As usual, a newbie needs advice (Setting)

[jfaller]

All:


I have been a lurker for months now. I have a few concerns that I haven''t seen addressed in other posts, and I am looking for advice.

My g/f is an extremely petite woman (4''9", finger=4.5), and we''ve been shopping for rings a couple of times. Because she''s so small, it looks like I get off lucky, b/c anything larger than about 80pts looks ridiculous on her (read:gaudy). I have been doing some research in B&M/Internet stores, and have a good idea that I am going to spend ~3500 for a pretty high quality rock around 0.75. Although I think this is just a gesture, and find it kind of frivolous, I am okay with that kind of money for the stone. The real problem is the setting.

The only setting she really has liked was the fabrikant setting available on the main page. I have found a local dealer (outside Boston) that can get me an example before Fabrikant starts shipping them, but I have been quoted a price of ~3300. [Paved goes 1/2way on the ring I want.]

This seems exhorbitant. The total (~7000) is well over what I wanted to spend (~5000).

Does anyone have advice on what I can do to get the costs down? Would it be reasonable to go to a jeweler and have them make something for less? I know she''d be happy with anything, but I would like to get her what she''s liked.

 

[lsmathis1]

That is a very pretty setting. While I can't offer too much help (because I'm not a settings expert) I would assume that you could get a custom setting for considerably less. "Where" in your area, I do not know - maybe others can help here, but I also seem to recall there maybe being an online site that does custom work???

The setting seems a bit expensive, but hard to say not knowing the diamond sizes in the pave setting...what ct. weight, do you know?

 

[Diamondsbybree]

You can have a similar one made. Is the metal platinum?

 

[Michael_E]

jfaller,
That particular setting can be made for quite a bit less than the $3300 that you quoted. There is probably around 1/2 carat of high quality diamonds and the bands can be fabricated in either white gold or platinum for a more reasonable amount, although in platinum the cost will be substantially more than in white gold. Unless there is something not shown, such as a paved ring under the center stone or some other cost "enhancing" feature, you should be able to get this entire ring for very close to the price limit that you desire.

 

[diamondliz]

Is the mounting she wants in platinum? If so, a jeweler who makes custom jewelry can make it in white gold for a signifigant price cut. Platinum is nearly twice as expensive as white gold.

 

[WinkHPD]

Hehe! I am guessing that you will find in a few years that .80 will NOT be the largest stone that she looks good in. I have a lovely client with 3.75 finger size and who is very tiny who looks absolutely incredible with a 3ct stone. It does not look at all gaudy on her because of the way she carries herself.

She is a commanding presence when she enters the room and I think she could easily wear much larger if she chose.

Stand back and enjoy the growth as your lives reach out together. In a few years I am betting she too will be able to wear what ever she wants. You may be lucky that this is small today, but if you are incredibly lucky she will become a powerful lady to face life with. May you grow with her stride for stride.

Wink

 

[KBerly]

Wink...you are just great

I love reading your posts...right on

 

[jfaller]

----------------
On 8/11/2004 9:41:32 PM diamondliz wrote:

Is the mounting she wants in platinum? ----------------

She does want platinum, and I understand it will be a 2x price difference. It's the sticker shock on the Fabrikant setting that concerns me. The other settings I have been considering (2 pear sides [0.45tctw], and sapphires, both in Pt), are all much less than the Fabrikant (~900). Even others with more complicated designs (to my untrained eye) are cheaper by 1500!!!

I definitely would like to get this setting. Without violating any Pricescope rules, does anyone recommend a jeweler in the northeast I could work with? I live in MA, but easily can get to NH, VT, RI, CT, ME, NY, PA, MD, DE, and DC. (not really NJ)

I would like the piece to be very delicate -- not bulky, or too high off her finger. I am willing to spend my budget (and possibly more), but don't want to get taken advantage of (which I feel I am with the Fabrikant setting).


I appreciate everyone's feedback. Thanks in advance.

 

[Diamondsbybree]

Not Ohio?

 

[elepri]

Isn't Mark Morrell somewhwere in MA? I'd contact him to see if he can make a custom setting for you. I have no idea what his prices are like but his work (from what i've seen on line) is exquisite.