Desperate for creative ideas for a setting!

[x8shockey0x]

Hello everyone!

I''m new to posting here, though I have been reading some very helpful threads over the past week, which led me to whiteflash. Let me jump right into my question. My girlfriend just visited several mall jewelry stores last week to try on rings, and though she liked a couple, this ring at Helzberg was "the one."

http://www.helzberg.com/product/exclusives+and+collections/helzberg+signature+collection/%3Ci%3Elady+katherine%3C-i%3E%2C+1+1-2ct+tw+diamond+engagement+ring+1562936.do?sortby=ourPicks

The ring is listed at $6,000. If you check the details you can see it''s a 3/4 carat, VS, I-J ring in an 18k white gold setting. I was told the setting alone would cost me $3,000 if purchased separately.

I was in shock. James from WF advised me that this was indeed expensive for such a setting in white gold, and I am now considering trying to somehow replicate this setting through a custom design at WF, though it must be different due to designer infringements. I cannot justify paying the price at Helzberg, either for the whole thing or just the setting. I surely don''t believe this diamond is worth $3,000, judging by my searches for perfectly cut, VS, I-J color diamonds of similiar weight. I thought I would call upon the lovely individuals of this board for some help. You all seem so very informed and knowledgeable.

Also, some things to consider: I believe the side accents (this style specifically) are what interests her in this ring. She seems to be interested in settings that hold the diamond up a little higher to display the full thing, and she would like the wedding band to fit flush with the engagement ring, so I believe the engagment ring must have a straight outer edge. I hope this isn''t too much! Thanks for helping out guys, it really means a lot.

 

[mrssalvo]

I would talk to WF about making the necessary changes on the design. personally, the helzburg ring looks very bulky to me. i'd have WF smooth out the edges so the channel set princess diamonds are flush and smooth. something more like this ring from signedpieces.

http://www.signedpieces.com/item.cfm?item_id=2462]

 

[mrssalvo]

dup post...

 

[x8shockey0x]

I''ve been thinking the same thing. I''m going to see it in person this friday. My girlfriend is rather small as well, so a big, bulky ring may not be best. I think she would be just as excited with a ring that has channel sets (flush as mentioned) in a wider shank. I''m thinking of sticking with the two accents on each side as well, rather than multiple.

 

[emilina22]

im going to agree and say that the helzberg does look a bit bulky...

 

[x8shockey0x]

Thanks, that''s really good to know. I should also mention this other ring that she liked.

http://www.kay.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product1%7C10101%7C10001%7C-1%7C990200507%7C15051%7C15051.15057.15107

Hopefully this helps a little.

 

[mrssalvo]

i think since you are working with WF, they have a good grasp on what is really classic and yet popular and can come up with something for you. in general, mall jewelers just don''t have a very big selection and there are so many wonderful setting options out there to consider. that kay setting is nice but it doesn''t look like a wedding band would fit perfectly flush to me.

 

[x8shockey0x]

Ok I am going to see what James has to say tomorrow. Am I right about the price for that ring? It just seems a little steep to me.

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 3/16/2008 7:24:09 PM
Author: x8shockey0x
Ok I am going to see what James has to say tomorrow. Am I right about the price for that ring? It just seems a little steep to me.

helzburg does carry a premium. you are correct that you can get more bang for your buck working with an online vendor..no doubt!

 

[Mr. Eric]

I like the ring at kay much better. The helzberg ring is waaay over priced!