setting stones by LOGR extra $ labor work

[OTL]

So I won an auction for my stone, the setting is a 6.5mm round. My stone is 6.8mm round garnet. I thought it would fit, but LOGR said they need to charge extra $30 for fitting the stone. Is that common? Does it usually need special adjusting and charge more if the stone is not exactly the setting's for?

Thanks

 

[chrono]

It should fit unless your stone is unusually deep. I am a little confused - is LOGR going to set your stone? If not, I don't understand why they would charge you an extra $30. Do you mind posting a picture (profile) of the stone and the setting?

 

[OTL]

It should fit unless your stone is unusually deep. I am a little confused - is LOGR going to set your stone? If not, I don't understand why they would charge you an extra $30. Do you mind posting a picture (profile) of the stone and the setting?

yes, i will ship the stone to them and they will set it for me.I don't have a profile shot, but it is not deep at all. the setting is that very thin single shank, with small diamond halo one. Here is the photo

 

[chrono]

In that case, I intepret the $30 as the setting (labour) fee to mount the stone for you in their setting, not to customize the setting to fit the stone.

 

[OTL]

In that case, I intepret the $30 as the setting (labour) fee to mount the stone for you in their setting, not to customize the setting to fit the stone.

Actually they specific said will set it for free. After that I told them my stone is 6.8x6.8 round. I didn't mention the deepness, and LOGR said OK but will need $30 extra for adjust the setting to fit my stone. Do you think this hidden cost is very common? Thanks

 

[chrono]

That's really odd. I've never heard of any vendor or jeweller who will set a stone for free unless both the stone and mount is from their store. My guess is that this is the hidden cost (excuse given to set your stone). As for how common these types of upcharges are, I do not know as I have never sent my stone off to China to be set. I know a few PSers have and hope they will chime in as to whether the service was free or they paid a small fee.

 

[OTL]

Actually it is quite common that the Chinese setting stores on ebay will set it for free

Just an example, http://www.ebay.ca/itm/6-5mm-ROUND-SOLID-18k-WHITE-GOLD-Natural-FULL-DIAMOND-SEMI-MOUNT-ENGAGEMENT-RING-/281033292466?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item416ee3bab2

This is a jewelryhoo store. Scroll down and look for the 3rd P.S.

3. We Can Make Any Size Of The Center Stone And We Are Prefer Buyer Send Gem(S) To Me And We Will Set It For Free.

 

[colorluvr]

In that case, I intepret the $30 as the setting (labour) fee to mount the stone for you in their setting, not to customize the setting to fit the stone.

Actually they specific said will set it for free. After that I told them my stone is 6.8x6.8 round. I didn't mention the deepness, and LOGR said OK but will need $30 extra for adjust the setting to fit my stone. Do you think this hidden cost is very common? Thanks

I think it may mean that they are going to make another setting that will fit the 6.8 stone and they charge $30 for that. OR they may have to add a bit more gold to the prongs to accomodate a bit larger stone. I have found in the past that occasionally LOGR settings are a tad bit too small for my stones and their prongs are sometimes somewhat short, so personally, I wouldn't mind paying the extra $30 if they guarantee that the stone will fit the setting, which is how I would interpret their response.

When I was buying LOGR settings, my stones were seldom an exact fit, so I would pay the extra for a setting to exactly fit my stones.

 

[LD]

Leaving aside they say that they will set it for free, $30 to set a stone is very cheap. My guess is that they are charging this fee to set the stone properly and to make any adjustments IF needed. Wthout having the setting and stone together it would be impossible to say. I bet if you asked they would tell you that they set exact size stones for free but when there's a different it MIGHT take more work. .3mm in that setting is highly unlikely not to fit but I guess they're hedging their bets.

 

[OTL]

In that case, I intepret the $30 as the setting (labour) fee to mount the stone for you in their setting, not to customize the setting to fit the stone.

Actually they specific said will set it for free. After that I told them my stone is 6.8x6.8 round. I didn't mention the deepness, and LOGR said OK but will need $30 extra for adjust the setting to fit my stone. Do you think this hidden cost is very common? Thanks

I think it may mean that they are going to make another setting that will fit the 6.8 stone and they charge $30 for that. OR they may have to add a bit more gold to the prongs to accomodate a bit larger stone. I have found in the past that occasionally LOGR settings are a tad bit too small for my stones and their prongs are sometimes somewhat short, so personally, I wouldn't mind paying the extra $30 if they guarantee that the stone will fit the setting, which is how I would interpret their response.

When I was buying LOGR settings, my stones were seldom an exact fit, so I would pay the extra for a setting to exactly fit my stones.

