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Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc.!

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Cherokee1979

Cherokee1979

Shiny_Rock
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Dec 27, 2011
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246
Hi. I have ordered a platinum Ritani Endless Love halo ER micropave setting for an AGSO RB, and also a matching Ritani WB, also in platinum. I am expecting to receive the rings soon, after they have been inspected by an independent appraiser. Both rings have a "re-sizing bar" at the bottom, and need to be re-sized up from a 4.25 to 4.5. I had previously posted a re-sizing question in a thread ([URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/platinum-pave-setting-re-sizing-please-help.172154/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/platinum-pave-setting-re-sizing-please-help.172154/[/URL]), to which I received helpful replies from mrssalvo and amys bling. I just have a few follow-up questions for those posters or anyone else out there who has knowledge of Ritani's re-sizing pricing or experience with Ritani. :wink2:

My three questions are (1) does anyone have a guess as to an approximate cost of the re-sizing if performed by Ritani (I contacted Ritani directly at their NYC offices (apparently, only Ritani vendors are supposed to call them :twisted:) and they said they cannot give an price quote until they have the rings in front of them, shipped to them from a Ritani authorized dealer); (2) the store manager at the B&M I got the Rings from (a smaller chain called Shane Co.) has told me that if their store performs the re-sizing in-house, this will not void the Ritani craftsmanship warranty. I am HIGHLY suspicious as to this response, because of both mrssalvo's advice and a thread in which a PS'er described that she had encountered HUGE problems when her Ritani-authorized-dealer performed work on her micropave rings and Ritani subsequently told her that this voided the craftsmanship warranty with Ritani :eek: (described in this thread: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/ritani-engagement-ring-wedding-band-issues-advice-needed.136008/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/ritani-engagement-ring-wedding-band-issues-advice-needed.136008/[/URL]). I'm thinking that I should DEMAND that the B&M send the Rings to Ritani, no matter what the B&M assurances are????; and finally (3) does anyone know what exactly is covered by the Ritani craftsmanship warranty? If I happen to lose a few micropave stones, will Ritani cover the replacement cost? Also on that note, if I get insurance through Jeweler's Mutual, will THEY cover the replacement cost???

Thanks SO much in advance for any advice!! :bigsmile:
 
Re: Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc

Question...did you get a really great deal on these rings? Because the normal way to buy a designer setting is to order it to fit the size diamond you have and the size of the finger exactly. The ring is specially made for you. It is never a good idea to buy sample rings unless the deal is so great that you can't justify paying the regular price...such as half price, maybe. Even then, I'd hesitate unless they were my size with diamonds on the shank. I think your store is lying to you as well regarding the warranty. That would make me very wary of doing business with them, period.

Oh, and to your last question, I do not know what Ritani would cover as far as lost stones. But you'd never want to make a little claim like that on your jewelry insurance. You will cause the premiums to possibly go up and find it harder to get coverage in the future if you make a lot of little claims. The coverage is really meant for a big loss, such as the whole ring being lost or stolen or cracked, etc.
 
Re: Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc

I may be confused about something. You said you ordered the settings, so maybe they weren't samples. Why are they the wrong size? Why isn't Ritani resizing them before they are even sent to you?
 
Re: Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc

Thanks for your quick reply, DS! I really appreciate it. To respond to your question, yes, I did get a fantastic deal on both of the rings. Both were bought on the secondary market (which I found to be the only way to truly get a good deal without compromising on quality). Also, the style of the rings were exactly what the GF likes, and the specs on the stone were exactly what I/we was looking for, if not better (AGS0 - accompanied by AGSL DQD, .81 carat, E color, VS1, 0.9 on the HCA). The rings were not purchased through the B&M (rather, through the person who bought from the B&M), but I have arranged to have the warranty that was given to the original purchaser transferred to me (which I understand is not often done, but the people with the B&M are VERY nice! Also, I am not close to any of the B&M's store locations, so I do not really plan to even utilize their warranty, because I am pretty sure that I will have them ship the rings to Ritani for re-sizing.) Thanks also for your advice regarding making small claims under one's jewelry insurance! I have not done much research on that point, and it is great to have that knowledge! Thanks again!
 
