Pricing to set a gem

[kaonevar]

I'm trying to figure out if my local jeweler is right in the ballpark with this estimate or ripping me off--hard to tell since I am new to this.

I have an 10mmx8mm in size Emerald (high k from what the jewer said, but unknown as she "wasn't an appraiser") that is set into a necklace of my grandmothers. I am interested in having it set into a ring with a very simple plain band.

The jeweler quoted me $400 for the white gold band and another $400 for the custom making of a head or crown for the gem & attaching that to the band, for a total of $800.
That seems high to me. Can any experts shed some light on this for me?

Thanks!

 

[PrincessCath]

I am certainly no expert, but I am looking at having a stone of mine set right now. No pave, no ornate stuff, no milgrain, and I am providing the diamonds myself for the halo. I have been quoted 3 times as much at the very least. Keeping in mind how high gold it right now, no, I don't think $800 outrageous at all. And emeralds are so tricky to set too.

 

[kaonevar]

It looks similar to the image in my profile pick, only older and less squashed. It's a big gem to set which is why I wondered if the price might be accurate, but at the same time, I wasn't sure. Seemed high to me, but then, what do I know of jewelry?

 

[denverappraiser]

There are proably cheaper craftsmen out there but that doesn't make yours a ripoff nor does it make the cheaper one a good deal. There are different approaches to how to set things. Different craftsmen and women have different skill levels and not all charge the same for their time and talents. Tiny details matter and the best are rarely the cheapest. Custom making a crown is quite a bit of work and not an easy job so I"m not surprised it's a little pricey and whether or not there's a stock item that will work just as well for your situation depends on the exact details of the job.

By the way, be aware that emeralds are fragile and there is a non-zero chance of damage to the stone even by the best of setters. Make sure you understand who is assuming breakage liability here and exactly what is expected if it doesn't go as smoothly as you would like.

 

[PrincessCath]

By the way, be aware that emeralds are fragile and there is a non-zero chance of damage to the stone even by the best of setters. Make sure you understand who is assuming breakage liability here and exactly what is expected if it doesn't go as smoothly as you would like.

Exactly. I would only entrust an emerald, esp. one that sounds valuable, to a very skilled craftsman. Those pretty "gardens" make them brittle... I would pay attention to liability insurance issues too.