Shipping a designer e-ring to Singapore. And jeweller credibility???

[Howie]

Hi, I''ve been lurking around for a week after I decided to start ring-hunting. I nearly thought I was going to buy an off-the-shelf novelty-cut diamond ring and max out my budget until I stumbled on this forum. Thanks to everyone here, I decided to wait.

I returned to the B&Ms armed with new knowledge, visiting the chain stores as well as the smaller outfits and I was disappointed with the diamonds and the settings that I saw. After I saw what I could get on the ''net and overseas (most of the online jewellers are American) I was sold.

There have been some good debates on buying e-rings from the US into Singapore and despite the risks I think I''m going to go for it! (see https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/searching-in-singapore.15865/). My plan is to buy a diamond I found using Pricescope and have it shipped elsewhere to have it set because I didn''t find anything I liked on the website. I was interested in this designer setting that was on a promotional price I saw on another jeweller''s website, and they were willing to send my diamond to the designer to get it set.

This is where I would like everyone''s advice!
1. The price of the setting is really enticing but it seems too good to be true. I recall reading somewhere that designer settings are usually prix fixe.

2. Is it too complicated to buy a designer ring from overseas? If I have problems with the ring, say a stone dropped out, is that something that is easily fixed? I mean is it realistic to own a designer ring in Singapore? The cost of maintenance sounds prohibitive. I foresee I might have to pay for shipping to and from the US if something goes wrong.

3. How do I know an online jeweller is credible? Is there some sort of accreditating organisation for jewellers in the States? Tried the BBB (this one is not listed).


Thanks to everyone and keep the replies coming!

Howie

 

[neatfreak]

First, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Second, a lot depends on which vendors we are talking about. If you share we can help you more.

 

[swingirl]

Yes, please share who you are planning on purchasing from. There are vendors mentioned on PS that have excellent reputations. There are vendors that advertise on PS and are better for some services than others. And there are vendors that some people have bought from that never get mentioned again. Your plan could work out beautifully or be a disaster depending on which vendors you are using.

 

[Alexiszoe]

you might want to check if the store setting your ring will insure your stone against possible damages sustained if they set it. at some places the stores only covers their stone with insurance if they set it as well.

 

[Howie]

I''m buying my diamond from Jim Allen and hope to have it set at http://store.jrdunn.com

Has anyone heard of JR Dunn?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

James Allen? They are totally reputable. I have looked at JR Dunn before, but have not purchased from them. If you can show us the setting you like, we might know other jewelers that carry it or else one that is similar.

As long as there are good bench jewelers in Singapore, they should be able to repair a ring or replace tiny stones just as well as they can here. It''s just that you won''t be able to send it back to the original seller to do the repairs. It would help a lot to see the ring you are interested in.

 

[mcblohe]

Hi,
I live in Singapore, and bought a diamond through a pricescope vendor and set it while i was in the States.
However, the setting is a pave setting, so one of the diamonds dropped out. I sent it in to a jeweller in Singapore (Yuen Tong; they are very reputable) and had my diamond replaced on the spot. No problems at all.
I think it''s cheaper to get your stone online, and make the setting in Singapore. Most jewellers can do most settings for you.