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SETTINGS - online vs. B&M

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luvthemstrawberries

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Jun 19, 2008
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2,107
Hey everyone, I know there have been many posts on PS (I''ve definitely searched) for "online vs. B&M" but most seem to relate to buying diamonds. My question is only related to settings. I am looking at most likely a colored gemstone for my center, and will most likely be buying that online. Most companies I''m considering buying the stone from do not set them. I have looked into many online vendors for settings, but I have also looked in some local stores (NC) at their settings and found a few very nice jewelers with some nice ones. I have not spoken with any of the B&M stores yet about setting a stone I bring them, but I have looked at some of their custom work, which is very good.

Anyway, long story short, I know I can either send my stone to an online vendor such as Whiteflash, etc. and have them set (or custom set) it, or I can take it to a local jeweler and have them custom set it. My question is regarding the maintenance of the setting. When you buy a setting online, and it is time to have prongs checked, or a setting polished, or any problems arise, do you have to ship the ring to them each and every time? Or do most people just take it to local jewelers after the inital purchase? It may be an obvious question, and I know MANY PS''ers do everything online, but I haven''t been able to find any answers to this specific topic yet. Buying a setting from local stores just makes maintenance seem more convenient to me. THANKS!!
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Hey Strawberries..
I would guess the reason you can''t find a definate answer is this is one of those "preference" things..
It really depends on whats most suitable for you - do you have a local jeweller you have a good relationship with, etc?

From what I''ve seen, most PS''ers find the best of both worlds is to purchase online, and perhaps send back to vendor for any "major" work which may affect warranty (example re-size), but for the usual maintenance (prongs, etc), find a reliable local jeweller who will help you..

That said, best to always ask your vendor on their specific policies - alot of designer settings need all maintenance performed by them to maintain warranty.

hth
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It's worth asking the stone vendor if they do jewellery as well.

They may not advertise it on their site, but they may well either work in tandem with someone else, or do a bit of setting on the side but not as their mainline of business.

Never hurts to ask...
 
Are there usually warranties involved with online companies that can be voided if you use a local jeweler for general maintenance?
 
Most vendors require some sort of an inspection of your ring at specified intervals (i.e. 6 months) in order to warranty the product. I would say that if you took the setting to someone else for these inspections, the original vendor could choose to not cover any damage etc. since they didn't actually inspect the ring. Your best bet is to research the warranties of the vendor(s) you're looking to work with.

The other thing you should consider when thinking about going local vs. online is if you ever plan to move. Do you foresee yourself living in the same area for many years? If not, then it wouldn't really matter if you purchased local because if you moved they'd no longer be local and you'd have to ship to them anyway.

Good luck!
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