Glue holding my stone in?!

[gemstone_newbie]

Hello everyone! Longtime lurker here, but this is my first post ever.

So lemme tell you a story if you can spare the time.

Yesterday I picked up a princess cut solitaire from a swanky chain jewelry store. I brought it home, took it off to examine it more closely...and from the looks of it, glue is holding my stone into 3 of the 4 prongs (?!). On one corner, everything is nice and clean. On the other three, you can see clear goop clinging to the stone and prong with the naked eye. Using a cheapie loupe (10x single lens), I could see bubbles in the goop.

This is my first princess stone, so is this at all standard for those sharp little corners, or should I be charging back to the jewelry store to demand a redo or a refund?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Is this a certified princess cut stone? If so, by what lab was it graded?

 

[Christina...]

Yikes! I've never heard of it, but I dare say that, no that would not be typical of princess cuts. I'll be looking forward to hearing what you learn.

 

[gemstone_newbie]

Unfortunately, no, it's not certified. My mother bought it years ago on the cheap from a friend, but never got around to setting it. Eyeballing it, it's around 5.5mm wide.

 

[Ravinmad]

I swear it sounds like someone used silicone RTV to cement your stone into place. Does the glue have a bit of rubbery texture to it if you poke it with a pen tip?

 

[Lotus99]

I'd be charging back to the store that "set" it like that. It shouldn't be glued into the setting.

 

[Enerchi]

I'd go back to the store, ask to view it under their loupe magnification (along with the manager at the same time) and then see what they say. If they do not say anything... I'd start to make some noise! There is something fishy going on with the setting - diamonds are not "glued" in to a setting! - and a reputable jeweller would correct that.

keep us in the "loupe"... er... loop!!! I'm interested to learn how this pans out.

 

[motownmama]

It's not any sort of cleaning compound? Did you clean it in the ultrasonic to be certain?

 

[denverappraiser]

Get it inspected immediately by an independent expert. Diamond grading is not the only reason nor is it the only area of expertise for professional appraisers. There's a list of appraisers under the resources tab at the top of the page.

 

[gemstone_newbie]

I swear it sounds like someone used silicone RTV to cement your stone into place. Does the glue have a bit of rubbery texture to it if you poke it with a pen tip?

There's not enough space in the setting for me to try, but that sounds pretty plausible to me

 

[gemstone_newbie]

I'd go back to the store, ask to view it under their loupe magnification (along with the manager at the same time) and then see what they say. If they do not say anything... I'd start to make some noise! There is something fishy going on with the setting - diamonds are not "glued" in to a setting! - and a reputable jeweller would correct that.

keep us in the "loupe"... er... loop!!! I'm interested to learn how this pans out.

That's probably what I'll have to do. Thanks for the suggestion

 

[gemstone_newbie]

It's not any sort of cleaning compound? Did you clean it in the ultrasonic to be certain?

I don't have one at home, so I'd probably have the manager pop the ring in one before we have a look at it.

 

[gemstone_newbie]

Get it inspected immediately by an independent expert. Diamond grading is not the only reason nor is it the only area of expertise for professional appraisers. There's a list of appraisers under the resources tab at the top of the page.

Didn't even think of that. Hopefully it'll lend me a bit of clout. Thank you!

 

[Christina...]

Get it inspected immediately by an independent expert. Diamond grading is not the only reason nor is it the only area of expertise for professional appraisers. There's a list of appraisers under the resources tab at the top of the page.

I agree 100%! Don't waste time either, the sooner you can bring this to the jewelers attention and have the issue resolved the better. You definitely don't want to be accused of tampering with the stone yourself. Keep us posted!

 

[gemstone_newbie]

So the appraiser confirms that the stone is indeed glued in, and that I'm not a crazy woman. Taking it back to the jeweler's asap, and seeing what the manager is going to do about it. Wish me luck!

 

[Enerchi]

So the appraiser confirms that the stone is indeed glued in, and that I'm not a crazy woman. Taking it back to the jeweler's asap, and seeing what the manager is going to do about it. Wish me luck!

I can't imagine that the store would dispute this with you - if you have a written appraisal stating it is glued in... there is nothing further to discuss! If you want a refund, that should be a non-issue. If it were me, I would also probably not purchase from this store again. If they can do that and try and pass it off as acceptable, that is not someone who has earned my trust nor shall they deserve my money.

Good luck Gemstone_newbie- I am eager to hear the outcome!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Good lord. Get a refund and your stone back unharmed and find a better jeweler!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Good lord. Get a refund and your stone back unharmed and find a better jeweler!

Ditto!

Then come back here and let us help you find a nice diamond ring!

 

[Christina...]

OH WOW! I was really really hoping that there was going to be a perfectly logical explanation. Hearing that the 'swanky chain jewelry' held arts and crafts in the back room on your diamond is disturbing to say the least.

Once the stone has been removed, you need to have it re evaluated by an appraiser to make sure that the diamond hasn't sustained any damage. Sorry, this happened to you and I hope that it all works out!

 

[gemstone_newbie]

Well everything's worked out, thank God. The refund is in the bank, and the stone is in good condition. I think it's time to go to that family-run store my cousin's been recommending. Never again to chain stores!

Thank you for all your advice!

 

[yssie]

Oh wow, I missed this - what a crazy story!!

SO glad everything worked out okay for you gn!!

 

[kindred]

I'm so glad you got your money back and the stone is in good condition. I wonder how many people have lost diamonds if gluing them in is their standard practice!

 

[Christina...]

Wow! I'm so happy that this worked out for you!

 

[Enerchi]

Perfect resolution...I'd agree that your next jewelry experience won't be at that chain store! Could be just that particular location, but maybe your cousin is on to something.

Hope you find what you are looking for - good luck and glad it was a good ending.