Custom setting in Los Angeles for cushion? Also: my budget ok?

[littlelost]

Hi all, been lurking for about two weeks now, and thought I'd jump in. This looks to be a GREAT resource!

So, I'm looking for the perfect ring for my girl, and after a lot of research, I've settled on a Cushion cut. I'm also considering "cushion-style" stones like the Square H&As on Good Old Gold.

My budget is around $8k for stone and setting. I'm hoping to get a brilliant-looking (i.e. not the "crushed glass" look), 1 ct. cushion cut, around F color, and perhaps around VS2 (definitely want eye clean). I really do love the Square H&As on GoG, but the 0.93ct G VS2 on there was $6k, which seems a bit high for me, and I'm thinking I might do better by getting a "normal" cushion, although from browsing this site it sounds like it's definitely more challenging to find a beaut.

Anyway, on to setting: my girl loves the halo-style bezel settings, so I'm definitely looking for one of those. Most of the ones I've seen have pavé on the shank, which I don't love... I haven't found a definite "yes" here yet. That is until I came across a pricescope user that got something done from Mark Morrell. On his site, I saw a halo-style bezel ring that had a beautifully clean, elegant shank. And to boot, it has an orchid theme, and as my girl is flower crazy, I thought this would be an absolutely perfect setting (picture attached).

Ok, on to the main question: I have sent out an enquiry to Mark, but it sounds like his schedule is pretty full. Looking into alternatives, does anyone know of any people in the Los Angeles area that could custom make a platinum setting like this? Or, I suppose if necessary, a recommendation for another maker that isn't in LA? Or has anyone seen a non-custome setting like this before, with the pavé halo bezel, but a clean, elegant shank?

Also: am I out of my mind thinking I can get a setting like this with a beautiful 1 ct. cushion in there for around $8k, or does that sound do-able?


Sorry for all the questions, just trying to get a handle on all of this! I'm doing my best, but it sure is confusing stuff sometimes. I just know I want to "get it right"!


Thanks much,
Ryan

 

[mrssalvo]

i think Maytal Hannah is in the LA area...you can do a search here to see some of her work as well, also search Maytal Hoffman (her maiden name)



www.maytalhannah.com

 

[neatfreak]

Well a setting like that will cost you at least $3k and quite possibly more to have custom made. With a non-patented cushion cut you can come darn close to your goal, if not get there. But it will be hard with a "branded" cut like a square H&A because of price premium.

Try giving Mark at Engagement Rings Direct a call. He custom makes a lot of gorgeous halo rings, usually in a reasonable amount of time, and he is also known as the "cushion expert" on here. He''ll find you the perfect stone without a ton of effort on your part! Best of all worlds.

 

[littlelost]

Mrs.Salvo, thanks for the Maytal Hannah info. Her stuff does indeed look great.

And Neatfreak, thanks as well: I''ve seen Mark''s name and ERD come up here, and will now definitely give him a ring and see what we can come up with.

 

[Green with Envy]

I would also be sure to call Jon at GOG and tell him what you are looking for. He has some great tastes for cushions- as seen in the GOG cushions videos. I got a cushion from GOG that is AMAZING! It can not hurt to have a few sets of experts eyes looking for your stone.

 

[dani13]

Hi LL!

PS member Kittenkat had her gorgeous w-bands custom made at Yale Jewelers in Santa Monica....Take a look at their webpage- their custom work looks beautiful!!

http://www.yalejewelers.com/Home_Page.html

Also, I know she had her e-ring made by Eli''s Jewelers- here is their info:

Eli''s Jewelry
609 S Hill St
LA 213-623-1611

Best of luck, and let us know what you decide!!!

 

[kellyfish]

Singlestone is in LA--and they are very nice (Ari) to work with! www.singlestone.com

 

[LadyAmythyst69]

23rd Street Jewelers in Santa Monica has a ring very similar to that one with a litght bluse stone. You can see a photo of it on their website.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 11/1/2007 6:47:42 PM
Author: mrssalvo
i think Maytal Hannah is in the LA area...you can do a search here to see some of her work as well, also search Maytal Hoffman (her maiden name)



www.maytalhannah.com

Ditto! I''d definitely love to have a ring made by Maytal!

 

[KittenKat]

Ooh, I am a few days late to this...

But my number 1 person to do ANY work - Maytal! She is incredible.

I''ve pretty much being only using her.... I have one other GREAT guy I''ve been using forever - he''s in the valley and does incredible work as well.

Eli''s was great, Yale was good. But Maytal makes me swoon!