I am getting a better understanding about this, thanks! But I doubt they will add gold maybe just bend the prong. Well, I bet $30 is worth it if it can fit perfectly. Plus the resizing cost, the shipping cost, the tax and custom fee when it arrived. Gosh I never knew there is so much hidden cost

 

[1001smiles]

If they set the stone for you, wouldn't that void the return policy? What if you feel that the diamond quality does not meet your expectations?
My experience with LOGR has been very mixed. I find that the quality of their product varies based on how much you paid relative to listing price. I've had times when I paid a lot extra for an "upgrade" and received good quality diamonds. But I also had times when I paid an auction price and they looked for any stupid reason to upcharge and then I recieved crap. So I just gave up. My last experience with them was about a year ago when I got a setting that was listed as VS diamonds (listing price was about 600, I won the auction for about 400). What I got was definitely not VS quality, maybe SI2-3. So when I e-mailed them that the quality was not as advertised, they just said that if I don't like, I can return it, but they cannot remake anything better at that price. So I just returned it and that was that. I think I would deal with them again if I really liked their item and I would pay extra for an "upgrade" and expect better quality. Although I've switched to dealing with other vendors that are more reasonably priced. I have to say though, I think I'm really picky.
Anyways, moral of my post, are you sure that you will like the setting that you are willing to void the return policy by having them set the stone?
I don't see any reason why a simple 4-prong setting needs to be modified for an extra 0.3mm. My local jeweler charges $45 to set a stone. So if you take the $30 extra fee and about $15 for shipping, you may just as well have the stone set locally.
I am curious what you think of the quality of the setting. Please update us when you receive it.

 

[minousbijoux]

My local jeweler charges $45 to set a stone. So if you take the $30 extra fee and about $15 for shipping, you may just as well have the stone set locally.

Assuming you can find someone local to do it close to that amount. I have been quoted ridiculous prices to have stones set, more in the $150 - $200 range just to plunk something into a setting.

 

[chrono]

I've been told something along the same line as 1001Smiles by TL in the past - the more expensive LOGRs are better made with better diamonds. Auction items and less expensive ones tend to be flimsy with crappy melees. LOGRs used to come with really long prongs; are they now much shorter?

Minou,
My local jeweller, whilst good, charges an arm and a leg to set stones too, in the $100 range and upwards. It actually costs me less to ship my stones and empty settings off to another jeweller in a different state who charges only $35 to set anything. And he does an equally good job. Actually, he does a better job because he is more experienced with softer stones.

 

[royalstarrynight]

I've had quotes from 150-200 from chain type stores (Shane Co, Jewelery Exchange) to 28 at the local jeweler (Geoffrey in the peninsula, CA) just to set the stone.

I kind of don't get why the large stores charge $2 per "point" and there's 100 points in every carat.

 

[OTL]

If they set the stone for you, wouldn't that void the return policy? What if you feel that the diamond quality does not meet your expectations?
My experience with LOGR has been very mixed. I find that the quality of their product varies based on how much you paid relative to listing price. I've had times when I paid a lot extra for an "upgrade" and received good quality diamonds. But I also had times when I paid an auction price and they looked for any stupid reason to upcharge and then I recieved crap. So I just gave up. My last experience with them was about a year ago when I got a setting that was listed as VS diamonds (listing price was about 600, I won the auction for about 400). What I got was definitely not VS quality, maybe SI2-3. So when I e-mailed them that the quality was not as advertised, they just said that if I don't like, I can return it, but they cannot remake anything better at that price. So I just returned it and that was that. I think I would deal with them again if I really liked their item and I would pay extra for an "upgrade" and expect better quality. Although I've switched to dealing with other vendors that are more reasonably priced. I have to say though, I think I'm really picky.
Anyways, moral of my post, are you sure that you will like the setting that you are willing to void the return policy by having them set the stone?
I don't see any reason why a simple 4-prong setting needs to be modified for an extra 0.3mm. My local jeweler charges $45 to set a stone. So if you take the $30 extra fee and about $15 for shipping, you may just as well have the stone set locally.
I am curious what you think of the quality of the setting. Please update us when you receive it.

I really don't know any of this...I just buy from LOGR because I feel their quality might be better than Lanbo's, from pictures at least. I like their comfort fit shank from pictures. But I never know that they will adjust the quality of diamonds based on your winning price, that's nasty...Do you mind sharing the other setting store that you think is more reasonable priced? If I put a lot of extra $ to upgrade I might just choose another vendor. Why still choose LOGR? I could get a better designed setting...I haven't set anything before, and for the first time I am trying it on fairly inexpensive stone, so I am considering the ratio betwen ston and setting. I really don't want to spend too much on the setting. If LOGR can't promise the quality like in the picture and would need us to put more $$ to achieve that then I think he just lost his leverage.

 

[OTL]

My local jeweler charges $45 to set a stone. So if you take the $30 extra fee and about $15 for shipping, you may just as well have the stone set locally.

