Traders and prosumers please weigh in: Am I being ripped off

[1dqs357]

I'm super grateful to have had help from you guys ever since I started my ring searching journey. Thank you so much for all your advices. It's been about a month and a half since I initiated the search and now it's time to pay up. However, I feel like i can't catch a break from my jeweler. I bought a near 2 carat diamond from them, I commissioned them for our 2 customized wedding bands, I even bought the engagement ring from them and had them set it. Now they just sent me the pricing and labor costs of the engagement ring. And they're charging me everything down to even the 4 prong mounting in 14k white gold that will house my stone. The mounting costs $380 plus labor to set the stone which is close to 200 bucks. The ring itself is $700 or so. Why won't they give me any discount even when I'm buying everything from them? Is this reasonable to you all? Please I'd love to hear your thoughts on this issue. Thank you!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Traders and prosumers please weigh in: Am I being ripped

Well, the main problem was that you were not asking cost on paper before agreeing to purchase, apparently. Most jewelers known on Pricescope never charge a setting fee when you purchase both diamond and setting from them. Always have your pricing in writing before you agree on the purchase. How can you negotiate on price in the first place if you didn't have all the pricing up front?

You said:

The mounting costs $380 plus labor to set the stone which is close to 200 bucks. The ring itself is $700 or so.

I don't understand what you mean here. The engagement ring/setting is how much... $380 or $700? And setting the stone is an additional $200. I am just not understanding the figures of $380 and $700.

 

[1dqs357]

Re: Traders and prosumers please weigh in: Am I being ripped

Well, the main problem was that you were not asking cost on paper before agreeing to purchase, apparently. Most jewelers known on Pricescope never charge a setting fee when you purchase both diamond and setting from them. Always have your pricing in writing before you agree on the purchase. How can you negotiate on price in the first place if you didn't have all the pricing up front?

You said:

The mounting costs $380 plus labor to set the stone which is close to 200 bucks. The ring itself is $700 or so.

I don't understand what you mean here. The engagement ring/setting is how much... $380 or $700? And setting the stone is an additional $200. I am just not understanding the figures of $380 and $700.

Hi there. Thank you for your input. To clarify:

14k white gold channel setting is 700
Setting the center stone for almost 200
I need to buy the mounting/ 4 prong peg for my own stone (wuttt!!!) for 380
Resize and widen the bridge to accommodate my stone is $150

The cost comes out to about $1290 that's why I'm just so over this. They're charging me nine ways to Sunday and it's so overwhelming!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Traders and prosumers please weigh in: Am I being ripped

That sounds ridiculous. Did you buy a setting that does not fit your stone? The overall price is not bad because we see settings much more than that as a single price. But I would be VERY concerned if you bought a ring that does not fit your stone and they are trying to alter it. You should buy a setting that is ordered in the correct ring size and correct head size for the diamond. It should be one price and they should set the diamond for no extra cost. If they have not already set it, I would tell them thanks but no thanks and buy a setting elsewhere.

 

[1dqs357]

Re: Traders and prosumers please weigh in: Am I being ripped

That sounds ridiculous. Did you buy a setting that does not fit your stone? The overall price is not bad because we see settings much more than that as a single price. But I would be VERY concerned if you bought a ring that does not fit your stone and they are trying to alter it. You should buy a setting that is ordered in the correct ring size and correct head size for the diamond. It should be one price and they should set the diamond for no extra cost. If they have not already set it, I would tell them thanks but no thanks and buy a setting elsewhere.

Thank you! Doesn't it sound annoying? I feel like they're taking advantage of me. I understand the overall price doesn't sound too bad because a lot of rings cost more. It's the principles of this deal that's very irksome. It's a dilemma regarding the head size of the ring. All the stock ones in store aren't casted for an 8mm stone I'm afraid. And at this point almost 2 months in I don't wanna spend any moment longer with them I think I'll go cray if I have to wait 6-8 weeks to order the ring my size. And wait longer for the to set it... I don't wanna press them on the price cuz I'm kinda scared... I mean my stone is in their hand right now I'm a bit paranoid.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Traders and prosumers please weigh in: Am I being ripped

Not every ring manufacturer takes 6-8 weeks to send a ring. I guess my concern is that altering a ring that was meant for a different size stone (and is it even the right ring size?) might not turn out well. It is hard to say if you are really getting ripped off without knowing what kind of setting it is, the quality of the diamonds in the setting, the metal, etc. Look over the finished ring VERY carefully before you pay. If you bought the stone from them, I believe I would at least tell them that most good jewelry stores set the diamond at no charge when you buy stone and setting there, and tell them you were surprised to see a charge for that and see if they take off the $200.

