BGD and High Performance Diamonds custom settings question

[tdoyledesign]

Hello all,

I am looking to get a custom ring done very similar to this HOF setting:

http://www.heartsonfire.com/shop-jewelry/rings/engagement-rings/beloveddiamondsolitaire.aspx

There will be approximately 1 carat of melee diamonds F/G VS quality. It will have platinum for the ring as well.

I was quoted $4600 by Brian Gavin and approximately $3k by Wink at HPD. The price of this will obviously play a roll in my final decision and also which loose diamond I can afford. My question is....has anyone had experience with either of these firms making a custom ring? Anyone with experience at both? What are your thoughts on craftsmanship?

I am just wondering why the large discrepancy in price? Both being equal, I will obviously go with the better priced option. Thanks!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: BGD and High Performance Diamonds custom settings questi

Actually, if I wanted a pave halo ring, I'd be getting a quote from Victor Canera, who is a master of pave. I think his quotes have run in the $4k range and we haven't seen any better ones here than his, as far as I am concerned.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/victor-canera-rb-halo-ring-my-forever-setting-finally.164262/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/victor-canera-rb-halo-ring-my-forever-setting-finally.164262/[/URL]

 

[Lula]

Re: BGD and High Performance Diamonds custom settings questi

I had a ring custom-designed (CAD/cast) by Wink at HPD. His price was very reasonable and the quality was excellent. The difference in price between HPD and BGD may be due to several reasons: HPD's overhead may be lower than BGD's. BGD's melee diamonds may be more expensive to source than HPD's. BGD's custom bench may charge more than HPD's. I know Wink works with a variety of custom benches. I'm not sure if BGD's custom design is done in-house or contracted through outside benches.

The design you linked (HOF) appears to be a CAD/cast design. Both BGD and HPD do CAD/cast work. I do not think Victor Canera uses CAD/cast; his designs are hand-forged -- at least that's my understanding. My guess is that Victor's quote would be significantly higher than HPD's quote, and perhaps higher than BGD's. Lately, there seems to be a bias on this forum against CAD/cast work. But my experience with CAD/cast (through HPD) has been good, and far better in quality than anything I could buy locally.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: BGD and High Performance Diamonds custom settings questi

Why don't you buy the original?

There are some Hearts of Fire dealers that will sell the settings. I know many people who have gotten Hearts on Fire settings. They are great quality and for that price 3,500 or so, I'd want the original, hands down.


ETA:
I'm not a huge fan of Wink's benches. I adore Wink and love the stones he carries but his benches-- I have never been impressed. Having worked with both, I do see a huge difference in the quality between BGD and Wink. And for pave especially I wouldn't go with Wink.

That said, if I was looking for a CAD bench for any type custom pave ring I would personally work ONLY with BGD and ERD. And ERD (call, they aren't good with email) is usually more reasonable.

 

[tdoyledesign]

Re: BGD and High Performance Diamonds custom settings questi

Thanks for the ideas guys! As usual this is all great stuff!

Gypsy---What is ERD?? Still getting used to the acronyms on this site!

Thanks

Edit: I assume ERD to mean Engagement Rings Direct?>>

 

[CharmyPoo]

Re: BGD and High Performance Diamonds custom settings questi

I would also consider Mark at Engagement Ring Direct for CAD/CAST work. I have been impressed with both price and quality.

Have you tried WhiteFlash? I also found their prices to be more reasonable as well.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: BGD and High Performance Diamonds custom settings questi

Gosh, I would agree with Gypsy that it makes a LOT more sense to just buy the HoF setting if it is in line with those custom prices. I'd only have one custom made if I wanted to go handforged. No advantage that I see to have someone else do a CAD/cast ring. Buy the original.

 

[tdoyledesign]

Re: BGD and High Performance Diamonds custom settings questi

Actually I am planning on calling Whiteflash as well. I have heard their stuff is top notch. I have 2 issues with the HOF setting:

1) The ones they have in stock at both local stores that carry them are made for 1C centers and I am going to hopefully buy 1.25 C. DO you think they could manipulate the prongs to make it fit?

2) Would the melee stones look weird since they are HOF diamonds and the center would be BGD or Infinity?

 

[Gypsy]

Re: BGD and High Performance Diamonds custom settings questi

Actually I am planning on calling Whiteflash as well. I have heard their stuff is top notch. I have 2 issues with the HOF setting:

1) The ones they have in stock at both local stores that carry them are made for 1C centers and I am going to hopefully buy 1.25 C. DO you think they could manipulate the prongs to make it fit?

2) Would the melee stones look weird since they are HOF diamonds and the center would be BGD or Infinity?

1. They would order you the setting for a 1.25 center from HoF. It's very easy. And you shouldn't squish a 1.25 into a setting for a 1 carat.

2. No. They are all hearts and arrows diamonds.

I'd much rather have the original. HoF has great quality settings.

 

[slg47]

Re: BGD and High Performance Diamonds custom settings questi

Actually I am planning on calling Whiteflash as well. I have heard their stuff is top notch. I have 2 issues with the HOF setting:

1) The ones they have in stock at both local stores that carry them are made for 1C centers and I am going to hopefully buy 1.25 C. DO you think they could manipulate the prongs to make it fit?

2) Would the melee stones look weird since they are HOF diamonds and the center would be BGD or Infinity?

for the 1st point...ask them if they can make it for different sizes??

as far as the 2nd...definitely nothing to worry about there

 

[tdoyledesign]

Re: BGD and High Performance Diamonds custom settings questi

Awesome! Thanks so much!

 

[WinkHPD]

Re: BGD and High Performance Diamonds custom settings questi

<snip>

ETA:
I'm not a huge fan of Wink's benches. I adore Wink and love the stones he carries but his benches-- I have never been impressed. Having worked with both, I do see a huge difference in the quality between BGD and Wink. And for pave especially I wouldn't go with Wink.

<snip>

I was pointed to this post and was very surprised to see Gypsy’s reaction. After visiting with her privately I understand there were issues with a prior artisan (one I connected her with) of which I was unaware. I feel terrible to have been out of the loop and am glad to have the opportunity to recognize – and address – this circumstance from the past. I have offered Gypsy my sincere apologies – and gratitude for bringing it to my attention.

Since the time of her experience we have altered benches. In addition, we personally review each piece before it goes out and guarantee each piece’s pave for life under normal wear and tear.

Wink

 

[Gypsy]

Re: BGD and High Performance Diamonds custom settings questi

<snip>

ETA:
I'm not a huge fan of Wink's benches. I adore Wink and love the stones he carries but his benches-- I have never been impressed. Having worked with both, I do see a huge difference in the quality between BGD and Wink. And for pave especially I wouldn't go with Wink.

<snip>

I was pointed to this post and was very surprised to see Gypsy’s reaction. After visiting with her privately I understand there were issues with a prior artisan (one I connected her with) of which I was unaware. I feel terrible to have been out of the loop and am glad to have the opportunity to recognize – and address – this circumstance from the past. I have offered Gypsy my sincere apologies – and gratitude for bringing it to my attention.

Since the time of her experience we have altered benches. In addition, we personally review each piece before it goes out and guarantee each piece’s pave for life under normal wear and tear.

Wink

Wink did reach out to me, and I appreciate that his concern was for my happiness only, and not about this post. It really reinforced for me how important it is to him that his customers are 100% happy even years after their purchase. And I think that as long as the work by the new benches is being overseen strictly by Wink himself, and under warranty, then it's worth a second look. If you do decide to go with Wink I will be very excited to see the results.

As always, Wink has proven what an excellent vendor, and friend he is to Pricescope.