Assuming you can find someone local to do it close to that amount. I have been quoted ridiculous prices to have stones set, more in the $150 - $200 range just to plunk something into a setting.

Totally, I got quote from 100-200 too. Could never find someone do it for me for 35...Crying here

 

[LD]

If they set the stone for you, wouldn't that void the return policy? What if you feel that the diamond quality does not meet your expectations?
My experience with LOGR has been very mixed. I find that the quality of their product varies based on how much you paid relative to listing price. I've had times when I paid a lot extra for an "upgrade" and received good quality diamonds. But I also had times when I paid an auction price and they looked for any stupid reason to upcharge and then I recieved crap. So I just gave up. My last experience with them was about a year ago when I got a setting that was listed as VS diamonds (listing price was about 600, I won the auction for about 400). What I got was definitely not VS quality, maybe SI2-3. So when I e-mailed them that the quality was not as advertised, they just said that if I don't like, I can return it, but they cannot remake anything better at that price. So I just returned it and that was that. I think I would deal with them again if I really liked their item and I would pay extra for an "upgrade" and expect better quality. Although I've switched to dealing with other vendors that are more reasonably priced. I have to say though, I think I'm really picky.
Anyways, moral of my post, are you sure that you will like the setting that you are willing to void the return policy by having them set the stone?
I don't see any reason why a simple 4-prong setting needs to be modified for an extra 0.3mm. My local jeweler charges $45 to set a stone. So if you take the $30 extra fee and about $15 for shipping, you may just as well have the stone set locally.
I am curious what you think of the quality of the setting. Please update us when you receive it.

I really don't know any of this...I just buy from LOGR because I feel their quality might be better than Lanbo's, from pictures at least. I like their comfort fit shank from pictures. But I never know that they will adjust the quality of diamonds based on your winning price, that's nasty...Do you mind sharing the other setting store that you think is more reasonable priced? If I put a lot of extra $ to upgrade I might just choose another vendor. Why still choose LOGR? I could get a better designed setting...I haven't set anything before, and for the first time I am trying it on fairly inexpensive stone, so I am considering the ratio betwen ston and setting. I really don't want to spend too much on the setting. If LOGR can't promise the quality like in the picture and would need us to put more $$ to achieve that then I think he just lost his leverage.

Absolutely not. LOGR only has good quality if you pay his top prices OR upgrade. If you don't it's hit and miss.

With Lanbo - I haven't had one thing that I would describe as poor quality. His items are generally better quality than LOGR without the additional extras.

I would never send a stone to be set in China. I would always find somebody local. However, as others have said, costs for setting stones vary wildly so you need to do some homework before making your decision about where to have the setting done.

 

[chrono]

Although Lanbo's pictures are crappy, their metal work is slightly better than LOGR and when comparing non-upgraded melees, Lanbo has cleaner melees than LOGR.

 

[OTL]

I feel Lanbo's shank is too sharp, like it will hurt my finger while LOGR has more comfortable fit shank. That's just what I got from the pictures...But I have not purchased from either of them, so please let me know whether their setting is like this?

 

[chrono]

I have both a Lanbo and a LOGR and both are very comfortable to wear. I cannot speak for that particular setting though.

 

[LD]

I have never had an uncomfortable shank from either of them.

 

[1001smiles]

If they set the stone for you, wouldn't that void the return policy? What if you feel that the diamond quality does not meet your expectations?
My experience with LOGR has been very mixed. I find that the quality of their product varies based on how much you paid relative to listing price. I've had times when I paid a lot extra for an "upgrade" and received good quality diamonds. But I also had times when I paid an auction price and they looked for any stupid reason to upcharge and then I recieved crap. So I just gave up. My last experience with them was about a year ago when I got a setting that was listed as VS diamonds (listing price was about 600, I won the auction for about 400). What I got was definitely not VS quality, maybe SI2-3. So when I e-mailed them that the quality was not as advertised, they just said that if I don't like, I can return it, but they cannot remake anything better at that price. So I just returned it and that was that. I think I would deal with them again if I really liked their item and I would pay extra for an "upgrade" and expect better quality. Although I've switched to dealing with other vendors that are more reasonably priced. I have to say though, I think I'm really picky.
Anyways, moral of my post, are you sure that you will like the setting that you are willing to void the return policy by having them set the stone?
I don't see any reason why a simple 4-prong setting needs to be modified for an extra 0.3mm. My local jeweler charges $45 to set a stone. So if you take the $30 extra fee and about $15 for shipping, you may just as well have the stone set locally.
I am curious what you think of the quality of the setting. Please update us when you receive it.

