I think that whatever you have at the point of your mom's birthday, it will be a fine gift and your mom will love it. If she wishes it were something else, then she can proceed. You have done so much to get to this point.
Diamond Pendant/Necklace, fixed setting VS bail setting?
- Thread starter orbitallee
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@Shopgirl1996 I have an update for youMy 0.56 carat is going through with the 4th repair try!! They’re unwilling to re-mount it in a new setting for me
However they’ll try to move the bails down to where they belonged LOL. So it’ll take another 2 weeks or so for another dose of reality!
I’m currently stuck with a dilemma. If I do decide to return the 0.56 after the 4th try, it will only be refunded for merchandise credit. I’m worried by the time I decide to return it for merchandise credit (granted if this try doesn’t work out), it’ll be way past my mom’s birthday
OK. Crossing my fingers for you. Let's hope the 4th repair is good.
If it comes back not right, I would return it and get full credit back. You can dispute it with your credit card if need be. Just show them all the correspondence and pictures.
I feel for you about it not being ready for your mom on her birthday, but it's better that you get it resolved now. If you wait, they might charge you more for the repairs. I'm so sorry this is such a headache for you.
In case things don't work out and if you are looking for an alternative to this necklace (and you don't mind it not being Tiffany), I saw on the JamesAllen.com website that they have the split bail setting you are looking for. It comes in platinum and you can choose you own diamond. They frequently have 25% off sales. The settings go on sale. The loose diamonds aren't included in the sale.
Platinum Four Prong Basket Solitaire Diamond Pendant (Mounting)
This light four prong wire basket is designed to showcase the unique beauty of a round brilliant diamond of your choice. This lovely solitaire pendant is attached to an 16-18 adjustable cable link chain. Truly a classic design that is perfect for any occasion. Center diamond or gemstone purchase...
Good luck and let me know how it goes!
@CoastalCouture Thank you for your reassurance
I think she’s very appreciative of the thought of the gift. As long as it lays flat on her neck this time around, I think we will just keep it as is.@Shopgirl1996 Thank you so muchOK. Crossing my fingers for you. Let's hope the 4th repair is good.
If it comes back not right, I would return it and get full credit back. You can dispute it with your credit card if need be. Just show them all the correspondence and pictures.
I feel for you about it not being ready for your mom on her birthday, but it's better that you get it resolved now. If you wait, they might charge you more for the repairs. I'm so sorry this is such a headache for you.
In case things don't work out and if you are looking for an alternative to this necklace (and you don't mind it not being Tiffany), I saw on the JamesAllen.com website that they have the split bail setting you are looking for. It comes in platinum and you can choose you own diamond. They frequently have 25% off sales. The settings go on sale. The loose diamonds aren't included in the sale.
Platinum Four Prong Basket Solitaire Diamond Pendant (Mounting)
This light four prong wire basket is designed to showcase the unique beauty of a round brilliant diamond of your choice. This lovely solitaire pendant is attached to an 16-18 adjustable cable link chain. Truly a classic design that is perfect for any occasion. Center diamond or gemstone purchase...www.jamesallen.com
Good luck and let me know how it goes!
They gave me a call today, saying they received it for the repair in NY. Interestingly enough, the lady told me the first repair was done in NJ. She’s telling me she’ll drop by and check if they’re working on it properly. The original SA that worked with me said I could get a full refund for merchandise credit only. I feel bad for her, since this wasn’t her fault. If the 4th repair works, I no longer need to pester her over this LOL.
And yes I agree!! At least I showed my mom how it looks in person before it’s off to NY again
I wonder why they’re so against the idea of remounting...I’d rather pay to remount it and get it over with. But the repair lady assured me they really don’t remount. Thank you so much for your link
That setting looks 100% of what I’m hoping for. The right bale placement, everything. If this really doesn’t work out, I may return the Tiffany. At least this necklace setting looks like it won’t tilt forward on her neck. 
@CoastalCouture Thank you for your reassurance
@Shopgirl1996 Thank you so much
The original SA that worked with me said I could get a full refund for merchandise credit only. I feel bad for her, since this wasn’t her fault. If the 4th repair works, I no longer need to pester her over this LOL.
And yes I agree!! At least I showed my mom how it looks in person before it’s off to NY again
Thank you so much for your link
NY should have a good repair center since it's their flagship store. I really like how the lady said she would drop by and check on it.