Just connected your other thread to this one. I would get my diamond back and go to a very reputable jeweler in your town to have a setting ordered for your diamond. This is a disaster waiting to happen. It is not the cost that is off base, it is that they would even sell you a ring the wrong size and with the wrong head size.

Show us a picture of a similar setting and we can show you some options that can be ordered fairly quickly.

 

[MollyMalone]

Re: Traders and prosumers please weigh in: Am I being ripped

Well, what you actually asked for is way more complex than it appears at first blush here. Using the stock mounting the jeweler had at hand -- because after shopping around, you'd rejected the idea of going custom or special order as too expensive, would take more time than you wanted to wait -- means that they are having to resize a tapered channel set, semi-mount from a size 6 to a 3.75; your diamond is about twice the carat weight -- and a different shape -- than the head of the semi-mount was intended for, so yes, a new head is necessary & the semi-mount consequently has to be modified to accept the new head; and you asked for the stone to be kite-set.

 

[JDDN]

Re: Traders and prosumers please weigh in: Am I being ripped

To put it in your words, this is cray cray! I just posted to your other thread. You are on the path to a Frankenstein ring! What we're telling you is that the real problem isn't all the various ways they're charging you, it's that they are piecing together a ring that isn't going to be structurally stable. With the sizing down from a 6 to a 3.75 to resizing the mounting, etc., etc., you are going down a Frankenstein path. Did you even consider an alternative when they proposed all this work? I think this is harder than it needs to be and you're now feeling the frustration of it all. For your sanity and cost savings, stop now and get a custom setting or a stock setting that fits your diamond and size finger. It may not be the exact setting but I feel confident saying that in the long run it will be worth it.

Do you have a photo of the setting?

 

[1dqs357]

Re: Traders and prosumers please weigh in: Am I being ripped

Well, what you actually asked for is way more complex than it appears at first blush here. Using the stock mounting -- because after shopping around, you'd rejected the idea of going custom or special order as too expensive, would take more time than you wanted to wait -- means that they are having to resize a tapered channel set, semi-mount from a size 6 to a 3.75; your diamond is about twice the carat weight -- and a different shape -- than the head of the semi-mount was intended for, so yes, a new head is necessary & the semi-mount consequently has to be modified to accept the new head; and you asked for the stone to be kite-set.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. You actually nailed my issue on the head. And I said to my jeweler "do what you have to do to secure that stone" and after their modifications are discussed they told me they're confident and capable. That leaves me at 300 bucks over the budget. That's quite a lot of money and at this point I'm worn out. What is your advice for me when it comes time to pick up the e-ring? Anything I need to look out for seeing how all that works leaves us a bit weary of how the dainty ring may hold up. Thanks!

 

[1dqs357]

Re: Traders and prosumers please weigh in: Am I being ripped

To put it in your words, this is cray cray! I just posted to your other thread. You are on the path to a Frankenstein ring! What we're telling you is that the real problem isn't all the various ways they're charging you, it's that they are piecing together a ring that isn't going to be structurally stable. With the sizing down from a 6 to a 3.75 to resizing the mounting, etc., etc., you are going down a Frankenstein path. Did you even consider an alternative when they proposed all this work? I think this is harder than it needs to be and you're now feeling the frustration of it all. For your sanity and cost savings, stop now and get a custom setting or a stock setting that fits your diamond and size finger. It may not be the exact setting but I feel confident saying that in the long run it will be worth it.

Do you have a photo of the setting?

I'm technologically challenge so please imagine this tapered channel shank with a square radiant set kite/compass style. Thank you. They're pretty much chopping up the ring and taking metals out the bottom and adding it to the bridge to widen it. We'll see how it looks when it's finished.Thank you!

