Confused! Tacori or custom?

[mani5ha]

Hey again!

I am a bit confused as to what to do. Today I was talking to my bf and he knows I really want the Tacori 2620 with a plain band. He''s said that I should just get what I want and it''s fine, as long as its within budget. However, I suspect (awaiting a quote) that the Tacori setting with an excellent stone, is out of my budget ($7000).

On the other hand, I''ve been quoted a custom job on something that looks quite similar to the Tacori setting. The quote is $1850 so well within my budget and gives me about $5000 to buy the rock - and I could buy a nice one with that amount of money.

I''m just worried that my aims at trying to create a custom inspired version of the 2620, it won''t live up to the original. But surely it makes sense to spend more on the stone?

Thoughts appreciated on how the custom version would look vs the original, I''ll post the pics below

Manisha

 

[mani5ha]

The Tacori I''m sure you''re all familiar with!

 

[mani5ha]

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Designers/Whiteflash/Guinevere-Solitaire-Engagement-Ring_1412.htm#

Possibly with this customization...

 

[mani5ha]

I''m not sure if this is the guinevere but with stones, but it looks quite similar to the Tacori too.

http://com.pricescope.com/photos/whiteflash/category1023/picture3399.aspx

Manisha

 

[waterlilly]

Have you seen the Tacori in person? Do you know what size stone is featured in the picture? The ring could look very different depending on the size of the center stone I imagine. I vote custom 100%. You will not get an exact replica, but I just can't see spending more than half your budget on the setting simply because of the name attached to it. A vendor like whitflash or Brian Gavin - can deliver an amazing ring just as beautiful as the Tacori.

I think you would regret not spending that money on the stone in the future!

 

[yssie]

If you want specific elements in your design custom is a great way to incorporate all those details into a ring which is exactly what you want - you avoid the little sacrifices a stock piece would require. WF and BGD have done spectacular work for many PSers.


If you love the original, though, going custom to get it cheaper is not a good idea - no reputable jeweller would make an exact replica of a designer setting, and you'll just be disappointed it's not exactly the same.


You seem to have some pretty specific ideas of what you'd like - I'd love to see them come to life in a custom creation

 

[mani5ha]

I haven''t seen the Tacori in person yet (I''m in the UK - there''s only ONE place in Europe that sells Tacori!!), so I''m waiting to do that first. I guess i''m pretty sure I want to go custom, but some vendors have said that creating a custom peice may be the same price and buying the Tacori!

What I really want to know is, do you think the alternative settings I posted look similar to the look i''m going for, and what do you think of the customization to the side?

Manisha

WF version of a custom job - this looks similar...i have tried so many times to upload this! sorry if its small!

 

[mani5ha]

Date: 1/8/2010 7:38:06 PM
Author: yssie
If you want specific elements in your design custom is a great way to incorporate all those details into a ring which is exactly what you want - you avoid the little sacrifices a stock piece would require. WF and BGD have done spectacular work for many PSers.


If you love the original, though, going custom to get it cheaper is not a good idea - no reputable jeweller would make an exact replica of a designer setting, and you''ll just be disappointed it''s not exactly the same.


You seem to have some pretty specific ideas of what you''d like - I''d love to see them come to life in a custom creation

Thats what i''m worried about!

I think thats why I need to see the ring in person, I may find the sides too busy anyway and opt for something for simple in which case the custom would work out better, but I m ay end up falling in love with the Tacori setting...! I fully understand and would not want a jeweller to replicate a design, just take elements of it, the main thing I love about the 2620 is the halo as opposed to the antiqueness, which I think can be replicated without violating copyright laws!

I know I have so many ideas! When I was visiting B&M stores, the guys were wondering what my job was - they thought I had so many ideas I must be some creative type, he seemed like he wanted to offer me a job! Haha!

 

[Jennifer2828]

I think the customs you have posted are in the same "look" family. But, as someone with the 2620 and had my heart set on it and only it, in my mind they are very very different.

I think I would ask your gf if she absolutely had her heart set on the Tacori. Some women find "the one" in a particular setting, while others are fine with different options of the same look category.

It might be valuable to go and see the 2620 in person as the pictures look different than in-person. The halo on the Tacori looks much bigger on screen that in does IRL. The halo is teeny - the stones are 1/2 point and are very delicate. The custom options you've shown look to have 1.5 pt stones which would be the same look to many, but maybe not to someone who had their heart set on one exact look.

I hope this is somewhat helpful and best of luck in finding a setting you love!

