How can I avoid getting ripped off by a crappy jeweler?

December 8, 2008 10:17 AM

What should I expect when getting an engagement ring repaired?

One of the prongs on my four-prong solitaire engagement ring is bent (my fault...) and I'm nervous about taking it in for repair. I don't live anywhere near the jeweler that made the ring anymore and I'm not sure where to start as far as finding a jeweler I can trust. Before I start calling around, I'm also wondering what you think a reasonable price would be for a repair like this. The ring is 14K gold, so I don't imagine it should be as complicated to repair as it would be if the ring were platinum. I'd really appreciate any suggestions for jewelers in or around Salt Lake City or words of warning about what to expect. Thanks!

posted by lbo to clothing, beauty, & fashion (7 comments total)

Any small jeweler should be able to do this. Go to a brick-and mortar place *not* in a mall. The less of a chain it is (i've used two jewelers local to me that are one-shop businesses) the more likely they have an actual jewelry maker on site.
posted by notsnot at 10:36 AM on December 8, 2008

I cant give you an exact price estimate for the repair, but I dont imagine it could be that much... if it was over $50 I would be shocked. Of course, that all depends on the ct size of the stone as well. How big is the stone?
I am a metalsmith and I wouldnt charge more than that for bending a prong back into place, but I am not in a retail business and I tend to under charge.
Take it to either a small retail jeweler with jewelers on site (you do not want to go somewhere that they have to bring it to their setter) or better yet find a local metalsmith in town that does fine jewelry work....or look up stone setters....they might be hard to find though. The retail place might charge more than they would have if you had bought the ring from them.
Going with the metalsmith might be less expensive and better for the individual trying to make a living in this economy, but make sure they dont just make beaded jewelry, it should be a true metalsmith.
If the prong is just bent a little, either the retail jeweler or the individual metalsmith should be able to do it while you wait unless they are really busy.

Also, How did it get bent? If the prongs are that easy to bend, maybe you should think about remounting the ring in a stronger setting (thicker prongs or in 18k white gold or platinum), especially if the same prong ever bends again. The metal get weaker every time you bend it, it will eventually fatigue and break, risking you to loose the stone.
Good luck in finding a jeweler, sorry I couldnt be more specific.
posted by bdoop21 at 10:41 AM on December 8, 2008

I had the same fears when I got mine re-sized. I took mine to an upscale, local jewelry store that has been here for years and is a favorite of the native and/or long-time residents. I identified it by noting how many elderly people in status cars and fur coats patronized the store. (I am not kidding). I visited the store, noted that they, as bdoop21 suggested, had an on-site jewelry-doing thing. They actually had windows looking into the jewelry-doing place (what to call it?) and one could watch them do jewelry stuff.

I interacted with the staff and noticed their friendliness and courtesy and addressed my fear of leaving my ring with them. Their response comforted me and I felt safe leaving it. They gave me a receipt and time to pick it up the next day.

I know it is frightening, but try a local-only, upscale place and ask others for recommendations in your city. Also, resizing for me, in the Southeast, was $125.00. I don't care if it is a rip-off because I felt so safe leaving it with them. Good luck.
posted by Punctual at 11:36 AM on December 8, 2008

Just a little aside to Punctual's good advice, the jewelry repair area was entirely visible so that you can stand there and make sure they aren't taking out your diamond and putting in a cubic zirconia while you aren't looking.
posted by rhizome at 11:46 AM on December 8, 2008

I found a good jeweler through the Independent Jewelers Organization. I believe this is exclusive to the US. I'm not sure what the bent prong would cost, but soldering my engagement ring to my wedding ring cost $45 (including cleaning).
posted by desjardins at 1:10 PM on December 8, 2008

Thanks everyone. I'll follow up when it's fixed.
posted by lbo at 9:21 AM on December 9, 2008

I took the ring to a local independent jeweler who cleaned and repaired it for free while I waited. Good as new! Thanks again for the advice.
posted by lbo at 3:14 PM on July 23