[Jewelry making - Article 00060] - Re: [Orchid] Working with customer's stones

[Matthew Crawford]

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Hannah,

>     How do I protect myself and assure her that the stone is safe? 

    Call Jewelers Mutual and get a Craftsman policy, if you don't have
    one already. It covers more than you'd think, and isn't terribly
    expensive. I pay about $1K/year for $50K replacement coverage, and it
    covers materials as long as they're locked up in my safe. Also covers
    me for $25K when I am carrying goods to and fro (like going to local
    galleries, post office, etc.). 

    Write your customer a reciept for exact (if possible) carat weight
    and quality, and/or have her submit a copy of her last appraisal to
    you so you'll know what you are getting into cost-wise if you cannot
    guesstimate. Be sure to inspect the stone with a loupe before she
    leaves it, and point out not only any damage to the stone, but also
    identifiable inclusions, so that you make sure she knows it's hers
    that she is getting in return. If nothing else, this might help you
    get around the psycological issues of having an expensive stone in
    your studio. Or not. 

    Alternatively, you could take measurements of the stone for the new
    design, and request to have it in your studio only for a couple days
    while you complete the ring/set the stone. This is what I do, even
    with insurance, as it tightens the window that you are in posession
    of the stone. 

Hope this helps,
Matthew
www.matthewdesigns.com
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