Sorry - just realized you are the "gf". My reco would be to try the 2620 on in person given the above things I mentioned.

 

[mani5ha]

Date: 1/8/2010 7:53:30 PM
Author: Jennifer2828
I think the customs you have posted are in the same ''look'' family. But, as someone with the 2620 and had my heart set on it and only it, in my mind they are very very different.

I think I would ask your gf if she absolutely had her heart set on the Tacori. Some women find ''the one'' in a particular setting, while others are fine with different options of the same look category.

It might be valuable to go and see the 2620 in person as the pictures look different than in-person. The halo on the Tacori looks much bigger on screen that in does IRL. The halo is teeny - the stones are 1/2 point and are very delicate. The custom options you''ve shown look to have 1.5 pt stones which would be the same look to many, but maybe not to someone who had their heart set on one exact look. This is really helpful! Thankyou! I never noticed that the stone size was smaller!

I hope this is somewhat helpful and best of luck in finding a setting you love!

Sorry - just realized you are the ''gf''. My reco would be to try the 2620 on in person given the above things I mentioned.

This is really helpful! I never realised that the halo stone size was smaller, I knew there was something different but I couldnt quite put my finger on it. Is the Tacori halo *too* delicate in your opinion? To be honest it looks like I just need to go see it, I''m just being impatient!

Thankyou! (Sorry about the highlighing i can''t seem to get rid of it!)

 

[clgwli]

Date: 1/8/2010 8:05:44 PM
Author: mani5ha

Date: 1/8/2010 7:53:30 PM
Author: Jennifer2828
I think the customs you have posted are in the same ''look'' family. But, as someone with the 2620 and had my heart set on it and only it, in my mind they are very very different.

I think I would ask your gf if she absolutely had her heart set on the Tacori. Some women find ''the one'' in a particular setting, while others are fine with different options of the same look category.

It might be valuable to go and see the 2620 in person as the pictures look different than in-person. The halo on the Tacori looks much bigger on screen that in does IRL. The halo is teeny - the stones are 1/2 point and are very delicate. The custom options you''ve shown look to have 1.5 pt stones which would be the same look to many, but maybe not to someone who had their heart set on one exact look. This is really helpful! Thankyou! I never noticed that the stone size was smaller!

I hope this is somewhat helpful and best of luck in finding a setting you love!

Sorry - just realized you are the ''gf''. My reco would be to try the 2620 on in person given the above things I mentioned.

This is really helpful! I never realised that the halo stone size was smaller, I knew there was something different but I couldnt quite put my finger on it. Is the Tacori halo *too* delicate in your opinion? To be honest it looks like I just need to go see it, I''m just being impatient!

Thankyou! (Sorry about the highlighing i can''t seem to get rid of it!)

Halo size is a total personal thing. What size of stone are you looking at getting? Or is that all dependent on the quotes you get?

I have tried on that 2620 more than once and honestly to *me* it is far too delicate with the halo as well as the shank itself. I also didn''t care for the etchings that they had on the mounting. I don''t know why but it never seemed to fit my style. But that is me. You definitely need to try it on and see what you think.

I personally was drawn to a Verragio as well as a Beverly K setting. Both were very similar in that they had a larger halo than the Tacori and both had no diamonds on the shank. Verragio had the split shank though which was tough for me to decide. We''ve chatted and obviously I''ve picked something totally different LOL but I definitely felt the Tacori compared to the others were too delicate for my anniversary band setting. A total personal thing though.

 

[mani5ha]

Date: 1/8/2010 8:35:24 PM
Author: clgwli
Halo size is a total personal thing. What size of stone are you looking at getting? Or is that all dependent on the quotes you get?

I have tried on that 2620 more than once and honestly to *me* it is far too delicate with the halo as well as the shank itself. I also didn''t care for the etchings that they had on the mounting. I don''t know why but it never seemed to fit my style. But that is me. You definitely need to try it on and see what you think.

I personally was drawn to a Verragio as well as a Beverly K setting. Both were very similar in that they had a larger halo than the Tacori and both had no diamonds on the shank. Verragio had the split shank though which was tough for me to decide. We''ve chatted and obviously I''ve picked something totally different LOL but I definitely felt the Tacori compared to the others were too delicate for my anniversary band setting. A total personal thing though.

My stone size will be dependant on the quotes I receive, based on the WF one I have so far, the stone will be around a 0.70 - 0.90. Thats one of the reasons why i''d like a halo, it''ll make it look bigger! . I do really like the WF guinevere ring as well though, so you make a good point about the halo being too dainty, i''ll def go have a look and see.

clgwli - thanks for your input, i''ve changed my mind so many times but u''ve always chimed in and given me some great and honest feedback, much appreciated!

