Can I get a custom solitaire made for less than 2K?

[sweetpea&babycorn]

Hey everyone!

I'm beginning to dig deep into finding the perfect ring, and I was hoping you setting experts out there can help me out.

I'm SUPER picky about settings, but also working on a budget. My budget is $10,500 and I'm trying to allocate as much to the stone as possible. I could see spending at least 1500 but no more than 2000 on a setting. I decided I want to go with rose gold, platinum, or palladium because I don't like the maintenance of white gold with the replating.

I have searched so many websites, looked at so many rings, and I can't seem to find the perfect one, so I've been thinking of going custom. My favorite website so far is Leigh Jay Nacht and Danhov. I love the antique settings that Leigh Jay Nacth offers, but none of the ones I like can accommodate the stone dimensions that I'm looking for. I also love Danhov's Classico line, but I wish they were a little daintier with an antique twist.

Do you think I could take this design by Danhov: http://danhov.com/pages/ring_detail_page.php?type=Ring&id=351&pid=351 to a custom jeweler and ask them to make some modifications, like maybe some milgraining and modifying the gallery to look a little daintier and keep the price under 2K? And if yes, who would be the best jeweler to contact?

Any help is appreciated, thank you!

 

[distracts]

Have you seen that ring in person? While I do think the Danhov CAD model in the video looks a little chunky, the one of the same ring on the James Allen site makes the basket look plenty delicate: http://www.jamesallen.com/designer-engagement-rings/meno-collection-by-danhov/14k-white-gold-four-prong-cl116-by-danhov-designer-engagement-ring.html Milgraining is done on an otherwise-finished piece (aside from stone-setting, usually), so there's no reason why you'd need to go custom just to put some milgraining on, depending on where you want it.

 

[JulieN]

I think it looks pretty dainty already.

 

[Christina...]

I agree with Distracts and love the solitaire that she posted. I don't think that I would use palladium. Few jewelers will, or even know how to work with it, so it could be difficult to find a bench to make the ring or even repair it in the future if necessary.

 

[Christina...]

http://goodoldgold.com/engagementrings/index.php

http://goodoldgold.com/engagementrings/index.php

sorry I tried posting those from GOG settings page, but check out Gabriel & Co, they had a couple that might work for you for less than 1k.

 

[yennyfire]

I think having a custom ring made with that much detail and melee made for under $2K is unlikely. Definitely check out Gabriel and Co. as they have a ton of settings.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Check out Beverley K, too. They have milgrain and engraved solitaires. I would stick with platinum.

 

[sweetpea&babycorn]

I had no idea JA carried this Danhov setting! I also really liked one of their new settings, and someone is working to see if they make it in rose gold or platinum. Do they have an office in NYC I could visit to see these settings? And you're right, it does look a lot more delicate on the JA website than Danhov's. I like how JA includes videos on how it looks on a hand model. Their prices are also lower than other jewelers who carry Danhov, which is also a bonus.

I browsed the Gabriel and Co. website but didn't find much I liked. My sister has a setting made by them in WG, and the great thing about these settings is that they are super durable and take a lot of wear and tear. She works as a physician assistant and has a 1 year old, and her ring has survived! I haven't look at Beverley K so I'll definitely check out what they have.

Going the custom route was the last resort I had in mind since I had a sense that my budget was pretty tight for what I was looking for, but I thought I'd ask anyhow, and got some great ideas and resources! I appreciate all the help and suggestions!