 

[MollyMalone]

Re: Traders and prosumers please weigh in: Am I being ripped

*** I said to my jeweler "do what you have to do to secure that stone" and after their modifications are discussed they told me they're confident and capable. That leaves me at 300 bucks over the budget. That's quite a lot of money and at this point I'm worn out. What is your advice for me when it comes time to pick up the e-ring? Anything I need to look out for seeing how all that works leaves us a bit weary of how the dainty ring may hold up. Thanks!

Let's take a step back here. It's not the jeweler's fault you are worn out & feeling generally exasperated that the formal engagement didn't happen on July 4th as you two had hoped for, for sentimental reasons; you didn't decide to get the e-ring from this jeweler until several days ago...after shopping around from San Jose to San Francisco since early May and changing your mind about the ring style a couple of times. (This isn't meant as criticism, but rather to provide the background chronology for others.)

Seems the jeweler called you yesterday to let you know what the costs of the modifications would be and get your approval (no jeweler would shell out their own money for a new head that can't be readily reused, resize a semi-mount down to an uncommon size 3.75 which would suit few other customers & undertake the labor without getting the customer's approval, if not a deposit). You apparently agreed, but anxieties about being ripped off/second thoughts about going over budget prompted you to post to see if we agreed that you are being "charged nine ways to Sunday" or should be given a price break because you've also purchased the center stone & wedding bands from them.

Here's my suggestion: call the shop as soon as they open and, without acting like you think they are sleazy bandits (nothing you have posted about this transaction suggests that is the case), say that you are sorry, but you've reconsidered whether it makes sense to remake the stock mounting; you'd like to cancel that work order & now explore with them other options that will allow you to stay within budget, such as them getting the price for a comparable, Stuller semi-mount in your size with the head made by Stuller for your stone. And say that while they are doing that, you'll see if you can find a comparable semi-mount online & ask what they would charge to set the stone if you source the mounting. They may give you a price break on the semi-mount they would be specially ordering if they know you are looking elsewhere, and their setting fees for both a semi-mount they order & one you supply is info you should have in any event.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Traders and prosumers please weigh in: Am I being ripped

Since we are giving our honest advice, why are you wanting a square stone kite set? Is this what the recipient asked for? Is the stone a perfect square? I am sorry but I don't even think it is going to look good. You could absolutely could have found a setting like that for $1200 made in the right size and it wouldn't have to take over a month (with the head in the normal orientation).

 

[MrsJolie]

Re: Traders and prosumers please weigh in: Am I being ripped

I've been reading through all of your topics and the responses and I really think you should take the advise these PSers are giving you. They know what they are talking about.

Personally, I would not want a ring that was sliced and diced and made to be something it wasn't meant to be in the first place. My jeweler would never ever do something like this. My current setting has pave in the band and I needed 1.5 size smaller than the stock setting and he ordered it in my exact size for the reasons everyone is trying to tell you: trying to size a setting down that many sizes is going to result in a not so sturdy ring in the future. Your diamonds may fall out or worse, who knows.

My best friend was in a similar situation where she sized down a stock setting and her diamonds are constantly coming loose and sometimes falling out. This has costed her several hundred dollars over the last 3 years and many days of not having her ring because it is always being fixed. It's a pain.

I don't think you are getting your money's worth for that setting, in the sense that the quality and integrity of the ring is probably going to be poor because of all of the modifications they had to make. I think you could have found a setting to fit your stone and your finger for what you are paying for this mess and saved yourself a lot of headache.

I hope this doesn't come off as harsh, but I think your biggest issue in all of this is your timeline. It doesn't sound like you are willing to wait any longer. Why? Being impatient, you are setting yourself up for issues with this ring down the road. You are probably going to spend money trying to maintain it because it's not structurally sound and then you may end up replacing it all together later. Why not just slow down, be patient, and get exactly what you want from the start instead of settling? I really think you will be happier in the long run if you leave this setting behind and start fresh. It may take a little longer, but so what? you will thank yourself later.

