Setting Problem?

[lenhejo]

Hi all.

I recently found a setting I like from a reputable retailer in NY. However, they will not let me just walk away with the setting. Store policy is that I must give them my stone and they will have the designer fit the setting to my stones proportions and my soon-to-be fiancee''s ring size. Translation, I have to give them my stone. Is this normal practice? Should I be nervous about not getting my original stone back? Like I stated earlier, the place is a reputable 5th avenue retailer.

Thanks everyone.

 

[Brian Knox]

Hi,

A couple questions:

Is it a shape other than a round diamond?

Are they making a new ring or using one in stock ?

 

[lenhejo]

Thanks for the response!

They are making a new ring, not from scratch.

The stone is round.

Thanks.

 

[laney]

Hello John,

I've been looking for settings too. Actually I have been told the same thing as you a lot. That they will take my stone - send it to the ring maker so that it is set by them. And that they will keep it for several weeks... anywhere from 3 to six weeks. Some stores told me that before they take it, they do a full workup - almost like an aprasial, and you both look at it and sign it.

However, I am not really comforatable with that. Not that I don't trust the process, but just the fact that I will need to recognize my diamond when it returns, and feel comfortable that I didn't get "taken" in any part of the process.

Must jewelers who I expressed this to said that they could set it in house. I would order it, then when the setting came in -they could set it for me, while i wait. Some jewelers told me that this would void any "warranty" that the designer had, but most shops said that they "guaranteed" anything - the same as the designer would his/her work.

Overall, I think you could find a jeweler to work with - some I asked would some maybe not -but you definately are not limited in NY (and esp. with the internet)

Good Luck!

 

[lenhejo]

Thanks for the advice Laney.

 

[rocks]

j-a,
what style mounting did you select? do you have a photo? there are afew (though not many) styles that require that the stone be set by the manufacturer (tension style mountings as an example).

 

[Brian Knox]

Hi John,

Any "reputable" jeweler is going to go out of thier way to show you how to identify your diamond.

Any scenario where a customer suspects any monkey business is a jewelers worst nightmare.

Because of this, many jewelers (myself included) will oftentimes refuse to work with customers diamonds when there is any question of trust.

This is because it takes years to develop trust, reputation and the goodwill that comes with the two.

This type of goodwill that can be worth Millions of dollars can be trashed and made worthless with one bad mark.

Ok, lecture over.

Do you have a lab report with mapping of the diamond?

If so, don't worry.

They should be glad to show you how to identify your diamond.