Cartier Questions

[IronMikey]

Hi again, everyone.

I just got back from my trip to Cartier and I was really impressed with their 1895 solitaire (without pave diamonds). More importantly, my GF was too -- more so than she was with the Tiffany classic 6 prong.

The 1895 can be seen here for anyone not familiar with it:
http://www.cartier.com/bridal/index.php?nav=engagement&t=2&cc=eu&codeLang=en

My questions are these:

1) Does anyone know if you can negotiate on prices at Cartier. I have read that you may be able to but I was wondering of anyone could confirm or deny this.

2) Are there any quality reproductions of this setting? I saw something similar at J.E. Caldwell but the setting wasn''t even in the same league. If anyone has seen the Cartier in person they know what I''m talking about. The thing was just perfect -- smooth, elegant, classic.

3) Does anyone who has purchased a Cartier have any information on the cut quality of their stone. Alternatively, does anyone have any knowledge of the cut quality of Cartier stones.

To me, the stones look amazing. To my girlfriend they did as well. I have to say that this is pretty much good enough for me. AGS0 or H & A might be nice but to my GF Cartier, Tiffany, HW is synonymous with top quality -- not H&A, AGS000, etc. I''m not disputing that there may be superior diamond cuts out there rather I''m only saying that my GF will never do this type of research and as long as the diamond looks great that''s perfect for me.

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 4/21/2008 4:10:36 PM
Author:IronMikey

To me, the stones look amazing. To my girlfriend they did as well. I have to say that this is pretty much good enough for me. AGS0 or H & A might be nice but to my GF Cartier, Tiffany, HW is synonymous with top quality -- not H&A, AGS000, etc. I'm not disputing that there may be superior diamond cuts out there rather I'm only saying that my GF will never do this type of research and as long as the diamond looks great that's perfect for me.

Your last few lines say it all... Just get the Cartier and be done with it!! Their rings are gorgeous and IMO I would never buy a replica if you can afford the real thing and the name is important to you. Which it is to your GF.

There are more superior cut stones but Tiffany and Cartier are by no means selling crap. Their diamonds are still in the top few percent, but may just not exhibit hearts and arrows or absolutely perfect precision. Doesn't mean they are dogs though in any way.

I have heard that you can negotiate at Cartier, but only on extremely high end pieces. But it is always worth a try IMO...
Stop stressing and buy it.

 

[lisa1.01fvs1]

Date: 4/21/2008 4:42:07 PM
Author: neatfreak

Date: 4/21/2008 4:10:36 PM
Author:IronMikey

To me, the stones look amazing. To my girlfriend they did as well. I have to say that this is pretty much good enough for me. AGS0 or H & A might be nice but to my GF Cartier, Tiffany, HW is synonymous with top quality -- not H&A, AGS000, etc. I''m not disputing that there may be superior diamond cuts out there rather I''m only saying that my GF will never do this type of research and as long as the diamond looks great that''s perfect for me.

Your last few lines say it all... Just get the Cartier and be done with it!! Their rings are gorgeous and IMO I would never buy a replica if you can afford the real thing and the name is important to you. Which it is to your GF.

There are more superior cut stones but Tiffany and Cartier are by no means selling crap. Their diamonds are still in the top few percent, but may just not exhibit hearts and arrows or absolutely perfect precision. Doesn''t mean they are dogs though in any way.

I have heard that you can negotiate at Cartier, but only on extremely high end pieces. But it is always worth a try IMO...
Stop stressing and buy it.

Ditto!

 

[baby monster]

I agree with Neafreak and not go with a repro Cartier setting if you can afford the real thing. If you want a discount, Signedpieces has the 2 real Cartier 1895 rings on sale now http://www.signedpieces.com/item.cfm?item_id=7865

 

[Cleo]

What a beautiful ring!!!

If it''s the ring that will make your gf happy, then it''s the right ring.. so buy it!!

I have a Cartier watch... I love the brand - and their jewellery is amazing quality.

Please show us photos!

x x x

 

[chrono]

Leon Mege makes a wonderful reproduction.
This one is a cushion but the side view looks the same: http://www.artofplatinum.com/4images/details.php?image_id=418

 

[lovesparkle]

We just started looking at rings and did the 5th Avenue tour late last week to see what styles we liked. Tiffany and Cartier not only had the nicest settings (Cartier''s diamond solitare was set a little lower) but the nicest sales people. Out of all of the rings I saw (only place I have not been is Graff) Cartier''s had the prettiest.

If I were going with a brand name solitare I would definitely go with Cartier first --I loved the setting and it was a beautiful stone. Harry Winston is known for top top quality stones (E VVS1, etc) whereas in Cartier we saw a F VS1 that was just as beautiful and half as much as HW.

I don''t know if they negotiate but it can never hurt to ask! I do know that they have excellent customer service - my watch is a Cartier and I''ve had it for 7 years- works perfectly and anytime I need the smallest thing done they have been more than happy to help.

Good luck!!

 

[IronMikey]

Date: 4/21/2008 5:27:16 PM
Author: lovesparkle
We just started looking at rings and did the 5th Avenue tour late last week to see what styles we liked. Tiffany and Cartier not only had the nicest settings (Cartier''s diamond solitare was set a little lower) but the nicest sales people. Out of all of the rings I saw (only place I have not been is Graff) Cartier''s had the prettiest.


