Brand-name setting or unbrand setting??

[Unknown]

I am wondering how Big difference of setting quality between branded name (like tacori, vdatch....) and unbranded name (like some online vendors).

 

[yennyfire]

IMPO, there is no difference between the quality of an unbranded setting with well cut stones and good craftsmanship and a branded setting with the same standard of quality. The difference will be in the price.

 

[mrssalvo]

no difference if you are comparing apples to apples. There can be excellent quality unbranded settings and poorly executed designer settings. Research can help to learn which is which and how to distinguish between the too.

 

[Gypsy]

MrsS. hit the nail on the head.

 

[Gypsy]

IMPO, there is no difference between the quality of an unbranded setting with well cut stones and good craftsmanship and a branded setting with the same standard of quality. The difference will be in the price.

There are many times where a custom unbranded setting will cost more than a designer setting. It really just depends on the designer, style and details of the actual setting, and who is making the non-desig
ner setting.

 

[Gypsy]

If you want something similar to Tacori check out Beverly K at Pearlmans Jewelers. If you want something like Vatche, Brian Gavin carries the the H Levi line that has gorgeous settings at less than 'unbranded' settings of similar style and quality would cost.

 

[DiamondsDiamonds]

Good comments above. Research and be open to going either way!

 

[denverappraiser]

There is a big difference between good work and crappy work, both in terms of price and the merchandise. That’s why people buy branded things. If you buy a branded item you have a certain amount of confidence that a lot of people have come before you and have gone away happy with how it went. You also have a certain amount of confidence that there’s a bigger company standing behind the quality claims if something turns out less than expected. This is the case with nearly everything we buy, not just jewelry. Most of the jewelry designers really do make pretty good products and, for the most part, this is expectation correct but it is not evidence that someone else’s work isn’t equally good or better. That depends on the craftsmen involved and you simply must do your homework as mentioned above. The ‘brand’ is a shortcut to the research but it’s not the only path. Some of the finest craftsmen out there work for small shops doing specialized sorts of work. The risk goes up if you’re working with an unknown small scale manufacturer and it’s definitely worth the time to look into it but there is also the possibility of getting both better product and better prices for those who are willing to work at it.

 

[yennyfire]

IMPO, there is no difference between the quality of an unbranded setting with well cut stones and good craftsmanship and a branded setting with the same standard of quality. The difference will be in the price.

There are many times where a custom unbranded setting will cost more than a designer setting. It really just depends on the designer, style and details of the actual setting, and who is making the non-desig
ner setting.

Agreed Gypsy. I wasn't really being clear. A custom unbranded setting can easily cost more than a designer setting, but in my experience, if you take the same basic design, with the same quality stones and the same quality craftsmanship, the unbranded setting will be less expensive. I could have had quite a few branded settings for less than my SS setting cost me, but if a Beaudry or Tacori were to make a duplicate of my setting, I imagine it would have been a lot more than I paid SS. That was what I was trying to convey.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

And if you decide on a setting style, we can even make recommendations to you to the best option to buy that ring!

 

[Unknown]

The setting I am looking at is this one (vatche 1507 serenely collection), for a 1ct cushion
http://dvatche.com/index.php?page=collection&catID=2,18&startRow=6&id=157

I quote a price from a local retailer is $2200+ for 18k, I am wondering if any other vendors do the similar setting with lower price, and keeping good handwork and quality.

Also welcome to recommend me any similar setting.

 

[Gypsy]

H Levi has the look you want. The whole line is pictured here: http://www.hlevi.com/solitaires.html BGD can order any of them for you. And they are very well priced.

Here are a few H Levi solitaires. The ones pictured with Princesses can be ordered for Round stones.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/u-prong-solitaire-pave-18k-white-gold-5699w18

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/v-thin-shank-micro-pave-18k-white-gold-5695w18

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/queen-dinah-solitaire-pave-18k-white-gold-5693w18 I love the Queen Dinah line

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/the-valentine-micro-pave-1-18k-white-gold-5688w18

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/valentine-regal-ring-pave-18k-white-gold-5690w18

 

[mrssalvo]

I love Vatche and would usually say stick with the designer of the actual ring you love if it's in budget. But, H. Levi makes a lovely setting and does have better pricing. My local jeweler has several H. Levi settings in stock and they really are beautiful.

 

[Unknown]

wow...wow...absolutely beautiful! thanks Gypsy and mrssalvo
I love this!

 

[slg47]

wow...wow...absolutely beautiful! thanks Gypsy and mrssalvo
I love this!

that is a beautiful setting

 

[Gypsy]

It's lovely! If your lady wants a flush fit straight band then that one won't accommodate that. Make sure you check this with her.

 

[MissStepcut]

It's lovely! If your lady wants a flush fit straight band then that one won't accommodate that. Make sure you check this with her.

This is a good point, Gypsy. Lots of PS women don't care, but I see more flush-sitting sets IRL, so I have to imagine it's a common preference.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I don't care abut flush fit, but I like #724 a lot better. I actually have #710 and it is a nice quality ring.

http://www.hlevi.com/solitaires.html

 

[Gypsy]

I don't care abut flush fit, but I like #724 a lot better. I actually have #710 and it is a nice quality ring.

http://www.hlevi.com/solitaires.html

That's a lovely choice Diamond Seeker. I really like it. Yup I think this one is a safer choice (will allow flush fit) and gorgeous to boot.

 

[mrssalvo]

I don't care abut flush fit, but I like #724 a lot better. I actually have #710 and it is a nice quality ring.

http://www.hlevi.com/solitaires.html

That's a lovely choice Diamond Seeker. I really like it. Yup I think this one is a safer choice (will allow flush fit) and gorgeous to boot.

I totally agree!

 

[marchesa6989]

from anyone's experience, is there a difference between handmade or machine-made?

 

[Gypsy]

from anyone's experience, is there a difference between handmade or machine-made?

I would start your own thread asking that question, if you want. BUT the topic has been queried before and you can also do a search to see what other's have said in the past.

 

[marchesa6989]

from anyone's experience, is there a difference between handmade or machine-made?

I would start your own thread asking that question, if you want. BUT the topic has been queried before and you can also do a search to see what other's have said in the past.

thanks gypsy!

 

[mrssalvo]

from anyone's experience, is there a difference between handmade or machine-made?

In short, yes, there is a difference and pro and cons to each. Like Gypsy said, a new thread and some searches will most likely provide the info you are after. For me, choosing a method/designer really depends on the ultimate goal of my project. There may be a time where I'd prefer handmade and other times where a cast ring is a better fit or even a combination of both methods where something is machine-made but then hand finished.