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Really don''t understand the mentality of jewelers in my area!

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beau13

beau13

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Jul 6, 2007
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I decided I want to remount my 1.8 ish round diamond in a halo setting, so I brought along pics, and approached a jewelery manufacturer in my area. I said "I want a similar setting" showed him a Jack Kelege halo..along with other pics of similar styles. He said "wow..that looks like alot of work"..I said.."really..isn't that what you do? Custom make jewlery? It doesn't have to have all the diamonds like in this pic(Jack Kelege), and be so complicated, a simpler halo setting (showed pic of Metro's) would be great. He responded by saying.."well..leave the pics with me, and I will get back to you in a few weeks and let you know if I can take on the job, and if so, give you a ballpark figure for the cost". So I did, and walked out! I really don't understand why it is so hard to have A JEWELER remount my diamond..is it rocket science? I also said, "what do you charge to reset a diamond into a mount, given I have both". He said "well..I don't really do that..you can have me make the setting instead" (isn't that what I just asked him to do?). I noticed he had one plain 14k white gold setting, similar to what I have already, and priced at $ 595 (WOW..I can get the same looking setting for about $ 225 on E-bay..NEW) So..why is it that I am being subjected to pay more than double..just to have the same setting, but that he would consider setting my diamond into? I think most people would prefer to buy the setting for hundreds less..and have him set it..for what $ 50 maybe? I just don't get it!! Any suggestions..at this point I am considering sending my diamond to the US to have a REAL...REPUTABLE jeweler do the job, but in the same token, I don't want to pay more than $ 1500 for a simple halo setting, which has the diamonds around the main diamond, maybe four or five diamonds down the each side of the shank! (1 or 2 pointers).
 
May I ask why you''d even consider working with someone who obviously shows no interest in your project? To me, that''s a huge red flag. Find someone else to work with. They should be excited to take on your project and it shouldn''t take them "a few weeks" to get back to on whether or not they can do it for you.
 
Date: 5/21/2008 4:25:18 PM
Author: surfgirl
May I ask why you''d even consider working with someone who obviously shows no interest in your project? To me, that''s a huge red flag. Find someone else to work with. They should be excited to take on your project and it shouldn''t take them ''a few weeks'' to get back to on whether or not they can do it for you.
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I would find someone else too.
 
The jewellers closest to me are the same way. One is very snobby and "only works with D and E coloured stones" and got very snobby when I asked about a custom project. It''s incredibly hard to find a good jeweller. I''d much rather ship the stone away to one of the PS jewellers than keep searching locally at this point.
 
Date: 5/21/2008 4:25:18 PM
Author: surfgirl
May I ask why you''d even consider working with someone who obviously shows no interest in your project? To me, that''s a huge red flag. Find someone else to work with. They should be excited to take on your project and it shouldn''t take them ''a few weeks'' to get back to on whether or not they can do it for you.
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Well..you would think it''s an easy task to find someone who want business..however..for the past year, I have approached 90% of the jewelers in this area. I think alot of it has to do with the fact that one year ago, when I was diamond shopping. The jewelers who couldn''t find me a diamond, seem mad, that I now want them to reset my diamond. The jeweler who sold me the diamond, had his setter botch the job 3 times..and even if I wanted to bring it there, they likely won''t reset it either. It''s come to the point where I almost have to intentionally break a prong, to have that same jeweler fix it, and maybe tell him "while you''re repairing it, I think I might change the setting"..although they don''t do custom work, and the mounts they sell..are well..a tad dated in my opinion! Other than Whiteflash..and Leon (tad pricey for my budget), who could set a diamond into a setting without complaining too much! LOL Thanks!
 
Do you live in Canada Addy? Maybe it''s a much easier task to find a great jeweler in the US?
 
Date: 5/21/2008 4:38:15 PM
Author: Addy
... One is very snobby and ''only works with D and E coloured stones'' and got very snobby when I asked about a custom project.
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You''re joking right? That''s like a plumber saying "hey I only work on fancy toilets"
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Designers can get a little choosy since each ring bears their personal imprint, but a bench jeweler should work on whatever stone the customer brings in (with the exception of structural integrity issues). Sheesh.
 
Date: 5/21/2008 4:50:45 PM
Author: purrfectpear
Date: 5/21/2008 4:38:15 PM

Author: Addy

... One is very snobby and 'only works with D and E coloured stones' and got very snobby when I asked about a custom project.
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You're joking right? That's like a plumber saying 'hey I only work on fancy toilets'
20.gif



Designers can get a little choosy since each ring bears their personal imprint, but a bench jeweler should work on whatever stone the customer brings in (with the exception of structural integrity issues). Sheesh.
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I wish I was joking. I went to look at earrings about two years ago and he clearly stated that he has the best stones, only D and E coloured and some unnecessarily high clarity. I asked if he could order and set diamonds of G/H colour, SI clarity for earrings and he said that he could but he wouldn't because they aren't the best, why would I want something lower. I went back recently (stupid, stupid! - but I thought maybe things had changed) and got the same load of crap and also shoved out of the door 30 minutes before their stated closing time because they were leaving and the opening times on the door were wrong. Never again.
 
