Not every jeweler has the ability to take your “old” jewelry and design it into a stunning new piece of jewelry. It takes some design sense – and a craftsman who can take the design ideas to the bench.

Some jewelers will have the design ability, but need to have the piece created elsewhere. This means your gemstones will need to leave the store and be in the care of another (unknown) person at some other location. This may even involve shipping your gemstones out of town or out of the state.

You need some assurances here.  First, the jeweler should assure you that your gemstones are insured. Second, you need to agree on a replacement value.  Don’t know what they’re worth?  The jeweler could show you something in the store which is similar. This could help assure you that the value is fair. Or, you could choose to have the gems appraised by an independent appraiser before you leave them with the jeweler.  This will cost you – so you may not want to incur additional charges if the gemstones have sentimental value only. After all, all the insurance in the world can’t replace your exact gemstones!    …Dii