If I were going with a brand name solitare I would definitely go with Cartier first --I loved the setting and it was a beautiful stone. Harry Winston is known for top top quality stones (E VVS1, etc) whereas in Cartier we saw a F VS1 that was just as beautiful and half as much as HW.


I don''t know if they negotiate but it can never hurt to ask! I do know that they have excellent customer service - my watch is a Cartier and I''ve had it for 7 years- works perfectly and anytime I need the smallest thing done they have been more than happy to help.


Good luck!!

I saw a 1.5 H, VS1 and a 2.1 F, VVS2 and they both looked great. If I have any experience regarding price negotiations I''ll let you know. I''d love it if you did the same for me.

I''m about 6-9 months away from my purchase date so I won''t have pictures anytime soon.

Thanks for all the help and please keep it coming!!!

 

[Venice]

I am in love with the 1895 (w/pave) setting! The quality is very, very nice. If you read their literature, they are very strict about the cut of their stones. I am sure you will be very happy, just make sure that they know what you expect beforehand.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Chrono already posted this, but Leon Mege''s classic solitaire is very close to the Cartier solitaire. I imagine my ring would probably cost twice as much at Cartier, but if you have the money to get the size stone she wants and the Cartier name, go right ahead! We''d love to see it!

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/thank-you-andrey-leon-jonathan-and-tiffany.80475/

 

[IronMikey]

Date: 4/21/2008 6:29:28 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
Chrono already posted this, but Leon Mege''s classic solitaire is very close to the Cartier solitaire. I imagine my ring would probably cost twice as much at Cartier, but if you have the money to get the size stone she wants and the Cartier name, go right ahead! We''d love to see it!


https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/thank-you-andrey-leon-jonathan-and-tiffany.80475/

diamondseeker,

Your ring is really just incredible. I mean it''s just amazing. I love the solitaire setting with a diamond wedding band. We liked Cartier''s channel set band so much with the 1895.

I don''t want to be tacky asking this but how much does that setting cost from Leon Mege (including labor etc). People talk about him a lot on here and I''ve always wondered about the cost.

I just got a quote on a 1.71 ct, H, VS1 for $26K -- I''d love to drop to a VS2 and save a few dollars. I''m trying to see what the cost of a similar sized stone/quality setting would be from another vendor. If the difference in price isn''t substantial then I''d just stick with Cartier.

 

[Harriet]

If the Cartier makes your girlfriend happy, go for it. That said, Leon's prongs look more deliate. I love mine.

 

[icekid]

Date: 4/21/2008 6:51:30 PM
Author: Harriet
If the Cartier makes your girlfriend happy, go for it. That said, Leon''s prongs look more deliate. I love mine.

I love Harriet''s too

perfection! But if your girl is all about the name, what can you do? Cartier won''t sell you frozen spit

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 4/21/2008 6:40:37 PM
Author: IronMikey

Date: 4/21/2008 6:29:28 PM

Author: diamondseeker2006

Chrono already posted this, but Leon Mege''s classic solitaire is very close to the Cartier solitaire. I imagine my ring would probably cost twice as much at Cartier, but if you have the money to get the size stone she wants and the Cartier name, go right ahead! We''d love to see it!



https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/thank-you-andrey-leon-jonathan-and-tiffany.80475/

diamondseeker,


Your ring is really just incredible. I mean it''s just amazing. I love the solitaire setting with a diamond wedding band. We liked Cartier''s channel set band so much with the 1895.


I don''t want to be tacky asking this but how much does that setting cost from Leon Mege (including labor etc). People talk about him a lot on here and I''ve always wondered about the cost.


I just got a quote on a 1.71 ct, H, VS1 for $26K -- I''d love to drop to a VS2 and save a few dollars. I''m trying to see what the cost of a similar sized stone/quality setting would be from another vendor. If the difference in price isn''t substantial then I''d just stick with Cartier.

You can certainly save some $ by going with someone else. The plain Leon Mege settings usually run less than $3000 and used to be much closer to $2000. The number of course skyrockets once you add pave.

But considering that you have said MULTIPLE times that the name is important to your GF, I really really recommend buying from Cartier.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 4/21/2008 6:40:37 PM
Author: IronMikey

Date: 4/21/2008 6:29:28 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
Chrono already posted this, but Leon Mege''s classic solitaire is very close to the Cartier solitaire. I imagine my ring would probably cost twice as much at Cartier, but if you have the money to get the size stone she wants and the Cartier name, go right ahead! We''d love to see it!


https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/thank-you-andrey-leon-jonathan-and-tiffany.80475/

diamondseeker,

Your ring is really just incredible. I mean it''s just amazing. I love the solitaire setting with a diamond wedding band. We liked Cartier''s channel set band so much with the 1895.

I don''t want to be tacky asking this but how much does that setting cost from Leon Mege (including labor etc). People talk about him a lot on here and I''ve always wondered about the cost.

I just got a quote on a 1.71 ct, H, VS1 for $26K -- I''d love to drop to a VS2 and save a few dollars. I''m trying to see what the cost of a similar sized stone/quality setting would be from another vendor. If the difference in price isn''t substantial then I''d just stick with Cartier.

Aww, thanks so much! This is really amazing, because my diamond is 1.63 carats and H VS1. My stone was about $14,000 from Good Old Gold and it is a perfect hearts and arrows stone! The price of the Leon settings will fluctuate with the price of platinum, but mine was $1500 (plus about $130 shipping) in February. So the total was under $16,000 compared with a stone just a tiny bit larger at $26,000. This give you a pretty good idea of what you pay for the Cartier part!