Aah, I see now about the return for credit since it's an alteration. I hope they get it right for you this time.
The reviews for the James Allen necklace are really positive!
Unbelievable! I am sorry that you have to go through all this inconvenience. For Tiffany it must be normally a very easy repair. I got some of my pieces repaired several times and it was perfectly done every time and quick as well. Definitely you should return if the 4th repair is not satisfactory.
Here’s the update for you
Unfortunately the 4th repair was 100% in the NY repair center, and it was worse than the 3rd repair attempt! The lady assigned to my case did not drop by and check on it, she said the “repair team worked so quickly, it’s already ready for pickup at your store”. During all my attempts for the repair, I was never once given a photo prior to pickup.
Also picking up the altered piece in store is a huge disservice towards the actual repair job. The store lighting makes everything look sparkly, that makes it hard to judge the actual craftsmanship.
When I picked up the 4th attempt, I noticed that they removed the jump rings that connect the chain to the bails. Instead they soldered the chain directly to the bails. I was about to accept the piece, when I noticed one side had two chain links soldered into the bail hole. I couldn’t yank it out to straighten it/it was melted in. So basically the job was done unevenly.
I was so disappointed, and two different SAs from two different stores said the same thing: “I never tell my clients to get their pieces altered unless there’s damage”. I guess that’s very telling.
I don’t mean to discredit their repair center, but if you have a perhaps more complex job than this repair of mine…I don’t recommend it. Not worth the hassle.
Luckily I was able to return the altered piece (altered the day I ordered it…it’s been a little over two months haha). I was able to afford a 0.63 one that came in the existing fixed setting! Turns out to purchase the diamond necklaces in this setting (not the annoying single sliding bail one), you need at least a 0.60 carat weight. I purchased a 0.61 carat one to compare the normal “Tiffany Standard” setting (I laugh at that term now). Mom prefers the sparkle of the 0.63 carat!
Here’s some photos of the poor 4th repair attempt (they told me they gave me LEEWAY & PATIENCE LMAO to have me repair it so many times). And the new baby
Wow!! I have to know which bench jeweler worked on your pieces :O I’m so jealous…the 4th attempt failed miserably (worse than the previous attempt). So I gave up and had to fork out more money for the setting I was looking for. Thank you for your concern
Here’s the update for you
Unfortunately the 4th repair was 100% in the NY repair center, and it was worse than the 3rd repair attempt! The lady assigned to my case did not drop by and check on it, she said the “repair team worked so quickly, it’s already ready for pickup at your store”. During all my attempts for the repair, I was never once given a photo prior to pickup.
Also picking up the altered piece in store is a huge disservice towards the actual repair job. The store lighting makes everything look sparkly, that makes it hard to judge the actual craftsmanship.
When I picked up the 4th attempt, I noticed that they removed the jump rings that connect the chain to the bails. Instead they soldered the chain directly to the bails. I was about to accept the piece, when I noticed one side had two chain links soldered into the bail hole. I couldn’t yank it out to straighten it/it was melted in. So basically the job was done unevenly.
I was so disappointed, and two different SAs from two different stores said the same thing: “I never tell my clients to get their pieces altered unless there’s damage”. I guess that’s very telling.
I don’t mean to discredit their repair center, but if you have a perhaps more complex job than this repair of mine…I don’t recommend it. Not worth the hassle.
Luckily I was able to return the altered piece (altered the day I ordered it…it’s been a little over two months haha). I was able to afford a 0.63 one that came in the existing fixed setting! Turns out to purchase the diamond necklaces in this setting (not the annoying single sliding bail one), you need at least a 0.60 carat weight. I purchased a 0.61 carat one to compare the normal “Tiffany Standard” setting (I laugh at that term now). Mom prefers the sparkle of the 0.63 carat!
Here’s some photos of the poor 4th repair attempt (they told me they gave me LEEWAY & PATIENCE LMAO to have me repair it so many times). And the new baby
View attachment 5790682View attachment 5790683View attachment 5790684View attachment 5790685View attachment 5790686View attachment 5790687
I'm glad you didn't accept a subpar repair! If I understand correctly, you were able to return the defective necklace for one you were satisfied with and one that your mom liked even more? If so, I am so happy you got what you wanted and your mom was happy.
