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The jeweler switched my stone...Fact or Fiction
Everyone who believes this happened them or knows somebody that believes this happened to them, would you please raise your hand. I see everybody has their hand raised.
I'm not going to suggest that this never happens. I am going to suggest, however, that this is a rarity. I've been setting precious gemstones, designing and repairing jewelry for more than 20 years. Most people scrutinize their item much more thoroughly after it's been worked on than they did when it was purchased. I'm going to relate my first hand knowledge of possibilities I hope you'll take into consideration before accusing your jeweler of being a thief.
Do you suppose a diamond ring could have an incorrect price tag? Is it possible that when the item was tagged with the stone size and grade it might have been done incorrectly? Without malicious intent, the salesperson represented the information on the tag. I happen to know first hand it is possible that an item can be innocently tagged incorrectly. Yet, if a discrepancy is noticed after a jeweler has worked on it, the immediate response is... the jeweler switched my stone.
Recently, a gentleman wanted to have me reset his stone into a new mounting. Unwilling to even show me the stone until I had ordered the proper head (crown) to hold his diamond, he presented me with an appraisal that gave me the stones' dimensions. I ordered the head, assembled the new ring and set up an appointment for him to have his stone set as he watched. To both our amazements, the stone fell to the bottom of the oversized head I provided. The appraisal stated the stone diameter to be 6.5 mm when in actuality it was 5.6 mm. Further inspection showed that the carat weight and grading on the appraisal were correct. Had that stone been left with me the immediate response would have been... the jeweler switched my stone.
On many occasions I have been asked to duplicate a persons rings using CZ's instead of diamonds. Sometimes the owners prefer keeping the originals in their safety deposit boxes and wear the duplicates. Sometimes I've been asked to duplicate rings from photographs because the items have been lost or stolen. Eventually these duplicates get passed on to family members. Family members unaware that the original item has been duplicated. The first thing that comes to their mind... the jeweler switched the stones.
It is not uncommon for jewelers to place inclusions under a prong when setting a stone. This does not in any way change the grading or value of the stone. Perhaps you recently had the stone reset, prong work done, or the stone tightened. Perhaps the jeweler who did the work did not place the inclusion back under a prong and now it's easily visible. Your first thought... the jeweler switched my stone.
Here's some suggestions to assist you in feeling more comfortable in leaving your jewelry for work...
Remind yourself what your stone looks like. Ask the jeweler to clean your jewelry and with a loupe, and their assistance, locate a particular identifying mark within the stone. Accurately measure the stone as well. Do this before leaving the jewelry for work.
Have your jewelry appraised by an independent certified appraiser or gem lab. This will document the specifics of your jewelry. Certified stones have had this done prior to your purchase and come with a certification.
Have your stone charted, gem printed and/or laser inscribed. Check with your favorite jeweler about having your stone charted (map of the inclusions), gem printed (photograph of inclusions) or laser inscribed (serial number lasered on girdle).
If you don't feel comfortable leaving your jewelry, don't leave it! Find a jeweler you are comfortable with or one who will perform the necessary work while you wait and watch.
David W. Sacco
www.chainzonline.com
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This article may not be copied or reprinted without written permission.
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