Question
chip in stone
Yesterday I went to my local jeweler to pick up 2 rings I had loose gemstones set into. After I got home and was able to examine them well I noticed my Colombian emerald was chipped in the corner where the prong is. I know for a fact that is was not like that when I brought it to him. I have searched the internet and everything I have found says the jeweler is not responsible for the damage. I do not have any insurance. So my question is should I confront the jeweler about the damage? Is a chip repairable? How much does this affect the value of my stone? What do you think I should do about it?
AnswerDear Patty,
I dearly do not like to see this damage or hear of it happening. I will tell you one thing right up front: Emeralds are one of the most difficult gemstones to set securely. Flaws are going to be present but sometimes do not show. The most dreaded sound a bench jeweler hears is a slight click and chills run as the stone is inspected. If fortunate, the sound had nothing to do with a chip but when it does...oh my. I have been setting gems for over 30 years and still will once in a while damage a stone. That is rare but it does happen and when it does all is pretty much unexpected and I believe totally in the methods and techniques and pressures I am using at the time. Still, it can and does happen.
Yes, generally this sort of craftsmanship is not guaranteed when setting a stone provided by the customer. If we provide the stone, certainly we get another gem. With the customers stone we explain as best we can and most customers seem to have some understanding while dealing with a certain bit of unhappiness and uncertainty. It is impossible to explain how the best procedures and practices can still result in a...snap, chipped stone.
With the customer's stone, we will see if the stone can be re-cut to remove the chip. Generally this runs no more than $100. Some cutters are so good you will not know any difference when you see the repaired stone. Then again, it depends on the damage done. A large section removed will require full re-cutting and the stone will of necessity be smaller when re-cut, needing a smaller setting. We generally absorb a portion of the re-cutting charge, opting for a customer to see us as "good guys" and not something else.
Patty, you should definitely go to the jewelers and talk to them about it. That is the only way to see how they might handle the situation knowing you are sincere and want to be fair while they need to be fair with you. If you get a chance, let me know how it works out.
I cannot comment on the value of the stone without seeing it and the damage. Generally, the value will diminish based on the new carat weight. A repaired stone will weigh less than the original, even if only a slight amount less if the chip is smallish. In rather rare cases and more likely with some other gemstones, re-cutting can improve the stone quality enough to overcome any weight loss and will be done deliberately to increase the value of the gem! I would not expect this with the emerald. If the chip is not very large, I would not be concerned with the loss of a small portion of weight and a slightly lessened value.
Patty, thanks for the fine photo. I do wish you the best in this.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
