Sending diamonds to ERD - any experiences with this???

[TitanCi]

MANY thanks to PS for the MANY sleepless nights of learning about diamonds, proportions, light performance, this and that and that and this about diamonds. I think I know more than I ever wanted to about diamonds.

I spent HOURS reading on GOG's articles on GIA XXX and AGS 0's, and the things I have learned...I would have never been so educated on were it not for PS. THANK YOU!

Also, I have placed a deposit for a custom made Julianna setting from ERD. I was back and forth about settings, and came across this setting that I KNOW my soon to be will love. I have one question for anyone that had to send a loose stone to them for them to set: what are your experiences with sending your stone to ERD?

Surely, anyone would be hesitant, reluctant to send a stone that costs beau coup bucks all the way across country (I live in CA, they are in NY). Will any individuals here reassure me everything will be ok with their experiences?! Although unlikely, I have a fear that someone will switch the stone or do something horrible to it and I can't see the work being done with my own two eyes! Nothing like that should happen, but to send something so far away is kinda scary!


Anyone besides chhuntran have to send their diamond to ERD? Also, I don't know how much I trust setters here in SD since ERD knows their setting very well.

Thanks for any experiences!

 

[mogster]

There's always inherent risk in shipping something off, but ERD is a reputable company and they wouldn't have anything to gain by swapping your stone. I did not send them my stone as I bought my entire ring from them. The stone matched the GIA report and I was very happy with the quality of their product. There other threads here about how to package your stone discreetly and the best method of transport to minimize theft. I think if you exercise caution, you will be just fine.

 

[TitanCi]

Thanks for the reply.

The swapping stones thing was an extreme that crossed my mind... but the main thing that worries me is losing a diamond in transit! THAT is really scary.

 

[Christina...]

Of course losing the stone in transit is a risk, but also having a vendor that didn't sell you the diamond set the stone can be risky as well. The benefit of buying both the stone and the setting from the same vendor is that if something were to happen during the setting process and the diamond was damaged then the vendor would take responsibility, that isn't the case with a vendor who is only setting the stone. he liability of damage lies with you. You need to make sure that you have the diamond insured before shipping and setting, and I believe the only insurance company that will insure a loose stone is Jewelers Mutual. You should give them a call and explain your situation to them and see what your options are. And of course when you receive the completed ring back you will want to have a complete appraisal done to be sure that the ring is insured adequately.

 

[slg47]

ship USPS registered mail and insure for the full amount.

 

[TravelingGal]

Always a risk, but odds are in your favor. I shipped a stone to Leon (also in NY) and I bought a stone from ERD that was shipped back and forth (although the vendor/appraiser did the shipping). No problems.

Just pack it very securely (box in a box in a box kind of thing).