pixies
Shiny_Rock
- Joined
- Jun 10, 2010
- Messages
- 355
After having a custom project not turn out as I had wanted (craftsmanship issues), I've taken time to regroup and decided what I want for my forever ring. I sent a quote request to James Meyer, Caleb Meyer, and Ann Mckay for three stone OEC bezel platform rings. James Meyer is my top choice. I've been drooling over his rings for quite some time now. His platform solitaire is my favorite design of his so I also asked for a quote on that. I was concerned about him not being able to do my project for whatever reason so the other two designers were my back up plan.
I was pleasantly surprised that James responded back within 2 days. In my original email to him I had expressed concerns about a bezeled three stone ring on a size 4-4.5 finger though (I'm not one of the lucky ladies with a small ring size and long, elegant fingers. I look like I have child's hands.
) It seems like my apprehension was called for as James is afraid the ring would in fact look awkward. Coatimundi has a lovely three stone bezel ring as well as a small ring size so I think it can be done as long as you go with small diamonds. I'd chance it for a right hand ring, but with having to scrap my last ring I'm not willing to gamble. I am definitely going to take James' advice and go with the solitaire. That rules Caleb and Ann out because I'm not wild for their solitaires like I am JM's. Lovely, just not what I'm looking for. I'd like to state that James Meyer's quote for the ring was the most reasonable of all of them! I was shocked!
I had asked for a quote on this ring: http://www.jamesmeyerjewelry.com/pieces/1387.htm with a 6mm-ish OEC (warmer colored J, K,L, etc.). I like the white and green gold, but would also like to entertain other color choices such as yellow gold with platinum accents. James sent me pictures of a ring he recently completed as well as the diamond he thinks I should go with. It is a 1.05 K VS1 antique cushion from 1880-1890. The dimensions are 5.6 x 6.3mm.
I don't know if I should publish the exact price but it is hoovering around 5000. I could buy a bigger August Vintage cushion in the same color for that price. http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamondResults.php?shape=16&color=384&optSym=64&resultsColumns=268435471
It should be noted that the antique stone is graded by EGL lab in NY. I know they are soft on grading, but this is typically the type of certification you see on old stones. Color is not important to me so I'm not worried about it being off a grade or two. I think the diamond looks really lovely in the picture, I *love* the soft shape, and James seems to think it's a winner. I much prefer the shape of older cushions to their new antique style counterparts. I spend a lot of time perusing Old World Diamonds. While most older stones have a certain charm even if they aren't the loveliest of the bunch, their are some definite duds as well. So, I definitely expect a pretty antique stone with a nice shape to carry a premium, but do you think it is too high (grossly overpriced, just a bit, or right on target)? I do prefer the charm of an antique stone to a newly cut one (even knowing the newer ones will outperform an older stone), but it does sting a bit to compare it price wise.
If James Meyer accepted outside stones, I'd probably let price be king and get an August Vintage Cushion or Round or scour Old World Diamonds or ebay for a cheaper antique stone. This is not an option though.
So these are my choices:
1. Get this stone
2. Ask if he can find a smaller OEC for less $$$
3. Walk away.
I just love his designs so much it'd be hard to go with this option. After my last jewelry ordeal I want to do it right this time and then be done with it! I know I won't have to worry about quality with him, and it's not a new design so I don't have to worry about not liking it. I think the big question I'm asking is: is it worth it to pay a premium on the stone to work with designer you desire (if that is even the case, it could be fairly priced. I'll wait to hear everyone's feedback)? Suggestions? What would you pick?
I don't know who else I'd go to for a bezeled ring. I am contemplating Single Stone as my next option since I believe they work with customer's stones, but I really haven't seen much of their bezel work. I live in California so I could drive to there showroom to get a good feel for it, but I'm in Monterey so it'd be quite a drive! Anyone have any other suggestions as to who might be good with an interesting bezel design (no pave or diamond accents)? If I don't go with James, I don't wont a copy-cat design. If I go with another designer I will eventually buy a rhr colored stone ring from him.
Also:
I really don't plan on upgrading in the future so the ability to do so isn't important because if years down the line I want something bigger I'd just buy something separate and keep the ring as a rhr as James Meyer pieces are so lovely I would never dream of disassembling one. Sorry for the length. I'm sure there are a multitude of typos and misused words, as I typed this quickly (hopefully you won't hold it against me
).
THANKS IN ADVANCE! I added a poll so even if you don't respond you can vote.
The pictures are of the stone he is suggesting as well as a cushion ring he recently completed in yellow and green gold.


