So confused...wanting to remount mother''s ring...

[MRS2004]

First, I''m a bit skittish about going to get it remounted and having someone switch diamonds on my; does that happen? How do I avoid it/protect myself from it?

Second, what is a resonable fee/cost involved above the obvious cost of the setting? How do I make sure that I get a good job?

Also, where can I find examples of wg settings to get a source for what I want?

The huge piece I inherited has 3 stones in the center bar, then 5 - 6 stones on both top and bottom bars, btw.

Thanks!

 

[phoenixgirl]

My engagement diamond is from a dinner ring of my grandmother's.

I'm not sure how much it cost to set it (that was my fiance's problem!), but I think that, while not impossible, it's highly unlikely that a reputable jeweler would risk his business, reputation, and freedom over one diamond. Do you have the stone appraised? If not, an appraisal would record identifying characteristics of your stones. If you're really worried, ask the jeweler about being present for the work.

Also, you should be pretty familiar with your stones just by having looked at them a while. I could tell that it was the same stone by its look. Just to warn you, if you get the stone/s appraised before and after, they might be graded differently. My stone suddenly went from a "1.10 J/K SI1" to a "1.14 G/H VS2." These are just estimates that are affected by the color of the metal among other things. So don't freak out if your stone is appraised a little differently. It would not be worth a jeweler's time to switch your stone with a similar one with slightly worse specs.

ThePrice Scope Vendors list links you to websites. Many of them have lots of settings to look at, including white gold pieces. Do you have an idea of what you want?

 

[fire&ice]

What is the original setting? You may be seriously compromising a period design.

 

[oldminer]

Let's see a photo.

Maybe we can suggest some places to begin shopping.

What sort of ring do you want to make?

 

[MRS2004]

I'm pretty sure that I know what I want (a Victorian style, baguettes/rounds around the mounting), but the stones are a bit smaller than I remember (although they have nice fire (I'm know no terms, so I apologize for errors in speaking).

I know that I want white gold, too...I think...

I have just a plain band for a wedding ring, and a smaller (.25?) estate engagement ring, but after a decade I want something more substantial (plus, I would like to incorporate my mother's jewelry).

I'll post a picture as soon as I get a chance.

Thanks for the replies, btw!

 

[MRS2004]

Okay, stupid question...why are settings so expensive? I mean, there aren't even diamonds in some of them, and they look rather plain...

Thanks

 

[denverappraiser]

Mounting prices can vary by quite a bit. Some settings cost more than others because of the skills and experience of the craftsmen involved. Doing a first class job on a piece involves some pretty unusual skills and there is often quite a bit of hand work involved. Naturally, these people expect and disserve to be paid for their time. Also, some of the materials, especially platinum, have become fairly costly recently.

There are designs available that can be manufactured fairly quickly and from less expensive materials that are much less money.

Neil Beaty GG, ISA
Indenpendent Appraisals in Denver
www.gemlab.us