Why is it so hard to set all these colored gemstones?

[cwt5770]

I have a bunch of loose colored gemstones, many of which aren't stock sizes, and I'm feeling pretty frustrated that it seems there are few vendors to set them.
I know I've seen people here post that Julia B. or Yvonne Raley set their stones, but both recently told me they don't do that for liability reasons.
Is there something I'm missing?
What do you do then if the stone isn't a stock size?

 

[musicloveranthony]

I'm surprised to hear this! I have had many colored gemstones set over the years! The jewelers I work with are always excited to work with something other than a white diamond! I think you're looking at vendors who typically work with diamonds. Look for a master jeweler and they'll be experienced and reliable to set any gemstone.

Jewelers who work primarily with stock settings and diamonds might be tentative to set a colored gemstone since other gemstones require a different approach due to varying hardness, cleavage, and heat sensitivity of other stones. They might not want to deal with the liability.

 

[LD]

The majority of my gemstones haven't been calibrated sizes. Have a look at the pinned thread at the top of this section of Pricescope and you'll find a list of those who have made settings for PSers

 

[voce]

Julia B and Yvonne Raley don't set outside stones for liability reasons. Often times what buyers bring them to set (from ebay or elsewhere) is below the quality of what they sell in their own shop, so a more included stone can break, for example. Try David Klass or Daniel M for vendors that can set the stones for you.

 

[distracts]

When a stone isn't a calibrated size, I have a custom setting made! I'm rather slow at it and I don't think I've ever gotten more than one thing set every year... or two years... which means I collect gems faster than settings, but for me designing something or working with a designer who is designing it is part of the fun! Whether it's a jeweler PS has recommended or a local jeweler, I enjoy figuring out a setting that will have everything I want, involve no compromises, and be something a little more unusual than what is usually seen, even if it's only noticeable up close. It's not the least expensive option, however. If you are more concerned about expense and expediency, it's best to stick to calibrated sizes, which can be pretty hard with gems.

 

[marymm]

Etsy vendor Heart of Water still sets outside stones and does beautiful work in silver, gold and platinum (although personally I no longer feel comfortable mailing my own stones overseas).

If you are open to bezels, I highly recommend etsy vendor Janish Jewels who works in silver and gold -- her pieces are well-crafted and affordable -- she has a quick turnaround and is located in the USA. Her bezels are impeccable.

I also highly recommend David Klass if you are wanting gold or platinum settings.

Obviously the simpler plainer settings are less expensive -- even so, in my own mind, I search for gemstones that please my eye and pocket, and if I am setting one of my stones, I want the setting to be high quality and durable no matter the design -- sometimes I have to wait and save, but it is worth it to me ... YMMV.

eta: 95% of my gemstones are not calibrated sizes and require custom settings. I have spent months even years searching for some of my stones, and I want jewelers/bench people who are skilled and knowledgeable about colored gemstones to be working on my settings. My stones are irreplaceable in my view. I've tried some local jewelers but their quality is less than satisfactory. FWIW I've worked with etsy vendor Daniel M in the past and although affordable and average quality, I subsequently found him unreliable and unprofessional to the extent that I would never work with him again and would not recommend him to anyone.

 

[musicloveranthony]

I have a bunch of loose colored gemstones, many of which aren't stock sizes, and I'm feeling pretty frustrated that it seems there are few vendors to set them.
I know I've seen people here post that Julia B. or Yvonne Raley set their stones, but both recently told me they don't do that for liability reasons.
Is there something I'm missing?
What do you do then if the stone isn't a stock size?

I'm not sure where you're located, but I can personally recommend Sara Commers in Minneapolis. Her work is incredible. I've had custom pieces made by several jewelers (I like to give small businesses my money!!), but she is the one I consistently go back to and who produces the kind of work you see winning awards.

Sara Commers Private Jeweler | Custom Jewelry | Del Mar, Minneapolis, Miami

Sara Commers is a Jewelers of America Certified Bench Jeweler and an Award-Winning Jewelry Designer. Commers Custom Jewelers specializes in creating original and unique designs for their clients in a variety of precious metals.

www.saracommers.com

 

[cwt5770]

Thank you! I am in Northeast Pa, so outside the area. Do you know if she accepts stones via mail? (though I do hate sending them out!)

 

[musicloveranthony]

Thank you! I am in Northeast Pa, so outside the area. Do you know if she accepts stones via mail? (though I do hate sending them out!)

She does! I actually just emailed her today that I'm mailing her a ring where I need the prongs tightened

She loves working with colored gemstones and she has a HUGE collection if you need her to provide any! (I'm not in any way affiliated with her, I'm a nurse. I just love her work and supporting small business!)

 

[CSpan]

I think everyone gave you great suggestions but you will have to mail your stones to any of them. For less expensive stones I like Dan M or Q Custom. I have also seen some etsy vendors who make settings and will customize but I haven't tried them out yet. Another set of options is James Allen will set CS in their settings if the tolerances are close.

 

[ShinyPink]

Josh at Aurosi on etsy will set your stones and modify the settings for size. JuliaB used to set my stones with a waiver, but I guess not anymore. However, I did notice awhile back that some of her settings were found on eBay. I think it was DiamondMounts or something. Ivy & Rose set my stones with modified size as did JamesAllen, but they only set sapphire, ruby, and emerald CS.

 

[fantapanda]

Josh at Aurosi on etsy will set your stones and modify the settings for size. JuliaB used to set my stones with a waiver, but I guess not anymore. However, I did notice awhile back that some of her settings were found on eBay. I think it was DiamondMounts or something. Ivy & Rose set my stones with modified size as did JamesAllen, but they only set sapphire, ruby, and emerald CS.

Seconding Aurosi on etsy. Josh was fast in responding to my questions and provided a reasonable quote. I had a ring set in one of their settings and the work is good. David Klass is another fantastic option.

I don't know if you're near a Diamonds Direct. My local one was fine with setting a sapphire I brought to them, bought a Simon G setting from them and they set it for me without issues.

 

[voce]

Josh at Aurosi on etsy will set your stones and modify the settings for size. JuliaB used to set my stones with a waiver, but I guess not anymore. However, I did notice awhile back that some of her settings were found on eBay. I think it was DiamondMounts or something. Ivy & Rose set my stones with modified size as did JamesAllen, but they only set sapphire, ruby, and emerald CS.

Oh yes, I totally forgot about Ivy & Rose! Just to help the OP, I think PinkAndBlueBling meant just James Allen only sets sapphire, ruby and emerald CS?

Ivy & Rose have set spinels, a tsav, and a spess garnet for me before.

 

[ShinyPink]

I think PinkAndBlueBling meant just James Allen only sets sapphire, ruby and emerald CS?

James Allen will only set your diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. You have to go elsewhere for spinel, garnet, etc. I'm about to send them a sapphire and a diamond because they're having 25% off right now.

I was just looking at Aurosi this morning. I might have to send him another stone or two. His prices are so good right now!