Custom setting question (yet another, I know)

[clivus]

Hi,
I have been working on an emerald cut engagement ring with one of the major site sponsors. Everything has been going smooth, and I couldn’t be happier with the service I have received. We picked out a stone, and they priced a custom piece for me.

They have a round brilliant 3 stone ring in platinum (with the side stones included) for $2650 (G/H SI1 0.5CTW).
I asked for the same ring in an emerald cut with 0.60 pt each side stones. The price for custom platinum emerald 3 stone (with side stones included) was $6400. (F/G VS2 1.2CTW)
I appreciate artisanship, so I agreed.

Today, I emailed and asked when I should expect the CAD drawings. (it had been about 5 days) They emailed back and said since it was a “modification of a stock item” no CADs were needed.

If this isn’t a custom piece, I feel like I overpaid. Americanfancies has a pair of 0.60pt emeralds VS1 G for 2500. Subtracting about 500 for the smaller diamonds they aren’t going to use, subtracting the cost of the original setting, leaves me with about $1700 for the custom work.

Am I off base here? I have nothing against the company. I left their name out on purpose. They found me a great stone and have been very pleasant to work with. However, I am having second thoughts on the cost of the custom setting.
Please help.

 

[swingirl]

I can''t figure out the size of the stones you are comparing. Are you comparing round .5 ct side stones to emerald .6 ct side stones?

Certainly G/H SI1 is going be less than F/G VS1. And .5 fill be less than .6. And round might be less expensive then emerald. But I suggest you ask them why the price difference and how can you get the one you want closer to the $2650 price.

It seems like a substantial jump in price and you should know where the extra cost is going.

 

[clivus]

The one for 2650 includes Two 0.25ct rounds.
The one for 6400 includes Two 0.60ct emeralds.
All the terminology gets confusing when typed out. I know the difference in side stone size will add about $2000 to the setting. I''m fine with that.

 

[FrekeChild]

Whats the weight on the center stone for each?

 

[clivus]

Center stoneis the same for either. I''m happy with the stone.
This is only concerning the settings. Thanks for the help.

 

[mrssalvo]

i''m a little confused too. it doesn''t sound like you are comparing apples to apples regarding the setting

anyway, i would suggest talking to your vendor. many times a setting can just be modified to accomodate the shape/size stone you are using. sounds like that is what your vendor is doing. Did you want a completely custom, made from scratch ring or did you see something on the site and want that? i''ve never even heard of americanfancies which brings me back to the whole comparing apples to apples (quality of the settings/sidestones etc) thing.

i will say the price for the setting you ordered with the modifications does not sound out of line at all.

 

[clivus]

It''s really pretty simple. They have a setting that is a 3 stone round. I said, "hey, I want emerald cuts in that." Plus I would like the sides to be a little bigger. Same settings, different stones. The center doesn''t matter. We are only talking about the sides.

I quoted americanfancies aka diamondshapes because they specialize in pairs and arrays.

What I am asking is:

How much should I pay for a modification of a stock item?

 

[FrekeChild]

I was asking to get a better idea of the whole picture.

 

[clivus]

I''m sorry If I am being unclear. I would like some opinions though on what I should pay for a modification of a stock item. I want a setting they already have, but don''t make for the shape that I bought. I also want to upgrade the sidestones.
thanks for trying

 

[mrssalvo]

well, many designers will allow for a different stone shape that doesn''t change the cost of the setting. Since you went with a 3 stone setting made for rounds and had that changed for larger emeralds then i''d expect there to be a price jump. it''s hard to say what you should pay, with metal prices going crazy price jumps are happening over night. if you are working with a trusted vendor, my guess is the price is fair. again, i''ve never heard of the other companies but if you''d feel better saving your money and working with them, nothing wrong with that either.