buy original or go custom?

[edelweissmaedl]

I found a pave eternity band that I really like. It is 7-8mm wide and solid pave of varying sizes. The inside is curved (comfort fit I would say) so my normal ring size still applies even though on wider bands I would otherwise go up half a size. I found out it is being discontinued so there are only two left in my size in this brand. (I ideally wanted to wait a few more months to make the purchase).

I decided to reach out to SK and VC about a replica quote. Both replied and come in less than the existing band. I've had a custom ring made 1.5 years ago with a colored stone and love it. I had already tried on that style of ring at the store so I was just getting another version of a ring I had already seen them make.

I'm tempted to consider custom for the money savings and I do feel confident the materials used would be of equal or better quality than the original. My concern is will I end up feeling like it wasn't close enough to the one I've seen in person? Also, with an eternity band it can't be resized and with the wide style I am more nervous it could end up not fitting. I'm asking someone to make a something I've seen, but they have never seen before. I know I can address questions like this to the potential designer, but I wanted to see what personal experience folks might have to share with me to consider in my dilemma.

Thanks!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

If you have found exactly what you want and it fits perfectly, I would bite the bullet and get it. However, I would do whatever I could to negotiate on price. Have you tried?

 

[junebug17]

Is it a really big price difference ? If not, I think I would just purchase the original, it's a sure thing and exactly what you want.

 

[SparklySoprano]

I agree with the prior posts. If you love it and it's in your price range, go for it. It's a sure thing then! It's a gorgeous ring.

 

[vintageinjune]

Here is my two cents: You say you can get a custom made version of the ring you want that you know will be either equal to or BETTER in quality, AND save money on it. You are worried the custom version you may not love as much.

But what if you love the custom made version more?

For some, it's more about the brand/name/significance behind some particular piece, but if it's the looks you are after, and you've had a good custom experience before, it could be a great way to go.

 

[edelweissmaedl]

I agree vintageinjune. It could be great or better. I feel like if I was considering a band 2-3 mm wide or a setting like most people on here are looking for (for solitaire diamonds) I have seen enough pictures of previous creations I would feel confident I would be happy with the end result. My two main worries are what if it ends up not fitting my hand....or what if there is more metal in between the stones than the original and then I don't like it as much? I am definitely more educated than the general public after reading here from time to time. But I'm no prosumer like some here either to explain the construction of the original. I would be looking at a 20% savings when you add in the fact I wouldn't have to pay tax either.

I do like brand names, but owning some brands and some non-brands I know I'm the only one that knows what they are. I like my brand name jewelry equally to my small shop pieces.

Diamondseeker2006 I've haven't tried to negotiate a discount on the original yet. I'm doubtful that is possible, but it never hurts to try!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Custom work is non returnable. You hate it, have buyers remorse, etc etc, you're stuck with it.

Most other ready made/stock items regardless of where you buy, have return policies .

Inform yourself before embarking on either journey.

cheers--Sharon

 

[junebug17]

Sharon makes a good point, there's risk involved with going custom…20% is a decent savings, but I think it's safer and less stressful in the long run to go with the sure thing.

 

[Sphene]

This is the ring which feels comfortable and part of you on your hand - the custom one maybe better materials (will the diamonds be much higher grade?) but will it feel the same.

With the best will in the world no craftsman could get just the right curve of this ring unless they had the mould or such to use.

Am I wrong

Go for it I say

 

[marcy]

I would go with the ring you already know is exactly what you want. I've gone the custom route maybe 8 times and only one of them turned out better than expected. The rest not so much.