Buying Ring from One Vendor // Diamond from Another

[Faluzure]

My girlfriend found another ring alternative to the Simon G she wanted on a vendor (Adiamor) listed under the Resources links. I did a search for them and there seem to be a mix of people who like/dislike Adiamor. However, Adiamor doesn''t really have the diamonds I want. I contacted them about the ring and they said they have to custom make it and to call them. I haven''t yet but...

I''ve read from quite a few people on the forum that some buy their ring from one vendor and diamond from another. How does this process work? Don''t you traditionally get discounts if you buy the ring/diamond from the same vendor? I would be somewhat scared to buy a diamond and hold onto it until I find the right ring. I guess I''m just scared of getting ripped off/losing the diamond or ring if I buy them both separately. If so, who should mount the diamond?

 

[CharmyPoo]

Date: 4/20/2010 6:00:45 PM
Author:Faluzure
My girlfriend found another ring alternative to the Simon G she wanted on a vendor (Adiamor) listed under the Resources links. I did a search for them and there seem to be a mix of people who like/dislike Adiamor. However, Adiamor doesn''t really have the diamonds I want. I contacted them about the ring and they said they have to custom make it and to call them. I haven''t yet but...

I''ve read from quite a few people on the forum that some buy their ring from one vendor and diamond from another. How does this process work? Don''t you traditionally get discounts if you buy the ring/diamond from the same vendor? I would be somewhat scared to buy a diamond and hold onto it until I find the right ring. I guess I''m just scared of getting ripped off/losing the diamond or ring if I buy them both separately. If so, who should mount the diamond?

If Adiamor has to custom make the setting, I don''t see any reason why you need to go with them. I suggest you select where you are going to buy the diamond and evaluate if they meet your needs for the setting.

If you are using a bench or custom jeweler who only makes jewelry, they are used to receiving diamonds and custom making and setting the stone for you. If you want a stock setting, you can buy the setting and ask the vendor to set. Or you can take it to any jeweler to have the stone set (could be insurance or guarantee issues).

You do get savings if you buy both from a vendor. I am not sure how much though.

 

[Faluzure]

Date: 4/20/2010 6:14:27 PM
Author: CharmyPoo

Date: 4/20/2010 6:00:45 PM
Author:Faluzure
My girlfriend found another ring alternative to the Simon G she wanted on a vendor (Adiamor) listed under the Resources links. I did a search for them and there seem to be a mix of people who like/dislike Adiamor. However, Adiamor doesn''t really have the diamonds I want. I contacted them about the ring and they said they have to custom make it and to call them. I haven''t yet but...

I''ve read from quite a few people on the forum that some buy their ring from one vendor and diamond from another. How does this process work? Don''t you traditionally get discounts if you buy the ring/diamond from the same vendor? I would be somewhat scared to buy a diamond and hold onto it until I find the right ring. I guess I''m just scared of getting ripped off/losing the diamond or ring if I buy them both separately. If so, who should mount the diamond?

If Adiamor has to custom make the setting, I don''t see any reason why you need to go with them. I suggest you select where you are going to buy the diamond and evaluate if they meet your needs for the setting.

If you are using a bench or custom jeweler who only makes jewelry, they are used to receiving diamonds and custom making and setting the stone for you. If you want a stock setting, you can buy the setting and ask the vendor to set. Or you can take it to any jeweler to have the stone set (could be insurance or guarantee issues).

You do get savings if you buy both from a vendor. I am not sure how much though.

I haven''t been able to get on the computer until just now, but not being able to post has been bugging me.

Adiamor has a specific setting that my girlfriend adores (her top ranking next to designer brands, such as Simon G). However, the problem is that 1) the setting she chose states that an Emerald Cut will fit this ring and 2) is for a diamond 2.5 - 3.5 carats in size. Obviously I cannot afford a diamond of that size, so I e-mailed Adiamor about the setting. Specifically, I asked if a Radiant Cut can fit in the setting and if the ring could be accommodate a smaller size (say 1.25 - 1.75 carats). They responded saying that a Radiant would easily fit the setting "as is", but in order for a smaller diamond to fit, they would have to custom design the ring (don''t know if they are doing it or the supplier). They told me to call for details.

