Buying the diamond and the ring

[jayreneepea]

Do I need to buy them at the same place? Can I look for a good deal on a diamond and bring it to the place that I found a setting? Most of my shopping has been at different local jewelry marts and I just don''t know they feel about setting other jewelers stones or vice versa.

Or how do jewelry stores (B&M) feel about setting a stone purchased else where?

 

[Rod]

Date: 8/9/2006 1:05:17 PM
Author:jayrenay9
Do I need to buy them at the same place? NO. Can I look for a good deal on a diamond and bring it to the place that I found a setting? Often, YES, but you should ask the jeweler who has the setting if they will set a diamond purchased elsewhere. Tiffany''s will not set somone elses stones. Other independents may be more than happy to set your stone purchased elsewhere. Most of my shopping has been at different local jewelry marts and I just don''t know they feel about setting other jewelers stones or vice versa.

Or how do jewelry stores (B&M) feel about setting a stone purchased else where?

 

[belle]

i''ve gone through both having the stone purchased online set at a local jeweler and having the setting and diamond purchased together. of course it is much easier having it done together (i did mine online) but most jewelers will set diamonds purchased elsewhere (for a pretty penny). i can''t say the experience of having the diamond set locally was fun. they usually put you last on the list (their diamond customers understandably take priority) and in my experience, they went out of their way to try and sell one of their stones even though i had already made the purchase online. it really just depends on what works out for you.
best of luck!

 

[mrssalvo]

It is possible to buy the stone from one place and the setting somewhere else but can turn into a big headache trying to find a setter who will take responsibilty for the stone while setting it. Most vendors will cover stone you purchase from them into one of their settings. If at all possible I''d suggest buying the stone and setting from the same place, it just makes life easier.

 

[SuzyQZ]

Twice, I''ve bought diamonds at one place and had a ring made at a different place (my local jeweler).

My experience with the diamond dealer was that his diamonds and pricing were good, but the workmanship of the jewelry was not (they sent it out to various places to be made).

On the other hand, my jeweler does wonderful custom jewelery (all work done by in-house craftsmen) but the quality of their diamonds and price was not good. In other words, they were selling so so diamonds at considerably marked-up prices.

So while it was a pain to go through two different places, I felt that I got the best that each vendor had to offer and a good value from each one of them for their respective expertise.

Before you go this route, make sure you talk to the jeweler of your choice and ask if they will set a diamond you purchased elsewhere, in the specific setting of your choice. I suspect that if you are having a ring custom made vs just set, they will be more willing. But I would think that any savvy businessman would recognize that client relationships and loyalty many times are built on a modest beginning.

Also, make sure that when you purchase your diamond you have insurance to cover any possible damage. I believe the jeweler will also have insurance coverage in place as well that will protect him in case the diamond is damaged while setting your ring.

So bottom line, going to two different places IS a pain, but might be worth the trouble as evidenced by the money you can save.

I found PS after I purchased my rings so I have not used any of the online vendors recommended here, but it appears that they offer the the best of both worlds (good diamond prices and quality as well as good jewelry workmanship) and probably worth looking into that option as well.

Good luck!