Whiteflash
 

Diamond Jewelry Forums   Picture Gallery   Video Gallery   Journal

   
 Search Posted Today Most Active Help   
 » Home »  » Diamond Prices and Grading »  » RockyTalky »  » Setting Fees


  

 Setting Fees

P:  8/18/2004 12:30:16 PM  
wonka27
wonka27

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 628
Last Post: 9/13/2007
Member Since: 6/22/2004
 
I can understand the need for a setting fee. Between the risk involved in setting a stone (as I read in a prior thread) and the need to pay someone in a jewelery store to do it, it is a fair thing.

My question is why do setting fees seem to be such a mystery. I know some build it into the price of settings and others don't. Why don't jewelers online and B&M just come out and tell you about it when you are contemplating a setting or requesting information.

I don't like being suprised when I'm wrapping up a transaction only to find out I owe more $$$. Does anyone have any thoughts on this subject?
Posted:  8/18/2004 12:30:16 PM

 There are 10 replies to this message.  There are 10 replies on this page.

P: 8/18/2004 12:52:35 PM
oldminer
oldminer

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 4,966
Last Post: 11/24/2009
Member Since: 9/4/2000
 
It is always best to have all the numbers in front of you before you go ahead.  Surprises at the end of a deal don't make for good feelings.  Many variables have an effect on what it costs to set a diamond.  The shape, the weight, the prong type are just a few.  It would make for sort of a complex chart for a web based transaction, but should be very easy at the counter or over the phone when a specific diamond has already been chosen and the mounting is already decided upon...
 
It sounds unusual to me that you have had a problem, but maybe I misunderstand your question.  Were you told one amount and then a much higher amount at the time of pick up?

David S. Atlas

GG(GIA), ASG, Sr. Mbr. NAJA

www.datlas.com





Posted:  8/18/2004 12:52:35 PM
P: 8/18/2004 12:59:02 PM
wonka27
wonka27

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 628
Last Post: 9/13/2007
Member Since: 6/22/2004
 
I hesitate to say to much, because I don't want to come off as unhappy with the vendor. It was just something that caught me offguard.

This is an online purchase. The vendor worked with me on finding diamonds. They also quoted me prices on the settings ahead of time. It was not until I called in my order officially (to give give financial info, etc.) that they told me about the setting fee. I felt it was something they could have addressed when I inquired about the settings for the project. Maybe this is commonplace, but I have never bought loose and had something set, so I was completely taken off guard.

Again, I don't mean this as a bash of the vendor (if anyone knows who it is), but more as a slight discomfort at the end of the transaction.

Posted:  8/18/2004 12:59:02 PM
P: 8/18/2004 1:44:00 PM
denverappraiser
denverappraiser

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 4,617
Last Post: 11/24/2009
Member Since: 7/21/2004
 
Wonka,

Customers often wish to buy the diamond and mounting separately. Most dealers try to accomodate this and will price their merchandise accordingly. As you mentioned, it's entirely appropriate that the craftsman who sets the stone should be paid for thier work but they dealer who made the sale didn't know until the end if you were going to hire them or someone in your home community for that particular part of the deal. I agree that they should have probably discussed this earlier but it sounds like they actually treated you fairly. I'm sure they would have been happy to send you the ring with the stone unmounted if you had prefered, and this is not an unusual request.

Neil Beaty, GG ISA
Independent Appraisals in Denver

There's never a crowd when you go that extra mile.

Posted:  8/18/2004 1:44:00 PM
P: 8/18/2004 1:57:46 PM
wonka27
wonka27

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 628
Last Post: 9/13/2007
Member Since: 6/22/2004
 
Denver -

I appreciate your comments, and I do understand that it can be fairly common to purchase the mounting and diamond but not have it set. I don't feel I was treated unfairly, I just feel there would have been a more appropriate time to inform me of their setting fees than at the end of the call where I was purchasing the diamonds. Could they not have said when I requested a setting quote, "if you are planning on buying the settings through us and actually have us set it, there is a $$$ per carat charge." I don't think that is too much for them to state upfront.

For example, we went out last night to look at ering settings (as the situation I am talking about in this thread is diamond stud earrings and pendant). The jeweler was upfront almost immediately by telling us having the diamond set by them would cost an additional $50-$75. depending on the size of the diamond.

