[Jewelry making - Article 00126] - Re: [Orchid] Working with customer's stones

[Dennis Loss]

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Hello,

    It is really important to plot the diamond in your customers
    presence, weigh it, measure it, and discuss any thing you see unusual
    about the stone. For example, if it has I1 inclusions show them where
    they are. If it has a chipped girdle show them. Also, if it has a
    culet or anything that is going to show up once the stone has been
    really cleaned show it to them. Usually diamonds come in pretty
    grimy. It is also important if it is an off color diamond, say J or
    lower, show them what it looks like next to white metal before they
    leave. A friend of mine is having an 'unhappy cutomer' experience
    because the little crappy promotional grade tlb 5pointers that the
    customer brought in to use in your new white gold ring look like
    doogy. The customer usually thinks that there diamond is flawless or
    close to it, this is usually not the case. 

    It is also important to come up with a way of having a disclaimer of
    responsibility for replacement in regard to chipping or breakage.
    Stones can break under the best of conditions. Do you want to be
    responsible if the I2 hunk of crap snaps when you remount it? You
    need to explain this to the customer and get them to sign an
    agreement as to services rendered. If they aren't willing to trust
    you and understand the risks involved walk away from the job. 

    I once had an employer who used to tell us [jokingly] that when a
    customer with an emerald came in for a new mounting we were to hand
    them a $100 and send them to the jewelry down the street!! Nine times
    out of ten times the emerald was junk waiting to break and we had to
    replace 3 or 4 pieces of junk every year, because one of the
    designers or a sales person would sell the job because they wanted
    the commission. All work that walks in the door is work that you need
    to take on. 

Good luck Dennis
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