Reputable setter in Orange County, CA?

[JeannieGrey]

Hi everyone!!

I bought my loose diamond on Whiteflash and my setting in a local jewelry store. Since the beginning, I had intended to get my stone set with my local jeweler.

However, now my jeweler tells me they won't provide any protection or insurance for damage during setting. All liability is on the customer. They increased the setting fee. They are also very GIA oriented/anti AGS. They don't understand why I'm so dead set on AGS 0 and it sometimes is uncomfortable since it seems we have different viewpoints.

With that said, although nothing will happen, I'm worried that there is a chance of damage to my princess cut during setting.

Does anyone know any reliable and knowledgeable setters in Orange County, CA?
Is it common for jewlery stores to deny workmanship insurance?
Some of the chain stores, such as Jared and Kays, will set the stone and cover under their insurance for any damage. Would this be a good option?
I do prefer a local jeweler so cleanings and maintenance will be easier down the road.
Do many of you all have personal jewelry insurance?

Thank you!!
Jeannie

 

[rockysalamander]

Does anyone know any reliable and knowledgeable setters in Orange County, CA? No.

Is it common for jewlery stores to deny workmanship insurance? Yes. They did not source the stone. Most jewelry stores are only insured for stones they source, not outside stones.

Some of the chain stores, such as Jared and Kays, will set the stone and cover under their insurance for any damage. Would this be a good option?NOOOOOOOOOOOO. Never. Not in million years should you let those hacks touch your diamond. Both those companies have been caught up in diamond swapping scams and have sub-par workmanship. Just search for any mention of their names in the last decade and you will get a litany of poor work and problems.

I do prefer a local jeweler so cleanings and maintenance will be easier down the road. Doing maintenance on a ring locally is perfectly fine, but letting them set your ACA princess would be a 'no way' to me.

Do many of you all have personal jewelry insurance? Yes, through Jewelers Mutual. Most PS members insure their gems. Not all of my gems are insured, just the ones that are above my "replace out of pocket" limit or one ring that is highly sentimental and I would recreate it if lost.

I would reach out to David Klass in LA and see if he would be willing to set your stone for you in the setting you bought. You do need insurance of your own and Jewelers Mutual is one of the only ones that I'm aware of that covers stones while setting.

You might also speak to WF and see if they will set the stone. I'm pretty sure they will set in an outside setting for a fee.