QUESTION FROM HEATHER IN RUSH, NY:
One of the Prongs snapped off my 6 prong Diamond Solitaire. I need to get it fixed but do not have any kind of Certificate with my Diamond. I am so fearful of taking it to a Jeweler and having them swap the stone out. I have read so many horror stories that I don't know what to do.
ANSWER FOR HEATHER:
Hi Heather.
There are three main things you can do to protect yourself!
First off, don't wear your Ring with a broken Prong! Your Diamond may feel
secure, but you're leaving the edge of your Diamond open to hits and blows
that could damage it! The Prongs are there for a reason.
1) Take it to a reputable place! If you take it to a long standing Jeweler
that's been in the community for decades the better off you'll be. Not to
say that they can't be shady, but usually Jewelers get a reputation if
they're up to no good. They don't last long! Ask around. Ask your friends
who they use. Check with the BBB and see if anything questionable has been
reported.
2) Learn to identify your Diamond! Every Diamond is unique and has unique
flaws and imperfections in it. Take it to a Jeweler and look at it under a
10x Microscope. Make sure the Diamond is spotless clean, or you could be
looking at dirt instead of inclusions. Memorize what your inclusions look
like and where they are. (They will never change, move or grow!) Do you have
a black carbon spot near the side of your stone? Is there a long line across
the face? Are there chips on the Girdle? Really look at your Diamond good. Look for things that will help you identify and recognize your Diamond after
you get it back. And if you still feel hesitant, take it to a Certified
Diamontologist. Have an Appraisal and Diamond Report made. And if you can,
have them make a Plot of the Inclusions. That's basically drawing out the
Diamond's Fingerprint! It's a great way to protect yourself and know what
your Diamond looks like. Do keep in mind, you can always send your Diamond
out to have it Laser Inscribed as well. That's a huge bonus! But you would
have to be out of your Diamond for a couple of weeks.
No matter what you do, start with a reputable Jeweler. Most Jewelers will
NOT swap Diamonds out. Most Jewelers want your repeat business and wouldn't
risk it for any Diamond. It's just not worth it. And another thing you can
do...
3) Ask if the Jeweler will do the repair while you wait and watch. Believe
it or not, we have allowed customers into our shop to watch as the Jeweler
repaired their Diamond Ring. Not all Jewelers will do this. But I'm sure if
you hunted around you could find some that will. Jewelers get used to
customers who are scared and concerned about being ripped off. Most will go
out of their way to help you. Good luck in your search. Hopefully these
pointers will help guide you in the right direction!
Let me know what happens!
HEATHER REPLIES:
Wow thank you so much.
I am thinking I may take it to a Jeweler that I used for another repair. They have
been around for a long time. They offer Appraisal, Certification and the Stamping.
I believe they do this in front of you. I figure if I pay for this first, then have
them fix it I will get two things accomplished: Permanent Identification of the
stone, and getting if fixed ;-)
It's not a very big stone (1 carat) but it's mine, and has great meaning to my
husband and I. So I want that stone back no matter what if that makes sense.
Thank you so much for your answer, and I think your website is amazing. I am very
glad I came across it. I will let you know how it turns out!
Heather
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