mounting fees at Shane Co.

[AnotherLabRat]

I''m purchasing a semi-mount from Shane Co, but the diamond elsewhere(online). Shane Co. wants to charge $3 per point while Good Old Gold will charge $1 per point.

The semi-mount I''m buying from Shane Co. is a Kirk Kara setting, which is being custom made. The Shane Co. rep told me they need to send my diamond to Kirk Kara in order to customize the cast head for the size. This seemed reasonable, but when I questioned him about the cost of mounting when Kirk Kara was likely to actually mount the diamond he went into this long diatribe. He said they "may or may not set it", not wanting to give a firm answer. He went on to explain that Shane Co will have to provide services, such as rhodium plating, cleaning, inspection, but that they aren''t recouping the costs due to me buying the diamond elsewhere which is why they want to charge me a mounting fee.

Of course I mentioned the fact that I was buying the semi-mount and that although I''m not buying the diamond from them, I''m also not getting the diamond guarantee from them either.

So, should I have Good Old Gold, Shane Co., or Kirk Kara set the diamond?

Cost is negligible. I just want to take the best route to have this done and ensure quality. (although I''m not happy that Shane Co. wants to charge a fee for work they may not do and want that fee because they couldn''t have me buy an insanely overpriced rock)

 

[Gypsy]

Diatribe aside. Have Kirk Kara set the stone. Or GOG.

And they are blowing smoke up your... well, you get what I mean. Re-coup costs? That setting you are buying has a NICE mark up on it. They are getting what they deserve. I wouldn't have Shane Company TOUCH my diamond. Tell them there are plenty of Kirk Kara dealers out there who will send the thing TO THE MANUFACTURER to have it set right, without any grief, and if they want your business they'll follow suit. Period. No setting fees if they are NOT setting the thing. Good grief.

Is there a reason why you are gong with the Shane Company for the setting? Despite their ads, they are NOT your friends in the jewelry business I've known at least 4 people who have gotten completely ripped off there.

Please insure your diamond before sending it ANYWHERE, BTW.

 

[AnotherLabRat]

Believe me, Shane Co. was not my first choice. There aren''t many retailers in my area for Kirk Kara. Only two within 75 miles and the next farthest away was Portland. I tried the other two jewelers first. To make a long story short, the first jeweler tried to scam me and the second one wanted $500 more than Shane Co.

Add to the fact that Shane Co is also in Oregon, so I save sales tax. Altogether, it''s around $800 in savings.

I totally hear you about the smoke blowing going on. I''ll be firm and straight and of course, check sources myself. That is, I''ll call Kirk Kara directly to see if they set stones and will set my stone.

I will have it insured. I''m working on finding a reputable appraiser to speed things along.

Any suggestions on where, who, how to insure it? I''m still learning the ropes.

 

[D&T]

Here is an appraiser list.

https://www.pricescope.com/appr_list.aspx

Try Touchstone insurance. they can get you a policy with Gemshield or Chubbs

Jewelers Mutual insurance is also widely used here too. Good luck.

 

[swingirl]

I would have GOG set it. Or Kirk Kira. I would stay clear of the Shane Co. I haven't had any bad experiences but I trust GOG 150%.

 

[AnotherLabRat]

Thanks for the helpful info and advice!!

Time to clear the history and reset the browser now so she can''t go snooping around.