Re: Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc

Hi Cherokee,
I'm not sure how much Ritani will charge to re-size. I think if you budget $150-200 per ring you'd be more than covered. It may be less, but that is my ball park guess. I would not let Shane Co. size your rings, no matter what they say about the warranty. Definitely have them send them to Ritani and I'd get shipping and tracking info to make sure they actually do it. DS is right about the insurance, you don't want to turn in a claim for such a small thing as a lost stone. You'll have to check with Ritani about their policy re: lost melee. Some designers will cover it and others don't. They are not expensive stones so I wouldn't worry about it if Ritani doesn't. I would recommend sending them back to Ritani in that case though as well. Ritani has an excellent reputation for well done pave with very little issues so I think you are in good hands with them and won't encounter problems. Be sure you girlfriend knows that she will need take care of them and not do a lot of activities like yard work, working out/lifting even small hand weights etc. with them on. We need pictures once you get them sized and back!! :))
 
Re: Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc

I am not sure Ritani would honor a warranty anyway once the item is sold on the secondary market. The thing I would be afraid of is if you tell them you want them sent to Ritani for sizing, that they will just do it themselves. We have seen that happen before here with not a good result. So you would need to tell them you want something in writing from Ritani once the rings are returned that verifies that Ritani sized the rings.
 
Re: Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc

Thanks so much for your reply, mrssalvo! :)) You seem to have a great deal of knowledge regarding Ritani/micropave/re-sizing/etc., and I REALLY appreciate your sage wisdom. :appl: Your suggested approx price to budget for the ring re-sizing was EXACTLY what I was thinking! Also, thanks so much for your advice to get a shipping and tracking number from the B&M when they send them to Ritani. I LOVE to cover my bases. =) I will CERTAINLY post pics on SMTB once everything is resized and completed! Just one parting question for you and/or anyone else out there (oh, and I apologize if it takes me a bit to reply; I am leaving work now and cooking dinner for the GF); specifically, what are your thoughts regarding the following plan: The GF has tried on a 4.25 a month ago and had thought that it fits but is a little tight. Also, it is quite cold here right now, and I understand that that might even play a role in making her fingers a bit smaller now only to be bigger in the summer. Accordingly, I am thinking that a 4.5 will be the best size (and it did feel the most comfortable, she said); but, just to be TOTALLY safe, I have told her that I am going to blindfold her and try one of the rings on her to see what she thinks. She is VERY VERY sweet and flexible, and seemed to have no problems with that plan. Do you find this to be overkill? I'd just hate to have to go to all of the effort of sending them to Ritani for resizing to just find that they are too loose. :eek: Well, thanks again! Your input is really appreciated.
 
Re: Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc

Hi DS. Thanks for your input. Just another quick question, if you'd be so kind to oblige. :wink2: Specifically, if I have in my possession the original purchase documents from Shane Co. regarding the rings, and Ritani can tell that they are, in fact, rings made by them, do you think that it would truly be a deal-breaker for them that the name on the order invoice from the Ritani authorized dealer requesting some form of repair does not match the name of the purchaser on the purchase documents? Thanks in advance. Got to run to the grocery store; I hope to check back in to PS later tonight or at the latest tomorrow am. Take care!
 
Re: Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc

MrsS replied while I was posting last time, and I just now saw that I repeated something she had said...which is not unusual since we are very in sync when it comes to jewelry and other interests!

I think if Shane doesn't mention the rings have changed owners, Ritani may not even notice. That will be great if it works out that way! You are such a nice guy, and I really want all this to work out well for you and your future fiancee! :))

Fingers usually swell a little in the summer, so it is just a fact that sometimes rings will be a little loose or a little tight. I strongly prefer the loose over tight, so I'd definitely go a quarter size larger as opposed to risking them being too tight.
 
Re: Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc

Thanks SO much for your reply and your kind words, DS! You are too kind. =) Sorry for my delay in responding; long day at the office today. I also really hope that this works out for my future fiancee. She truly deserves it. With our current economic status in mind, I had to do a good amount of "wrangling" or pursuing non-traditional means to acquire a ring of the quality that I desired (hence my endeavor in the secondary market), but I hope that all of the extra leg-work will pay out in the end. If so, I will be sure to post the rings and the back-story in a SMTB thread. Oh, and I also will be REALLY hoping that Ritani might not notice that the rings have changed owners, if for some reason that I will have to send the rings to Ritani to take advantage of their craftsmanship warranty (hopefully this will not happen though!) The manager at the Shane Co. store I have been dealing with is very nice (but she likely thinks me a bit neurotic in light of all my questions and over-planning :oops:), but I imagine that she will not mention the change of ownership to Ritani if I asked her nicely to omit this info. Well, thanks again for ALL of your help, and I hope you have a great day!
 
