Bent out of shape over the Ritani Endless Love?

[AllenDawg]

Ok, so I am in the home stretch of my search for the perfect platinum e-ring for my lovely gf. Like so many of you, I am stuck between these two fairly similar designs to hold the 1.41 ct princess-cut stone I have in my possession:

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/ritani-jewelry/rings/06QQ1/24/

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/The--Legato--with-Micro-Pave_1071.htm

Unfortunately, budget will most likely win out forcing me to go with the WhiteFlash (I know... cry for me, huh?) since I am stuck on getting 2 matching wedding bands, 1 on each side sitting flush, at the same time I purchase the e-ring. I am still holding out hope that I can find the Ritani trio for an absolute steal but that is looking like less and less of a possibility.

Anywho, what I really want to inquire about is something that MAY take the beloved designer ring out of the running if true. What I was told by someone I consider to be a reputable jeweler (using PS recommendations) is that the Ritani is so narrow (I believe between 1.5 and 1.7 mm) as opposed to the WhiteFlash offering (around 2 mm) it bends out of shape EASILY. In fact, it was exactly stated that you can squeeze the top and bottom of the ring to where they touch with only minimal force.

Does anyone have any strong opinions on whether or not this is true? I am obviously especially asking current Ritani owners considering the company''s reputation seems to be so stellar around here.

Thanks.

 

[neatfreak]

Not true. Mine was subject to quite a bit of abuse and it was very very sturdy. What the jeweler doesn't know is that they build it up height wise, so it is very sturdy. I wouldn't worry about it.

And I don't know what he's squeezing with. Maybe you could do that with vice grips or something...but certainly NOT with any normal amount of force! Mine got slammed into things quite a few times and was always totally fine.

 

[JulieN]

It''s thicker than that.

Ritani wouldn''t be so popular for this if they didn''t do it well.

 

[mrssalvo]

I'm not a ritani owner but reseached the heck of the line when looking for my upgrade and I don't believe that is true at all. Ritani actually makes one of the most durable pave settings out there with owners very seldom having problems with losing stones. the bands are narrow, just under 2mm (like 1.9 and you can request them be made 2mm) but are built up a little higher and the stones are set a little deeper which increases durability.

 

[AllenDawg]

Wow, that certainly was quick. I figured that would fire up some of you Ritani supporters. Still open to more confirmation so please chime in.

Oh, and if anyone knows a way of beating Pearlman''s price (I am probably reaching here) on the setting and bands, please please PLEASE let me know. My girlfriend would forever be in your debt.

Also, any opinions on my idea of two wedding bands with either e-ring?

 

[mrssalvo]

i do want to add that plat. is softer than WG and any plat ring *can* bend. but it's not limited to just Ritani.

as for price, pearlmans usually beats most of their competitors and if you can find the price lower, they will pricematch (you can check the pricematch info on their site to be sure) Did you ask them if they would give you a little price break if you buy all three bands?

personally, I do like the look of all 3 bands but a few of the gals here that own them say that when they wear all 3, it makes their center diamond look smaller

and the bands kind of all blend in. you could always do one band now and then get the second for a one year anniversary present!!

 

[JulieN]

Date: 2/21/2008 2:55:52 PM
Author: mrssalvo
personally, I do like the look of all 3 bands but a few of the gals here that own them say that when they wear all 3, it makes their center diamond look smaller

and the bands kind of all blend in. you could always do one band now and then get the second for a one year anniversary present!!

yep...i think it blends in.

 

[AllenDawg]

So taking into account my budget of $5K total, you two are suggesting that I get the Ritani with one band now (and possibly adding another at a later time but with the strong chance that the second band will never happen) over the WhiteFlash version with 1 or 2 bands?

Hopefully I am not oversimplifying your opinions. Thanks so much already.

 

[Sparkles22]

I personally like the look of the Ritaini

over the WF one you posted. I would rather have only 1 band with the e-ring and have it be ritaini with the possibility of getting the other one later.

I have mixed feelings about 2 bands with the e-ring anyway, I think 1 band shows your married and the second one

But it makes sense to me as an anniversary band to have band #2.... I''m a weirdo sorry!

Besides... skinny bands make your stone look bigger (like a pushup LOL)

 

[cutey TT]

I have the Ritani Endless Love (see avatar), and it is definitely not bent out of round. Mine is platinum, and I wear it pretty much 24/7. I am not especially hard on it, but I don''t baby it either. I also throw it in the ultrasonic whenever I get a chance...no lost stones, no issues whatsoever. It''s much sturdier than it looks. mrssalvo is right, it is just a touch under 2 mm and I love that it looks so delicate, yet doesn''t need to sit in the jewelry box all day.

I don''t wear it with a band, only cuz I never got around to ordering the matching one. Personally though, I like it best with just 1 matching band. With two, it just becomes really thick-looking...and to me, defeats the purpose of having such a thin shank.

 

[iheartscience]

I haven''t heard of many Ritani owners having problems with their rings. Have you seen them in person? I have, and like what everyone else is telling you, they''re kind of "tall." I think you should go for the Ritani if that''s what your girlfriend really wants and loves. If you can''t afford it now, I would just do an inexpensive plain white gold setting and reset the diamond later.

And I may be telling you something you''ve already thought of, but there''s really no need to buy the e-ring and 2 wedding bands at the same time! Buy just the e-ring now, get the wedding band when it''s time for the wedding, and get the third one whenever you can afford it! It''s highly unlikely Ritani will stop making those bands, and if they did, you''d be able to find a couple before they completely vanished!

