Where to start?!?

[njmom8285]

I have a very nice diamond that I inherited from my other in law. It was bought in the 1940's so I would imagine it is the ideal cut~it is round and appx 1.3cts. We had it appraised a while back when we originally reset it with a local jeweler and it was appraised very well. For various reasons it is time to reset the stone. I am so attracted to going online as there is such vast variety and resource. Also, I have a physical disability now that makes getting out for shopping a difficult task. Hubby is not interested in the process so, I am doing this for myself but also with my daughter in mind as she will be the next to have the ring!

As excited as I am when I see all the websites, I get a bit nervous as well. I am hesitant to ship my stone which is a family heirloom all over the country. I'm hoping some of you much more seasoned gem lovers and merchants can help em to alleviate that fear. As I mentioned I have an appraisal but never had it mapped out like I see the stones here.

Also~what are the standards in terms of charges for the process. It used to be if you purchased a semi mount that the actual setting of the stone was included. I am finding several that are asking for anywhere from $50.00 upwards of $200.00. Also, I would like comfort fit because my hands are arthritic...also puffy from meds I take~how much extra should that add if anything to a setting.

I hear so many wonderful stories here about peoples experiences so, I am hoping with the guidance of you great folks that I can have the diamond of my dreams.
By the way~I also have a 3/4ct oval diamond from my original e-ring from SH that I would like reset at some pint. This stone is not of the high quality of my mother in laws diamond, but obviously very important to me. While I would like the round stone to be set in something "important"~I am thinking my oval stone could be in a bit more playful a setting.

Please please please~someone help me with this happy but daunting task! Many many thanks!!

 

[tyty333]

Welcome!

Besides you wanting a comfort fit shank what else do you want in a band? Just a simple solitare? A band with tiny diamonds in it perhaps
pave? A 3 stone? A budget would also help us to help you. Platinum or gold?

tyty

 

[Jim Summa]

What may work best for you in this situation is to just begin anew and send the diamond to an independent appraiser. This buys you time to make decisions about the ring and they may even be able to guide you to someone they know is honest. There are several posting on this site who are some of the best in this country. That way they can also get the finished ring, make sure it’s OK, then ship it on to you with a fresh appraisal.

 

[Bella_mezzo]

I agree with having it appraised before you send it anywhere. Also, if you give somemore specifics about what you are looking for (and maybe some inspiration pics) and a budget we can help you go from there...

 

[njmom8285]

Thanks for the replies do far! I''m sorry I wasn''t more specific in what I want. I definitely want more than a single solitaire. I was thinking at one point about sapphire side stones with perhaps small rounds next to the sapphire as well. I also saw a great ring on one of the sites that is very well known here, that has 2 little diamonds next to the center stone, or you could have 2 sapphires leading to several burnished diamonds down the side of the ring. I love the color combination for several reasons~It is my birthstone, so I thought the ring would then have a personal meaning from my MIL and me as well (thinking of it going to my daughter in the future). Also my Mom was also a September baby~she was from England and many women there use colored stones with or even in place of the diamond. As far of the metal~either 18k with a platinum head or, all platinum~that is what the diamond is in now.

As I mentioned I also need comfort fit....I have MS and even though I am not an elderly woman~my hands are swollen in the joints and just generally puffy. My size has changed and I can shove the diamond on my right hand but the left is nearly impossible now.

I think the idea of sending it for a new appraisal is a great one. Would they then do the report with the mapping and photos I see here with appraisals. Then again I can''t help but be nervous about sending my diamond out when I cannot see everything happening. I guess in this day and age it is an irrational fear~but, that is the way I grew up. When we had the stone reset about 15 years ago we sat right next to the bench jeweler as he did the work!! As far as budget....I''m aware but really not concerned. I just want to get it right because of the sentimental and real value of the ring. We had our 30th anniversary in ''09, plus I turned the big 50!

We didn''t really do a whole lot to celebrate so I feel that doing this ring over is my belated present!! Also because I''ll be handing down I want it to be the best it can be.

If anyone has someone in particular you could recommend as an independent appraiser, could you please pm me?? I don''t know if mentioning anyone in particular is against the guidelines???

~Many thanks!

 

[tyty333]

Here are a few comfort fit bands...

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-engagement-ring-setting-white-gold_4506
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-ring-platinum-solitaire_3804
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-engagement-ring-setting-white-gold_5742 (comes in plat too for $730)
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-engagement-ring-setting-platinum_6261

http://www.jamesallen.com/find-item/?DetailedSearch=0&sku=comfort+fit

I wonder if you find a setting that you do like if the vendor can have it made with a comfort fit? Its worth asking. These
are all very plain bands. Did not see any 3 stones that were comfort fit.

 

[ms.halo]

You might also want to look into something with an arthritic shank, which opens and closes and makes it easier to put rings on and take them off.

 

[marcy]

What a fun project. I would get the diamond appraised too. I think a ring with sapphires sounds great.

 

[njmom8285]

tyty~Thanks for all those links!! I did ask one vendor about taking one of their rings and adjusting the band to custom fit~they wanted $200.00 each for the e-ring and w-band! I am not a cheap person by any means but I thought that was a bit much???? Then they had a 75-100.00 setting fee on top of that...Whew!!!

halo~I''ve never heard of an arthritic band? Do you have any idea where I may find one? Do any of the vendors r/t pricescope deal with them?


marcy~I am thinking about a new appraisal...just am not sure where to go...who to send it to. The stone is from the 1940''2 as I mentioned~so there is no laser inscription or any other identifiable markings. How can i be sure I''m getting my stone back?? The more I think of the sapphires the more I want them.

I am definitely not afraid to spend money~with that said; just don''t want to feel nickel and dimed for every little thing as I mentioned above. Is this common practice now? Jewelers used to include all of that years ago.

Thanks everyone~this is so helpful!!