BGD Setting w/o Mailing in Stone?

[MissElizabeth]

My SO recently asked me to share my preferred e-ring style with him, so I shared my far-and-away favorite - the BGD Grace 3-Stone with Pears. However, I was under the assumption that he could order the setting by sharing the GIA cert and associated dimensions of an heirloom stone without being required to send it in. In perusing BGD's FAQ's, I'm finding this is not the case?

It states, "We do not ship out empty settings. Catalog settings may be purchased without a diamond, but you will need to ship your diamond in to be set and a $75 setting fee will apply."

I'm afraid this might make the BGD setting I love a non-starter, as this stone is far too sentimental to him to risk loss to the postal system. Do any PSers have experience working with BGD to create a ring without providing the stone?

Any insight would be MUCH appreciated!

 

[VRBeauty]

I could be wrong, but this looks like a BGD-designed setting, so you might not be able to find the identical setting locally - although you might be able to find something similar locally.

However, before you rule out the BGD option, why not give them a call and find out about their process for setting "outside" stones? It's possibly your SO will be reassured by BGD's safeguards for ensuring the safe delivery and handling of this family heirloom.

I'm having a pair of earrings made by Whiteflash using outside diamonds. Their process is:

1) the diamonds had to be certified by AGS or GIA, and accompanied by the certificate. (not a bad thing to have regardless, and for insurance purposes.)
2) the diamonds had to be sent by insured registered mail - essentially, sent under lock and key, and signed for each step of the way.
3) the package is opened under video surveillance.

Of course, if you're anywhere near Texas, you could hand-deliver the stone to BGD!

 

[MissElizabeth]

VRBeauty -

Thanks for the info on Whiteflash's process! Seems very above board Unfortunately, I feel like the concern lies with the courier processes. Nonetheless, I sent along an inquiry to BGD to see what they say regarding this particular circumstance. A girl can dream, right? In the meantime, would love your (or others') suggestions on comparable quality and look MRB w pear side settings, just in case.

Edited to add: I WISH we were near Texas! Visiting BGD would be like visiting Santa's workshop :p

 

[ame]

Nearly every custom setting is going to require the stone in hand to create it. They need the stone there to make it to the stones exact dimensions and make sure the seats are cut correctly to set it. Besides that, entrusting another jeweler to working with their setting is not really a great idea. The finishing work alone will be vastly different. It might be worth taking a trip down to hand deliver, and returning to pick it up if that setting is your favorite, and not sending it out is that important.

 

[MissElizabeth]

Thanks for the input, Ame. I suppose it does make sense that they should need more than just the measurements and would want to manage the process from start to finish.

Given that information (and that NYC area benches are within our hand-delivery range), are there any suggestions for similar options in terms of aesthetic, quality, and budget? Of course, I love the LM three-stone that I've seen from a few PSers, but I imagine it is vastly more expensive than the BGD Grace? (I've sent off a quote request but am curious in the meantime if anyone happens to know!) I also noticed the Vatche 310 option through GOG and the Amber through ERD, but unfortunately neither has the same fluidity and simplicity that I'd like.

Would love input from you ladies, who know much more than me in this area!

 

[ame]

Leon is definitely going to be more expensive.

You could price out Steven Kirsch, he does spectacular work (came out of Leon's shop), and might be more reasonable. GOG would be worth talking to, beyond the Vatche, to see what else they can do. They also work with Mark Morrell who could do something EXQUISITE for you, he does flowy well. His pieces just seem like liquid platinum... ERD also does custom, and could work with you on something that would probably be equally lovely. You aren't limited to just what's on a website.

 

[MissElizabeth]

Thanks for the great suggestions!

I just sent off an inquiry to SK (love his R0313 and had never seen it!) and will get in touch with your other referrals if need be.

 

[MissElizabeth]

Interestingly, SK and LM quoted the exact same price (both higher than I'd like before including side stones). So, I'm on to an inquiry with GOG.