How Much Does Diamond Mounting Cost?


Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

Mounting a diamond involves choosing from a number settings that can hold the gemstone in place and a type of band that, in turn, holds the setting.

While the diamond is the most important part of an engagement ring, there is great importance in choosing the perfect setting as well as who performs the mounting task since it can have an impact on your entire budget for both the diamond and the setting.

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Well It’s About Damn Time” (CC BY 2.0) by  ilovebutter

How much does diamond mounting cost?

Depending on the type of setting, it should usually run anywhere from $50 to as much as $300 for the complete job.  Keep in mind that this is for the setting of the diamond only and does not include the diamond itself.

For example, DiamondNexus.com offers gemstone setting services starting at $50.

According to an eBay guide, the cost of setting a diamond inside a prong setting through a retail jeweler can range anywhere from $5 to $10 per stone.

Forum members on WeddingBee.com talked about this, and one member, in particular, had said they were charged $300 to have her 5.5mm stone set.   This price, according to her, was the highest out of the quotes she received.  On this same forum thread, another member said the costs would depend on the shape and the size of the stone, but for a 0.3 carat-sized stone, the costs would be in the $120 range.

Factors that affect the price

Labor and workmanship.  Labor rates will greatly depend on the professional you choose and where you live.

Type of setting There are different types of diamond settings.  The more complex the technique may be, the higher the cost.  An invisible diamond setting, for instance, is expensive because it requires a special preparation process and only larger and heavier stones are used.  Also, it is a labor- and time-intensive procedure that requires the skills of a highly experienced and skilled stone setter.

Mounting size.  The size of the mounting may not always fit the size of the diamond, especially if the stone was bought at a different store.  If the setting does not fit the diamond, the jeweler will have to rework the metal, which means extra labor and, therefore, added cost.  Mounting a diamond on an empty mounting that is already the right size and shape usually costs much less.

Design.  Bands with intricate designs require more metal and more time to complete and, therefore, demand a higher rate.

Type of metal.  Some types of metal settings, like platinum, can add up to 30% to the price of the band.

Side stones.  Putting in side diamonds, which are used to highlight the center stone, can double the cost of the setting.

Liability.  Some jewelers charge higher due to the liability involved when working on the diamond.

Time of year.  During the holidays, the cost of setting a diamond is usually higher, with some jewelers quoting as much as $30 a stone.

Diamond mounting overview

Before having your diamond mounted in a particular setting, you may first need to select a setting, and as mentioned, there are different types of settings you can choose from, with the two most popular ones being a prong or bezel.  The mounting process is fairly simple.  The jeweler cuts prongs and files them before setting the stone on the jewelry item.

You can also bring a loose diamond to a jeweler and choose a mounting that fits your stone and preferences. The jeweler typically gauges the size of the diamond, its characteristics and then uses his or her skills to create a quality mount to showcase the stone, making sure that the jewel fits the size of the stone and that the request is perfectly carried out.

During the procedure, the jeweler will re-set the diamond, clean and polish the ring.

What are the extra costs?

You may need to pay for a diamond appraisal, which can come in handy for insurance purposes and also in case the stone gets lost or stolen while in the care of the jeweler.  SEE: “How much does a jewelry appraisal cost?

Some jewelers may charge you for raw materials needed to complete the mounting task.

Tips to know:

When a diamond is chipped while being set, your insurance will not likely cover it.  It is the responsibility of the jeweler to ensure that your diamond is safe and in good condition while it is being set.  To be sure, you must clarify the liability issue with the jeweler before the diamond is mounted.

Ask the jeweler to give you a written record showing the projected cost and the date of completion of mounting the diamond into your preferred setting.

Take note of the diamond’s unique ID number or its unique fingerprint of inclusions and symmetry.  This is to make sure your diamond is not switched with another during the mounting process.

Most jewelers prefer to mount a diamond bought at their store due to liability issues.  Having the same jeweler supply everything may be beneficial for the customer since it keeps the chain of accountability very transparent.

There are some reputable jewelers who will mount a diamond for no charge if both the mounting and the stone were bought from them.

Always ask a potential jeweler what changes and adjustments need to be done to accommodate the stone as these will usually have an effect on the total cost.

Some jewelers may include the shipping cost in the price of the diamond.

Get a copy of the certification of any diamond you are thinking of purchasing.

Questions to ask a professional jeweler

What setting services do you offer?

What is your minimum order requirement?

What is your delivery time frame?

How long have you been in the diamond mounting business?

Do you have options in case I do not like the mounting?

What is your guarantee on the mounting workmanship?

How can I save money?

Shop around.  Compare prices from various jewelers, both online and local jewelers.

Take note of jewelers that offer a lowest price guarantee.  They usually match the price of the item with the lower price.

If you bought the ring from that particular jeweler in the past, some may do mounting for free or a lower price.


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