Custom Engagement Rings

[Ruup]

Hi there, just wanted some help on getting a Custom Engagement Ring made. Posted a thread here last week I believe about a Cushion Cut Diamond and I''ll most probably go with GOG and get an August Vintage Cushion.

Having a search around looks like GOG have made some very nice rings but I don''t have to buy it through them so was wondering if anyone here could recommend anyone who will custom make a ring for me. Most important thing is obviously the quality of the ring. Another thing is I don’t want to wait too long either, I know some places will make it within 10 days which is ok. Don’t want to wait like 6-7 weeks for the ring to be made! Also a reputable vendor as don’t want to send a high value diamond to them otherwise! Especially seeing as if they are based in New York and I’m here in London!

I''ll probably be looking for double prongs, two rows of micro pave half way down the band. Don’t want the diamond sitting too high either. Not sure if my terminology here is right here though!

Seeing as I am buying the diamond in New York it would be easier to get it made there as well I suppose or what I could do is bring the diamond back here and get it custom made in the UK. So am open to suggestions in New York or here. I''m assuming it would be cheaper to get made in New York.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[mrssalvo]

mark t at engagementringsdirect. He''s in NY, does cast setting and could probably come close to doing it in a couple of weeks depending on how busy he is right now. He has made some gorgeous settings for Pricescopers and does really great work. Goodoldgold knows Mark and I''m sure would be glad to help get the stone to him for you.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Suggest you stick with GOG for both the setting and the stone. GOG can make settings too - I believe. It will just be easier for you being so far away.

GOG can even take videos of the finished product for you.

 

[Ruup]

Thanks for the advice guys. Probably easiest sticking with GOG but I'm thinking if I'm spending all this money to get it done I might as well just pay that little bit extra if someone else out there does better quality work. I know I'll great a great Cushion of GOG, imo one of the best so why not spend that bit extra and get the actual ring made from one of the best around as well.

Having a look around these guys seem to be mentioned as high quality setters, any opinions?

Brian Gavin - http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/
McTeigue & McClelland - http://www.mc2jewels.com/
Wink Jones - http://www.winkjones.com/
Mark Morrel - http://www.mwmjewelry.com/
Leon Mege - Heard a few bad things about him here though.


Or the other option is to ask Indira Marchant if she would be willing to set the diamond for me, not sure if she would though.

Also another reason why I'd prefer it set in America is because if I fly out to bring it back will be a lot less hassle bringing over an engagement ring than a loose diamond! Also while I'd want it done quick I guess if I'm getting a much superior finish I can wait a little longer as well.

 

[Lula]

Date: 4/22/2010 6:09:43 PM
Author: Ruup
Thanks for the advice guys. Probably easiest sticking with GOG but I'm thinking if I'm spending all this money to get it done I might as well just pay that little bit extra if someone else out there does better quality work. I know I'll great a great Cushion of GOG, imo one of the best so why not spend that bit extra and get the actual ring made from one of the best around as well.


Having a look around these guys seem to be mentioned as high quality setters, any opinions?


Brian Gavin - http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/

McTeigue & McClelland - http://www.mc2jewels.com/

Wink Jones - http://www.winkjones.com/

Mark Morrel - http://www.mwmjewelry.com/

Leon Mege - Heard a few bad things about him here though.



Or the other option is to ask Indira Marchant if she would be willing to set the diamond for me, not sure if she would though.


Also another reason why I'd prefer it set in America is because if I fly out to bring it back will be a lot less hassle bringing over an engagement ring than a loose diamond!

All of the names you have mentioned are held in high regard here. Leon may have a bit of a "reputation" because of his personality, but his work is beautiful. That said, each of the companies and individuals you listed have different styles and personalities -- and timelines! Have you looked at photos of their work and found something similar to the style you're looking for? If so, contact them about pricing and timeline for the work, and choose the person you feel most comfortable working with. The process is so much less stressful if you choose a vendor you feel comfortable with!

Wink Jones did my custom setting and it is very well made, and I found him very easy to work with. But depending on what I was looking for, I would work with any of the other vendors you listed, too. They all do quality work. Whiteflash also does custom design, and would also be a company I'd recommend you contact.

Again, each company has different policies and procedures for custom work, so it is definitely worth your while to contact them and compare what they have to offer, and choose the company that best fits your needs.


ETA: You might also want to consider Ocean Pearlman, who also does beautiful custom work; you can contact her through Wink Jones. Another designer that is highly regarded here is Maytal Hannah.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Brian Gavin isn't really in the same category as the rest of your list. They do CAD & CAST and should be cheaper. The others are handmade. Quality wise - I would say Leon mege and M&M should be at the top of your list. The others are nice but the difference is noticeable.

 

[ponder]

You have a great list of vendors to get quotes from...but you may want to adjust your time table for the completion of the ring. I really don''t know if any of these vendors could complete a true custom ring in 7-10 days. I think it took almost a week to get my cad done with only one revision meeting. Depending on the uniqueness and difficulty of your design it will take some time.

I am pretty sure my custom ring from WF took almost a month....what was everyone elses experience?

 

[Ruup]

Thanks again for the advice guys

Spoke to someone at McTeigue & McClelland, a really nice guy and was helpful. Said they are very busy though so will take 8 weeks to get it done! Really love their stuff and said he could make it as I wanted but I''ll be looking at close to 3 months this way until I get the ring done and that is assuming I get the diamond I''m after within a month! A lot longer than I thought really as I thought ideally 2 weeks and 4 weeks tops! Obviously I was way off withy my prediction on that front!

Just a general question here but in the top bracket of custom ring makers apart from Leon Merge and M&M anyone else you guys could recommend?