I recently enquired with a jeweller based in here in Australia about a quote for a 4 ctw EC eternity band - platinum setting. They quoted me USD$15,500 (AUD$20,000) for F/G and VS 20 pointer stones for a size 6 finger. I thought this was excessive as their break down was $3500 for the setting and $12000 for the stones (19 or 20 of them). They gave me the reasoning for the price as their company is one of only a handful globally that could make a ring of this quality and that if any other jeweller produced the ring at a lesser cost, the quality would be inferior.
I directly compared them in my response email to IDJ (without naming them) and they have come back with the below email which I have found quite amusing, especially since they continue to maintain their (mall) store is far superior to any other jeweller - it just rubbed me the wrong way.
Anyway, should I bother responding?? I'm not sure I can be bothered!
email is below FYI
It is great to see the level of research you have done and it helps to train our staff as well, when customers provide this information and feedback.
You clearly have a keen interest in jewellery and diamonds, so I thought I might clarify for your benefit, as you are not completely informed about the choice of product and diamonds available.
It also seems you do not have a full understanding as to the different manufacturing techniques and the finish and longevity they produce.
With regard to the diamonds we have access to, for that style of ring;
You mentioned you can get access to diamonds that are cut within a tolerance of 0.3mm, and most people can.
That sounds impressive.
But the diamonds we use in that series of rings come from a company who are the benchmark in manufacturing matching fancy cut diamonds.They produce and supply for jewellers like Graff, for example.The tolerances are within 0.1mm.
The facet lengths, angels and depths are cut as close to exact and matching as possible; and they can produce in matching colour and clarity series from D through to J; from Flawless to VS.
With my background in diamond cutting and 30 years of travelling and dealing with numerous cutting houses – I can understand and appreciate why they charge a premium to produce and supply goods at this level.
There is definitely only a handful of companies in the world who cut to this benchmark; so I need to correct you on this fact, if you believe there are many.
Also, you can not buy diamonds like these, on shopping website like Pricescope.
Most jewellers would not even get in the front door without an introduction.
Should be noted; just because a company has an office in the diamond district in New York, it does not necessarily make them world authorities.
We manufacture wholesale for a number of these companies; and many of the dealers have never left the USA; let alone seen inside a diamond polishing facility.
With regard to manufacturing the style of ring that would accommodate such diamonds;
Again I appreciate you had a nice hand-made Platinum ring made with filigree work underneath.
That is fantastic you found someone who can create pieces to a very high standard that you are happy with.
The anniversary style ring you were considering can be made a number of ways.
You are completely wrong if you believe this style of ring is not as complicated; as it depends on the finished result you are trying to achieve.
Especially if you want every setting, hand-made in wire, to be as exact and matching the diamonds I have described above; and fit a certain finger size, full circle.
However, there is a cheap and simple way to produce similar rings; albeit, not of the same quality.
This is not an insult to other jewellers – it is just a fact.
You can quite easily design this ring on CAD; and set the parameters so that every setting is the same size. Most jewellers would do this.
It is then cast. However, you are at the mercy of the quality of the casting, and the competency of the jeweller who does the finishing and setting.
Under magnification, side by side these mounts will look totally different in terms of the quality of their finish; and most people would not be discerning enough to distinguish this.
Then, they will just select diamonds for setting that match as close as possible – may be within a tolerance of 0.5mm – may be not? The end result should be a ring that should look very nice; in fact it might look absolutely beautiful.
It should be a much lower price, considering there is less amount of time and effort to produce; and they use cheaper diamonds. I am sure many customers would be happy with such a ring, and it could be of a very high quality and standard; just not of the highest quality.
Unless you are comparing it side by side with a ring that could be manufactured to the highest standard, with absolutely precision cut matching diamonds; you would never know the difference.
If you did, you would see a huge difference in the visual appeal.
There is of course a big difference in the price, and for some people, it is not worth it; which is fine.
It is not for everybody.
A lot of people are happy driving a Hyundai, and just don’t understand the fuss over a Ferrari.
I hope you appreciate, I am just trying to clarify, there can be a huge gulf in quality which it seemed you were not fully aware.
I directly compared them in my response email to IDJ (without naming them) and they have come back with the below email which I have found quite amusing, especially since they continue to maintain their (mall) store is far superior to any other jeweller - it just rubbed me the wrong way.
