah, what Laney said.

I do not think that an independant appraiser should be setting stones though, that is a jeweler's job. In my mind a truly independant appraiser is not involved in actually making the jewelry that he/she is appraising.

Wink

 

[diamond demon]

I too bought a stone from a PS vendor and a mounting at a local jeweler.

Prior to my mounting purchase every jeweler I spoke with assured me that I could sit right there while my stone was being mounted. That is exactly what happened. I suspect that if you ask your jeweler if you can be there while they mount it, I'm sure they'd agree.

Just ask.

 

[kevinng]

OK.. this is what I am doing.

I got my diamond from GOG.

Then I asked my appraiser if he knows of any diamond setters who are reliable. He recommended me to his friend, who works in the same building. Apparently, when I asked around, the diamond setter has quite a good reputation with rich housewives.

This guy owns a jewellery shop, and outsources most of his custom jewellery works to Hong Kong. However, he sets the diamond himself because he used to work as a specialist diamond setter in a jewellery factory in Hong Kong. (That's probably where he got his contacts)

Anyway, he will get his Hong Kong mates to make the setting to my wishes, and when it's ready, he will call me. I will bring the diamond to him, and he will set it in about 20-30 mins while I wait in his shop.

Personally, I don't think he was very polite. He was quite impatient with my questions and concerns.

After that, I will check the laser inscription... and bring the ring to my appraiser for a final check.

(btw, I'm from Singapore)

 

[Regular Guy]

OK, my second post.

Good luck with this process. One bit of advice, courtesy of an earlier post from Dave Atlas...

To read the laser inscription, the only luck I had, with equipment of my own, was to secure a 20x loupe, which worked for me -- though only barely.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

I am with Wink.

People who walk into my store who do not trust us are welcome to take their business elsewhere. I am not aware of any jeweller who has een able to switch stones and get away with it.

We spend 6 figures on advertising. Why blow it with one negative report for a grand or two. Just choose a decent jeweller who looks like they will not be closing up and heading to Hawaii to retire on the proceeds from your diamond.

 

[Brian Knox]

A few points:

A jeweler takes on a tremendous amount of liability when setting diamonds or even working on a diamond ring.

All jewelers are highly protective of their reputation and company goodwill.

Diamond switching is more of a urban myth than a reality.

Ask the jeweler if they can help you identify the diamond before and after setting the diamond, most will be glad to oblige.



BTW, I will also politely decline doing this service if the vibes are bad.

 

[kevinng]

Actually, I can see the laser inscription pretty well with a 10x Loupe. It's also a cheap plastic loupe Jon threw in with my diamond purchase.

This is what I do.
Place the loupe as close to your eye as possible.
Keep both eyes open.
Move the diamond close to the loupe and adjust it until the image is focused.
Move the diamond around until you spot the inscription.
Stay with the inscription and let your eye focus.
You should be able to read it in a moment.
You must have steady hands though.

Also, you need to bring the loupe real close to your eye. Moving it away causes loss of magnification. Perhaps that is why you need a 20x loupe.

 

[WinkHPD]

Kevinng,

I find that if I nestle the back of my thumb against my cheek that provides a stable platform for the loupe up close to my eye, Then I make a bridge with my little finger against the back of the hand holding the item to be inspected. This gives you a totally stable platform to inspect the item without the jiggle if you try to "free hold" it.

Wink