Choosing vendor online?

[newb]

Hi Guys,
I have read some great post here so far and this is my first time asking a question. I have decided on the style of engagement ring I want to purchase. The style I like most is the Tiffany’s Legacy. Which can be viewed here.

The main issue is that I don’t want to pay Tiffanys prices and as long as the diamond looks good to the eye I don’t care as much about how clear it is etc. So if it comes down to it id go for a lager size over a more pure stone that was smaller.
I need help finding that Edwardian look at a better rate. I like the beadwork that surrounds the stones a lot and I know I want the Cushion cut.

So far I have found this ring. Adimor seems to have a close match. I called them and they said they could work something out to get me the cushion cut.
Basically I am looking for some advice here of other places to look…thoughts on if this is a good place to buy diamonds from etc. I would like to be under 7k for the stone, setting, and engagement band if possible and come in around 1ct for the center stone. Also I would like platinum instead of white gold etc.

Any help here would be greatly appreciated.

 

[WorkingHardforSmallRewards]

You can always buy a diamond from one place and the setting from somewhere else, then mail your setting to the business from whom you purchased the diamond. They will probably mount it for you for free if you are nice and if not well, it will be a minimal percentage to get what you want and keep all your options open. I highly recommend James Allen. Figured I would say that one more time before all of the whiteflash and cusionT fanatics start posting

 

[mrssalvo]

I'd go to Mark t at www.engagementringsdirect.com for the cushion and the setting. he does amazing custom work and is known around here as the cushion king. Not sure you'll be able to get a 1 carat cushion in a plat. pave setting for under 7K but Mark can easily give you a quote so you'll know the ballpark figure to get it done.

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 6/25/2007 9:15:36 PM
Author: mrssalvo
I''d go to Mark t at www.engagementringsdirect.com for the cushion and the setting. he does amazing custom work and is known around here as the cushion king. Not sure you''ll be able to get a 1 carat cushion in a plat. pave setting for under 7K but Mark can easily give you a quote so you''ll know the ballpark figure to get it done.

Ditto

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 6/25/2007 9:15:36 PM
Author: mrssalvo
I'd go to Mark t at www.engagementringsdirect.com for the cushion and the setting. he does amazing custom work and is known around here as the cushion king. Not sure you'll be able to get a 1 carat cushion in a plat. pave setting for under 7K but Mark can easily give you a quote so you'll know the ballpark figure to get it done.

I agree too. And just to give YOU a ballpark of what you're looking at:

A custom pave setting like the legacy will run you about $3,000 give or take in platinum and only slightly less in white gold. It is quite different and a lot more elaborate than the one you posted from adimor, so it will be more expensive.

A 1 carat cushion will run you about $5k again give or take a bit. So you're looking at at least $8k for a 1 carat stone.

BUT you could do it with a .75 stone and probably come in right around your budget.

 

[newb]

Wow thanks for the fast responses. Already some great tips to check out. Any thoughts on this place Ice Store. I talked to the owner and he seemed like a nice guy. Just wondering if anyone had any coments on his operation etc.

 

[mrssalvo]

you can do a search on Icestore and see what pops up. they do have good reviews here. that setting you linked is beautiful but comes with a 5K pricetag which will surely put you way over budget..