I really don't know any of this...I just buy from LOGR because I feel their quality might be better than Lanbo's, from pictures at least. I like their comfort fit shank from pictures. But I never know that they will adjust the quality of diamonds based on your winning price, that's nasty...Do you mind sharing the other setting store that you think is more reasonable priced? If I put a lot of extra $ to upgrade I might just choose another vendor. Why still choose LOGR? I could get a better designed setting...I haven't set anything before, and for the first time I am trying it on fairly inexpensive stone, so I am considering the ratio betwen ston and setting. I really don't want to spend too much on the setting. If LOGR can't promise the quality like in the picture and would need us to put more $$ to achieve that then I think he just lost his leverage.

Hi, OTL. I think LOGR can be good quality, but at a higher price. The point of my story was to keep the return policy just in case you don't like it. Their returns are actually good because they have an address in the US. So if you already won an auction, you may just as well see it in person and return it if you don't like it. I don't think you need to pay extra for modifications. Please let us know what you think of the quality.

The last setting I got was from jewelryhoo (not the same store at lanbo). I did pay a bit extra to upgrade to VS full-cut diamonds, but I still think the price was very good. And they modified the head from a round to fit an asscher and the stone fit perfectly, I was very impressed. In fact, I just mailed them a stone to set for me, and now I am holding my breath that it gets there safely.

 

[1001smiles]

I've been told something along the same line as 1001Smiles by TL in the past - the more expensive LOGRs are better made with better diamonds. Auction items and less expensive ones tend to be flimsy with crappy melees. LOGRs used to come with really long prongs; are they now much shorter?

Minou,
My local jeweller, whilst good, charges an arm and a leg to set stones too, in the $100 range and upwards. It actually costs me less to ship my stones and empty settings off to another jeweller in a different state who charges only $35 to set anything. And he does an equally good job. Actually, he does a better job because he is more experienced with softer stones.

Chrono, maybe you could share with us who you ship your stones to for setting and some of us who don't have a good local jeweler could do the same? If you don't mind... thanks.

 

[minousbijoux]

I've been told something along the same line as 1001Smiles by TL in the past - the more expensive LOGRs are better made with better diamonds. Auction items and less expensive ones tend to be flimsy with crappy melees. LOGRs used to come with really long prongs; are they now much shorter?

Minou,
My local jeweller, whilst good, charges an arm and a leg to set stones too, in the $100 range and upwards. It actually costs me less to ship my stones and empty settings off to another jeweller in a different state who charges only $35 to set anything. And he does an equally good job. Actually, he does a better job because he is more experienced with softer stones.

Chrono, maybe you could share with us who you ship your stones to for setting and some of us who don't have a good local jeweler could do the same? If you don't mind... thanks.

I was going to ask as well, but Chrono, if you don't want to share, we totally understand!

 

[OTL]

I have never had an uncomfortable shank from either of them.

Does the shank you have from Jewellyhoo and lanbo looks like the picture? Very sharp not smooth?

 

[LD]

You're not reading the photos correctly.

Look at the Lanbo picture again - the serrated top you can see is because that ring has melee (that you can't see in the photo) as they are just out of eyeshot. It's not the bottom of the shank OR the bit that's next to your skin. It's the bit holding the melee. Also, the photo is taken from the bottom of the ring, looking up to the underside of the shank and the light is making it look like it has an additional "bit" - it's not, it's the internal bit of the ring that wouldn't be near your finger and isn't sharp at all.

The photo of the LOGR ring is looking the other way ie from the top to the bottom of the ring. The bit you've referenced is past the melee towards the bottom of the shank so this bit of metal isn't holding any diamonds and is purely metal.

So you're comparing apples and oranges. If you want to do an accurate comparison then look at the bit of the Lanbo ring that is metal only (as in the LOGR photo).

To illustrate my point ........ here is an LOGR ring. Concentrate on the shank of the ring - can you see where the diamonds are being held you can see the serrated curves? Now look at it top down - you can see that you don't see it and it won't touch your finger. This is an LOGR ring not a Lanbo.

 

[SB621]

I might me bringing up a mute point here but I haven't seen in mentioned yet. What about the expense of shipping the stone to CHina? it might be $40 to ship the stone to china and then OP has to pay the $30 fee. Now making it $70. While still cheaper then having it set locally I would almost pay the extra so that it is done close by with no wait time during shipping etc.

I have purchased several rings from both ebay stores mentioned with no problems. Thought his was mostly in 2008 and 2009 when they were cheaper. But I will agree unless you upgrade the settings are hit and miss...mostly miss from my personal experience. But with that said, they are still very cheap, just not as dirt cheap as they used to be.

 

[Lee Little]

I have no idea who any of these vendors mentioned are so I am only speaking in generalities.
Generally if the stone is too large then there will be labor expense to grind out to opening to make it fit which actually gains the seller some gold dust and can make the labor expense negligible.
Is not $30 just a little higher than the average monthly wage in China?
Best regards, Lee