Manisha

 

[marcy]

I think they are both really pretty rings. I would try to find one to try on so you can see how well you like it on your finger. I am confident WF would make you a beautiful ring but if you have your heart set on the Tacori you might always have that in the back of your mind regardless of how beautiful your ring turns out.

 

[Gypsy]

Thoughts.

If you haven't tried on that Tacori, do so. The one I was looking at from that collection had fancy pave cagework in the gallery and was set too high up for me. And the ctw was .14. So the point size of the melee is SUPER delicate, which I loved. My halo with it's .20 single cuts looks GINORMOUS next to that one, I have more carat weight in less stones in my halo than that entire ring has in it. If you want the tacori look, you need smaller melee than one pointers (ah the joys of custom work). You need half pointers. Which means a REALLY good setter, as the work is a complete and total pain in the neck to do with melee that small!

If I were designing a cushion shaped halo for a round, and I was on a tight budget my priorities would be A) my center stone and B)my pave quality.

WF has had some quality control issues last year, but as long as you stay on top of them and make sure you proof everything at every stage, and make sure you view the pics they send you when the work is done carefully... they can do some beautiful work too. They just did a lovely project for Chrono (her post is on the colored stone board).

I know that in the past WF has offered a 'deal' at around Valentine's day, and so have other vendors. Some kind of incentive to purchase though them. Might be worth asking if they are planning anything so that you can eek out the most bang for your budget. And you have a very good budget.

My first steps would be to hit the jewelry stores. The more high end ones you can hit the better, honestly. You call see examples of well cut stones, figure out your color tolerances and see well done pave work. I would check out Ritani's Bella Vita collection if you can as well. And the Hearts on Fire collection (which has one of my favorite halo settings ever in it).

Then I would decide on some proportions. How thick a band to you want? If you are going with a plain high polish shank do you want a cathedral or a 'peg' type head? What do you want (if anything) in the gallery? Should the halo be perpendicular to the shank or should it have a slope, and if it has a slope, how much of one? Do you like larger melee or smaller, finer, melee in pave. What style of pave to do you like?

I would also call around to other vendor's for qoutes, if you are maximizing your budget and I would stick to vendors that deal with Ideal rounds and also do custom work, because if you buy both at one place, they will usually give you a great deal. If you like the Beverly K, I would call Pearlmans and see what they can do for you, they can get ideal rounds in, do offer 'package' deals for people who buy the center and the setting from them, and are excellent to deal with. Brian Gavin Diamonds does impeccible custom work, and of course specializes in round super ideals. Highperformancediamonds obviously deals with superideal rounds, and Ocean did my setting. Also an infinity vendor, DimendScassi has some lovely designs in their custom work gallery, and is a super ideal vendor. Mark at ERD coiuld do a setting in this mode with his eyes closed, and his prices are great, plus he can get you a super ideal round, and offers 'package' pricing. Also while not a Tacori dealer Mark can get Tacori's in for you, so if you opt for the Tacori, I'd call him for a qoute, you might be surprised at the affordability if you putrchase both the setting and the stone from him.

Anyway... if I can help, let me know. It's a lot of fun, but yes... a lot of work. If it makes you feel better, the first time is harder... it gets easier. And working with someone who can just reach into your mind and pull what you want out of your head, is a bonus. Working with Brian and BGD was like that for me. I was more uptight with my engagement ring, so I put Ocean through the ringer, but with my pendant (my second custom project) ... it was as easy as breathing. Of course, I wasn't a nervous ninny as it wasn't my engagement ring either. The engagement ring is like the wedding dress. It's a PITA. LOL.

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 1/8/2010 7:09:24 PM
Author:mani5ha
Hey again!

I am a bit confused as to what to do. Today I was talking to my bf and he knows I really want the Tacori 2620 with a plain band. He''s said that I should just get what I want and it''s fine, as long as its within budget. However, I suspect (awaiting a quote) that the Tacori setting with an excellent stone, is out of my budget ($7000).

On the other hand, I''ve been quoted a custom job on something that looks quite similar to the Tacori setting. The quote is $1850 so well within my budget and gives me about $5000 to buy the rock - and I could buy a nice one with that amount of money.

I''m just worried that my aims at trying to create a custom inspired version of the 2620, it won''t live up to the original. But surely it makes sense to spend more on the stone?

