Ship loose diamond or have it set locally?

[montaco]

Hi All,

I bought a loose diamond with suggestions from everyone here, now onto the next step. I have chosen a setting I would like to purchase from pearlman jewelers.

Should I:

A. Buy the setting, ship the diamond to pearlman and have them set the stone? What is everyone's experience with this process? How do I know I would be getting the correct diamond back? Kind of a scary thing to ship a diamond.

B. Buy the setting, and have the diamond set locally at a jeweler? If I do it this way, can anyone suggest any good vendors to do this in the Los Angeles Area?

Also general questions: Shall I have the diamond appraised now, or wait till it's set? Do I need to buy insurance for the diamond before its set?

Thanks for the guidance.

 

[D&T]

send your diamond to Pearlmans, usually they will send it off to the designer to have the diamond set to keep with manufacturer warranty. You could get your diamond insured while enroute to getting set. Try Jewelers Mutual Insurance. Once you get your ring back, have it appraised to ensure you have the correct diamond.

 

[Todd Gray]

Date: 12/23/2009 4:49:05 PM
Author:montaco
Hi All,

I bought a loose diamond with suggestions from everyone here, now onto the next step. I have chosen a setting I would like to purchase from pearlman jewelers.

Should I:

A. Buy the setting, ship the diamond to pearlman and have them set the stone? What is everyone''s experience with this process? How do I know I would be getting the correct diamond back? Kind of a scary thing to ship a diamond.

B. Buy the setting, and have the diamond set locally at a jeweler? If I do it this way, can anyone suggest any good vendors to do this in the Los Angeles Area?

Also general questions: Shall I have the diamond appraised now, or wait till it''s set? Do I need to buy insurance for the diamond before its set?

Thanks for the guidance.

D&T answered most of your questions and I agree with the advice provided. I wanted to address your question about having the diamond appraised...

It is always a good idea to have the characteristics of your diamond verified before sending it off, this is good for both you as a consumer and the company receiving the diamond... Most Gemologists offer a verification service after the diamond has been set for diamonds which they appraised while loose - there is a list of independent appraisers located at the top of this page under the Resources / Appraiser menu option - discuss the charges, services available with the ones which seem of interest to you.