Resetting a ring in Boston?
February 21, 2011 8:40 AM Subscribe
Can you recommend a jeweler in Boston to reset a stone on a tight deadline?
I have a star sapphire ring that has immense sentimental value, but I would love to have the stone reset. The current ring is a thin, delicate, gold setting that is too small and not my style. The prongs are very easily bent, and I never wear it because I almost lost the stone once before. I have ideas about how I would like to have it reset, mostly from this thread years ago, but have no clue where to go to have this done.
I'm getting married in May, and would absolutely love to have it reset so I can wear it as my "something blue." But where do I start? Have you had a stone reset? How long did it take? Can you recommend a trust-worthy, reliable jeweler in the greater Boston area who would be good for this? As mentioned, I'm deeply attached to this stone, and am hesitant to let it out of my sight. I'm a bit handy/crafty, and know you can buy settings online, but would that be a crazy idea?
Thanks in advance for any and all advice!!
I have a star sapphire ring that has immense sentimental value, but I would love to have the stone reset. The current ring is a thin, delicate, gold setting that is too small and not my style. The prongs are very easily bent, and I never wear it because I almost lost the stone once before. I have ideas about how I would like to have it reset, mostly from this thread years ago, but have no clue where to go to have this done.
I'm getting married in May, and would absolutely love to have it reset so I can wear it as my "something blue." But where do I start? Have you had a stone reset? How long did it take? Can you recommend a trust-worthy, reliable jeweler in the greater Boston area who would be good for this? As mentioned, I'm deeply attached to this stone, and am hesitant to let it out of my sight. I'm a bit handy/crafty, and know you can buy settings online, but would that be a crazy idea?
Thanks in advance for any and all advice!!
We got our wedding jewelry at Bedrosians. They're in the jewelers building in Downtown Crossing. They were pretty good and did the little "extras" you appreciate, like cleaning the engagement ring when you picked up the wedding ring and then cleaning it before the wedding again, free.
posted by jerseygirl at 9:02 AM on February 21, 2011
posted by jerseygirl at 9:02 AM on February 21, 2011
Go to Washington Street in Downtown crossing. Go to The Jewelers' building and go to any jeweler on the upper floors. Very reasonble and could probably do it while you wait.
posted by Gungho at 9:20 AM on February 21, 2011
posted by Gungho at 9:20 AM on February 21, 2011
As for buying a setting online, it's not a crazy idea, but you'll likely still need a jeweller to set it for you. (One data point: I had a pair of stones set in some very basic, four-prong earrings, and it cost me $20 in Ontario. It took about 15 minutes.)
The trick to buying a setting (or a mounting) is knowing how large your current stone is -- and that includes the depth of the stone as well as its surface area.
The deadline you're looking at really shouldn't be an issue, especially if you're not having the setting made from scratch, but are instead ordering one through a jeweller (most jewellers will have a number of catalogues you can flip through) or buying one from an online source. Even if you want a completely original, hand-made mounting, you can probably find a jeweller to do it in that timeframe.
If you're looking for mounting, here's a place to start. I haven't purchased mountings here, but I have purchased two pairs of earrings and a pair stones (those mentioned above). All were as described and the prices were very, very fair. Often there are really, really good sales. The one cavaet is that this place tends to stock sample size seven. A jeweller ordering from a catalogue should be able to order you a ring in something resembling your correct size.
Even if you don't order online, you can look at what's offered and have an idea of what you're looking for so that when you go into a jeweller's you'll have a basic starting point.
The other thing you'll have to keep in mind is that since your stone is a cabochon you'll need to get a mounting that is designed for that cut.
posted by sardonyx at 9:29 AM on February 21, 2011
The trick to buying a setting (or a mounting) is knowing how large your current stone is -- and that includes the depth of the stone as well as its surface area.
The deadline you're looking at really shouldn't be an issue, especially if you're not having the setting made from scratch, but are instead ordering one through a jeweller (most jewellers will have a number of catalogues you can flip through) or buying one from an online source. Even if you want a completely original, hand-made mounting, you can probably find a jeweller to do it in that timeframe.
If you're looking for mounting, here's a place to start. I haven't purchased mountings here, but I have purchased two pairs of earrings and a pair stones (those mentioned above). All were as described and the prices were very, very fair. Often there are really, really good sales. The one cavaet is that this place tends to stock sample size seven. A jeweller ordering from a catalogue should be able to order you a ring in something resembling your correct size.
Even if you don't order online, you can look at what's offered and have an idea of what you're looking for so that when you go into a jeweller's you'll have a basic starting point.
The other thing you'll have to keep in mind is that since your stone is a cabochon you'll need to get a mounting that is designed for that cut.
posted by sardonyx at 9:29 AM on February 21, 2011
A good friend worked at Descenza's, and she took a few items of mine to be worked on. She said they also sometimes used A Guy in their building -- which is the Jewelers' Building that Gungho mentions. So another vote for that.
Mall jewelers suck.
posted by wenestvedt at 9:36 AM on February 21, 2011
Mall jewelers suck.
posted by wenestvedt at 9:36 AM on February 21, 2011
As mentioned, I'm deeply attached to this stone, and am hesitant to let it out of my sight.
No reputable jeweler is going to lose your stone or steal your stone. My go-to jewelers have to date been Fairbank and Perry in Concord and Daniel Spirer in Cambridge, but they're on the pricy side.
posted by Sidhedevil at 10:28 AM on February 21, 2011
No reputable jeweler is going to lose your stone or steal your stone. My go-to jewelers have to date been Fairbank and Perry in Concord and Daniel Spirer in Cambridge, but they're on the pricy side.
posted by Sidhedevil at 10:28 AM on February 21, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by katers890 at 8:57 AM on February 21, 2011