Bought Center Stone - Can''''''''t Find Anyone to Set It

[eshapir]

First off, I wanted to say how thankful I am for this site and its accompanying forums. I eventually used Pricescope to purchase my center stone, a 2.34 H VVS1 Asscher 7.63x7.42x4.54 61.2%D 67%T VG VG No Flourescence. Its really a beauty and I got a great price. So good that my independent appraiser seemed shocked but thats another story. Here''s my problem...

Since I bought this stone off the Internet, I''ve been looking to have it set locally with someone who can reproduce a Cartier setting that I have pictures of. I''ve worked with a few of the Internet dealers so far. Some have good prices ($3k) and others are higher ($6-7k). Since I''m not comfortable with giving someone a picture over the Internet and having them reproduce it, I''d like to work with someone locally who is trusted and comes recommended.

The Cartier ring that I''d like to replicate is a 2.52 center surrounded by two half-moons with .26 ct. each in platinum. I''m thinking of around .25 ct each for my half-moon side stones (H color, prefer brilliant cut but step is ok too).

The major factors that will influence my decision (and I''ve been shopping around) is Price and Turnaround Time. I have read as much as possible about this dilemma of purchasing over the Internet but having problems setting it somewhere else and can''t seem to find the answer.

To date, I''ve shopped around with: Abazias, Good Old Gold and a local person. Unfortunately, I think the local person may have the best craftsmanship but his turnaround time is over 3 weeks. Does anyone have any recommendations for a reliable and competitive jewelry manufacturer in NYC?

Thanks!

 

[belle]

3 weeks for a custom piece is really pretty good. i think you will have a hard time getting something much quicker than that.

 

[blueroses]

And WHERE is the thread letting us see pics of this beauty??!!

 

[oldminer]

Three weeks is a very reasonable time for custom work considering the maker will need to come up with the pair of side stones that meet your expectations and also build the mounting once they have been approved. I suggest you instead find a pair of side stones that meet your approval and purchase them.

At that point, the craftsman will only need to construct a mounting which fits the three diamonds. That may not take a whole three weeks, but one must assume your work won''t be the only work that is on order when you make your decision to go ahead.

Being your own contractor, whether is is constructing a home or building a piece of complex jewelry takes a large combination of effort, expertise and time in order to do the job properly. If you want to waste money, do it in a hurry. If you want to do it well and for the right price, find enough time that you don''t have to live with a deadline or do it in a rush.

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 6/1/2006 3:58:04 PM
Author: belle
3 weeks for a custom piece is really pretty good. i think you will have a hard time getting something much quicker than that.

DITTO .. I just waited over FOUR weeks for a custom head to created & cast & set in an existing setting. One week for the "test piece" and another three for the piece to be sent away, cast & then the stone set & detailing done.

My original setting took just under EIGHT weeks to be recreated in platinum from a white gold model.

If your local great craftsman can do a whole custom setting in THREE - my advice - let ''em!

 

[eshapir]

Date: 6/1/2006 4:19:13 PM
Author: oldminer
Three weeks is a very reasonable time for custom work considering the maker will need to come up with the pair of side stones that meet your expectations and also build the mounting once they have been approved. I suggest you instead find a pair of side stones that meet your approval and purchase them.


At that point, the craftsman will only need to construct a mounting which fits the three diamonds. That may not take a whole three weeks, but one must assume your work won''t be the only work that is on order when you make your decision to go ahead.


Being your own contractor, whether is is constructing a home or building a piece of complex jewelry takes a large combination of effort, expertise and time in order to do the job properly. If you want to waste money, do it in a hurry. If you want to do it well and for the right price, find enough time that you don''t have to live with a deadline or do it in a rush.

Thanks for the reply, but another thread on half moon side stones advised against purchasing on my own. I''m all for getting the job done as my own contractor. Does anyone know of a place to procure half moon side stones?

 

[ladykemma]

I''m all for getting the job done as my own contractor. Does anyone know of a place to procure half moon side stones?

mlopros on ebay, and pawn shops.

tell them they''re inherited stones or no jeweler will wait on you. I think you gotta let the jeweler make some profit somewhere or no one will set your stone.

 

[ladykemma]

these are rather nice for the price.

http://cgi.ebay.com/67cttw-SI1-2-J-K-Nice-Makes-Matched-Round-Diamonds_W0QQitemZ8906991457QQcategoryZ110737QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

also these
http://cgi.ebay.com/51cttw-VS2-SI1-J-Matched-Pear-Shape-Diamonds_W0QQitemZ8931140139QQcategoryZ10215QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

 

[lizz]

I think that 3 weeks is pretty quick to custom-make a ring.

 

[ladykemma]

Date: 6/1/2006 9:20:34 PM
Author: lizz
I think that 3 weeks is pretty quick to custom-make a ring.

I agree. I've been searching for half moons. no luck. mlopros on ebay has a pretty pair of pears, hearts and rounds that would work, though.

if he wants moons, he better git to steppin'.

Suggest pawn shops, search for old fugly 80s rings for the half moons.

 

[jaz464]

Yes, 3 weeks is very good. I wouldn't rule out online vendors. WF is finishing up my wedding band right now and I recieved computer generated pictures of how the ring would look and then I got to see a wax. After I approved both, they started on the ring. It's not like you show someone a picture and then your ring is done and you were not able to monitor the process.

Btw, just an opinion but I think step cut sidestones will look much better with an asscher than brilliant cut.

 

[diamondfan]

I agree that a step cut is better with an asscher...I have loved the ring that has a halo of baguettes...and then some going down the shank...(I apologize for stealing anyone''s thunder with that setting, I have just fallen in love with it!!)