warranty? store vs online

[zikronix]

Ok so the local stores major argument against online diamonds is the fact they gaurentee the setting for life...as long as you bring it in every 6 months and have it cleaned and inspected...they also offer trade up and if the diamond ever falls out due to setting then they replace it.

Online...You have 30 days...

Ive looked at good old gold, white flash, james allen, blue nile, diamond.com and a few others...

The prices are better for better stones...but part of me thinks it would be better to buy local cause of the benefits...but I will over pay for a sub standard diamond

please advise...I thought that maybe getting it independantly insured would be an option...just in case...but are they lying to me do they charge to clean and inspect...a requirement for the lifetime setting warranty?

 

[jaz464]

No matter what a jeweler says, you always want to insure your diamond and setting yourself, unless you have the money and prefer to replace it yourself, if anything goes wrong or you lose it. Some people around here relied on a jeweler's warranty but there are loopholes. For instance, if you ever don't bring the ring in within the 6 months that you have to do so, even if you are a day late, the warranty goes away. Also, what if the ring is stolen? Would the jewlery stores cover that? Everything is not covered. In addition, lots of online vendors offer trade up policies. You just have to find out which do and then work with them.

 

[zikronix]

so then what does it cost to insure a ring...i know this is dependant on the value of the stone...and all that jazz.
What companies do this...are we talking like state farm or what...As a general rule is can a diamond and platinium setting be cleaned with the steam thing they use...has any one ever had to deal with an insurance company...do the local jewelers charge to clean and inspect...which is a requirement of there warranty. My girlfriend is a teacher she will be using her hands alot should i be worried.

I think ive found the stone i got the perfect setting now i just need to tie up some loose ends.

 

[jaz464]

I use State Farm and really like them. Jeweler's Mutual: http://www.jewelersmutual.com/ is also really popular. Cost depends on where you live, how much the ring is worth, and how much you want to insure it for. I insure my ring for $25,000 and I pay about $350-$400 a year. Most jewelers will clean a ring for free. She should also be able to keep it sparkly clean herself with a soft toothbrush and some dishsoap in warm water.

You can have a ring steam cleaned if it is platinum, though I prefer not to if you have a pave setting. Actually, WF (who made my setting) told me never to have my ring steam cleaned as it can sometimes blow a diamond out of the setting. Many here do steam clean their rings however with no bad occurances.