I was pleasantly surprised that James responded back within 2 days. In my original email to him I had expressed concerns about a bezeled three stone ring on a size 4-4.5 finger though (I'm not one of the lucky ladies with a small ring size and long, elegant fingers. I look like I have child's hands.

I had asked for a quote on this ring: http://www.jamesmeyerjewelry.com/pieces/1387.htm with a 6mm-ish OEC (warmer colored J, K,L, etc.). I like the white and green gold, but would also like to entertain other color choices such as yellow gold with platinum accents. James sent me pictures of a ring he recently completed as well as the diamond he thinks I should go with. It is a 1.05 K VS1 antique cushion from 1880-1890. The dimensions are 5.6 x 6.3mm.
I don't know if I should publish the exact price but it is hoovering around 5000. I could buy a bigger August Vintage cushion in the same color for that price. http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamondResults.php?shape=16&color=384&optSym=64&resultsColumns=268435471
It should be noted that the antique stone is graded by EGL lab in NY. I know they are soft on grading, but this is typically the type of certification you see on old stones. Color is not important to me so I'm not worried about it being off a grade or two. I think the diamond looks really lovely in the picture, I *love* the soft shape, and James seems to think it's a winner. I much prefer the shape of older cushions to their new antique style counterparts. I spend a lot of time perusing Old World Diamonds. While most older stones have a certain charm even if they aren't the loveliest of the bunch, their are some definite duds as well. So, I definitely expect a pretty antique stone with a nice shape to carry a premium, but do you think it is too high (grossly overpriced, just a bit, or right on target)? I do prefer the charm of an antique stone to a newly cut one (even knowing the newer ones will outperform an older stone), but it does sting a bit to compare it price wise.
If James Meyer accepted outside stones, I'd probably let price be king and get an August Vintage Cushion or Round or scour Old World Diamonds or ebay for a cheaper antique stone. This is not an option though.
So these are my choices:
1. Get this stone
2. Ask if he can find a smaller OEC for less $$$
3. Walk away.
I just love his designs so much it'd be hard to go with this option. After my last jewelry ordeal I want to do it right this time and then be done with it! I know I won't have to worry about quality with him, and it's not a new design so I don't have to worry about not liking it. I think the big question I'm asking is: is it worth it to pay a premium on the stone to work with designer you desire (if that is even the case, it could be fairly priced. I'll wait to hear everyone's feedback)? Suggestions? What would you pick?
I don't know who else I'd go to for a bezeled ring. I am contemplating Single Stone as my next option since I believe they work with customer's stones, but I really haven't seen much of their bezel work. I live in California so I could drive to there showroom to get a good feel for it, but I'm in Monterey so it'd be quite a drive! Anyone have any other suggestions as to who might be good with an interesting bezel design (no pave or diamond accents)? If I don't go with James, I don't wont a copy-cat design. If I go with another designer I will eventually buy a rhr colored stone ring from him.
Also:
I really don't plan on upgrading in the future so the ability to do so isn't important because if years down the line I want something bigger I'd just buy something separate and keep the ring as a rhr as James Meyer pieces are so lovely I would never dream of disassembling one. Sorry for the length. I'm sure there are a multitude of typos and misused words, as I typed this quickly (hopefully you won't hold it against me

THANKS IN ADVANCE! I added a poll so even if you don't respond you can vote.
The pictures are of the stone he is suggesting as well as a cushion ring he recently completed in yellow and green gold.

