Stone from one vendor and setting from another

[hmhmhm]

Hi everyone

I've been lurking for the last couple of months and have learnt a lot from pricescope. I'm in the process of picking out a stone from one vendor (Vendor A), but would like the setting from another vendor (Vendor B).

I could either:

1. arrange for Vendor A to ship the stone to Vendor B - however, the stone will not be insured while it is with Vendor B. I've emailed Perfect Circle to ask whether they offer insurance to people located outside US and Canada (I'm in Australia), but I'm guessing that they don't; or

2. arrange for Vendor B to send the setting to Vendor A - Vendor A has confirmed that they are happy to set the stone in Vendor B's setting for a small fee (and the stone will be insured during that process). However, Vendor B is advising against this approach because their warranty for the setting would be void if another jeweler works on the setting.

Assuming that I can't take out insurance for the stone, I think the 2nd option would be my best option. Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on the above? I mean, do I really care about voiding the warranty on the setting anyway? Vendor A is also a very reputable jeweler, so I doubt they would stuff up the setting... If there are other alternatives that people can suggest, I would love to hear them!

Thanks in advance.

 

[Erion929]

I thought I was going to be in the same boat, but at present my research has lead me to a setting and stone from the same dealer. However, if I had to do it like you in my case....I would send my $1000 setting and leave my $8500 diamond where it was. So for me, it depends on which item is worth more, as long as the vendors were about equal in accessibility and trust.


For what it's worth, this is my first post...but I stayed at a Holiday Inn last night

 

[denverappraiser]

For clients in the US or Canada, and assuming that the plans for the finished item include an insurance policy anyway, and assuming that Perfect Circle/Jewelers Mutual is on the list of consideration as your insurer, there’s very little additional expense to bind the policy now, before it’s set, and have it extend for a year beyond. Get it documented, get it insured and then have the setting manufacturer set it. If there’s a problem during the setting, it will be a covered loss by JM. If there’s no problem, which is likely, you will have full insurance AND the manufacturer’s warranty backing you. Since you're in Australia, I don't think they do business there but they may be willing to bind a policy on behalf of the setter, who I presume is in the US, and just let you pay the bill. I've never asked them this question.

JM is the only company I know of who offers this sort of coverage and, when it applies, it's a sound reason to choose them but many people are planning on using them anyway for other reasons so it's basically just gravy on a policy that you were going to buy anyway.

Given that you're in Australia, the warranty probably isn't all that valuable to you anyway by the way. If you have it inspected for defects first, before it's set, you're unlikely to want to return it later anyway, even if you discover a problem. You'll just have a local jeweler fix it and mutter mean things about the maker anyway.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I totally agree with Neil. Have your diamond set by the diamond seller. I have never needed a setting warranty in my life. I would always have any repairs or resizing done locally if buying a ring out of your country.

Can you show us the setting and tell us the diamond vendor?

 

[Erion929]

I totally agree with Neil. Have your diamond set by the diamond seller......

That isn't what he said

 

[hmhmhm]

Thanks everyone!

Neil - great advice. I'll wait for Perfect Circle to come back to me re whether they would offer me insurance. If so, I might get the stone (probably from GOG) sent to Victor Canera. If the insurance can't be arranged, I will probably get the setting (from Brian Gavin) sent to GOG - VC can't send his setting to someone else.

The setting I'm looking at from Brian Gavin is the Novela. GOG recommended a Vatche setting, but I prefer the Novela - plus the Novela is less expensive. I kind of figure that not much can go wrong with GOG setting the stone using someone else's setting given how experienced they are.

As for the warranty on the setting - I didn't think it was something I should be concerned with and just wanted to check what others thing - I mean, it's not like a ring setting is a sophisticated piece of technology or equipment!