Jewelry

[qualitygal]

Do you have your own jeweler who might shorten or lengthen a size of a ring, even if it's not bought there?

Second question, do you get your jewelry appraised when suggested.  This isn't for insurance purposes, which is the only way I would do that.  I don't have my own jeweler and have never had either one of these things done.

Anyone?

[Nightowlz]

I had my own jewelry repair guy since I worked at Zales in the 80's. He passed away last year so now I'm SOL.

Not using the jewelry store because they always added 2 1/2 to 3 times of the cost to what the jewelry repair guy charged.

I have had a diamond ring appraised by a reliable appraiser. The only way I would do it was to be there while he did it. The ring is worth too much & has too much sentimental value for me to leave it. 

[GCR18]

No and no.

[wagirl]

You can take your jewelry to any jeweler for repair and  appraisal too. I've done the repairing/ re sizing thing. however don't tell them how much you paid for your item--they don't need to know and prob won't ask. One  guy I used in my town, was a total jerk and made me feel like I was wasting his time with my very mInor repairs. Never went back. But then another guy was an incredible man and I was so sad when he closed his shop. He even let my very young daughter try on a several thousand dollar ring because she squealed at how pretty it was--I was a nervous wreck but he was cool and enjoyed her joy!!! Nice man!!!

[esmeraldagooch]

Yes, I have had many jewelers, as I move a lot.  I interview quite a few before deciding who to leave my jewelry with.  I always make sure they do work IN HOUSE.

If you have the items appraised, call around.  You may want to check with the person you have your home insured by if its a local insurance agent.  This person will see the same appraisers in your area listed on others riders and may be a good referece for who to choose.    If not look for GIA graduate gemologists.  If there is more than one to choose from ask for prices.  You will finds a wide range of prices for appraisals.  Most will not just do them as you stand there so be prepared to leave the jewelry perhaps for a week or two till they find the time to do it.

[IMW]

Sizing a ring is simple. However,often on tv they will say it can be sized to any size. BS one size, maybe two.

Stones on the shank(the side) can pop out as well as pave stones. 

If it is being sized smaller you should get the extra gold back.

It is always easier to size up rather than down.

Years ago sizing was $15-20. 

If it is a busy place I doubt whether they will size it in front of you. 

Also-very important go to a place with a bench jeweler on premises, maybe you can make appointment when they’re not busy. 

Appraisals are tricky, unless for insurance purposes I’d only trust a GIA professional. Often unscrupulous jewelers give a low ball price and then try to buy it.

Good Luck.

[Kachina624]

Is your ring gold or silver?  Any jeweler who has an in-house repair person can size a gold ring but silver is more difficult.  It has to be heated to such a high temp that it can crack and ruin any gemstone set in the ring.  A really good jeweler will have an expensive laser welder which doesn't create heat.  I get my good turquoise sized by such a jeweler as heat will ruin turquoise.

[Drythe]

Yes & Yes.

Goldsmith, designer, all certs, appraisals, does work on silver, although I don’t have much of that.

Love them!