Posted:  8/18/2004 1:57:46 PM
P: 8/18/2004 1:59:25 PM
strmrdr
strmrdr

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 23,296
Last Post: 10/9/2009
Member Since: 11/1/2003
 
----------------
On 8/18/2004 1:57:46 PM wonka27 wrote:

Denver -

I appreciate your comments, and I do understand that it can be fairly common to purchase the mounting and diamond but not have it set. I don't feel I was treated unfairly, I just feel there would have been a more appropriate time to inform me of their setting fees than at the end of the call where I was purchasing the diamonds. Could they not have said when I requested a setting quote, 'if you are planning on buying the settings through us and actually have us set it, there is a $$$ per carat charge.' I don't think that is too much for them to state upfront.

For example, we went out last night to look at ering settings (as the situation I am talking about in this thread is diamond stud earrings and pendant). The jeweler was upfront almost immediately by telling us having the diamond set by them would cost an additional $50-$75. depending on the size of the diamond.----------------



100% agree the vendor that didnt mention it upfront needs to get with it and change how they do things.
Point them to this thread :}

........... Karl has joined the diamond trade and is now posting as Karl_K

Posted:  8/18/2004 1:59:25 PM
P: 8/18/2004 2:06:00 PM
wonka27
wonka27

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 628
Last Post: 9/13/2007
Member Since: 6/22/2004
 
Thanks, storm! It is rare anyone agrees with me lately

Posted:  8/18/2004 2:06:00 PM
P: 8/18/2004 5:04:06 PM
Carmel
Carmel

Cut Rock
Total Posts: 201
Last Post: 11/18/2004
Member Since: 6/29/2004
 
Ah, come on now…you’ll probably get a big old heart shaped box of chocolates and a slobbery apology from that vendor now that you’ve created such a ruckus!!

Posted:  8/18/2004 5:04:06 PM
P: 8/18/2004 5:14:50 PM
wonka27
wonka27

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 628
Last Post: 9/13/2007
Member Since: 6/22/2004
 
LOL...yeah right

Posted:  8/18/2004 5:14:50 PM
P: 8/18/2004 9:59:53 PM
elmo
elmo

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 1,142
Last Post: 10/19/2009
Member Since: 6/18/2003
 
Well count me in, I agree with you and Strm. If I'd just spent thousands of $$$ on a diamond and thousands more for a setting, then someone says it's 50 bucks extra to set the stone... If it's one of the 2%-over-cost vendors I can see how that's in line with the business model, otherwise the heck with it.

Posted:  8/18/2004 9:59:53 PM
P: 8/18/2004 11:35:55 PM
wonka27
wonka27

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 628
Last Post: 9/13/2007
Member Since: 6/22/2004
 
I did voice my concern with the vendor about not getting that info a little more upfront. The response I received was not necessarily apologetic, not did it lead me to believe that they felt it was something they should do or consider.

In any event, the deal is done, the money isn't really an issue. I'm expecting to receive a beautiful earring and pendant set!

Posted:  8/18/2004 11:35:55 PM

 Previous Page Next Page 
« Good Buy? «» What's the possiblity of a B&M to match a On-line Vendor Pric... »
Next Topics
EXPERTS HELP!! HCA Old GIA cert? h&a - which came first? Coast Ring w/ Special Order Diamond - Robbins Bros Clean my diamond this way? New ring: Questions Inclusion Question If it WALKS like a duck, and it TALKS like a duck . . . Measurements for 1.73 Carat Round Diamond Should I upgrade from .33 to .50 diamond? Wink, Cut Nut, Leonid, Oldminer, Anyone else.... Experts, help pls Good Buy? I would appreciate input on these 4 stones... Can Someone help me? Help buying a princess diamond range of blue flourescence when the vendor doesn't seem to want to show the certificate ... Antique Setting? My new SuperbCert diamond! Help..Need advice on E-ring purchase Need help finding a setting.. Recutting a diamond? pear shape depth question Update on De Beers Price Hike GIA grading and med fluorescence - is an E really an E? Microscope and Light Leakage Detection Help on a particular diamond I'm thinking of buying ... How would you budget around 8K for an e-ring? Just Bought! My Buying Experience and Advice Feedback Please on Euopean Brilliant in Vintage Tiffany Setting

Jump to:



Contact Us  |  Back Home  |  Privacy Statement  |  Forum Agreement  |  Forum Policies

Ideal BB Version: 0.1.5.4.beta1 Message forum software powered by  the Ideal BB

IdealBB Badge


Pricescope - Knowledge - Diamond Prices - Tools - Resources - About

© 2000-2009 Pricescope. Terms of Use Privacy Policy Disclaimer
forum archives