In need of advice about getting diamond set

[in_need_of_help]

Hello All,

I am closer to buying a diamond and need to start planning how to have the diamond set.

Here is the situation:
1) I will buy a diamond (with GIA cert. And Sarin analysis) from one store
and the setting from another in the very near future.

2) I will get the loose diamond (with GIA cert.) appraised (Sarin included).

3) Then I need to have the diamond set in platinum contour setting.

4) Next, I need to go back to the appraiser to have the diamond checked
again to a) make sure it’s the same diamond and b) that the diamond was
not damaged when being set.

This leads me to a few questions:
1) Will jewelers allow you to watch them as they set your diamond?

2) How much can one expect to pay for such a service since I didn’t buy the
diamond or setting from the jeweler?

3) How should I best protect myself?

4) I live in New York city, can anyone make a recommendation.


Any additional information will be appreciated!

Thanks a million.


Respectfully,

In_need_of_help

 

[magna2]

in_need_of_help,

You need to check into a few jewelers in your area - best bet is to have the jeweler that you purchased the setting mount your diamond for you. If you are purchasing both on-line and do not want to send your diamond through the mail and feel more comfortable having it set by a local jeweler, then perhaps you can get your independent appraiser to recommend a few jewelers to you.

The vendor that sells you the setting might do the mounting for free otherwise they typically charge based on the size of the diamond. Up in my area, it typically cost about $10 per point (1 tenth of a carat). The jeweler will typically set it in front of you if you had made an appointment for setting the stone. If it is not possible to view them setting the diamond, by all means have them go throught the details of the diamond with you and have them map out the inclusions so that when you get it back they can then show you that it is the same diamond.

 

[TooMuchInformation]

If you live in NYC, you should be sure to talk with Jonathan at GoodOldGold (Rhino on these forums). He's great, and has thus far done a superb job of helping me with my purchase.

If you're worried about your diamond being stolen or switched, and need to be certain that you still have *your* rock after it's been set, then you have a few options:

1) Look at the inclusions before and after, and compare them to your certification.
2) Get the diamond laser-inscribed with the GIA cert number, and you can verify that this is still present after the fact. AFAIK, you can do this with a simple 10x loupe.

Hope that helps you some. Personally, I'm just as worried about some of these issues, and as such, I'm going to opt to get my diamond laser inscribed.

 

[stephcola]

Be an educated consumer with regard to setting price. I have purchased a diamond online and had a designer setting handmade but purchased through a local jeweler. Although the jeweler has sold me this setting (platinum and diamond ) and has made a $$$$sale...they still want $300. to set my stone. I called several local jewelers and have gotten many prices. One place first said about $150. then when I called for an appt., they said they raised their prices and if they did it while I wait...it would be $618.oo, if I waited about 5 days, it would be $420.oo Can you believe it. I finally went to a small jeweler I trust and he has sent my diamond and the setting off to the jewelery designer to be set. The people who actually made my setting are now setting my stone. I was totally a nervous wreck about shipping the diamond but I did what I thought was best. This whole process is in the $100 + range. Do your homework. I don't begrudge anyone from making a living, but there is a big difference in the prices I was quoted. My diamond is GIA laser inscribed and they have made sure I can see the inscription . I hope to be wearing it tomorrow. Good luck.

 

[pqcollectibles]

Jonathan at Good Old Gold would be a good "local" source for you of the Vendors available thru Price Scope. Check past threads for feedback about GOG. You'll see they are top notch!

Another thought for you is have the diamond shipped to one of the PS approved appraisers. Most PS Vendors don't require payment prior to evaluation by an approved appraiser. The appraiser will verify the diamond and do any requested analysis for you. They report directly to you and can send pics and copies of reports to you. Also have your setting shipped to the same appraiser. The appraiser can then have the diamond set for you and give you a complete, independent appraisal of the finished ring.