@Shopgirl1996 Oh yeah they said that it looks close enough to the photo reference I sent of the correct setting. I think for the price point, I didn’t want to accept something brand new that looked like that. I thought James Allen’s craftsmanship looked better than my repaired Tiffany (and it costs a fraction). But to reach the carat weight (minimum 0.60 carat) I wanted for that fixed setting, it was $1.5K more…
I ended up returning the piece, but I could only return it for merchandise credit. Even though the piece was well over 30 days & altered, they gave me a one time exception. Thank you for your support during this difficult journey LOL
That being said I do have some tips for future eager Tiffany repair clients:
1. If you do a repair job, bring it to the store and have them send it to the repair center on your behalf (high value items are usually more securely dealt with between the store & repair center). Have them actually send it to the NY repair center (granted this is if you want to take a chance). Apparently when I ordered the diamond pendant online, the online SA directly sent it to the New Jersey repair center (imo they’re both not that great but hey).
2. If you want to pick up a repair job, don’t have them send it to you. Pick it up in store and examine it. That way you have someone in person to assist you.
3. If you are NOT satisfied with the repair job, DO NOT accept it. Accepting means bringing it home/calling it a day.
4. I was told if I wanted a remount for the piece, instead of altering the existing setting it was in, I would HAVE TO PAY. So whatever the SAs tell you, “oh they’ll change the setting for you for free”, isn’t exactly 100% true. Changing the setting in their definition means shaving off the bail and soldering on the new bails. Not completely remounting into a newly casted setting. The wording is a bit confusing.
I ended up returning the piece, but I could only return it for merchandise credit. Even though the piece was well over 30 days & altered, they gave me a one time exception. Thank you for your support during this difficult journey LOL
That being said I do have some tips for future eager Tiffany repair clients:
1. If you do a repair job, bring it to the store and have them send it to the repair center on your behalf (high value items are usually more securely dealt with between the store & repair center). Have them actually send it to the NY repair center (granted this is if you want to take a chance). Apparently when I ordered the diamond pendant online, the online SA directly sent it to the New Jersey repair center (imo they’re both not that great but hey).
2. If you want to pick up a repair job, don’t have them send it to you. Pick it up in store and examine it. That way you have someone in person to assist you.
3. If you are NOT satisfied with the repair job, DO NOT accept it. Accepting means bringing it home/calling it a day.
4. I was told if I wanted a remount for the piece, instead of altering the existing setting it was in, I would HAVE TO PAY. So whatever the SAs tell you, “oh they’ll change the setting for you for free”, isn’t exactly 100% true. Changing the setting in their definition means shaving off the bail and soldering on the new bails. Not completely remounting into a newly casted setting. The wording is a bit confusing.
@Shopgirl1996 Oh yeah they said that it looks close enough to the photo reference I sent of the correct setting. I think for the price point, I didn’t want to accept something brand new that looked like that. I thought James Allen’s craftsmanship looked better than my repaired Tiffany (and it costs a fraction). But to reach the carat weight (minimum 0.60 carat) I wanted for that fixed setting, it was $1.5K more…
I ended up returning the piece, but I could only return it for merchandise credit. Even though the piece was well over 30 days & altered, they gave me a one time exception. Thank you for your support during this difficult journey LOL
That being said I do have some tips for future eager Tiffany repair clients:
1. If you do a repair job, bring it to the store and have them send it to the repair center on your behalf (high value items are usually more securely dealt with between the store & repair center). Have them actually send it to the NY repair center (granted this is if you want to take a chance). Apparently when I ordered the diamond pendant online, the online SA directly sent it to the New Jersey repair center (imo they’re both not that great but hey).
2. If you want to pick up a repair job, don’t have them send it to you. Pick it up in store and examine it. That way you have someone in person to assist you.
3. If you are NOT satisfied with the repair job, DO NOT accept it. Accepting means bringing it home/calling it a day.
4. I was told if I wanted a remount for the piece, instead of altering the existing setting it was in, I would HAVE TO PAY. So whatever the SAs tell you, “oh they’ll change the setting for you for free”, isn’t exactly 100% true. Changing the setting in their definition means shaving off the bail and soldering on the new bails. Not completely remounting into a newly casted setting. The wording is a bit confusing.
Wow, I feel like Tiffany's customer service has really declined.
Good advice given here!
I hope you are now relaxed after this very tough journey. I hope your mom enjoys this very special gift from you.
