Chicago/Whiteflash question

[1st Timer]

Hello again,

For those of you who helped out with my previous post, thank you. Here is the link for reference.

I settled on the diamond at the bottom of this message, and put down a deposit to hold it while I choose a setting. I think I’m going with WF’s simple but classic 6-prong standard Tiffany-style setting in platinum, but I’d be interested in any thoughts. I know it’s not “unique” but I’m not creative enough to come up with a custom design, and I’ve always loved the idea of focusing one’s attention on the stone, not the setting, while maintaining elegance at the same time.

Anyway, my question relates to the process of ordering the setting, and I’d appreciate the thoughts of all the past online buyers out there. For some reason, I kind of want to have the stone and setting shipped unset to a jeweler here in Chicago so I can inspect them both separately, and possibly have a final independent appraisal, before joining them. Once I’m comfortable that everything is as I ordered it, I could then have that jeweler set the stone and be done with it. If that’s silly or risky, please do let me know. If that makes sense and others have done it that way, I’d be interested to hear your experience, and if there are any Chicagoans out there that have a recommendation on a trusted jeweler/appraiser, that would be very helpful as well.

Thanks again for your continued help!


1.217 ct G VS2 A Cut Above H&A

$9,583.00

. Report: AGS
. Shape: A Cut Above H&A
. Carat: 1.217
. Depth %: 61.6
. Table %: 55.7
. Crown Angle: 34.7
. Crown %: 15.4
. Star : 52
. Pavilion Angle: 40.6
. Pavilion %: 42.8
. Lower Girdle %: 76
. Girdle: Thin to Medium Faceted
. Measurements: 6.84-6.86X4.22
. Light Performance: 0
. Polish: Ideal
. Symmetry: Ideal
. Culet: Pointed
. Fluorescence: Negligible

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I would have WF set the stone. That way, they have the liability in the event the stone or setting was damaged during setting. I doubt seriously that you will find a local jeweler who would want to take responsibility for a stone and ring they did not sell. You can still return the ring even if it is set. However, with a G VS2 ACA, I can''t think of any reason you''d want to do that!

 

[angeline]

I agree with ds. Why not have the stone shipped to an appraiser first, then if it is everything you want send it back to WF for setting.

I can vouch for the simple Tiff style setting. I''ve had two from WF in 14k white gold and both have been of great quality, heavy, well-finished and the stone set perfectly. Oh hang on I just thought, maybe you were talking about the more expensive Tiff type setting. I''m talking about the $195 ones. Anyway if they are good the more expensive one will be even nicer!

 

[1st Timer]

That is a good point - I guess I didn''t think much about the liability the independent jeweler would have to assume in accepting that work. Maybe I''ll just buy or borrow a loupe and check out every angle and prong myself during the inspection period.

On an unrelated note, I''m not sure if anyone else will be reading this, but does anyone have thoughts on a stealthy way to get my girlfriend''s ring size? Blue Nile was kind enough to send a free sizing kit, so I have that part, so my plan WAS to steal one of her rings, but it on my finger till it stops, then measure my finger at that point. The problem is, sne doesn''t wear much jewelry, and I can''t find any ring that she wears on her right hand to do that process. I don''t want to be too obvious, but I''d like to avoid the need for resizing if I can, since it''s an online purchase and I don''t want to have to send it back.

 

[1st Timer]

Date: 2/26/2008 5:58:21 PM
Author: angeline
I agree with ds. Why not have the stone shipped to an appraiser first, then if it is everything you want send it back to WF for setting.

I can vouch for the simple Tiff style setting. I''ve had two from WF in 14k white gold and both have been of great quality, heavy, well-finished and the stone set perfectly. Oh hang on I just thought, maybe you were talking about the more expensive Tiff type setting. I''m talking about the $195 ones. Anyway if they are good the more expensive one will be even nicer!

Regarding the setting, thanks for the comfort on WF''s work. I was indeed thinking of the simple one, but it''s $495 in platinum vs. the $195 in white or yellow gold. I was also considering what they call the "heavy" Tiff setting, which jumps to $750 for plat. I''m not sure I like the phrase "heavy" though, since she has pretty petite hands. It would probably look fine - I just don''t want something too thick.