David is a recognized expert on fine jewelry and appraisal. Browse the archive of questions and answers from David's Virginia-Pilot/HamptonRoads.com "Ask an expert" column.

Insurance for diamonds
We have insurance through Allstate, but is there a better company with less expensive insurance cost? - Hampton

Average price for an appraisal
What is the average price to have a engagement ring and wedding band with diamonds appraised? Also, do major jewelers purchase jewelry from the general population? - Virginia Beach

I would like to have a diamond ring reset, where should I go?
My mother in law gave me a beautiful diamond ring that is set in an old fashion setting. I have no idea od its worth. It has 5 diamonds of varing size. I would like to find someone repritable to put it in a different setting. - Virginia Beach

What if I want to change the yellow gold in my wedding ring to white gold or even platinum?
My ring is a solitare with a wrap band that has a uniquely beautiful setting. Will you exchange the yellow gold for the white gold or platinum and approx how much would it cost?? I don't want to just dip the outside of the band as I know it will rub off sooner or later. - Suffolk

Price of diamond stud earrings
What is the price range for a 1 ct. (total) pair of diamond stud earrings? - Virginia Beach

Care of emeralds & tanzanite
What is the best way to clean my emeralds and tanzanite rings? Also, is any "preventative maintanence" required? (oiling, etc) thanks very much for your time! - Virginia Beach

Asking your man to marry you
I am involved with a wonderfull man. Normally I would wait for him to pop the question, but I can't wait. I am so in love with him that I want to know now. I am really nervous and have never been in this situation before. What do I say. How does a man react to popping the question. I know women want the romance and spontenanity.. so what about men. How would a man really want to be proposed to. I have children and have been married before. He has no children and never been married. He has become the man of our house. Not only has he taken responsibility for all of us, but he has given all of his heart to each of us.. That is pretty amazing. He has become not just a parental figure but the center of my children's lives and mine. So I would like to propose to him in a manner that would express how deep not just my love is but my children's. How much our lives have changed and improved since he became a part of it. Our family is now finally whole. - Norfolk

What if I have no ring for my man
I asked you "How do I propose to my Man".. now here's the kicker.. What do I do if I can't afford the ring to go with the Proposal? So I have a ring? If not, would the proposal be real or authentic. Is it offensive? Is my Love enough to propose with out a ring? Any suggestions what to use instead of a real RING? Maybe a peice of string? I am at a loss. - Norfolk

Tiny Black lines...
I have a 1 and a half carat princess cut diamond ring...It was bought for me by my husband....It is set in platinum..and is gorgeous. However, if I look closely at my stone it looks as though it has tiny little black lines inside if it...Only a few, and noone else notices. I have asked people before and I have heard everything from....."its a bad quality diamond" to..."It has little cracks in it" It is an absolutley gorgeous ring...I wouldn't give it up for the world...But do you have any idea what those little lines or specs are?? Thank you. PS. I know the cost of the ring and it was emense. I just hope my husband didn't get a real bad deal...He went through so much to get it... - Newport News

The Price of Opals
Why is it that some of the Opals are not too expensive and others cost as much as fancy diamonds? - Chesapeake

Buying a diamond engagement ring
Where is the best place in the Tidewater area to buy a diamond ring as far as value, selection and service is concerned - especially value? - Va. Beach

Loose diamond
The diamond on my engagement ring continually comes loose. Each time I have it tightened it lasts about 3 months then it starts to loosen again. I have a 1.12 carat round stone in a 1 carat platinum setting. A jeweler suggested that my setting size may be too small and a larger setting, 1.25, may be in order. I do admit I am hard on my jewelry but this doesn't seem right. - Chesapeake

Restringing Pearls
What are the benefits of having pearls professionally restrung as opposed to doing it yourself with dental floss? I've heard convincing arguments for both views. - Virginia Beach

Watch faces
I was just wondering is there any way to protect watches, and especially watch faces from being scratched?? I just received a beautiful watch for Christmas and I already scratched it several times... and this was simply from wearing it to work!!! Please advise. Thanks. - Portsmouth, VA

Appraisals?
I have some jewelery my mother gave to me. Some is costume and some is "real". I need appraisals done for the "real" pieces for insurance purposes. What is the going rate for appraisals? And how do I find someone qualified to perform the work? - Virginia Beach

What is an estate piece?