What is the risk of the jeweler switching a diamond when getting a ring resized?

Question

Thanks for all the advice. I went to a jeweler with a good reputation and watched as they resized it. It only took about 30 min and it looks great!

Answer 1

I'd say close to nil. You could tell. Resizing involves cutting the gold at the back. They aren't messing with the diamond at all. They would have to get a fake stone--it would have to be moissanite since you could glance at cz and tell it was fake. Then they would have to take the time to cut it the exact same shape and size as your original diamond. That would take some time. And then getting the prongs back perfectly around your new fake stone.

However resizing only takes a little bit of time (a couple days max) and therefore, they'd have to already have a moissanite in the perfect size and shape already.

So in order for it to even be remotely close to worth it you'd have to have a diamond worth more than $30,000 and they'd have to invest at least $10,000 in the moissanite and a couple weeks of their time. All that for less than a mere $20,000 profit and a huge risk to the business.

I'd say--if you are wanting odds--it's more likely you'll win the lottery.

Answer 2

I would ask to stand right beside the jeweler when he resizes the ring. Tell him it is not that you don't trust him, but you heard too many stories of disasters about switching diamonds. I had an 18K diamond Lady Elgin Watch that needed work done on the mechanism..it was a wind up watch. The jeweler switched the mechanism and put in a cheap mechanism and I didn't know it for 10 years. When I went to have the watch repaired, the jeweler told me the mechanism was switched. So don't be afraid to tell him you want to watch him...

Answer 3

I'd say nil. Your diamond is not that valuable to them to risk their business and reputation over swapping the stones. When you bring your ring in to be resized ask to see it under a microscope and or a jewelers loupe and have them point out the flaws (almost all stones have some) and document them on the repair tag. If your diamond is certified match the flaws they show you to your diamond map on the certificate, if your stone is flawless more than likely there is a serial number on the girdle ask to see it. When you pick up your ring ask to be shown the diamond under magnification again to verify it is the same stone. Unless your stone was huge and flawless or near flawless it wouldn't be worth it for them to take your stone. They would have to replace the head and do a lot of work to replace it and you would probably notice anyways. Now if you take your ring to some fly by night operation . . . good luck to you.

Answer 4

it so sad but it is a very high risk these days. I read an article on this just after my sister-in-law took her ring to get resized and in her diamond the clarity was perfect no flaws or anything however when she got it back the platnum prong was bent and the diamond was lose when she looked at it it had a huge cluster in it, yep you guessed it they switched it, and they got caught and she even took it to Zales to get this done which is where they bought the ring, so sad. When I read the article they said you may ask the jewler to ingrave a tiny letter on it so that way you will know if it is ever swithced, and it is invisable to the naked eye and youll have proof if this is ever to happen to you,

Answer 5

I'm always nervous about this too. Take it to the person who sold it to you. Chances are it will be safe with them. Make sure you have the proper paperwork (GIA, etc) which has a map of your diamond. It should have all of the flaws drawn on a picture. Then if you get it appraised the appraiser will know something is up when it doesn't match the GIA paperwork. If you are really nervous, after resizing have someone compare it to your paperwork.

Answer 6

Unless you have a personal relationship w/ the jeweler - ask to be present while they resize your ring.
It is not worth the risk.

Answer 7

I only trust Kay. They have a diamond detector thingy that they use everytime infront of me when I get my rings cleaned or resized or shipped off for whatever. It's this little instrument they use to put a detector on each diamond. I wouldn't trust some random jewelry resizing place, but I really trust Kay. You get what you pay for with jewelry resizing.

Answer 8

I had my ring resized and went in the jeweler and waited in front of him until he finished. Don't risk it, it is a definite possibility

Answer 9

If you go to a reputable established jewler....very low.

if you pick a name out of a phone book or the prettiest neon sign in the strip mall you never know.

It's just like any other thing. You don't have a gurantee when you get your car washed they aren't stealing your CD's and the change from the glove compartment....just pick someone reliable.

Answer 10

A lot of diamonds now have serial number etched in them which can be checked with a magnifying glass. When dropping off the ring, you can have them read the number off to you as well as when you pick it up.