How do you guys maintain online purchased rings

[wow14610]

Hi All,

As some members suggested starting a new topic we all can get an idea of how you guys maintain online bought items.

How do you guys maintain your items as far as cleaning?
What are the protection plan you guys have?
Did you guys happened to loose or chip a diamond? and how did these online stores handle the situation? Do they replace them free? or how does it work?

Please share your experiences and comments.

Thank so much all of you guys

 

[elle_chris]

Date: 7/29/2009 10:54:11 AM
Author:wow14610
Hi All,

As some members suggested starting a new topic we all can get an idea of how you guys maintain online bought items.

How do you guys maintain your items as far as cleaning?
What are the protection plan you guys have?
Did you guys happened to loose or chip a diamond? and how did these online stores handle the situation? Do they replace them free? or how does it work?

Please share your experiences and comments.

Thank so much all of you guys

As far as cleaning I have an ultrasonic and steam cleaner so mostly do it myself. When I''n browsing in jewelry stores, either they volunteer or I ask them to clean it. They don''t charge you for it

I have two policies. One is a stand alone policy from Jewelers Mutual for my e-ring. The other is additional valuable articles policy I added to my renters and homeoweners policy through Travelers Insurance.

Usually, i purchase stones and have them set either locally or in one case, through Pearlman''s jewelers. When I did have a problem with my 5 stone ring that I purchased through Whiteflash (a stone came loose in the setting), I shipped it back and they fixed it promplty. No charge to me. Very easy to work with. If a stone should break or chip, I have insurance (mentioned above) that would cover it.

 

[John P]

Date: 7/29/2009 11:05:42 AM
Author: elle_chris

As far as cleaning I have an ultrasonic and steam cleaner so mostly do it myself. When I'n browsing in jewelry stores, either they volunteer or I ask them to clean it. They don't charge you for it

My wife and I do the same thing - US weekly. I manage accounts in many jewelry stores so it's also easy to have steam-cleaning, prong-checking, etc. done when I'm onsite. I urge everyone to develop a relationship with a local jeweler, even if you bought some of your pieces online. Even small purchases over time add up and good relations often bring them repeat and referral biz.

I have two policies. One is a stand alone policy from Jewelers Mutual for my e-ring. The other is additional valuable articles policy I added to my renters and homeoweners policy through Travelers Insurance.

Again my answer is similar. Casual jewelry is covered on our homeowners. For the expensive items we used to have JM. People who like a cash-out policy often seek Chubb. We now we have Touchstone for affiliation purposes and I would mention that Touchstone does write both policy types (Chubb or replacement-specific) so they're a good resource for quotes.

Usually, i purchase stones and have them set either locally or in one case, through Pearlman's jewelers. When I did have a problem with my 5 stone ring that I purchased through Whiteflash (a stone came loose in the setting), I shipped it back and they fixed it promplty. No charge to me. Very easy to work with. If a stone should break or chip, I have insurance (mentioned above) that would cover it.

Another ditto, but do check the history of the online seller. The vendors with good reputations on this site are typically customer-focused and take steps to ensure smooth relations. Companies do exist where, after the transaction, you're "done." An ounce of research may be worth a pound of future peace of mind.

 

[geckodani]

Pretty similar answers to the folks above. And John - I''m totally going to check out Touchstone now. I currently have JM, but worry that should something happen to my ering, I would want to replace it with something totally different, which might be a pain with JM.

I clean my rings at home in the US weekly.

The one time I had something break on an online purchase, I shipped it back at their expense and it was promptly fixed.

I don''t have a local jeweler (I need to find one!) but I take my rings into one of the large chains twice a year for a prong check. If something was wrong, I''d ship my ering back to the originators to be fixed, until I find someone local I trust!

My ering is insured by Jeweler''s Mutual, smaller items on my renter''s insurance.

 

[wow14610]

bump

 

[glitterata]

I gently wash my rings with a soft toothbrush in either an ammonia/water solution (diamonds, sapphires) or water and dishwashing liquid (delicate stones like opals). I do this pretty often for rings I wear often--every day or two for my daily rings.

I inspect them carefully with a loupe and when anything''s loose I take them to my local jeweler, who tightens them for free. He just did that this afternoon for two rings. He does a lot of repair work locally, and I buy things like chains for pendants from him, so he knows me. I use him for repairs, resizing, to set stones, etc. I haven''t ever bought anything major from him, though. Nice family business with several generations working in the shop; the dad does good, careful benchwork.

I keep most of my jewelry in the bank safe deposit box instead of insuring it. I figure in the long run it''s probably cheaper to pay for repairs and even replacements than insurance. After all, that''s how the insurance companies make money--they charge you more, on average, than they pay out.