I don't know what to recommend, as I've had similar problems when I bought my new setting. I took it to my trusted jeweller, who informed me that they are "no longer doing custom work". They wouldn't just set the stone either, liability issues, even though it is insured. I was really ticked off at that point, because originally, I was going to have them make me a custom setting. Basically, they lost me as a customer, because the reality is I can find anything I want online and cheaper. So I took it down to Pearlman's setter in Michigan, who set it while I sat in a chair and waited. Maybe 10 minutes, tops, and a perfect job at that.

There just has to be someone in Toronto that would do you a new custom setting. I know that's a long way for you too, but you won't have to deal with customs both ways. Now, if you're up to a road trip (6 hours from TO), I would definitely look into seeing if Pearlman's can help you out. Or, what about Leon, if you end up just sending it? It shouldn't be that bad (other than cost) to have it sent from a qualified appraiser to Leon. Or GOG? Honestly, Canada does not seem to want our custom business!

ETA: I bought my Beverley K setting from Pearlman's in the first place, so the setting was free. I chose to drive my stone down rather than mail it.
 
All the Warning Flags are flying and they say RUN don''t walk to another jeweler! When somebody says "Hey I don''t really do that..." that means "they don''t really know how to do what you''re asking them to do" and you don''t want to be the first project... You''re just asking for trouble. The good news is that there are a lot of custom jewelers out there who are really great! Many of them can be found here on PS and there are tons of people here on PS who have worked with those jewelers and can provide you with insight into their work. Good luck!
 
I love this ring (not sure who posted it)..just 4 or 5 diamonds along the shank, and a halo, with diamond prong set. I would prefer a more cushion shape halo, for my round diamond though.

Halo I love!.jpg
 
UPDATE!!
I did get a reply from D. Keeling (already). I have to admit, very quick to reply, and very courteous! However..the estimate he gave me is about $ 2000 MORE than I wanted to spend..so the search continues! Any other idea for this Canadian gal would be greatly appreciated! Thanks (note: $3000 + is a tad more than I want to spend just for a setting..so any other ideas that would make my diamond stand out for less..would be great!)
 
Based on the pic you showed, I don''t think you''ll better a $3K quote. I know that both Leon Mege and Whiteflash would be above $4K for the same thing (I had quotes from $4500 to $5500 for a similar halo)
 
$3K is pretty good for that setting. How much are you looking to spend?
 
I don't want to spend more than $1500..I didn't think a few diamonds (about .60 carats in total) would cost that much. I know it can be done...I seen two halo mounts for $ 575! I would jump at purchasing one, if I knew that I could find someone to set my diamond..since the jeweler will likely say.."well, you didn't buy the setting, or the diamond from me". I am tempted to try setting it myself..how hard can it be to push four prongs toward a diamond until it holds it snugly? (KIDDING)! Below is a pic of one of the halo settings I can get for $ 575..has alot more diamonds for the price too!
 
Date: 5/22/2008 5:27:41 PM
Author: beau13
I don''t want to spend more than $1500..I didn''t think a few diamonds (about .60 carats in total) would cost that much. I know it can be done...I seen two halo mounts for $ 575! I would jump at purchasing one, if I knew that I could find someone to set my diamond..since the jeweler will likely say..''well, you didn''t buy the setting, or the diamond from me''. I am tempted to try setting it myself..how hard can it be to push four prongs toward a diamond until it holds it snugly? (KIDDING)! I will post pics of the two settings I am thinking about for $ 575 when I get on my computer that has the pics stored .
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Why would they say that? Even just having a stone set, a jeweler still wants your business. I had my stone removed from my old setting and put into a new one. I didn''t buy my new setting OR my diamond from the jeweler that set my diamond for me.
 
