Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Hoost]

6 months in Korea and I finally have an emergency which warrants the necessary help from all of you guys.

I will say THANKS in advance.

----issue at hand-----

I have in possession a:

-1 carat diamond engagement ring
-platinum 4 prong band
-purchased from BlueNile.com (delivered by parents)
-total cost approx. $8,000
-size US 8


Predicament:

-My girlfriend's size is KOREAN size 8, not US size 8
-thus, my ring is WAAAY too big

Problems:

-I cannot change the size at a reputable jeweler in a Dept. store as i must have their brand... i checked with many
-I do not speak Korean (though I'm gyopo)
-I have an inherent mistrust of small individual jewelry shops
-I cannot return my ring nor do I wish to fork over 1million won to switch the diamond onto a new ring.

Help I need from you:

-Anyone know of a trusted jewelry shop that can resize platinum rings that are not bought from that store?
-I live in Seoul (Gangnam)


I'm in a bind here, and on a timeline. Help me please.

[kiwiduncan]

Just give the platinum ring to me and I'll whip up something for your fiancee with a colourful bit of pipe cleaner.

Would you prefer red or green?

[madoka]

A diamond of that size usually has a certification of some kind. That could serve as proof of what diamond you brought them. You could also buy a loupe (a cheapie runs under $20) and memorize/compare the markings on your diamond with your certification. Then examine the diamond after it is resized. If you are really freaked out about it, you could ask them how long it takes and watch them do it.

I totally understand where you are coming from though. Something so small and yet it costs so much. Good luck.

[Forward Observer]

Why can't you have the diamond removed and replace on a proper sized ring? Cost?

[ChinaBoy]

Why can't your girlfriend get it resized for her? Any normal girl would certainly know how to do this.

[fortysixyou]

Simple.

Take it to a jewelry store.

Tell them you need it resized.

Insist on watching.

Don't let the ring out of your sight.

Tell them up front you're going to be watching. If they're not cool with that, walk away.

[ajmg8808]

I know you said men, but I though I'd give my 2 cents...I had no idea I was getting engaged and my husband had the perfect ring, but it was 1 1/2 sizes too big and I wanted to wear it right away, so I had it resized myself. Does she know that you know her ring size? If she doesn't know than you could play dumb and give it to her and then see if she knows someone who she trusts to size it.

[Hyeon Een]

Go to Jongro-3-ga to one of the ring shops there. They're pretty reputable and not fly-by-night operations that are going to rip you off. I had a ring resized there no problem. Even if you don't speak Korean at least act like you know the lay of the land and not just a tourist, or perhaps drop comments about Korean family members in the area if you're nervous. I don't imagine you'll have any problems there, most of the shops have been there for years and intend to stay there for many more.

[moosehead]

with all due respect - those shops in Jongno are the LAST place I'd take an $8000 ring to - even to clean!!

OP - find out where the best jeweler is in Seoul - probably somewhere in Apkeujeong or over on Rodeo near the Galleria - walk in with her (if she knows about it?) and have them resize while you wait - it's not a big deal - they'll cut the ring and eliminate a small part - if you are paying for this make sure you get the piece of gold back or else tell them to deduct for it from the cost - after they've quoted you of course and done the work -

[Mr. Pink]

My suggestion is take it to Tiffany's. They have shops located in department stores like Lotte in Myungdong. They sell 10-20 grand rings, I'm sure they have someone who can do resizes.

[madoka]

[Hoost]

kiwiduncan - I applaud your general wittiness. However as this is a really big problem for me, you comment was entirely unhelpful. I'd prefer green.

madoka - yes, the diamond does have a GIA certification. I have never used a loupe and really wouldn't know what to look for. It takes about 7 days (I've been quoted) from bigger jewelry stores... as they "send it away".

forward observer - cost and a waste

china boy - 1) because i haven't "popped the question yet"
2) she's not a normal girl, she's better than normal

fortysixyou - simple? have you actually had first hand knowledge doing this? Can the whole process be watched and how long does this take?

ajmg8808 - she does know that I know her ring size, she's been anticipating my proposal for awhile. Even if i give it to her "as-is" we will still have the same issue of where to size and how (trusted jeweler) later on. =(

hyeon + moosehead : I will be going to Jongno Monday... personally it seems shady. I will try to have them pop out the diamond in front of me perhaps... i'm getting DESPERATE.

Mr Pink - madoka is right, big stores only size rings you buy from them.



-AHHHHH... i'm losing hope, and SUPER frustrated. I'll update you guys from my Jongro experience later. Wish me luck and give me any advice dealing with those folks if you have it. Believe me, I feel totally out of my element.

(thanks for all the GREAT input)

[Passions]

If you're a gyopo, don't you have relatives there who can help?

Take a cousin, aunt, uncle, or whoever can help.

[madoka]

Take your GIA certificate to the jeweler. Have them show you all the flaws in your diamond with their loupe (or they may have a microscope) and match it up against the diagram in your certification. They are now on notice not to screw with you. After the adjustment, check again to make sure you have the correct diamond. Nobody in their right mind would try to rip you off if you have a good cert like GIA.

[Mr. Pink]