Urgent Help/Advice Needed for Diamond Ring

[danielksc]

Hi Folks

I bought a diamond ring with Platinum casing from Mondera on 20 Dec 04. However, there are 2 problems:

1. I got the ring size wrong (US6 instead of US6). Although Mondera offers free exchange, I found it impossible to obtain full insurance for the ring (valued at SGD5500) at either UPS, FEDEX or DHL. Does anyone know how to go about get the private insurance? Could anyone advise on whether I should get the ring "resized" in Singapore instead and where in particular I should go? Personally, since Mondera is offering me a brand new ring, I thought it would be best for me to get it back to the US for exchange.

2. The GIA inscription number is obscured. Is there any cause for concern? Anyone here patronised Mondera before? Should I bring it for verification? Where and usually how much? I think someone brought it to Shaw Gemological Lab for for verification at $30. Are they professional? Please give some advice.

This is really urgent as I have only up to 20 Jan 05 to return the ring.

Thanks again folks
Dan

 

[kevinraja]

Looks like you are from singapore. If you were in US, you could have used USPS. Anyway, I don''t have an answer for your postal/insurance question. Mondera is the one of the most expensive online diamond retailers. They have heavy mark-ups. I would suggest you to return the ring+diamond, and suggest you to online retailers recommended by Pricescope (links on the top of this webpage).

 

[mrmedoes]

From my understanding you''re going to have a hard time getting a base express service to insure for that much (I''ve done some international shipping, though not diamonds). If it''s that much of a price advantage (I''m not aware of the pricing differences that you face), did you look into Courier service? Usually it is significantly much more expensive, but at least offers you insurance options/guarantees.

I would hope that someone with more experience shipping gems can give you an idea. I think the main point is that you need to make sure you work with the company selling you the gem to make sure they''re willing to accomodate. Anyone hear can tell you to use XYZ service, but if the company isn''t willing to do it, you''re back at square one.

 

[HotHot]

I suggest to you to just size it in Singapore if you know a reliable jeweler. Sizing the ring would not effect the price of the ring and it won''t show. You don''t have to spend money on shipping it to US.

 

[starfire]

Hi Dan,

Now I understand your inquiry about re-setting and re-sizing your diamond ring.

It is a pity that you had to go through so much trouble for what would otherwise be a trouble-free process if you purchased your ring in Singapore. I certainly hope your cost savings is worth it.

None of the courier services will give you insurance for the full value of the ring. This is a certainty. I would caution you against sending this ring via courier service without full insurance, because we have had cases where the courier service lost the package.

Also, are you aware that you will pay GST twice if you were to return the ring and get a re-sized ring back?

If you have concern about the authenticity of the certification, it would be a good idea for you to get the diamond verified at a lab in Singapore. Perhaps you might want to get it verified before you send it back for exchange.

I hope my information is helpful.

Best regards,
Stephen Tan
Charlotte Atelier
Singapore

Date: 1/8/2005 10:41:28 PM
Author:danielksc
Hi Folks

I bought a diamond ring with Platinum casing from Mondera on 20 Dec 04. However, there are 2 problems:

1. I got the ring size wrong (US6 instead of US6). Although Mondera offers free exchange, I found it impossible to obtain full insurance for the ring (valued at SGD5500) at either UPS, FEDEX or DHL. Does anyone know how to go about get the private insurance? Could anyone advise on whether I should get the ring ''resized'' in Singapore instead and where in particular I should go? Personally, since Mondera is offering me a brand new ring, I thought it would be best for me to get it back to the US for exchange.

2. The GIA inscription number is obscured. Is there any cause for concern? Anyone here patronised Mondera before? Should I bring it for verification? Where and usually how much? I think someone brought it to Shaw Gemological Lab for for verification at $30. Are they professional? Please give some advice.

This is really urgent as I have only up to 20 Jan 05 to return the ring.

Thanks again folks

Dan