my engagement ring nightmare

So, once again I took it to the jeweler that re set the ring... (keep in mind I have no contact at all with the jeweler the ring originally came from because of legal matters we are no longer allowed to speak to each other, go on each others property etc.) So, I took it to the jeweler that re set it, and they sent it off again to have the prongs checked, 2 of the prongs on my center stone were up. So, they fix it and I have it back in a few days. I was very upset at this point because we have had SO much drama with this ring. I finally thought about it and decided, obviously it is a bad setting, bad ring etc. and I just want to get rid of it and start new. Being that my appraisal was $8,000 I figured I would get a decent amount for trade in at a jeweler in my area. I took it to a family owned place and they told me they would give me $1,000 for everything. I was astonished. Of course I told them no thanks. I told my fiance and he said "Forget that". CONT. --

So, I took it to a few other places in the area, and my fiance and I finally decided together that we would just have the ring completely reset. All of my diamonds taken out and reset in a brand new setting.... (At this point I just feel as though my setting is cheaply made, used, and isn't going to hold up). So, the jeweler that was doing the re set told me that it wouldn't cost more than $1,000.. not even close is what he said. So today I go up to the jeweler to take them my GIA cert for my center diamond and they say that it's going to easily be over $1,000 to have it reset. So now I am beyond upset because I don't know what to do. It's either, sell the ring for next to nothing, insure it and it fall apart slowly and have to have it sent off every month to be fixed, or have it reset for the $1,000+ that it will cost. I am so upset, I don't know what to do.. We don't have the money to re set it, we don't have the money to buy another ring in general, CONT --

KKay, i know you're still typing but i have to say, i was just thinking about you a few minutes ago!! FH and I where talking about going to see our insurance agent about adding my ring to the policy since we were going to be in town this coming week, and the whole reason behind it is because of you!I really hope everything works out for you

And i can't wear it if it's just going to keep falling apart...

oh, and the greatest thing about the entire story, all of this has happen within TWO months of us being engaged. I have had this ring for 2 months and it has been hell the entire time. I can't even wear the ring right now because I am afraid I will lose more diamonds and we will continue to have to pay out of pocket.

Just need some advice on what you would do.. I'm confused and lost.

Oh my gosh, I am so happy for you!! that is so GOOD. I am so glad that you learned from my story. I sure wish I had someone that I could of learned from. But, because of my entire situation it has become a way more intense ordeal. I wish I could just go back in time and pick out a ring at Zales or something..

Do you ever take off your ring? Do you sleep in it? Why do the prongs keep coming up?

Could you check and see if another jeweler will reset it for less?

Or, maybe, could you just get a super simple setting for the center diamond for now, keep the rest of the diamonds, and then later go and get a whole new setting after the wedding? Maybe as a first anniversary celebration? Or along with your band?

I'm so sorry you're going through this! What a nightmare! Your ring should be bringing you joy, not angst!

K M. -- Yes, I actually barely wear it because of everything we have gone through with it. It makes me nervous wearing it. I don't sleep in it, I don't shower in it, I don't do dishes in it, I don't wash clothes in it, I don't work in it, I don't work out with it on.. you get the point?.. I wear it out to dinner that's about it... And the one time I do wear it a little more often something happens to it.

Sarvenaz T. -- This is the 2nd jeweler we have asked how much $ to reset, and they have both come up with well over $1000. The main reason being because gold is at it's peak right now, so plain simple settings are still outrageous in price. :/

If you have the ring and setting insured, wouldn't it cover any future damages? I know FI and I just got an independent appraisal so we can insure through jeweler's mutual vs home ins since they have a much better program but if you're stone gets lost or stolen, they give you the $ to replace it. I might suggest you taking your story over to the forums at pricescope.com. It's all jewelry talk there and most of the members are really knowledgable and there are vendors too that could probably give you solid advice. what's the point of an amazing ring if you can't wear it right?

Here's what I would do. Insure the ring. Wear it until it falls apart.

Then collect $, say the heck with this and get an entirely new ring.

I'm really sorry it's such an incredible hassle.

Kkay..check bluenile.com..they have some nice settings..maybe find a setting that's similiar (and less than $1000) and then have the jeweler reset your stone or at least the major one for now.

Definitely insure the ring on a separate policy/jewlery rider. Homeowners has like a $1000 or so limit..not enough to cover the setting let alone a stone.

SXC -- I havent gotten the ring insured yet, because we were trying to figure out if we were going to keep it or not. We were going to insure it through jewelers mutual, thats where the jeweler we used told us to insure through. Thanks for that site, I will definitely try it!

Mrs. S -- Good idea, but I am just so drained at this point of even looking at the ring.. let alone wear it more and have to keep worrying about it falling apart :/...

Groomzilla -- We just arent in a place where we can spend much $ right now, that is the main problem. As of right now I am wearing a fake ring, (CZ that is sterling silver that looks real) Until we figure out what we are going to do :/

I think you should pony up the $1K to get it reset. It's worth that for your peace of mind. Definitely do TONS of research before you have it reset, though! Make sure you're going to a talented and reputable jeweler.

I second what Groomzilla says. A solitaire setting from Bluenile can go for $200 -300 (without the diamond of course), which is far more affordable than what you've been looking at. I can understand that you don't want to pay any more at this point though. If it doesn't work out, then maybe it is best to keep the fake ring for now and wait until the law suit is up. You will probably (hopefully) can reimbursed or something so you'd be able to use that money to get a new ring or reset your diamonds at that time.

Good luck!

I agree with Mrs. S as usual. But I like the idea of getting a simple solitaire band as well. Maybe you could use the little times from the sides of the ring for your wedding band later?

Leanna -- I agree. I want to pay the $1k or more to get it reset how it needs to be done, and it in a setting that is better and looks more quality. Its just up to my fiance. I won't be paying for it, he will, and it just depends on a lot of different things. (money wise).

busybride -- the law suit is already done, we got the diamond out of it so that was all. thanks for the advice!