Thoughts appreciated on how the custom version would look vs the original, I''ll post the pics below

Manisha

Take a look at these videos of the Tacori 2620 http://www.vimeo.com/7211664 and http://www.vimeo.com/6401615
that is not an easy setting to duplicate and modifying a tiffany setting like shown above is nowhere close.
Tacori settings have really small melee and are really busy with a lot of intricate design on the side profile. But really take a close look at the profile of the 2620 it is not as clean or simple as the top view the second video will give you a clear idea of what it looks like.

Gypsy has given you good advice but I don''t think you should even try to copy this, I would speak to Mark at ERD about a package price for the tacori if you still want it ,he will likely be the most competitive on pricing. Also if you do go custom it would be easier to choose something like a modified Tiffany Novo to use as inspriation.

 

[Dreamer_D]

You really really need to try it on before you spend even one more second thinking about it. There can be a world of difference between what you think you like and then what you like when you have it on your finger.

 

[Gypsy]

CCL, when 'paraphrasing' me, please strive for a moficum of accuracy. In my nearly 15K of posts on this site I have never adocated anyone 'copying' anything. Nor have I in this thread. At no time did I imply that going custom should result in anything but a unique piece that was it's own stand alone that takes inspiration from the settings posted. Please be careful about your implications in the future.

Thank you.
Gypsy

 

[clgwli]

Date: 1/8/2010 9:12:37 PM
Author: mani5ha

Date: 1/8/2010 8:35:24 PM
Author: clgwli
Halo size is a total personal thing. What size of stone are you looking at getting? Or is that all dependent on the quotes you get?

I have tried on that 2620 more than once and honestly to *me* it is far too delicate with the halo as well as the shank itself. I also didn''t care for the etchings that they had on the mounting. I don''t know why but it never seemed to fit my style. But that is me. You definitely need to try it on and see what you think.

I personally was drawn to a Verragio as well as a Beverly K setting. Both were very similar in that they had a larger halo than the Tacori and both had no diamonds on the shank. Verragio had the split shank though which was tough for me to decide. We''ve chatted and obviously I''ve picked something totally different LOL but I definitely felt the Tacori compared to the others were too delicate for my anniversary band setting. A total personal thing though.

My stone size will be dependant on the quotes I receive, based on the WF one I have so far, the stone will be around a 0.70 - 0.90. Thats one of the reasons why i''d like a halo, it''ll make it look bigger! . I do really like the WF guinevere ring as well though, so you make a good point about the halo being too dainty, i''ll def go have a look and see.

clgwli - thanks for your input, i''ve changed my mind so many times but u''ve always chimed in and given me some great and honest feedback, much appreciated!

Manisha

I totally get on the stone depending on the setting size. I know it is backwards compared to some, but the setting for me was most important at the time. I''ve enjoyed chatting with you about this and I admit I am interested to hear what you think of the Tacori when you see it in person. I think once you see it and decide if it is too delicate or not or even too busy or not you''ll know where to go next.

Personally I love the WF Guinevere as well. It really reminds me more of a mix of the last two I loved as well.

 

[mani5ha]

Date: 1/9/2010 1:01:58 AM
Author: ChunkyCushionLover
Take a look at these videos of the Tacori 2620 http://www.vimeo.com/7211664 and http://www.vimeo.com/6401615
that is not an easy setting to duplicate and modifying a tiffany setting like shown above is nowhere close.
Tacori settings have really small melee and are really busy with a lot of intricate design on the side profile. But really take a close look at the profile of the 2620 it is not as clean or simple as the top view the second video will give you a clear idea of what it looks like.

Gypsy has given you good advice but I don''t think you should even try to copy this, I would speak to Mark at ERD about a package price for the tacori if you still want it ,he will likely be the most competitive on pricing. Also if you do go custom it would be easier to choose something like a modified Tiffany Novo to use as inspriation.

CCL - I wouldn''t say I want to copy the peice, in my original message I said I had a quote for a custom job that looks similar to the Tacori 2620.

The main parts of the Tacori that I seem to like, are the delicacy of it, and the teeny tiny halo. However I will def have to go see this in person to check. I don''t know if I mentioned, but i''m in the UK. Where a lot of these collections are hard to find, i''ll have to take a look down some of the higher end streets around here but i''m scared they''re be really snooty!! lol. I have made an appointment on Monday to see the Tacori. I think if i *love* it, i''d want to go with it. But there are parts of it i''m not sure about, for example the busy detailed basket.