Now the reason I seem to be making a big issue out of this is because Radiant diamonds can be square or rectangular. This poses a problem if I get the ring before I get the diamond. If I get them to custom make it, I have to choose whether to have it sized to fit a square or rectangle. Then I will have to base my already difficult diamond search based on whether diamond must be square or rectangle in proportion. No telling how long it will take (as ChunkyCushionLover stated: It would be like finding a needle in a haystack.)

Now if I choose the diamond first, I''ll be holding onto a $6,000+ diamond for an extended period of time... which would just make me uncomfortable due to all sorts of worst-case scenario reasons, a few which you mentioned (insurance & guarantee issues).

 

[CharmyPoo]

It''s really not as bad as you think. First of all, can you link to the setting your gf is interested in so we can get an idea what you are trying to make.

Most of the highly recommended vendors here have the ability to source settings or custom make any setting design. I always recommend finding the diamond first and the setting will come next. Custom making a setting usually takes around three to four weeks. If you go with the same vendor for both (ex. GOG, ERD, WF for radiants), they can all make the setting right after. The setting will fit the stone perfectly and look nicer than a force fit into a setting that is too big or too small or just the wrong shape for the stone. It is harder to find a stone to fit specific measurements than it is to make a setting for those measurements.

 

[Faluzure]

Date: 4/21/2010 11:21:50 PM
Author: CharmyPoo
It''s really not as bad as you think. First of all, can you link to the setting your gf is interested in so we can get an idea what you are trying to make.

Most of the highly recommended vendors here have the ability to source settings or custom make any setting design. I always recommend finding the diamond first and the setting will come next. Custom making a setting usually takes around three to four weeks. If you go with the same vendor for both (ex. GOG, ERD, WF for radiants), they can all make the setting right after. The setting will fit the stone perfectly and look nicer than a force fit into a setting that is too big or too small or just the wrong shape for the stone. It is harder to find a stone to fit specific measurements than it is to make a setting for those measurements.

CharmyPoo: I probably am stressing over nothing... I mean look at all the other people in the world who got engaged with a custom ring... they certainly aren''t complaining!

Here is the link: http://www.adiamor.com/R-1370-R2827-1.htm

Here are reasons why she likes that ring:
1. It''s a pave with a square/rectangular halo (which will fit a diamond with similar proportions)
2. Unlike other pave/halo rings we''ve seen, the band is slightly thicker/wider (but not too thick).
3. Accent diamonds occupy all angles of the ring (sides, front, back, base of halo). Paves we''ve seen mostly have accent diamonds on the sides, sometimes on the halo, and rarely on the front/back of the ring.
4. There is a separation/spacing between the halo and the inner band of the ring, which allows the pavilion of the diamond to be viewable.

The reason Adiamor states that it must be custom made is because the fine print on that ring is:
Can be set with: Emerald
Can be set with: 2.50 to 3.25 carat

I asked someone else in another thread about the cost of custom making vs buying something stock. Did you have yours custom made? If so, is there a specific jeweler to recommend? I want to eventually buy my diamond from places like JA, GOG, WF because I know I can get a quality diamond and would trust them. I just have to find someone to make a ring...

Thanks for your inputs!

 

[Bella_mezzo]

yes, post the setting and you''ll get lots of helpful feedback!

 

[CharmyPoo]

This setting doesn''t look especially difficult to custom make through a cad and cast jeweler. I am sure whiteflash, bgd, erd, and gog can make it. I would suggesst a change - I find that the diamond sits way too high right now. I would lower the halo a bit.

I typically have my rings custom made. Of the jewelers recommended on PS, I have used Maytal Hannah and working on a project Leon Mege. I purchased diamonds from GOG and ERD. I did not go with them for the setting as I am really picky and want hand made pieces versus cad / cast.

I believe you will get quotes around the same price that Adiamor posted for that setting.

