Have the stone, no certs, need to build the ring!

[farkistan]

Hi everyone,

I am hoping someone can help me out here. My grandmother left me her ring and I am looking into having it re-set. The problem is, I don''t know any jewelers and I have no certification for the ring. I am very scared of the diamond being switched on me.

What should I do? Do I get the diamond appraised first? How do I go about finding a reputable jeweler in New York?

Thanks for your help. And if this question has been asked somewhere else, I apologize!

 

[pricescope]

Farkistan, welcome to the forum.

Check out these jewelers in NY: http://www.pricescope.com/jewelers_NY.aspx

Search the forum for feedbacks on each jeweler. ask more question and share your experience.

Good luck

 

[belle]

if you want to spend some $$ to get the stone appraised, there are a list of appraisers listed in the resources section at the top of this page. otherwise, you can get a loupe and look for the ''birthmarks'' or inclusions in your stone. they will be unique to your diamond, just like a fingerprint. the jeweler that you choose will (should!) go over these inclusions with you under the microscope as well. make sure that they do this and that the inclusions are plotted before you leave. diamond switching, especially with reputable jewelers, is rare. checking the diamond before you leave it and when you pick it up is prudent.
best of luck!