Is 3 days a long time to leave a ring for an estimate?

[iluvsparkles]

I was walking by a jewelry store today over lunch and saw that they have something that looked like a workshop on-site, so I walked in and inquired about re-setting my e-ring. I''m not getting much done but just to raise it higher.

I was told to leave the ring there and they would get back with an estimate to me by the end of the week. I had inquired about the process of getting it done and he said he wasn''t quite sure as he might have to do it from underneath the ring.

I told my FI about leaving the ring for 3 days and now he''s making me paranoid about how some jewelers switch the stone or take some of the gold out... and said that 3 days for getting an estimate is too long. He told me go back and pick it up today.

Since then, I''ve searched online about this company, and it says that it''s a family business for over 20 years. They are also a member of a jewelers association.

So what is the standard time for getting an estimate on custom work such as this one? I''m not changing the setting in any way, just making it higher. Also, is my FI (and now me) a bit paranoid about the business practices of jewelry companies? It''s not a B&M store, just a local jeweler.

Thanks!!

 

[denverappraiser]

My guess is that it has to do with the schedule of the person who is going to make the estimate. If he/she is out of the office for a while or your estimate requires them to do research into the availability and cost of supplies or whatever, they may not be able to get to it right away. If you’re worried, tell them your concerns and they may be able to schedule you an appointment with the appropriate person where you can wait while they work up the bid. For the most part, giving them a few days isn''t a great problem.

If you haven’t already done so, get it appraised and insured. That doesn’t reduce the chances that someone will steal your stone, which are quite low by the way, but it does make it someone elses problem in the unlikely event that it does happen.

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

 

[Bliss]

I consider myself to be a very trusting person but in this case, I would go get the ring back. If the person who does the estimate needs to see it and he/she isn't there, I would make an appointment. They just need to see it and gauge how much metal/how many diamonds/how much work the reset would require. Only then, would I leave the ring once I'd agreed upon a price and everything.

Most of the time, it would be fine. But you shouldn't be without your ring if you're just waiting for someone to inspect it and also, I'd rather leave it once you get a feel for the estimate/workmanship skill set the jeweler has first. Go get it! There can be bad communication and you don't want them taking the diamond out (chances of chipping) or tinkering with the setting in the meantime when you haven't agreed to anything at all. Plus, I'm surprised they accepted the ring without paperwork or anything! I mean, on both ends it sounds loosey goosey! My advice would be to go get your ring back asap. Just to be safe.

ETA: Great advice from Neil!

 

[iluvsparkles]

Thanks denverappraiser and bliss for your replies.

I guess the reason why my FI is paranoid is the fact that I didn''t do any research on the company first before I left the ring there.

I believe the person I talked to may be the owner, but I''m not entirely sure.

In any event, I will go pick up my ring after work and tell them that I feel more comfortable making an appointment to see the person who does the estimate.

Thanks again - I knew that PS members would give me better insight than freaking me out like my FI!!

 

[Bliss]

Date: 6/2/2009 3:56:05 PM
Author: iluvsparkles
Thanks denverappraiser and bliss for your replies.


I guess the reason why my FI is paranoid is the fact that I didn't do any research on the company first before I left the ring there.


I believe the person I talked to may be the owner, but I'm not entirely sure.


In any event, I will go pick up my ring after work and tell them that I feel more comfortable making an appointment to see the person who does the estimate.


Thanks again - I knew that PS members would give me better insight than freaking me out like my FI!!

Yeah, girlfriend! You go get your ring!

After you agree to the estimate and work, then you can leave it. Do a lot more research, too. I mean, it seems simple but if they botch it - that's a long and painful nightmare. Better to go to a jeweler you KNOW will get it right.

Hahahaha, I'm laughing about your comment re: your FI. My DH does THE SAME THING! He'd be like, "WHAT? It's going to come back a carat smaller Z color and I200 clarity with a big crack on the table!" (Of course those don't exist, but you get my drift.) Just to freak me out! We know like 99% of jewelers are honest but you never know, you could get unlucky... Lord knows we see the stories on PS sometimes in a blue moon. But I totally do it right back to him and freak him out, too. "Honey, you used WHICH dry cleaner for your shirts??? The people who use the toxic chemicals to clean clothes? You're going to wake up with a leg growing of your head tomorrow! I guess I should buy you some new pants for your head, too!" LOL.

 

[iluvsparkles]

Hahaha... I say it''s payback time... LOL!

I noticed from their website that this store does appraisals too. Since I should look into getting my ring insured and will probably need an appraisal to give to my insurance company, if I decide to use this store, does that mean I will have to leave the ring with them too? If so, what is the usual turnaround time?