How do you approach a B & M jeweler that you''ve been dealing with to set a third party stone?

[MP]

Hey Guys,
Well I'm on the hunt for the best possible diamond at the best price. I'm currently working with a small jewelry store in my area and they are looking for diamonds and settings for me. Likewise, I'm dealing with Jon from GoodOldGold and with Bluenile on possibly getting a stone from them. Now my question is if I decide to go with a third oarty for the stone how do I approach my jeweler to set a third party stone in one of her settings in the best way? Obviously she'll be dissapointed that I didn't buy the stone from her. I'm worried that I might alienate her. Do small jeweler shops make a lot of their money off the stones or settings?

MP

 

[bem3231]

I think that it depends store by store. A couple of things to note... 1) GOG has a pretty big selection of settings, including many of the ''big'' names - you might be able to get both a stone and setting there, and... done! 2) Jon can also get many if not most of the stones listed on BlueNile (except their Signature Collection which simply means that it''s their branded in-house line), so if there is a stone on BlueNile that interests you, ask Jon about it, as he can still offer you his expertise. Good luck!

 

[oldminer]

A small shop may make more dollars on a diamond and more percentage mark-up on their mountings. While they want to make all the sales they can, if you are polite and stright with them, they should already be accustomed to not making every sale. If they have spent any considerable money to get diamonds sent in for you to see, then possibly you might offer to re-imburse them for their return shipping costs. Likely as not, they will refuse to take the money as you should tell them that you want to buy the mounting from them.

If they get angry and mean about it, then go to another store. Its your money and its all part of the retail game.

 

[talen316]

MP -

I just went through the same thing. Bought the stone from GOG and working with a local jeweler to custom make the setting.

Along the way, I had spoken to numerous local jewelers who were more than happy to build the setting and set the stone for me and I never sensed any resentment from them for not buying the stone from them.

You may find some jewelers that might offer you a discount on the "package" deal if you buy both the stone and setting from them, but that''s certainly a case by case basis.

Something else you may want to look into if you buy a loose stone is the insurance of the stone while it is being set and whether or not the jeweler setting the stone will take liability for it if it is somehow damaged during setting or otherwise while in their possession. If you buy just a loose stone, you may find it tricky to insure, but some jewelers will take liability for any damage to the stone while in their possession so you will be covered if they damage it during setting process, etc. My guess is not all jewelers will take on that liability so make sure you cover your bases on this one way or another.

 

[denverappraiser]

If you’ve got a well established relationship with the jeweler and you would like to keep it, consider talking to them about it. Before you actually pull the trigger with GOG or BN, take the offer down to the jeweler and tell them what you’re considering. They may be able to make a counteroffer that would surprise you. Maybe not, but you won’t know if you don’t ask and give them a shot at it.

Yes, jewelers generally make a fair amount of their profit off of selling diamonds and they will surely be disappointed to learn that a valued customer may be shopping with a competitor. Such is the nature of business and everybody in business faces it. Customers shop. They also make profit selling mountings and selling setting and other services. Running a jewelry store isn''t an all or nothing type of deal.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Jewelry Appraisals in Denver

 

[Italiahaircolor]

I would suggest being honet with your B&M jeweler. Lets be honest, price is a factor and if you can get a better deal from GOG or Blue Nile, then you have no reason to feel bad...you techincally "owe" this jeweler nothing.

I would be open with this lady, share with her the that you have located the diamond at a different dealer, and see if she could match or beat the price on the same quality stone. If she can, then I would say proceed with her and feel good about the deal you got. If she gets "uppity" about it, or you feel that she''s offended and this may infulence your future relationship with her, then look elsewhere for a setting and move forward with that.

My DH purchased my ering and wedding band from a local B&M...he was very honest, warm and recieving with us during the entire process. We have become good customers and purchased other pieces from him due to the repore we established intially--he has even extended a 50% discount to us on all "in stock" jewelry (which we have openly taken advantage of!!). If you really feel comfortable with your local B&M and she cannot match or beat the price and you still want a relationship with her, I would explain that this stone is a one time purchase, but that you''ll obviously be in the market for additional pieces as the years go on including but not limited to a band, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, whatever....and you''d like to continue to work with her. I am sure she will understand and you two will continue to have a benefical collaberation!

Congratulations! And best, best, best wishes!