Where to buy a setting

[Melanie123]

I have a solitaire and plan on purchasing a setting. I have a few questions I hope someone can answer.

Would you recommend I purchase online as opposed to buying locally? Any recommended sites? Jewelry stores seem to be very overpriced.

What are the primary concerns regarding side stones (matching color to your center stone, etc.)?

How much does quality matter (clarity/cut) on side stones)?

If I don''t buy the setting from original jewelry store I don''t think they will perform the semiannual inspections for free, free cleanings, rhodium, etc. Do you just find your own jeweler and pay to have them inspect your ring? Would you still do it every 6 months?

Thanks so much for all your help!

fyi - the jewelry store doesn''t have much in regard to settings, they''re overpriced, and have recommended I attend their ''event'', which I''ve heard I should avoid. I''m not thrilled about giving up my warranty, and also wanted to upgrade with them in the future (double-up). So I''ll have to find out if I can still do this.

 

[stone-cold11]

Date: 1/6/2010 12:41:55 PM
Author:Melanie123
I have a solitaire and plan on purchasing a setting. I have a few questions I hope someone can answer.

solitaire is a setting style. I am guessing you mean you have the stone and need the setting?

Many sites sells setting. Depends on what setting you are getting, generic, vendor design or designer brand. Vendor design, some will not sell you the setting unless you buy the stone from them. Designer brand usually will want you to send them the stone for setting by them unless you are willing to void the guarantee on the setting.

Usually side stones should be within 2 color grades from the main stone. Cut the best that you can get, clarity as long as eye-clean.

Usually mounting the stone not bought from the same vendor, the vendor will not cover the insurance for damaging the stone, so you will have to buy insurance for that. Jewelers Mutual apparently does sell that insurance. Inspection and cleaning are usually free with any stores. Rhodium plating will not be free.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/6/2010 12:41:55 PM
Author:Melanie123
I have a solitaire and plan on purchasing a setting. I have a few questions I hope someone can answer.

Would you recommend I purchase online as opposed to buying locally? Any recommended sites? Jewelry stores seem to be very overpriced. Any of the trusted vendors here could help you out, just make sure whoever you sets the diamond will cover it in case of damage, not all vendors will if they didn''t set the stone.

What are the primary concerns regarding side stones (matching color to your center stone, etc.)? Keep centre and side stones within 2 colour grades, other factors depend on the shape of the side stones.

How much does quality matter (clarity/cut) on side stones)? Clarity - as long as eyeclean, try to get the best cut stones you can.

If I don''t buy the setting from original jewelry store I don''t think they will perform the semiannual inspections for free, free cleanings, rhodium, etc. Do you just find your own jeweler and pay to have them inspect your ring? Would you still do it every 6 months? A local jeweller should be able to maintain your ring for a reasonable fee or check your prongs, its good business sense as you could become a future customer and invest in a major piece from them.

Thanks so much for all your help!

fyi - the jewelry store doesn''t have much in regard to settings, they''re overpriced, and have recommended I attend their ''event'', which I''ve heard I should avoid. I''m not thrilled about giving up my warranty, and also wanted to upgrade with them in the future (double-up). So I''ll have to find out if I can still do this.