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Hi Barry, Happy again. I took the ring to Birks Jewelers (top Canadian high end jeweler, Bloor St) who indicated that the prongs were far to short for the size of the diamond and that they often saw this kind of thing from internet suppliers. They indicated they could help me, but it would take 2-3 weeks and require that they send the setting to Montreal and recast a new and larger prong setting. Cost - $450 including setting the diamond. I went to a second high end Jeweler in Yorktown (high end) district who indicated that there was no problem with the prongs but that they would need to send the diamond and setting away for 5 days, wouldnt insure it either way and that they were not responsible for any damage cost $150. I went to Birks Jewelers in the Eaton Centre (downtown) who indicated that they could set the stone no problems, that the prongs were sufficient length and that it would cost around $165 and take a week. I went to European Jewelery also in the Eaton Centre (mid level maul jeweler with a good and helpful reputation). They had an inhouse jeweler who could have done it in front of me but actually refused as he didnt think he was up to the task without being able to rhodium plate it afterwards. This company then recommended an area of Toronto 2 blocks away that has some 40 jewelers in the same building. Here, a very old Chinese man called Olive took me to his workshop on the 5th floor where I watched him produce the results attached. He indicated he could do a low, medium or high setting and recommended the medium, which I agreed with. He positioned the diamond in the setting before confirming with me that the height was OK, then got out an archaic set of tools on a much used wooden desk and set the diamond as I watched from 2 feet away within 15 minutes. Cost - $15 to set it, $45 insurance (if he damaged the diamond or setting this covered either recasting the setting or re-cutting the diamond). He then polished the ring again and cleaned it in an ultrasonic bath. Downstairs, I was given a free engagement ring box (black exterior, my choice from black or white velvet interior). Anyway, I am happy with the results, reinforced in my opinion that the high end jewelers and mauls are either dangerously out of touch with how to do their business or demonstrating that they are not acting in my best interests, and confirmed that I made a good decision with Superbcert. Thanks again. Mike |
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