Daniel K...Rip off?

[Shigeko1]

My bf and I are really interested in the Daniel K engagement rings. I am really interested in the engagement pictured next to the u-ternity band (asscher). So we called this particular retailer and I was happy to learn that they had that particular ring since most of the places I called did not have it. He told me that they a 1.69 carat, H, VS2, and the price was....$36,000 but he would give it to me for $28,000, he also told me that they had a 1.01 carat, G, SI1 for almost $13,000. So I thanked and told him that we would call him back. Do you guys think it''s worth it? I think that I would be able to get a bigger stone with that amount of money.[: I am better of buying the stone and having Leon Mege do ther replica of that setting? Would it look the same? And lastly, do you guys think that they might sell their settings without the stone? Thanks in advance.

 

[Kaleigh]

No they won't sell you the setting without the stone. I would give Bill Pearlman a call, he is a PS vendor that sells the Daniel K Line. www.pearlmansjewelers.com Good luck

 

[Mara]

Kaleigh has a replica of a Daniel K ring and I know WF made something similar to one of his rings for Jorman...and alot of LM stuff looks similar. It just depends on what you want...aka the original or are you willing to change a few elements to get a replica.

Personally, for me, I just cannot get behind the markup on some of this stuff. I don't think of it as a rip-off, but some items are pricey. I mean sure designer stuff is typically more, but the prices that some of these pieces command are mind-boggling. $8k for a SETTING?

I personally think that MB and DK are two somewhat overpriced brands and some of the MB stuff is SO not even remotely unique or anything for the price that they command. Having seen other great quality brand names for much less (aka Ritani, Scott Kay, etc) and even to be able to own something like a Leon Mege creation for less, IMO you don't have to overpay for great quality. Sure you get what you pay for, no one is saying it's smart to pay $500 for a replica of an $8k setting. But what does $4k buy you vs $8k?

There are lots of differing opinions here based on people's preferences of course and it's good to hear various perspectives. So in the end it's totally your call, what is most important to YOU. Have fun shopping...

 

[mrssalvo]

well, I''m a huge daniel K fan and am considering one of his rings for my upgrade. I wouldn''t say it''s a rip off because his settings are very well made but there is a mark-up for the name. There are plenty of other well made designer pieces like the ones Mara mentioned that are far more reasonable in price. Going custom is always an option when you''d make changes or are ok with something similar. For me, the setting I want from him is not a simple solitaire or a design I''d feel comfortable having someone try to recreate. I love the setting as he makes it and want the skilled jewelers who make it day in and day out to make mine. Also, his cushions and asschers are all ex/ex which are hard to find. To some, it''s a rip-off like Tiffany''s and not worth the premium for the name, to others it''s about falling in love with something and not wanting anything that would be second best. Honesty, for the simple solitare setting you are describing, I''d look into finding something similar and get a larger stone. Not all of his peices are copyrighted and the his solitaire is a basket just like Harry winston, cartier and even Leon Mege.

 

[kcoursolle]

It''s hard to say whether they are a rip off or not, it really depends what you are looking for. I''m a bargain shopper myself and I too fell in love with one of Daniel K''s engagement rings (split shank style). Instead of buying one of his pieces I invested in the diamond and went custom for the design. I was able to save a bunch of money and get bang for my buck this way.

However...I think my ring is beautiful, but it doesn''t compare to Daniel K''s work. If you want something that is meticulous and every detail is correct, you''ll have to pay for it. I think that if you have the budget for it, Daniel K is the best and worth it...but for someone like me who likes to bargain shop, I got a ring that looks pretty close to to a daniel k for 1/30th the price. To me, this was a good compromise.

 

[lizz]

Could you post a pic of which setting it is? That way, we could help you determine whether to go Daniel K or custom.

I wouldn''t pay that much, but it''s up to you and whether you think it''s worth it.