If I buy a gemstone and a setting do i need a jeweler to put it together?

Question

I've been searching rings and found several stones I like. I was thinking it would be cheaper to buy a setting and a seperate gemstone for it, but I am not sure if this is something I am able to put together myself or if I need to go to a jewelry store and have them put it togehter for me.

Answer 1

Depends on what you buy. There are some mountings on the market that are specifically designed for just plopping in a stone. However, if the stone is of any real worth, pay the extra money to have it professionally set. I'd rather have a diamond or tanzanite in a good sturdy mounting than in something that I did myself.

On the cheap note, if you can hit a gem show you'll find the best deals. Either get a business license or take someone along who has one so you can get the wholesale prices. All of the booths have wholesales prices, but they're only available to people with business licenses. Also, they sometimes have a wholesale section at the shows that is only open to people with a business license on them. (You're required to show it.) It's DEFINITELY worth the $35/year for the license when you can save a TON of money, usually only paying about 10%-50% of the retail prices.

Answer 2

I wouldn't recommend it, but it can be done. If you have a calibrated gemstone (i.e. a popular commercial shape in a popular commercial size like 6x4mm, 8x6mm etc) and it fits the ring setting you bought, you might be able to just bend the prongs in with a tool and set it yourself. (As a lapidary student, I had some practise but did a terrible job on them!)

To some extent, it depends on what gemstones you are using, but in general - it would be safest to send it to your jeweler! Some gemstones are not as durable or hard as the public thinks they are and may become damaged in the setting process if it is not done properly. For example, Topaz is reasonably hard but will fracture if hit at the wrong spot (it cleaves perfectly); Zircon tends to be brittle and chips easily at the facet edges and girdle area; Peridot is susceptible to thermal shock and acids etc.

If you don't want to settle for something already in the shop window, some stores will let you choose a stone and setting separately. Or if you already bought the stones you like, any jeweler will be happy to set it in a design you desire. I don't think it will cost you significantly more....

I suppose, the bottomline is - Would it be worth it to try to set it on your own? Consider how much money you would save versus how much you might lose if you damaged your stones/settings.

Hope that helps! Good luck!

Answer 3

U will need a jewler to do it. It's the same price to buy seperate and non seperate.

Answer 4

the jewelry store would definitly have to set it for you