Calling E-Ring Owners Who Purchased From Another City

[Faluzure]

Hello all. My question is to you engagement ring owners who got your ring away from the place you currently reside.

My situation is this, I purchased my wife's engagement ring a few years ago from Good Old Gold in NY. I live in Nashville, TN and I've sent the ring off to GOG about 2 years ago to get it inspected/cleaned/sized for my wife's wedding band.

Fast forward to now. I'd like to get the ring inspected (for upkeep and peace of mind purposes) but I really don't know of any reputable jewelers who will do that for me here. I've debated sending the ring back to Good Old Gold but my wife really hates the idea of parting with it (but she'll do it as a last resort). The reason this is a concern all of a sudden is because a sapphire ring I bought her about a year ago lost an accent stone and we had to pay to get it replaced. While we do have insurance on the engagement ring, I think it would make us feel better to have it inspected regularly.

So to those of you who are in the same situation as I am (I'm assuming a lot of you are), do you have your ring inspected? What are the guidelines I should be aware of if I'm taking it to another jeweler? Or should I not even bother taking it to a 3rd party jeweler? I'm afraid of a bait & switch (after all, I got my diamond from GOG).

Lastly, if any of you are in the Nashville area (or at least know about it), is there someone you'd recommend to inspect my wife's ring?

Thanks for all your help.

 

[chrono]

I go to my local jeweller to get it professionally cleaned periodically. I check the prongs myself but you can also have your local jeweller do this (and tighten them if necessary). My diamonds are from Whiteflash (Texas), GOG (NY) and James Allen (NY). I live in none of the states mentioned prior.

Most local jewellers are more than happy to service your ring for a mininal fee or even free in hopes of building a future relationship with you (jewellery presents for other occasions). Most are also honest since a bait and switch tactic will effectively kill their business. When selecting a local jeweller, I check out reviews and talk to other locals for their recommendation, visit the store to see their inventory (workmanship and quality) and talk to the salespeople / bench / owner (gauge customer service). I typically avoid mall or chain type stores, preferring a Mom & Pop type jewellery store with an in-house bench.

 

[distracts]

All non-chain jewelers I've ever been to will check prongs and settings, clean, and do a quick polish for free or for a very small fee.

I bought my ring in the city I live in but the store I got it from is across the city and I have to call ahead for an appointment and then get a pass into the building and it's kind of a headache, so I just get mine checked by my local guy a few blocks away every several months, and then once every year(ish) get it checked by the store it came from.

 

[Ally T]

I am in Cheshire, UK, my engagement ring was from Birmingham, which is 2 hours away, my full eternity from London, 4 hours away. I have always taken my rings to my fabulous local jeweler for inspection, tightening & cleaning every 6 months.

 

[Faluzure]

Thank you all for your replies. This helps me a TON and clears up any misconceptions I've had about general ring maintenance.

Truly appreciate it!

 

[AprilBaby]

My stones also came from WF but I use my local jeweler for sizing and general maintainance. They polish and check for free whenever I stop by.

 

[Indylady]

I wish I had a good local jeweler--I'd absolutely get mine checked locally if I could find someone that I trust. So--while it is perfectly ok to find a local jeweler, take your time to find someone that you do like and trust.

 

[Tennismom]

When we moved to a new city I asked Tiffany for a referral to a good local jeweler. They will only service their jewelry so have cards for other reputable jewelers. They referred me to a family run jewelry store that designs their own pieces. They have been wonderful to work with. I hope that you find someone you like.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Find the most upscale jeweler you can find, NOT a chain. They won't consider ruining their reputation by stealing your diamond, and they may have a better bench if you need repairs.

Just doing a quick search, here are ones I'd go to (both have high end merchandise):

http://www.ward-potts.com/

http://www.kings1912.com/

 

[Faluzure]

Find the most upscale jeweler you can find, NOT a chain. They won't consider ruining their reputation by stealing your diamond, and they may have a better bench if you need repairs.

Just doing a quick search, here are ones I'd go to (both have high end merchandise):

http://www.ward-potts.com/

http://www.kings1912.com/

Hi. Is there a reason you chose these? I know you mentioned they have "high end" merchandise, but what was your criteria for choosing them specifically?

I heard of Kings 1912 and even drove by them a few times. Never heard of Ward Potts though. King Jeweler's have a lot of 5-star reviews by people who have only reviewed any business just one time. Typically I avoid places with "fake, inflated reviews".

 

[chrono]

Higher end non-chain type stores tend to employ higher skilled bench.
Higher end non-chain type stores will not risk their reputation by pulling a bait and switch.

 

[Faluzure]

That makes sense. I will give them a call today. Thank you everyone!