Resetting a Diamond

[shihtzulover]

I am a bit confused about the risk involved in resetting a diamond (specifically a princess cut). Do most jewelers assume responsiblity and reimburse you if they chip the stone? What if you go to the place where you bought the original diamond and setting - are they more likely to offer a guarantee against chipping? How common is chipping, anyway?

I am not planning to have my e-ring reset (I haven't even gotten it yet, but my FF does have it), but it is on a 1.8 mm setting, and I will probably wear it with my wedding ring. I love the look of a thin band, but I saw in another topic that it is likely to wear out over the course of several years.

 

[septsparkle]

Generally the vendor will not accept responsibility for setting the stone unless you bought the stone and setting from them. If you later on decide to reset your stone, they will usually not be liable (unless they tell you otherwise, but it's doubtful) for any damage to the stone. Your best bet is to have the stone insured under your own policy before having it reset.

 

[denverappraiser]

Most jewelers to NOT guarantee against damage on stones that they didn't sell. This is especially true if the stone is already set and they can't fully inspect the piece before starting the job (the most fragile part is underneith the prong right now). By all means talk to them about it before you embark on a job.

The bright side is that, in the US, you CAN buy insurance that will cover this eventuality. Talk to your insurer about the limits on your policy before any work is started.

The risk is low but it will vary with each stone and each job. From a jewelers standpoint, even a 1% risk on a $10k stone for a $100 setting fee is simply a bad deal. If they sold the stone and they've got profit in there then it may be worth their trouble, if they're making money on the mounting it might be worth the trouble, if they can charge enough more that they may take it on and if you are a long term excellent customer it may be worth it. Again, ask 'em.