A graceful exit

[jamh]

I''m in a bit of a sensitive place with a jeweler, and I wanted to get some advice from others.

About three weeks ago I dropped off a few pieces so that they could get me a quote on a custom setting using the diamonds I provided. The sales lady wasn''t sure if they needed to make a wax mold first or not, but she was going to give them to the goldsmith and ask for a quote, she said that it would take about two weeks.

Two and a half weeks go by, and I don''t hear anything, so I write to check in. A day later I get a response, and the quote for the ring in white gold is at the upper edge of my budget, so I say okay. Overnight I thought about it, and decided that it was a rather high quote for white gold, and that I might be able to find someone better out there, so I called and asked what my other options were for lowering the price. She was looking at the other pre-made rings that might be similar, and checking with the goldsmith to see what 14k white would cost.

Today I have an appointment with Quest jewelers (if I can get out there with all the rain), but I need to go back to the first place and pick up my pieces. Is there any nice way of telling them this? I realize that they can''t very well hold everythign hostage, but I do feel bad. If I do get it from somewhere else am I expected to pay for whatever work has been performed?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Just tell them you are having second thoughts about the design and want to look at some more designs before making a final decision. You''ll get back with them if you decide to go with that design.

 

[jamh]

Date: 6/27/2006 12:13:55 PM
Author: Virginia
How long has it been since you gave the OK?? If they have started work they may charge you something but it not hopefully they wont. Good Luck with Quest, they are great...and try to stay dry! It is a *blah* day in the DC area today!

Well, they *may* have done work on the wax mold, but that wasn''t clear to me. They had about 6 business hours where I''d given the OK before I wrote and asked them to hold up, so given the delay getting the first quote I don''t really think they did anything. I do really like their stuff so hopefully I will get the chance to get back there for something, even if I don''t go with them for the e-ring.

It''s a terrible day in DC. I gave up trying to drive to the office and ended up parking five blocks away because traffic just wasn''t moving. There''ve been some flash floods that sound like nothing I want a part of, but luckily they''ve all been out in Alexandria, and not too close to Quest or my route there or back.

 

[Rosierock]

I was in a VERY similar situation, I actually whimped out and sent my husband down to pick up my diamond, he was very up front and honest about getting other opinions and price comparisons. Fortunately for me they hadn''t started any work on my diamond, they had convinced me to re-cut it and were going to charge me $475, I brought it to the place I am using now and they said do NOT re-cut! the diamond didn''t need it and even if it did they would only charge $100. It does pay to shop around, also I think it''s ironic that most things outside the city (Boston) are cheaper, however Jewelery is not.

Assuming they haven''t started work on your ring, you have the right to change your mind, even if they did "start" work you could always pay for the work they''ve started and move on from there.

It''s such a big decision, you have to go with your gut. I did feel bad not doing business with the initial place, the sales lady spent a lot of time with me and was very nice but the place I am using now is giving me 3x the ring for the same price! so I guess I don''t feel that bad.

Hope things work out just the way you want them