 

[TaraLeigh]

I much prefer the Ritani set... although I am more than a little biased because I have that set too! I could never even imagine my ring bending, there is a lot of platinum in there because it is built up high - LOVE it!

If you love the look of three rings then why don''t you save the 2nd band for your first anniversary... make it something special to look forward to.

 

[surfgirl]

I always think if you can swing the original, better to go that that. And if you can only afford the Ritani ering now, then do that and save for the 1st band. I agree, no need to give two bands at once. Give her something to look forward to!

 

[dani13]

Date: 2/21/2008 3:26:15 PM
Author: Sparkles22
I personally like the look of the Ritaini

over the WF one you posted. I would rather have only 1 band with the e-ring and have it be ritaini with the possibility of getting the other one later.


I have mixed feelings about 2 bands with the e-ring anyway, I think 1 band shows your married and the second one

But it makes sense to me as an anniversary band to have band #2.... I'm a weirdo sorry!


Besides... skinny bands make your stone look bigger (like a pushup LOL)

Agree completely.

If your gf really wants the Ritani, then that's what I would go with (if you can swing it). Its a gorgeous setting, defnitely one of my favorites. I much prefer it over the WF one. I would purchase one band for now, and then another (if she wants it) for an anniversary or some other special occasion down the road. Definitely call Pearlmans...their prices are good, and Bill is awesome to work with!

Good luck!!!

 

[Snooper]

I too have never had problems with the Endless love bands bending. I had one until I sold it a while back, but it isn''t THAT delicate in that it''ll bend. I have a few other bands that are far more delicate (My LM one is super dainty) and even that doesn''t seem like it would bend unless you''re rough on your pieces.

 

[AllenDawg]

Darn, lost the post... had to retype

Ok, so I think I am pretty much set on getting the Ritani rings after reading your opinions which is where my heart truly pointed anyways (my GF really LOVES diamond accenting on the basket). I think the views on the 1 over 2-wedding band option really put me over the top in the end since there is no way I would be able to buy the Ritani trio. Who knows, maybe later, IF she even wants it.

So, in preparation for this purchase, I have been on the phone some with Pearlman''s today. I got quoted $4640 (darn rising plat prices!) for the e-ring and band in platinum. That is total cost with mounting, shipping, and no taxes (since I live in TX). By my calculation, the only other fees I am looking at are the cost of me shipping the loose stone insured to them in Michigan as well as the appraisal I will have done when the rings are finished for insurance purposes. Given that, anyone here have any major or even minor qualms about this price? Please please speak now or forever hold your peace if you know where I can safely and legitimately beat this price (I know, I am dreaming!).

One more thing, experts. I spoke to a co-owner of the fine establishment and he insured me that not only was the chance of damage even to a sharp-cornered princess-cut was minimal given how simple a mounting job this specific setting presents, but that Pearlman''s insures the stone throughout the process the entire time it is in their possession. I assume this completes the circle since both shipping directions will also be insured. So, knowing that, should I still look into insuring the loose stone before sending and if so, by whom? I have read mixed opinions as to whether or not this was even necessary and possible. I just like to be extra careful given this represents such a large amount of money. I do have a full appraisal report which was done by an independent entity here locally after I received the loose stone from an internet vendor less than 30 days ago.

Wow, you guys are so helpful it is bordering on ridiculous!

 

[Odilia]

Looks like I''m late to this thread, as usual, but I am glad you''re going with the Ritani. I like it much better as well.

 

[mrssalvo]

allendawg, honestly, i really don''t know any other vendor who would beat pearlmans pricing, they really are very competitive with designer rings. if you read the other Ritani thread, a vendor talks about how dealers can''t really discount b/c they are in danger the the designer pulling their line...so it''s a fine line that vendors have to walk. anyway, it''s no secret that I love pearlmans. i just purchased my upgrade from them and the customer service is second to none. I love the fact that they insure your stone while it''s being set b/c most places will not do that. your stone will be insured via their shipping as well. Send it USPS registered mail to them and although it''s slower it''s the safest method and cheapest. I really don''t think you can go wrong going with the ritani and ordering from them. your girlfriend is going to be one lucky lady

 

[cutey TT]

I agree with everything mrssalvo said. I ordered my Ritani re-set from Pearlmans back in ''05 and am currently in the process of getting a new stone and Michael B set from them as well. Bill will take good care of you. He''s super-nice and very customer service-oriented. You can''t go wrong with Ritani or Pearlmans. I am pretty sure you will be a very happy camper when all is said and done.

BTW, I also sent my original e-ring stone to Bill in Michigan via USPS registered mail back in ''05. I, too, live in TX...FWIW.

 

[BigDiamonds]

Another Ritani owner here to tell you not to worry. I am possibly the clumsiest person to ever wear a ring, and I have had no problems with mine. I regularly lift heavy things, grab onto things, drop things on my hand, etc. and the ring has never shown any signs of distortion at all. It is surprisingly sturdy and durable.

I shopped the heck out of my setting before I bought it, and I didn''t find much price variation. However, I got lucky and my local jeweler had a Ritani trunk show and special event right around the time that I was ready to buy. The event special was no sales tax, and the Ritani rep knocked about $400 off the price, so all in all it saved me about $650. If you''re not in a huge hurry, I would check around the jewelers in your area and see if they have any upcoming special events. Otherwise, I don''t think you can beat Pearlmans.

 

[Sparkles22]

Honestly with the way platinum prices are rising, and the fact it is a name brand I think that''s a decent price on the set! Make sure you come back and post pics... It''s going to be really beautiful! She''s one lucky lady