choosing a setting for EC - help!

[shminbabe]

I might buy a diamond from one vendor but I don''t see a thing on their site that I like for settings. What I love is on James Allen''s site: Danhov Meno ME 10 and ME 25 if anyone cares to look.

Is it difficult to buy a stone from one vendor and have it shipped to another vendor for setting? Can I trust that "my" stone will be the same stone that is set?

And how in the world do y''all choose a setting without trying it on your finger?? I''m tempted to buy these James Allen settings just to see for myself. They said it''s fine, they can''t guarantee the size but at least I''ll get a in-person look at them so I will know.

I like clean, more contemporary or modern settings (not tension settings), no fussiness, but I do like some diamonds (pave? side stones?) on the shank. My center or solitary stone will be a 2 ct EC.

Can y''all give me some of your good ideas on settings you might have seen that I could look at ? And how do you manage to have a custom setting made wtihout ever trying it on?? I''m so picky I just can''t imagine doing this. But I haven''t seen much of anything I like anywhere!

How open are local jewelers to setting or creating a setting for a stone purchased elsewhere?

This is such a huge decision and expense and it feels really weird to buying both a diamond and setting sight unseen.

Jeannie

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 7/16/2007 1:28:08 AM
Author:shminbabe

Is it difficult to buy a stone from one vendor and have it shipped to another vendor for setting? Can I trust that 'my' stone will be the same stone that is set?

nope, folks here do it, but it is a lot easier if you can find the stone and setting at the same place. If you're going with a trusted vendor, I wouldn't worry about a stone swap at all. if you choose a designer setting, I'd have the vendor you buy it from send the stone to the designer to set, we've heard a few stories of settings getting messed up with the local stores set the stones.

Date: 7/16/2007 1:28:08 AM
Author:shminbabe


And how in the world do y'all choose a setting without trying it on your finger?? I'm tempted to buy these James Allen settings just to see for myself. They said it's fine, they can't guarantee the size but at least I'll get a in-person look at them so I will know.

You best bet is to try and find a retailer near you that carries the settings your interested in. some stores will send you settings to view in person. I've had vendors do it at no charge, others have asked for a credit card # to hold the funds until the settings are returned.

Date: 7/16/2007 1:28:08 AM
Author:shminbabe


Can y'all give me some of your good ideas on settings you might have seen that I could look at ? And how do you manage to have a custom setting made wtihout ever trying it on?? I'm so picky I just can't imagine doing this. But I haven't seen much of anything I like anywhere!

Check out ArtofPlatinum.com, Leon's stuff is amazing and one of the few I'd trust to go custom. Also check out GoodoldGold and Pearlmans for settings, Mark T at engagementringsdirect has some gorgeous settings too..

I personally didn't go custom for my e-ring for the reason you mentioned. I had to be able to try it on first, custom was just to scary for me. but, many gals have done it here and have wonderful rings. i think it's more successful if you are really making a design your own rather than trying to copy and exsisting design.

I'm sure there are great local custom jewelers, you'd just have to do the research in your area and make sure you take a look at their completed work.

it can be scary buying online, but with all the pics and other info the online vendors provide, it really should help ease your fears. EC are different though that they really need to be seen and finding a vendor you can trust as your eyes is key. you can always have one or two stones shipped to a local appraiser for you to look it before you buy. Most have decent return policy's too.

 

[chrono]

Date: 7/16/2007 1:28:08 AM
Author:shminbabe
I might buy a diamond from one vendor but I don''t see a thing on their site that I like for settings. What I love is on James Allen''s site: Danhov Meno ME 10 and ME 25 if anyone cares to look.

Is it difficult to buy a stone from one vendor and have it shipped to another vendor for setting? Can I trust that ''my'' stone will be the same stone that is set?
Not difficult at all. I''ve done so numerous times. If both vendors are reputable, there is nothing to worry about. JA, WF, GOG, and other well known online vendors do these things frequently. You should also make it a habit to find the inclusion(s) in your stone and match it to the cert before sending the stone off and after it is set. I''ve purchased from WF and sent the stone to Quest for mounting. I''ve also purchased from GOG and had it sent to Wink for mounting.

And how in the world do y''all choose a setting without trying it on your finger?? I''m tempted to buy these James Allen settings just to see for myself. They said it''s fine, they can''t guarantee the size but at least I''ll get a in-person look at them so I will know.
The best thing is to find a local retailer to try various types of rings on.

I like clean, more contemporary or modern settings (not tension settings), no fussiness, but I do like some diamonds (pave? side stones?) on the shank. My center or solitary stone will be a 2 ct EC.

Can y''all give me some of your good ideas on settings you might have seen that I could look at ? And how do you manage to have a custom setting made wtihout ever trying it on?? I''m so picky I just can''t imagine doing this. But I haven''t seen much of anything I like anywhere!
Custom is done when a person has tried on many different types of settings; likes one thing about this design, another thing about another design and want to mesh them together in one ring. Or sometimes to replicate a famous design with a personal touch added in.

How open are local jewelers to setting or creating a setting for a stone purchased elsewhere?
Most local jewellers are open to this. You just have to ask. Sometimes, its best to say it is an inherited stone or a stone you''ve had sitting around for a while (sorta true in a way). Don''t say you purchased it online - some local jewellers just don''t know much about online purchasing and become overly cautious or leery when the word "online" is mentioned. I''ve had all my gemstones set locally.

This is such a huge decision and expense and it feels really weird to buying both a diamond and setting sight unseen.

Jeannie

 

[strmrdr]

most vendors can get settings not on their website.
Ask them.
PS vendors have worked together in the past also to get settings that one didnt carry.
If you can its a good idea to have the vendor you buy the diamond from do the setting of the diamond.