Protecting Your Diamond Cluster Ring: Repair & Verification Tips

Question
I was told that customers who send in jewelry for repair which contain big size diamonds can make sure to protect themselves from switcheroo by examining their diamond under magnification and make note of the special inclusions in their diamonds which will help them make sure that they are returned the same diamond that they sent the jeweler.  Also, customers can get their diamonds laser inscribed.  
  However, when customers send in diamond cluster rings(i.e., a lot of small size diamonds) for repair, how does do customers protect themselves from possible switcheroo?  
  I ask because I recently sent in a less expensive diamond cluster ring to a jewelry repairer who works in a pawn shop and he switched most of my diamonds for CZs and he is claiming that I sent him CZs containing ring.  It was a very devastating experience.
  I really need your assistance because my cluster diamond ring needs to be repaired but this time the cluster diamonds in this ring are very high quality.  Therefore, I wish to make sure that I do not fall victim to switcheroo again and that I get back all of my original diamonds.  
  I realized that there are many very honest and good jewelry repair people but there are also some dishonest jewelers also.  Therefore, I wish to be as safe as possible when sending in my jewelry for repair.
  I very much need your assistance.

Answer
Laura,

I only rarely have heard of jewelers around my area being accused of switching stones. It is a very stupid thing for any repair person to do if they intend to stay in business.  

The likely best protection is two fold: 1.Use the highest quality jeweler with the best reputation in your area. 2.Have the ring appraised including notations of identifying characteristics of the stones in the cluster. Some might have definite identifiable inclusions, some might react to fluorescent light, etc. Have your information and when the work is done have the ring re-examined by the appraising jeweler.

That should work.  Sorry you were ripped before. It is not the usual event.

God Bless and Peace. Thomas.