Re: Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc

If the 4.25 was a little tight in the winter than I think you are wise to go ahead and have them sized up. Usually fingers do swell a bit in warm weather so the 4.25 could be even tighter. It's sounds like you have researched and made some great choices. I love Ritani and to find one second hand so it works in your budget is wonderful. Best of luck as you continue this journey!!
 
Re: Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc

Thanks for your reply and input, mrssalvo! Thanks also for your kind words. =) I think that you are right on-point that just going ahead with the re-sizing up to a 4.5 will be a good idea, particularly considering the temp. change to come in summer. To be honest, I have LOVED researching and learning SO much from all of you, for which I am very grateful. :appl: I think that the best part of the journey, though, will be the conclusion in which I can finally put the research to rest and present her with the rings. Thanks again, and I hope you have a great evening!
 
Re: Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc

Whilst I have no experience of Ritani (love their endless love tho), surely names on invoices are usually different. Bf buys ering, Gf finds that its a little big/small and sends it to be re-sized. Surely that happens all the time.

With regards to sizes now my finger is around a size 6.5 but in the summer and when my hand are warm I'm a size 7. I would also say that you can always wear a ring loose but you can't wear it tight.

I hope the re-sizing goes well for you and we all look forward to seeing the finished ring in SMTR.
 
Re: Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc

Thanks so much for your response, chel. I appreciate it and share your views exactly. It had also popped into my mind that any e-ring setting vendor will, quite often, encounter work orders that appear under names that are different from that of the original purchaser (such as the hypothetical you had suggested =) ). With that fact in mind, I'm optimistic that the name difference should not be an issue and/or I could talk my way out of any potential issues.

With that said, I have one quick question for you (or for anyone else out there), if you wouldn't mind :) Specifically, I live on the east coast (U.S.) and the B&M vendor of the e-ring setting and WB, who I have a warranty with (Shane Co.), is located on the west coast. Since it seems highly likely that I will have to pay out-of-pocket for the re-sizing to be performed by Ritani (as opposed to Shane Co.), do you think it might be easier/quicker to just have a local Ritani-authorized-B&M ship the rings to Ritani in NYC (which is not far from here) as opposed to me mailing the rings out to Shane Co. on the west coast and having them send them to Ritani in NYC? Also, on that note, does anyone have an idea as to an approximate cost of shipping rings, INSURED, cross-country via FedEx/UPS? I'm just trying to discern what course of action would be cheaper (that is: paying to ship the rings all the way out to Shane Co. - who I do have a warranty with - vs. tasking a local Ritani-authorized B&M - who I do not have a warranty with - to ship to Ritani)?? Well, thanks in advance for any replies! You all have been SO VERY helpful. :appl:
 
Re: Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc

Well, Shane Co's are located all over the country, might there be one closer to you? I'd also check with your local Ritani dealer and see if they will extend the warranty. People are moving all over the country all the time and may not be able to stay with their original local jeweler so you might be able to find a local dealer willing to take you in. As for shipping USPS registered mail is going to be the cheapest/safest although it might take a little longer. How much is the total cost you need to insure?
 
Re: Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc

Hi mrssalvo. As per usual, thanks again for your insightful and timely reply. :bigsmile: I live in Pittsburgh, PA, and I believe that the nearest Shane Co. store is hundreds of miles away (Indiana, I believe). In any event, considering that my circumstances with Shane Co. are very unique, and legally/contractually tenuous, I might add :(( (as I am not the original purchaser and they inform me that they do not usually extend warranties to the secondary purchaser), I had thought it prudent for me to solely deal with the store that the original purchaser bought the rings from (and she also coordinated with the manager at that store regarding my proposed purchase of the rings, which helped solidify my tenuous relationship with Shane Co.).

Regarding your suggestion to speak to another, local Ritani-authorized dealer, I will do so right now (there are 2 in Pittsburgh). I can't imagine, though, that they would honor any other B&M's warranty though, do you? Or are you just referring to getting the new B&M to ship to Ritani for me?

