Depends on the jeweler and the size of the stone being set... Whether you are buying a ring from the jeweler - or asking them to set the diamond in a ring you provide. Assuming the latter scenario, be sure that the head in the ring is the right size for the stone you want set... That brings up another point regarding cost - how is the diamond being set? In prongs? A bezel? Channel set?
Many jewelers will not set a diamond they haven't sold "for liability reasons" but we think that "ploy" is more of an "excuse" for their wanting to "punish you" for buying a diamond from somebody else... After all, our jewelers block policy provides coverage for the jewelry repairs and setting services we provide and imagine that theirs does as well
Okay, so setting a one carat diamond in a platinum six prong solitaire $45.00 - 55.00 but one of our clients just paid $345.00 to have a diamond set on the East Coast! We practically fell all over ourselves! If only our client had consulted with us on that one first! By the way, we're quoting the rate at a "tradeshop" - somebody that provides jewelry services to the trade, odds are that you can find one in your area.