Custom Made Settings - Help Please!

[Trantran]

Hi!

I love this website and all the info it contains. Been lurking a long time but need help on how to go about getting a custom made setting.

I have a 1.27ct radiant cut diamond and would like to get a custom made setting since my last setting was ''off the shelf'' and was not set properly (the claws didn''t fit the diamond). It really annoyed me every time I looked at it.

Some questions relating to going about the custom made route:

* Is it normal for the jeweller to keep the diamond during the production process? Is it enough if I just give them the measurements of the diamond?
I have heard some stories of some jewellers who swap the client''s diamond with a smaller or lower quality one. Because my diamond is not laser inscribed, I''m worried this might happen and I would have no way to confirm if its my stone in the ring or not.
* Is it best to get a written quote? Does the quote usually contain clauses about what happens if they lose or chip the diamond?
* Unfortunately I don''t know anyone who has had their e-ring custom made so I can''t ask for reccommendations (i''m in australia) - is there some recommended questions I should ask when shopping around for a jeweller (without offfending them)?

Sorry for all the questions, I just don''t want to make the same mistake as last time

Thank you!!

 

[arjunajane]

Hi Trantran and welcome to PS.

Ok, I will try to answer.
Firstly, what state are you in and what type of setting would you like made ?(ie. platinum/gold, with diamonds/plain, modern/vintage style, etc etc). I am also Aus, and there are a number of other Aussie mbrs on the board - we may be able to come up with recommendations for you.

To your Q's:

1.Yes it is normal and you are better off to let them keep the diamond for the process - it will result in a better product. If you cannot trust a jeweller not to swap out your diamond (which is admittedly actually a very rare occurrence), than you should not be going anywhere near them for custom!
You need to find someone you trust and are comfortable with.

2. Every place will operate differently in re. to quotes, you will just need to ask if they provide a written work order or no. 99% of the time, the *rule is* if they chip the diamond they will not cover it. If they lose it or it is stolen, this should come under their insurance. But jewellers in Australia cannot get insurance for setting stones that were not purchased from their store. That said, unless they are Real Jerks, if they chip the diamond and it is their fault (ie. your diamond is of good make without unstable inclusions, etc), most jewellers will work with you to come to a resolution.
This comes back to point 1 - find someone you feel you can trust. For example, I am currently completing a custom ring with Brian Gavin Diamonds in the US. I went off a two line quote in an email without a second thought (no mention of policies etc), as I know from feedback on PS of their stellar reputation for both customer service and quality work.

Also, if it is a skilled bench damage of diamonds during setting is much more rare than most people think.

3. I think the best way to approach it is try to get some references from on here, see their work online and preferably in person, and just call up or go in for a chat. Discuss what you'd like to have made, ask about their prior projects. Ask to see any work similar to what you'd like made, etc..
You will quickly find out whether you "gel" with a jeweller or not.
I can say that if the first questions you start asking are about swapping and damaging diamonds, you will alienate most people!

If you can provide some info on where you are and what you'd like, hopefully we can come up with a few recommendations for you.

 

[Hest88]

Trantran, welcome.

Arjuna answered your questions pretty well. However, if you''re in Australia, it might not hurt to contact Garry Holloway''s store. He might be able to help.

http://www.hollowaydiamonds.com.au/

 

[Trantran]

Thanks Arjunajane & Hest88 for your responses! Lots of info to consider.

I''m located in Sydney and am looking for an 18kt white gold setting with 8-10 0.3ct round brilliants in a micropave setting. Also, I''m not sure what kind of price is considered ''reasonable'' for such a setting to be made?

Looking fwd to your recommendations - I so want this ring to finally be perfect