Diamond Setting online or through B&M store?

[Vincent Renaut]

So I believe I've found the diamond I will using for an engagement ring, I am just waiting to inspect it first hand to make my final decision.

Now comes time to decide on a setting and I was wondering if this forum is as enthusiastic about using online vendors to do the setting/band as they are (with good reason) with purchasing the diamond itself online?

I know most of the B&M stores offer a lifetime guarantee on the side stones and free cleaning and what, and I'm guessing the vendor I purchased from, Whiteflash, does not, or at least not free of charge since shipping is involved.

In case it is relevant, I am looking at getting a solitaire setting with pave band in rose gold.

 

[princessandthepear]

Whiteflash has some lovely settings. If you are not looking for a custom setting then I would have them set your diamond.

 

[foxinsox]

Unless you can verify that your local B&M does the standard of work you’re looking for, I would get the company selling you your diamond to set it or send it someone who is known to do quality work. Otherwise sure, you’ll need that pave stone replacement service. I’d never bother with the cleanings - I clean my rings twice a day and inspect the prongs etc myself.
Whiteflash have a lot of lovely settings - what you’re looking at isn’t complicated or unusual but you do want it to be well executed so it doesn’t look clunky or won’t fall apart with daily wear.

 

[elizat]

I think it is easier to buy from the same vendor for the setting, unless you don't like the settings they have or nothing suits you. Also, if you have an independant local jeweler that you establish a relationship, they'll usually check your ring and clean it for free. They may not do repairs for free, but if you have someone you build a relationship with, they will usually be happy to check it out.

 

[KKJohnson]

It might be better to have the diamond set by the vendor into the solitaire and then get the pave wedding band at a B&M (someone who will replace any lost stones for the lifetime of the band) that way they will also do the cleaning and any servicing you need done.

 

[sledge]

I bought my fiancee's stone from BGD and had a custom setting made by DK. I would have preferred to do it all through BGD but their price wasn't as competetive and DK seemed more in tune with the design my fiancee wanted. Plus her design was not an off the shelf item so I knew I was doing custom, it was just a matter of who. I had no issues using different vendors but I think that had more to do with getting two awesome vendors that worked well together. As some may or may not know, Brian and David are old school mates.

WF has lots settings to choose from and in reality any of the vendors they have on their site they can get access to (even if the specific model you want doesn't show up on their site). Also WF can do custom settings. Alas, with WF you get ACA melee if you bought an ACA center stone and I think that is a nice perk.

For cleaning, etc we do that at home but will occasionally run by a Diamonds Direct or other local jeweler if we want a steam clean. I explain we didn't buy from them and offer to pay but so far they haven't charged me.

Personally I'd focus more on quality made settings and higher grade stones and less on cleaning as you have so many options for maintenance.

 

[Vincent Renaut]

Thanks for the info guys!

I think I'll go with WF considering I purchased an ACA and from the conversations I've had with them, they are more than willing to work with you in the future to make sure youre satisfied as a client.