Custom Design Questions

[bpc55]

Today my fiance and I met with a jeweler about designing a custom engagement ring. Yes, I popped the question without a ring, but that''s more our style.

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" src="http://www.pricescope.com/idealbb/images/smilies/2.gif" width="15 border=0"> Besides, we had basically known that we would have to do a custom design to get something that both of us were satisfied with, so she might as well be along for part of the process.

She had a previous idea for the design, and with his help, she was able to translate it to paper. If we proceed with this jeweler, he will start working on a computer generated version of this design that we can finalize before production begins. Overall, I think we felt comfortable with him, and he seemed to know his stuff, so I think we would definitely like to use him for the setting.

The problem is his price for the main stone. Unfortunately for him, I''ve been skimming around this site off and on for a few months and I''ve really expanded past the 4 C''s. His price for the setting and side stones seemed reasonable, but when I got home and compared his price for several center stones with a quick search on this site, there was about a 2-3K difference.

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" src="http://www.pricescope.com/idealbb/images/smilies/23.gif" border="0"> Obviously internet prices will be cheaper, but this seemed a bit high. While in the store, I asked about the possibility of using a center stone that I provided, and he seemed to at least catch on that I wasn''t the typical shopper and had probably already priced a few things online. He didn''t have a problem with it but seemed to suggest that the price for the setting would go up a little bit if the center stone was not purchased from him. I''m not surprised by this and don''t really have a problem with it, but I just have some questions before moving forward with a custom design setting and a self purchased center stone.

Are there any disadvantages to buying the stone separately?
In a typical store bought ring, what types of things could happen to the center stone that the jeweler would be responsible for or "fix" without a charge? (aside from stone coming out)

I''d like to say thanks in advance. I''ve learned a lot from this site, the forums, and some of the links provided, and that has helped educate me for this difficult and fairly intimidating experience.

 

[valeria101]

Date: 7/18/2005 11:34:31 PM
Author:bpc55

Are there any disadvantages to buying the stone separately?

Yes... it could break, and then you are responsible to replace it, unless the shop has a rare policy that says otherwise. There were a few threads about this recently: ONE more.

If the stone comes out loose, than this is a problem of the setting, and it would be expected that the jeweler remediates it (say, by tightening prongs or somethins). As far as I unerstand, this is usually a minor thing, an if it happens soon after the ring is made than they'll probably fix such things without chargin. If there is a warranty period, this becomes clear, but usually there isn't one define.

In general, problems get fixes as a courtesy if they are simple (up to the seller to define this) or can be considered as part of the manufacturing process - you will probably get to see the piece in a semifinished stage to give feedback, and that is the time to make potentially costless adjutments. Aditions to the design may not be costless, unerstandably.

This is about all I know. Hope someone adds better.

 

[diamondlil]

It is probably pretty uncommon for a diamond to be broken during the setting process. Most jewelers don''t have insurance to cover breakage, but that''s a good question for your jeweler (and your insurance company). I personally think the savings of purchasing your diamond on line and having it set locally outweighs the risk, but that''s just my opinion.

 

[lmurden]

Hi Bpc55,

If I were you I would go ahead and tell the local jeweler that you will be suppling the center diamond. Go ahead and purchase the diamond online and then get it appraised and insured immediately. Once that is done you don''t have to worry if the jeweler breaks the diamond because it will be insured. On a side note, I am currently getting my original diamond engagement ring that was bought on the internet reset in a custom made setting by a local jeweler. Good luck.

 

[bpc55]

Tomorrow I'm visiting a second custom design jeweler (Quest). Wish me luck, but from the great reviews I've read, I won't need it. After spending the week reading and learning, I think I'm ready to shop for the center stone. I'm looking for a princess cut stone, 1.2-1.5 ct, E-G color, VS1-VS2.

I found this on GOG and wanted some opinions. It's a little smaller than I was looking for, but I think it might be too good to pass up. The BrillianceScope results are great.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/1_17ct_evs1_princess.htm

Thanks in advance.


Edit:
Sorry, forgot to thank the people who responded above. I'll discuss it with the jeweler tomorrow and let you know.

 

[mrssalvo]

If you go with Quest, I know you won''t be disappointed. Please keep us posted.

 

[Kaleigh]

Yes, Quest is awesome, they do a great job!!!!! Let us know how it goes with them tomorrow!!!!!

 

[bpc55]

Well I just got back from Quest. Thank god I saw their website and listened to your recommendations. It was such a positive experience compared to the last jeweler. DiamondLil, all of the brothers knew you by name the second I mentioned the pear stone, and it sounds like they''ve got their hands full just working with the customers you recommend.

We got the setting nailed down, but I need to decide on the center stone before they can move forward with the CAD drawings. I''m continuing to look for one, and they''re going to look as well this week, but I''d really like to get some opinions on that stone from good old gold that I mentioned earlier. The Brilliance Scope numbers and pictures are great, but I just wanted to get some feedback. Thanks.