Thanks for sharing your experience. You saved me from a potential massive waste of time. In the past I have always been pleased with the service I receive, but it feels like things are changing. I took my daughter to Tiffany the past week to pick out a necklace for a milestone. My daughter wanted a platinum solitaire. The only one they had in a size she liked was on a bail. The SA was very insistent that they could change this to the standard and it would only take about a week. I remembered this thread, and pulled my daughter to the side explaining if they do this wrong it could be a time consuming headache. She is moving in a month, so we don't have time for all this back and forth. In the end she found and preferred a diamond pendant from Cartier. Whew!
I feel like there’s still nice SAs, but with the repair center you might need better luck to find skilled jewelers (in the NJ & NY repair center). I’ve heard of others getting decent alterations, but personally LOL…Wow, I feel like Tiffany's customer service has really declined.
Good advice given here!
I hope you are now relaxed after this very tough journey. I hope your mom enjoys this very special gift from you.
Also another interesting point I wanted to make was that if I had chosen the remounting route (with additional payment), the repair center lady told me it would be assigned to a “lead jeweler”. My concern was, why was my case (attempted 4 times) not assigned to a lead jeweler right away? I feel as though some people may have had luck because the lead jeweler took on their cases.
Your reassurance really helped solidify my decision thank you! You’ve been so caring, I wish you worked at Tiffany & took charge of my case LOL
Yes she’s happy with the new setting, and how it won’t slide around when she’s working in the hospital! So grateful
I’m so happy I could help you through this post!! Maybe others will have better luck than me, but I just had to share my personal experience. Oh yeah, I was told the same. That it would take no longer than a week. I guess it makes sense that they just alter the existing setting because the basket (bottom part of the setting) has the certification number engraved on it. I was hoping they would either solder the new bails on properly by the second time, or just remount it for free. I think the SAs aren’t 100% sure what goes on in the repair center (which isn’t their fault, they’re probably just trying to help). After numerous calls & emails to the repair center, I feel uncertain. Congratulations to your daughter! I’m guessing she went for the d’Amour line from Cartier for the fixed standard setting! You’re so kind, I’m sure she’ll wear it in good health & happiness
I feel like there’s still nice SAs, but with the repair center you might need better luck to find skilled jewelers (in the NJ & NY repair center). I’ve heard of others getting decent alterations, but personally LOL…
Also another interesting point I wanted to make was that if I had chosen the remounting route (with additional payment), the repair center lady told me it would be assigned to a “lead jeweler”. My concern was, why was my case (attempted 4 times) not assigned to a lead jeweler right away? I feel as though some people may have had luck because the lead jeweler took on their cases.
Your reassurance really helped solidify my decision thank you! You’ve been so caring, I wish you worked at Tiffany & took charge of my case LOL
Yes she’s happy with the new setting, and how it won’t slide around when she’s working in the hospital! So grateful
Oh, you are just so nice!
If I did work at Tiffany I would do my best to make sure people got the royal treatment. But at the same time, I would probably be broke working there. Too much temptation not enough money. 
That is a bit strange about the "lead jeweler" bit.
I have had two alterations done at Tiffany in the past - an engagement ring resizing and a necklace lengthening with a jump ring. Both alterations were flawless, and it did only take 1-2 weeks. I just feel so bad for you with this experience, but I am so happy that you didn't give up and that you got what you wanted in the end.
Please share a pic of the new necklace if you are so inclined.
Thank you for your kind words. She is over the moon with her choice. She chose the C de Cartier (?). She passed on the Amour, she wanted a solitaire not in a bezel.I’m so happy I could help you through this post!! Maybe others will have better luck than me, but I just had to share my personal experience. Oh yeah, I was told the same. That it would take no longer than a week. I guess it makes sense that they just alter the existing setting because the basket (bottom part of the setting) has the certification number engraved on it. I was hoping they would either solder the new bails on properly by the second time, or just remount it for free. I think the SAs aren’t 100% sure what goes on in the repair center (which isn’t their fault, they’re probably just trying to help). After numerous calls & emails to the repair center, I feel uncertain. Congratulations to your daughter! I’m guessing she went for the d’Amour line from Cartier for the fixed standard setting! You’re so kind, I’m sure she’ll wear it in good health & happiness
The SA I used to use retired after 25 years. She was a pro! She knew her stuff! If she was still there, I definitely would have done the modification because I know she would communicate it clearly. The SA did tell me that they would have to send it to NY. That made me side eye the 1 week turn around.