Should I just buy this one and bat my baby blues at the jewler until he sets my diamond? lol

post on pricescope.jpg
 
Date: 5/22/2008 5:31:05 PM
Author: february2003bride

Date: 5/22/2008 5:27:41 PM
Author: beau13
I don''t want to spend more than $1500..I didn''t think a few diamonds (about .60 carats in total) would cost that much. I know it can be done...I seen two halo mounts for $ 575! I would jump at purchasing one, if I knew that I could find someone to set my diamond..since the jeweler will likely say..''well, you didn''t buy the setting, or the diamond from me''. I am tempted to try setting it myself..how hard can it be to push four prongs toward a diamond until it holds it snugly? (KIDDING)! I will post pics of the two settings I am thinking about for $ 575 when I get on my computer that has the pics stored .
Click to expand...
Why would they say that? Even just having a stone set, a jeweler still wants your business. I had my stone removed from my old setting and put into a new one. I didn''t buy my new setting OR my diamond from the jeweler that set my diamond for me.
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WHY February Bride? That''s a good question..but they all have said NO. They don''t want to "take a chance with my diamond, since they didn''t sell it". Like I said before, I tried buying a new mount from one jeweler, thinking he would have to set my diamond in it right? WRONG! He told me he was "busy setting diamonds for customers who purchased the diamond from him, and it wouldn''t be fair to them". He gave me the name of ONE other who might help me out, but he wouldn''t either. There are a total of 6 jewelers in my town (population 155 000)..and I''ve seen them all!
 
It''s not the carat weight that makes the setting expensive, it''s the price of metal right now and all the work to get all those tiny stones set just so.
 
Six jewelers? I''m currently on assignment in a town of 300,000 and there''s at least 25 jewelers. Now some don''t have their own bench and send stuff away, but that''s common in any city.

Yes, there are cheaper halo settings. I see them on fleabay all the time. They''re made in China, the stones will not be the best quality, and you don''t know if they were cast without voids.

There are also cheaper settings sometimes for colored stones. Nothing says you can''t put a diamond in there if it''s a calibrated size.

You pay the higher cost to have a setting made to fit your stone if it isn''t exactly 6mm, or 6.5mm, or 7mm or whatever. Or trying to put a round stone in a cushion or octagonal halo.
 
When I was helping my friend with a custom setting, I called David C. Freeman in Boston to inquire about it. The saleswoman was the most ignorant person I''ve ever talked to in my entire life. She knew nothing of what I was talking about, and she kept snottily laughing at me saying how ridiculous the idea was and how it would never work. She didn''t even listen to a word I said. She was very condescending and kept calling me honey and sweetie as if she were talking to a five-year-old. She would tell me to hold on while yelling at her staff and talking down to them as well. I told her she just drove away a customer and that I hope her pockets were feeling empty because she just lost $13,000 and hung up on her.
 
hmmm you cant compare a $572 setting to a custom halo.
If you approach them with the attitude your post shows it is no wonder they wont work with you.
Sorry but it had to be said.
Consider a different approach if you want them to work with you.
 
I recently looked into getting an old pendadent and bracelet reset into a custom ring (garnet center stone and diamond halo with split shank made from all the stones and gold from the old jewelry). I was SHOCKED when I posted here and asked about costs.... I was told that each stone set you pay for the setting on, which adds up quick, plus even with the metal new metal needs to be added and the cost of the work and the custom. I then emailed my longtime jeweler who guestimated about $1500-2 for the work.
I agree, you can find already made setting and place the stone in it to save money.... but it won''t be your custom work. I have decided to wait and search around for a setting, I am in no rush and if I don''t find one, then move forward with the work. It''s a decision you have to make....
 
I just had a custom halo setting made by my local jeweler, and it was about $1800 in palladium, so I don''t think you''re too far off in price. But it seems that you just don''t have any good jewelers in your area that will take on your project, so I''m not sure what you can do other than contacting various online jewelers to see if you can get a reasonable estimate.
 
hmmm you cant compare a $572 setting to a custom halo.


I really have to agree with this stmnt - you cannot compare a setting off ebay with having one made by a quality jeweler, and the price will reflect this.
I *think* the pic you posted is of halolover''s ring, but I can''t remember who made her setting, sorry
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I can promise that it cost her more than $500 though!
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I would really consider whether you will be happy spending $1000-$1500 on a setting that May not look or feel how you would like, or whether you can save a little, as $1800-$2000 will get you a nice designer one or maybe even custom with Wf..?

Have you had a look at beverley K range on Pearlmans? Their stuff is lovely and not too pricey.
I know you said you were looking local, but perhaps its time to expand the boundaries..?
 
I have the name of a jeweler that does custom work. She made one of my friend''s a replica of the Tiffany Legacy. Anyway, I am not sure where you are in Canada. I am in BC, Lower Mainland to be more specific. Let me know if you want her info.
 
I agree with everyone else - run away! Have you seen this one from Diamonds by Lauren? I don''t know if they''ll set your stone but it would be worth asking at this point. It seems like a decent price.

http://rockdiamond.com/index.php?crn=211&rn=866&action=show_detail

(Admin: If I''m not allowed to post a link to a jewelers, just please let me know and I won''t do it again.)
 
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