Are Richard Landi settings really this expensive???

I've seen some of RLandi's work and it is incredible.  His designs are his and his alone and the craftsmanship is 2nd to none.  On a trillion setting however, if you're not in love with the design and you're open to other suggestions you can get a very pretty setting with trillions the same size for considerably less. The *catch* with designer brands (be it Scott Kay, Jeff Cooper, Vatche', Richard Landi, etc.) is their goal is to hook you on their design.  Hook you on it to a point that THAT is the only setting you will want and there is only one way to get that setting. Through one of their authorized distributors.  Same thing could also be said for Verragio.  Their designs are all their own. They lure you in ... they got ya and if you want their product you pay the price or leave it.   We carry some designer brands for the simple reason that people want them and there is no other place to get the *identical* ring unless you want to do business with a company that infringes on the copywrites of others.  Depending on the style of ring most stores that carry brands can generally offer a similar alternative that is less money.  It will not look *identical* to the brand but can sometimes be close.  The tiffany lucida ring is a good example of this as many companies have come out with "x" prongs that look very similar. 

 

The question you have to ask yourself is are you in love with *that* setting or are you open to other options?