Mindful Doodles #383 – When the setting costs more than the original
One day, I brought an old pendant to the store for evaluation. I asked them to replace with a new setting. Some folks call it a backing, to hold the stone in place and put a hook for you to thread your necklace chain through, so that you can wear the pendant.
I was taken aback when the jeweller quoted a high price for the metal casing surrounding the pendant. Its original silver backing turned greyish black from tarnish. She explained this would be a special request and has to be handmade. The jewellery maker does not have a ready mould to make this setting for this stone of this unique size.
When Covid-19 started to rear its ugly head in December 2019, many businesses suffered. That jewelry store didn’t survive. After restrictions were eased in June 2020, people could visit the malls for shopping.
I don’t remember exactly when I revisited the store after Covid-19. It had shut without any notice of resuming business. I searched online for any existing branches, but there was none.