 

[Faluzure]

Date: 4/21/2010 11:56:35 PM
Author: CharmyPoo
This setting doesn''t look especially difficult to custom make through a cad and cast jeweler. I am sure whiteflash, bgd, erd, and gog can make it. I would suggesst a change - I find that the diamond sits way too high right now. I would lower the halo a bit.

I typically have my rings custom made. Of the jewelers recommended on PS, I have used Maytal Hannah and working on a project Leon Mege. I purchased diamonds from GOG and ERD. I did not go with them for the setting as I am really picky and want hand made pieces versus cad / cast.

I believe you will get quotes around the same price that Adiamor posted for that setting.

Thanks for your input, it''s always appreciated.

As for the diamond being high... how do you lower it? I mean I know it can be achievable, but I''m wondering where you would shorten it.

I know the difference between hand made vs cad/cast but other than directly asking, how did you find out? I''m assuming hand-made costs a bit more?

 

[PavePrincess]

Definitely get the diamond first and have the setting custom made to fit the specifications of the diamond.

I think that the Adiamor setting is very pretty and could easily be custom made. I don''t think the halo needs to be lowered, but that''s just my opinion. The only real change I would suggest is to have them completely cover the halo with diamonds. I too like how the front and back have the pave, but I think the metal showing on the sides would look better if they had stones on them as well.

Also, what state do you live in? The jeweler that made my ring does great custom pieces and prices their stones very fairly. My boyfriend liked the fact that he was able to purchase the center stone in January and we weren''t rushed to pick a setting. They simply held onto it until I figured out what I wanted (I''m super picky! ). This definitely gave my boyfriend piece of mind.. (1) that we had the perfect stone and (2) that it was on them if the diamond was stolen or damaged.

On a side note, I just wanted to let you know that your other post made me cringe.. I HATE shady businesses. I''m happy that you and your girl friend are second guessing purchasing from that jeweler. I don''t think they deserve your business.

Good luck finding the perfect ring!

 

[Faluzure]

Date: 4/22/2010 1:49:29 AM
Author: PavePrincess
Definitely get the diamond first and have the setting custom made to fit the specifications of the diamond.


I think that the Adiamor setting is very pretty and could easily be custom made. I don''t think the halo needs to be lowered, but that''s just my opinion. The only real change I would suggest is to have them completely cover the halo with diamonds. I too like how the front and back have the pave, but I think the metal showing on the sides would look better if they had stones on them as well.


Also, what state do you live in? The jeweler that made my ring does great custom pieces and prices their stones very fairly. My boyfriend liked the fact that he was able to purchase the center stone in January and we weren''t rushed to pick a setting. They simply held onto it until I figured out what I wanted (I''m super picky! ). This definitely gave my boyfriend piece of mind.. (1) that we had the perfect stone and (2) that it was on them if the diamond was stolen or damaged.


On a side note, I just wanted to let you know that your other post made me cringe.. I HATE shady businesses. I''m happy that you and your girl friend are second guessing purchasing from that jeweler. I don''t think they deserve your business.


Good luck finding the perfect ring!

PavePrincess: That is some good eye you got there! I went back & looked at the picture where you mentioned the bare metal where the band meets the halo. You''re absolutely right! It would look better with diamonds there as well.

I live in Tennessee and don''t really know of any jeweler that does great custom work & has a nice selection (around here). That does sound like a great idea though about letting the jeweler hold the diamond. What I may do (since everyone is saying buy the diamond first) is buy it and then put it in a safety deposit box. Aren''t those insured? I''ll have to look into it.

Also, if I do buy the diamond first but then get an online vendor, like Adiamor to make/remake the ring.... how can I guarantee that what they make is spot on to fit the ring? I don''t know, it just makes me uncomfortable asking them to make the ring based on the diamond size. Like any craftsman, there is always chance for error. Probably overthinking it...

The funny thing about that jeweler is that they advertise themselves as the best jeweler in the area over the radio. But then at the same time, you hear Shane Company have their ads on the radio. I''ve been to Shane Co and the other jeweler based on their ads and was not impressed.

Thanks so much for your input.