Finally, I have read that USPS registered is the safest/cheapest route, and I think it a smart choice. However, if I give the rings to a local Ritani dealer to ship to NYC for me (Ritani's NYC offices told me that I cannot personally ship the rings to them directly), will it then be the selected B&M's responsibility to ship the rings in accordance with their policies?? Will they be responsible for obtaining insurance/shipping, and will I then, therefore, have to bear these costs when the B&M receives the completed rings back from Ritani? Oh, and BTW, the approx. insurance cost is between $10,000 - $13,000 (which is FAR more than I paid, considering my little detour in the secondary market). Thanks again for your help, mrssalvo :bigsmile: , and I'll get to "working the phones" right now to try to get some answers. I'll be sure to check back in with the info!
 
Re: Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc

What exactly is the Shane co. warranty saying they will cover? I do understand that you might lose a Ritani warranty purchasing secondhand but that's the trade off. That said, designer warranty's usually only cover workmanship defects and not normal wear and tear so depending on when the original rings were purchased any damage that may have occurred may not have been covered by Ritani anyway. And, like we said earlier, losing a stone or something may not be covered in the warranty so building a good relationship with your local dealer is probably a good idea anyway b/c they can help you in the future. I'm not sure how much the store would charge you for shipping to Ritani. Best just to ask them :))
 
Re: Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc

Being that the size of the rings currently is so close to the size you think she is, I think I'd wait and propose with the rings in their current state, and get them sized later if they don't fit. Sizing between vendors can vary, and some rings fit differently depending on their thickness. There's also the chance that she needs them bigger than a 4.5, then you'd have to go through the whole process again.
 
Re: Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc

Let me first say thank you for your reply and advice, MustangGal. :bigsmile: I was thinking very much on your wavelength - particularly in light of the fact that some of the PS'ers have stated that their ring size can go up even one half a size between winter and summer months (I even heard one jeweler say that she had seen someone's ring size increase by an entire size!) Accordingly, I have told my girlfriend that I plan to have her try on one of the rings first - with her eyes closed, of course - I'd hate to ruin the surprise =) , but I also want to be absolutely sure as to where we stand before shipping the rings out to Ritani.

To mrssalvo, I just got off the phone with both Ritani as well as a local Ritani-authorized B&M. In sum, the B&M informed me that it would be no problem for them to ship the rings to Ritani, and the B&M's policy is that I will be responsible for the cost of the insurance and shipping to NYC. Once the B&M gets word from Ritani that they are in possession of the rings, the B&M will get a price quote from Ritani, and the B&M will then call me, inform me of the cost, and then ask me if I'd like to proceed (if I decide to pull out - which is highly unlikely - then all I lose is the cost of shipping/insurance). Of note, though, the representative I spoke with at Ritani told me that it is HIGHLY likely that if it is just a standard re-sizing, there will be no cost. I am hoping that this will be the case and that the B&M does not try to pass onto me a charge for re-sizing that Ritani did not even charge them for. With this worry in mind, maybe I should ask the B&M to give me some sort of "work order number" or whatever number they plan to use to coordinate with Ritani and then I can therefore use this number in calling into Ritani to make sure that the stories match? :confused: Or... I guess I could also just be more trusting for once, as opposed to my neurotic scheming, but you know that old saying: old habits die hard. :twisted: Oh, and as for what the Shane Co. people have been telling me their warranty will cover is a bit vague, but I know it will cover lifetime cleanings, as well as free in-house resizing. The prior owner of the rings (who purchased them in 2007) also told me that one of the melee stones had popped out and Shane Co. put in a new one free of charge (which I'm hoping was so much of a small job that the good folks at Ritani will not even notice occurred, as I'd hate to lose the Ritani "manufacturing defects" warranty - which it sounds like will only be needed if melee stones start popping out like crazy immediately or soon after the re-sizing is done?) With all that being said, do you still think that the most prudent course of action would be to definitely send the rings to Ritani for re-sizing? It sounds to me like the consensus is a resounding yes, but I just wanted to make sure. =) Thanks again for your time and generosity in answering my questions. =) It really is appreciated! Take care.
 
Re: Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc

Sounds like you local B&M is going to be very helpful. I'm sure they would be happy to clean your rings for you to. If it were me, I wouldn't worry about the Shane Co. warranty and just stick with using your local vendor. It will cost you more to ship the rings to Shane co. to replace the melee than just letting your local folks do it or let them send them to Ritani to do it. I highly doubt the local store will try to charge you for sizing if Ritani says there is no charge. Since they are going to let you know once they get the rings you'll have all the costs up front. I think having your gal try them on before you do anything is a good idea too. If they do need to be sized, definitely have them sent to Ritani!!
 