 

[1dqs357]

Re: Traders and prosumers please weigh in: Am I being ripped

*** I said to my jeweler "do what you have to do to secure that stone" and after their modifications are discussed they told me they're confident and capable. That leaves me at 300 bucks over the budget. That's quite a lot of money and at this point I'm worn out. What is your advice for me when it comes time to pick up the e-ring? Anything I need to look out for seeing how all that works leaves us a bit weary of how the dainty ring may hold up. Thanks!

Let's take a step back here. It's not the jeweler's fault you are worn out & feeling generally exasperated that the formal engagement didn't happen on July 4th as you two had hoped for, for sentimental reasons; you didn't decide to get the e-ring from this jeweler until several days ago...after shopping around from San Jose to San Francisco since early May and changing your mind about the ring style a couple of times. (This isn't meant as criticism, but rather to provide the background chronology for others.)

Seems the jeweler called you yesterday to let you know what the costs of the modifications would be and get your approval (no jeweler would shell out their own money for a new head that can't be readily reused, resize a semi-mount down to an uncommon size 3.75 which would suit few other customers & undertake the labor without getting the customer's approval, if not a deposit). You apparently agreed, but anxieties about being ripped off/second thoughts about going over budget prompted you to post to see if we agreed that you are being "charged nine ways to Sunday" or should be given a price break because you've also purchased the center stone & wedding bands from them.

Here's my suggestion: call the shop as soon as they open and, without acting like you think they are sleazy bandits (nothing you have posted about this transaction suggests that is the case), say that you are sorry, but you've reconsidered whether it makes sense to remake the stock mounting; you'd like to cancel that work order & now explore with them other options that will allow you to stay within budget, such as them getting the price for a comparable, Stuller semi-mount in your size with the head made by Stuller for your stone. And say that while they are doing that, you'll see if you can find a comparable semi-mount online & ask what they would charge to set the stone if you source the mounting. They may give you a price break on the semi-mount they would be specially ordering if they know you are looking elsewhere, and their setting fees for both a semi-mount they order & one you supply is info you should have in any event.

Thank you for exploring my issues I really appreciate your input and how you give it to me straight that's the best way. Yes I'm indecisive I blame Pinterest really. Jk but anyway yes you understood my concerns. I like your suggestion a lot I shall do that today. I learned something new today: semi mountings, Stuller. Thank you again!

 

[1dqs357]

Re: Traders and prosumers please weigh in: Am I being ripped

Since we are giving our honest advice, why are you wanting a square stone kite set? Is this what the recipient asked for? Is the stone a perfect square? I am sorry but I don't even think it is going to look good. You could absolutely could have found a setting like that for $1200 made in the right size and it wouldn't have to take over a month (with the head in the normal orientation).

Hi! The stone is a perfect square. And yes if it was normal orientation then all needed to do was to set the stone in the head and we'd call it a day. Money saved! But I was hoping for something a bit different since I don't see kite setting often. I'm hoping it'll look good! If not, like some user suggested... I best be saving up for the 1st anniversary now for something new entirely... Le sighs.... Thank you so much for your advice! Lemme try to find a pic or video of the stone. How do I upload video on here? If not I'll make a collage.

 

[1dqs357]

Re: Traders and prosumers please weigh in: Am I being ripped

I've been reading through all of your topics and the responses and I really think you should take the advise these PSers are giving you. They know what they are talking about.

Personally, I would not want a ring that was sliced and diced and made to be something it wasn't meant to be in the first place. My jeweler would never ever do something like this. My current setting has pave in the band and I needed 1.5 size smaller than the stock setting and he ordered it in my exact size for the reasons everyone is trying to tell you: trying to size a setting down that many sizes is going to result in a not so sturdy ring in the future. Your diamonds may fall out or worse, who knows.

My best friend was in a similar situation where she sized down a stock setting and her diamonds are constantly coming loose and sometimes falling out. This has costed her several hundred dollars over the last 3 years and many days of not having her ring because it is always being fixed. It's a pain.

I don't think you are getting your money's worth for that setting, in the sense that the quality and integrity of the ring is probably going to be poor because of all of the modifications they had to make. I think you could have found a setting to fit your stone and your finger for what you are paying for this mess and saved yourself a lot of headache.

