Where do you get/set your stones?

[Picabia]

I''m proposing to my girlfriend soon and doing so is going to involve a road trip, a reunion, and some sneaking around, which means I may need a diversion. I was thinking of buying some inexpensive peridot stones from gem select and having them set in earrings so I have something to give her to throw her off the trail if my sneaking around gets too obvious. Since the search feature is down, were do you get stones set once you buy them? Are basic earring stud settings expensive? And do you like gem select (a pair at 1.4tcw is only $16!).
Thanks!

 

[Kismet]

Just to set stones in a stock mounting, I would go to my local jeweler. Just be warned that the mountings are going to cost significantly more than $16, mainly because the price of gold is sky high and you''ll also be charged a setting fee. My jeweler charges around $30 to set a stone but it can be more depending on how much extra work they have to do.

 

[SB621]

I agree with Kismet- for the gemstones earrings I would either buy from my local jewelry or check out ID Jewelry online and just buy a pair from them. It will be much cheaper, faster and less hassle.

 

[Picabia]

Oh thanks guys, I had no idea! What about sterling settings? Is the cost of the labor still around $30 each (generally?).

 

[marcy]

Setting fees for sterling probably run the same but the mountings would be cheaper. Some jewelers will not work with silver though. I have the best luck with a local independent jeweler. He is very reasonable.

 

[Picabia]

I don''t really know anyone locally. There are a few on ebay for next to nothing. I know you get what you pay for, but what would I be "getting" for $15 peridot studs? Think they''re real? Or not really set in silver?
Thanks of course for all the help.

 

[FrekeChild]

I''d go to Etsy.

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Or actual round peridot earrings:

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There are more, but those seem like what you''re looking for.

I just searched for "silver post earrings peridot" on etsy under jewelry, and thats what popped up. Plus if you approach etsy sellers, they will likely make something to whatever specific guidelines you may have. I''ve found that just about everything on etsy is customizable.

Hope that helps.

 

[jstarfireb]

I send almost 100% of the gems I buy to various Etsy artisans (Julia Kay Taylor is my personal fave, but I''ve also used Heart of Water Jewels, Daniel M, Kyle Anne Metals, Creative Goldsmith, Birka Scandinavian, and Patrick Irla). In particular I think Daniel M could make you something for very little cash and probably could source the stones for you.

 

[chrono]

With the price of gold and setting fee (some jewellers charge a lot more than $30 to set a single stone), you might be better off buying a pre-made pair of earrings online, especially for such an inexpensive pair of peridots. Most jewellers do not work in silver and by the time to add the shipping cost and time to send it back and forth, I still think it''s better to purchase a ready made set.