Question about buying setting + diamond from different vendors

[Hokieman1982]

I''m about to make the big purchase and I want to thank you guys for your insight and assistance here. This is my first post but I''ve been surfing around at all the tools, research and forums for about a month now.

I''ve been looking for a 3-stone setting at several stores/websites and I think I finally found the perfect setting on Abazias that fits my girlfriend''s only real suggestion that the side stones not be too large/stick out and is also unique. The only problem I''m having is finding "the" diamond for the center at Abazias. I found a few that I like on other sites - Blue Nile and Whiteflash. Looking for a round between 1.00 - 1.05 carat.

I''d like to get your opinions on buying a setting and stone from two different online vendors, and having a local jeweler set the ring. Does anyone have experience doing this, have an opinion for or against, or any other insight they could provide? Pros/Cons, or things I should find out from the jeweler or setting? The setting is below (in platinum).

Abazias - 3-stone Setting

I''m not purchasing until around the January time frame, so who knows? A diamond I like may pop-up at Abazias...

Thanks!

 

[Rockdiamond]

A prime consideration for many asking this question is liability.
Both the risk of setting the diamond ( farily low with a round) and the possiblity the results may not meet your expecations.
If you purchased both diamond and ring from one source with a money back guarantee, theyu''d need to be accountable for both possibilities

 

[DavR]

I bought my stone from JA and my setting from a local jewler. However, the designer is not local so my stone was shipped to LA to get the ring made. I know I have a return policy for the stone and the jewler is covering the insurance of my stone while the ring is made. I get the ring tomorrow so hopefully I like it, I never did ask about a return policy for the setting. My advice is to ask your local jewlers if they will set the stone, and be held liable if the stone is damaged in their care. I would also not be surprised if they charged you for the work. In my mind any business is better than no business for the jewler.

D

 

[Hokieman1982]

Both great suggestions. Not sure how I didn''t think about the liability aspect.

For others who may need to know, the local I spoke to said it shouldn''t be anymore than $100 to set (Washington, D.C. area), and with a round probably cheaper.

Thanks for the help.

 

[JulieN]

The setting seems stock to me, and I think most jewelers should be able to get you something very similar.

 

[Hokieman1982]

Thanks for the comment Julie - again, that''s not something I thought about either.

Good thing I''m giving myself a couple of months. It looks like I''ll being doing a bit more research.

Thanks again everyone for your help!

 

[outatouch0]

If you have your heart set on this setting you can always contact them about finding you the right diamond that meets your criteria. That is what I wound up doing with UnionDiamond and it could not have worked out better.