Re: Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc

Thanks mrssalvo; I read you loud and clear. =) With your kind advice, my mind is now completely made up that I am DEFINITELY going to have the local B&M send the rings out to Ritani for re-sizing (otherwise, you're right, it would be a pain in the butt, and possibly even more expensive sending them all the way out to Shane Co. in the west coast - that and it would look like some kind of sad "jewelry tennis match", with the rings bouncing from west to east coast over, and over, and over!!! :tongue: ) I'm hopeful that none of the melee stones will pop out anytime soon, but I think that going with this course of action, and with the local B&M, will likely be easier and maybe even cheaper. Well, I hope to have the rings arriving via UPS insured in my office by this coming Monday, and I will "test-drive" one of them on her after work to see where we stand. I cannot wait to post them on SMTB with the backstory....! Thanks so much again for all of your help; you definitely put my mind at ease in committing to a smart plan! :appl: Have a great night!
 
Re: Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc

Just as a note, if your GF hasn't tried these rings on before, and you think they may be small, don't let her force them onto her finger. I know the temptation may be strong. I once did this, and had to have the ring cut off at the ER (the usual Vaseline, soap and other tricks did not work in my case). Obviously, having a ring cut off means an expensive repair bill. Good luck, and I hope it all works out for you.
 
Re: Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc

Hi Cherokee,

I have a few questions for you but I don't want to take over your thread. I don't have access to IM, do you have a contact. Is there a way to contact you without posting personal info on the Internet?
 
Re: Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc

Thanks Lotus99. That is great advice and I am SO sorry to hear about your bad experience with the ring! :(( That sounds absolutely traumatic on at least two levels. I respect physicians, nurses, etc., but I LOATHE the ER. To share one of my less than brilliant moments with you - the last time I was in the ER I had an ENORMOUS fishing lure securely lodged in the palm of my hand! ;( Also, my girlfriend at the time had no experience with fishing hooks and tried like the devil to push the hooks out BACKWARDS - against the barbs! I almost went into shock. HA! I even tried to cut them out myself with a knife. Quite a sight to behold. But I digress... Thanks again for your advice, and I will be sure to be gentle when putting it on her. :praise: Have a good one.
 
Re: Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc

Hi glammy. As you can see, I am also a noob, but I'd be happy to help in any way I can. No worries about taking over the thread. What can I help you with? (Also, I will be leaving the office in about 2 minutes, so if I do not get a chance to get back to you tonight, I'll be sure to do so ASAP. Have a good night.
 
Re: Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc

I wanted to know how you came about getting/finding the Ritani setting on the secondary market. Also, how much did it go for (if you don't mind stating)? I have fallen in love with that setting but at the same time, I have to work within a budget.

Thanks
glammy
 
Re: Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc

Hi glammy. I understand your predicament entirely. I'd be happy to talk with you regarding anything I can be of assistance with, but I imagine that it might be a bit hard to do via this thread. Also, I'm not sure if it would be "Kosher" with the moderators if either of us were to post personal contact info?? Additionally, I must admit that I am not entirely 100% sure that my own secondary market purchase will work out (but I am highly optimistic), considering that I have yet to speak with the independent appraiser regarding the center RB and settings. Accordingly, I think it will likely be best if I were to get in touch with you after the completion of the transaction and I get the rings from the independent appraiser (which I hope will happen within a week or so). I'll be sure to get in touch with you later (possibly via a new RT thread or in SMTB), provided that all works out - fingers crossed! :mrgreen: Take care.
 
Re: Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc

glammy,
you can find Ritani's secondhand on ebay, diamond bistro, craigslist and Pearlmans has a couple in their previously owned section. Goodoldgold also carries Ritani and has consignment items so they might have something as well.
 
Re: Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc

Cherokee: Thanks for replying. I can totally understand where you are coming from. I wish you the best and hope everything works in your favor. I'll be waiting to hear how it ends. Goodluch

Mrssalvo: thanks for the suggestions. My only issue with those places is that I wont have any warranty with Ritani, which wouldn't allow me to resize the ring if necessary. It seems Cherokee had the opportunity to get the setting resized through the place he bought it from, which is nice.
 
Re: Re-sizing Ritani micropave rings - Calling mrssalvo, etc

My old ritani ring was bought second hand, through Bailey Banks and Biddle and they honored their policy on sizing and sent it to Ritani, they were able to make it from a 4.5 to a 6.
 
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