I hope this doesn't come off as harsh, but I think your biggest issue in all of this is your timeline. It doesn't sound like you are willing to wait any longer. Why? Being impatient, you are setting yourself up for issues with this ring down the road. You are probably going to spend money trying to maintain it because it's not structurally sound and then you may end up replacing it all together later. Why not just slow down, be patient, and get exactly what you want from the start instead of settling? I really think you will be happier in the long run if you leave this setting behind and start fresh. It may take a little longer, but so what? you will thank yourself later.

Thank you for taking your time on my issue I'm grateful! I'm glad to have found pricescope I hope to one day be as knowledgeable half as much as you guys are. About any given topic really! Thank you for all your concerns!

 

[canuk-gal]

Re: Traders and prosumers please weigh in: Am I being ripped

Since we are giving our honest advice, why are you wanting a square stone kite set? Is this what the recipient asked for? Is the stone a perfect square? I am sorry but I don't even think it is going to look good. You could absolutely could have found a setting like that for $1200 made in the right size and it wouldn't have to take over a month (with the head in the normal orientation).

Hi! The stone is a perfect square. And yes if it was normal orientation then all needed to do was to set the stone in the head and we'd call it a day. Money saved! But I was hoping for something a bit different since I don't see kite setting often. I'm hoping it'll look good! If not, like some user suggested... I best be saving up for the 1st anniversary now for something new entirely... Le sighs.... Thank you so much for your advice! Lemme try to find a pic or video of the stone. How do I upload video on here? If not I'll make a collage.

Good luck!

cheers--Sharon

 

[MrsJolie]

Re: Traders and prosumers please weigh in: Am I being ripped

Hurry up and upload some pictures. The curiosity of this thing is killing me! I need to see it!!! I'm holding my breath over here!!

 

[Travelgal]

Re: Traders and prosumers please weigh in: Am I being ripped

Did you confirm that the sizing won't compromise the side stones or shape of the ring? I ask because my first ring was a stock ring modified from a size 6 to a size 3.75. The sizing altered the ring so it was off-round, frankly it was an oval. It also compromised the pave so my side stones routinely fell out. I ultimately had to have the ring remade by my family jeweler 6 months after he proposed. I am not saying you will have the same issues as me, but it's made me very skeptical of large size changes.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Traders and prosumers please weigh in: Am I being ripped

Please have them set the stone in the normal orientation. That is not a "something different" that is going to be a good surprise.

 

[tyty333]

Re: Traders and prosumers please weigh in: Am I being ripped

Please have them set the stone in the normal orientation. That is not a "something different" that is going to be a good surprise.

Oh no, if she didnt ask for kite set...dont do it!

 

[1dqs357]

Re: Traders and prosumers please weigh in: Am I being ripped

Did you confirm that the sizing won't compromise the side stones or shape of the ring? I ask because my first ring was a stock ring modified from a size 6 to a size 3.75. The sizing altered the ring so it was off-round, frankly it was an oval. It also compromised the pave so my side stones routinely fell out. I ultimately had to have the ring remade by my family jeweler 6 months after he proposed. I am not saying you will have the same issues as me, but it's made me very skeptical of large size changes.

Thank you for your input! They told me they've been in the business for 2 decades so we'll wait and see how that translates when I pick up the ring. I'm concerned too and I found this on Google and I will try to follow that guideline. How's your ring now is everything okay after the remake? Thanks again.

http://www.professionaljeweler.com/archives/articles/2000/aug00/0800fys1.html

 

[1dqs357]

Re: Traders and prosumers please weigh in: Am I being ripped

Here's the photos of why I want it at kite set. Doesn't it look different? One is in the shade at 5pm and the other is directly under the 12pm sunlight. Can you guys imagine a tapered channel with this? All opinions welcomed! You guys are so wise I love it.

 

[1dqs357]

Re: Traders and prosumers please weigh in: Am I being ripped

Hurry up and upload some pictures. The curiosity of this thing is killing me! I need to see it!!! I'm holding my breath over here!!

Uploaded! Did you decide to go with that cushion cut you found? When will your ring be done?