 

[mani5ha]

Date: 1/8/2010 10:22:38 PM
Author: Gypsy
Thoughts.

If you haven''t tried on that Tacori, do so. The one I was looking at from that collection had fancy pave cagework in the gallery and was set too high up for me. And the ctw was .14. So the point size of the melee is SUPER delicate, which I loved. My halo with it''s .20 single cuts looks GINORMOUS next to that one, I have more carat weight in less stones in my halo than that entire ring has in it. If you want the tacori look, you need smaller melee than one pointers (ah the joys of custom work). You need half pointers. Which means a REALLY good setter, as the work is a complete and total pain in the neck to do with melee that small!

If I were designing a cushion shaped halo for a round, and I was on a tight budget my priorities would be A) my center stone and B)my pave quality.

WF has had some quality control issues last year, but as long as you stay on top of them and make sure you proof everything at every stage, and make sure you view the pics they send you when the work is done carefully... they can do some beautiful work too. They just did a lovely project for Chrono (her post is on the colored stone board).

I know that in the past WF has offered a ''deal'' at around Valentine''s day, and so have other vendors. Some kind of incentive to purchase though them. Might be worth asking if they are planning anything so that you can eek out the most bang for your budget. And you have a very good budget.

My first steps would be to hit the jewelry stores. The more high end ones you can hit the better, honestly. You call see examples of well cut stones, figure out your color tolerances and see well done pave work. I would check out Ritani''s Bella Vita collection if you can as well. And the Hearts on Fire collection (which has one of my favorite halo settings ever in it).

Then I would decide on some proportions. How thick a band to you want? If you are going with a plain high polish shank do you want a cathedral or a ''peg'' type head? What do you want (if anything) in the gallery? Should the halo be perpendicular to the shank or should it have a slope, and if it has a slope, how much of one? Do you like larger melee or smaller, finer, melee in pave. What style of pave to do you like?

I would also call around to other vendor''s for qoutes, if you are maximizing your budget and I would stick to vendors that deal with Ideal rounds and also do custom work, because if you buy both at one place, they will usually give you a great deal. If you like the Beverly K, I would call Pearlmans and see what they can do for you, they can get ideal rounds in, do offer ''package'' deals for people who buy the center and the setting from them, and are excellent to deal with. Brian Gavin Diamonds does impeccible custom work, and of course specializes in round super ideals. Highperformancediamonds obviously deals with superideal rounds, and Ocean did my setting. Also an infinity vendor, DimendScassi has some lovely designs in their custom work gallery, and is a super ideal vendor. Mark at ERD coiuld do a setting in this mode with his eyes closed, and his prices are great, plus he can get you a super ideal round, and offers ''package'' pricing. Also while not a Tacori dealer Mark can get Tacori''s in for you, so if you opt for the Tacori, I''d call him for a qoute, you might be surprised at the affordability if you putrchase both the setting and the stone from him.

Anyway... if I can help, let me know. It''s a lot of fun, but yes... a lot of work. If it makes you feel better, the first time is harder... it gets easier. And working with someone who can just reach into your mind and pull what you want out of your head, is a bonus. Working with Brian and BGD was like that for me. I was more uptight with my engagement ring, so I put Ocean through the ringer, but with my pendant (my second custom project) ... it was as easy as breathing. Of course, I wasn''t a nervous ninny as it wasn''t my engagement ring either. The engagement ring is like the wedding dress. It''s a PITA. LOL.

Amazing advice Gypsy!! You''ve given me a lot to think about, I''ve contacted a lot of these vendors but WF have been the quickets to reply to me.

I think I needed all this advice first though before I proceeded with trying to get quotes, I never realised that the halo and the work around the stone in the Tacori was so teeny tiny.

I''m not sure aboutb the halo being perpendicular, i''m not sure what that means! I think I also need to do some research into different types of pave as I don''t know anything about this!

I will definetley be asking you for help in the process no doubt! Thank you so much!

Manisha

 

[mani5ha]

**UPDATE**

Went to see the Tacori, not loving it. Like some others have mentioned, I found the halo too delicate. It was so well made and intricate but damit if that halo was a teensy bit bigger...!!!

So I spotted some WF custom designs and this one caught my eye, again I thought it was quite similar to the Tacori but with a larger halo and less "busy"ness....

Please let me know what you think, i''m having trouble visualising if i would love this or not...

 

[mani5ha]

side view...

 

[mani5ha]

pic view WF sent me, but its too small for me to be able to tell..! does anyone have this ring? or similar?