Anyway, should I bother responding?? I'm not sure I can be bothered!
email is below FYI
It is great to see the level of research you have done and it helps to train our staff as well, when customers provide this information and feedback.
You clearly have a keen interest in jewellery and diamonds, so I thought I might clarify for your benefit, as you are not completely informed about the choice of product and diamonds available.
It also seems you do not have a full understanding as to the different manufacturing techniques and the finish and longevity they produce.
With regard to the diamonds we have access to, for that style of ring;
You mentioned you can get access to diamonds that are cut within a tolerance of 0.3mm, and most people can.
That sounds impressive.
But the diamonds we use in that series of rings come from a company who are the benchmark in manufacturing matching fancy cut diamonds.They produce and supply for jewellers like Graff, for example.The tolerances are within 0.1mm.
The facet lengths, angels and depths are cut as close to exact and matching as possible; and they can produce in matching colour and clarity series from D through to J; from Flawless to VS.
With my background in diamond cutting and 30 years of travelling and dealing with numerous cutting houses – I can understand and appreciate why they charge a premium to produce and supply goods at this level.
There is definitely only a handful of companies in the world who cut to this benchmark; so I need to correct you on this fact, if you believe there are many.
Also, you can not buy diamonds like these, on shopping website like Pricescope.
Most jewellers would not even get in the front door without an introduction.
Should be noted; just because a company has an office in the diamond district in New York, it does not necessarily make them world authorities.
We manufacture wholesale for a number of these companies; and many of the dealers have never left the USA; let alone seen inside a diamond polishing facility.
With regard to manufacturing the style of ring that would accommodate such diamonds;
Again I appreciate you had a nice hand-made Platinum ring made with filigree work underneath.
That is fantastic you found someone who can create pieces to a very high standard that you are happy with.
The anniversary style ring you were considering can be made a number of ways.
You are completely wrong if you believe this style of ring is not as complicated; as it depends on the finished result you are trying to achieve.
Especially if you want every setting, hand-made in wire, to be as exact and matching the diamonds I have described above; and fit a certain finger size, full circle.
However, there is a cheap and simple way to produce similar rings; albeit, not of the same quality.
This is not an insult to other jewellers – it is just a fact.
You can quite easily design this ring on CAD; and set the parameters so that every setting is the same size. Most jewellers would do this.
It is then cast. However, you are at the mercy of the quality of the casting, and the competency of the jeweller who does the finishing and setting.
Under magnification, side by side these mounts will look totally different in terms of the quality of their finish; and most people would not be discerning enough to distinguish this.
Then, they will just select diamonds for setting that match as close as possible – may be within a tolerance of 0.5mm – may be not? The end result should be a ring that should look very nice; in fact it might look absolutely beautiful.
It should be a much lower price, considering there is less amount of time and effort to produce; and they use cheaper diamonds. I am sure many customers would be happy with such a ring, and it could be of a very high quality and standard; just not of the highest quality.
Unless you are comparing it side by side with a ring that could be manufactured to the highest standard, with absolutely precision cut matching diamonds; you would never know the difference.
If you did, you would see a huge difference in the visual appeal.
There is of course a big difference in the price, and for some people, it is not worth it; which is fine.
It is not for everybody.
A lot of people are happy driving a Hyundai, and just don’t understand the fuss over a Ferrari.
I hope you appreciate, I am just trying to clarify, there can be a huge gulf in quality which it seemed you were not fully aware.
Hi fellow Australian ! Yes you have to “love” these Australian jewellers. They preferred it so much more when consumers knew zip about diamonds and before the internet and overseas vendors / manufacturers became available to ordinary people. Manufacturing costs and store rents are higher in Australia than anywhere else and we pay handsomely for local work. Even with GST (10%) and a low $A exchange, US made jewellery is cheaper. He sounds like a pompous jerk. I’d get it made in the US with one of the many fabulous vendors PSers can recommend. I just bought a diamond Tennis necklace from the US. I couldn’t even find a place in Sydney that sold diamond Tennis necklaces and was quoted over $20,000 to have something made. I bought it for half ie $10,000 from a US manufacturer including shipping, insurance, customs and Fed ex delivery.
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