Hello, I am purchasing a diamond from an online vendor, but the setting from a B&M (I realize this is common approach from reading postings here at PS).
Here''s the question: The B&M wants to charge a $350 setting and appraisal fee. However, the B&M isn’t even setting the diamond! The designer of the ring, Mark Patterson www.markpatterson.com sets the diamond after making the ring exactly to my specs (ring size and diamond size).
I asked the B&M why they would charge a setting fee when they are not setting the diamond, and they said it’s “store policy” when the customer does not buy the diamond from them. I also told them that I don’t think I need their appraisal work since I will be having the final product appraised by a completely independent third party (please let me know if I am wrong about the need of the B&M to do a separate appraisal in this case).
Mark Patterson works with only one B&M jewelry store here in Seattle, so I can’t easily just go to another shop.
$350 seems high from what I’ve read here, but it seems ridiculous given that the B&M isn’t even doing the setting. Is there some reason why this fee is reasonable? I am ok paying a fair price, and value the service that the B&M provides, but I hate to pay for things because it’s “store policy.”
Thanks for any help