Where should I have my diamond set? Local vs online

[peipose]

I''ve found a setting I like at a local Jared store along with a great diamond, but I could get a better diamond online (according to specs, at least) for less money. I''m running short on time, so I''m trying to decide what''s best to do. I love having the ability to go into the local store with the care plan and having all the resizing and replating done for life, but I''m not sure how that is affected if I get the diamond somewhere else.

If I buy the diamond online and have it set at Jared, I''m hoping the lifetime warranty will still apply for cleanings, resizing, and replating. But obviously the diamond wont be covered right? If I send the setting out to get a diamond put in, I''m thinking that will probably void the warranty completely because someone else will be setting it. And if I were to change settings later, would I always have to send it to the original diamond vendor?

I''m also considering just proposing with a solitaire purchased online, and then having my soon-to-be-fiance help pick her own setting for it. But then once again, I''m left with that confusion of where to get it set and how that affects any kind of warranties that might apply. Are in store warranties worth stressing over, considering I really do like having that peace of mind?

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 4/22/2010 12:23:41 PM
Author:peipose

I''m also considering just proposing with a solitaire purchased online, and then having my soon-to-be-fiance help pick her own setting for it. But then once again, I''m left with that confusion of where to get it set and how that affects any kind of warranties that might apply. Are in store warranties worth stressing over, considering I really do like having that peace of mind?

I would go this route. If you end up purchasing a designer setting that designer will have a warranty. Most jewelry stores will clean and inspect your ring for free and re-plating is not very much. The service that chain stores offer isn''t really worth spending more to shop there. Just find a nice local mom and pop store and buy a future anniversary gift from them at some point. it is always good to build a relationship with a local jeweler IMO. You should insure your ring though either through a stand alone policy or by adding it your homeowners or renters insurance.

 

[denverappraiser]

Yes, the Jared warranty covers the ring even if it contains a diamond they didn’t sell. It may or may not cover it if it contains a diamond they didn’t SET or if it's been sized or in any altered by someone else, so make sure to ask them about it before you cement the deal if this is going to be an important issue for you. No, the warranty won’t cover components that they didn’t sell. I agree with mrssalvo that these warranties are often overvalued for reasons she outlined. I would add that real manufacturing defects are covered pretty much anywhere, or at least anywhere that you should consider shopping, and that the more serious problems, like the stone falling out and getting lost, are generally covered by your insurance anyway. There's definitely something to be said for having a relationship with a local jeweler and it's even worth paying a bit extra to get it (in my opinion), but it's up to you to decide how much extra.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[peipose]

Thanks for the info!

I just got back from Jared. VERY happy with the results!! My guy had no problem with me bringing in my own diamond. I asked him about the warranty, and he said that they would insure the diamond during the setting process. As long as it''s in their hands, it''s covered. Furthermore, he even said if the center stone were to fall out within 6 months after the purchase, they''d cover it! Sounds good to me considering it wasn''t purchased from them.

I gotta say, I''ve read a lot of disapproval about Jared stores in this forum.. maybe the one by my house is just above average, but I''ve been there about 4 times now during this engagement ring shopping and each time has been a joy.

I think I''ve finally settled on beautiful a Scott Kay setting (a .37ctw version of this setting) with a .57ct center AGS0 diamond. Currently debating if the $200 Jared care plan is worth it (covers unlimited resizing, rhodium plating, repair, etc).

The end of the tunnel is near!

 

[marcy]

Beautiful ring! I have had good luck with a Jared''s near where I live and I am quite happy with their service. I do get the warranties - resizing, replating, retipping and fixing any loose stones can add up over the years if you have to pay for them. I also like being able to walk in to a store and know they''ll fix it for me - no hassles and no charges.

 

[peipose]

Yeah that peace of mind is worth it I think! Since this setting is a designer ring by Scott Kay.. is the ring already covered with a warranty directly from Scott Kay? I''m not sure with how that whole deal works. If I can fix a loose sidestone (or lost sidestone) direct with the designer and avoid having to pay up front, that would save a quick $200! I''ve emailed Scott Kay about it, fingers crossed.

The ring is also 19K White Gold, which I''ve yet to find a factual answer if it indeed "never yellows" or "doesn''t need rhodium plating"... but that''s probably a totally different topic