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Does this setting exist or do I need to go custom?

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0carat

Rough_Rock
Joined
Dec 5, 2010
Messages
51
I purchased a loose stone from James Allen and now it's time to find the right setting. I have a very good idea of what my gf wants, however I can't seem to find anything appropriate.

The stone is a 1.23 VS2, J, Excellent cut stone and I want it set in white gold slim/comfort fit setting in 2mm width.

James Allen doesn't have anything close to what I want in the size I want, but I've tried to render an image of something to show you what I like

I took the Platinum Surprise Round Solitaire Diamond Ring from James Allen and tried to modify it. My gf doesn't like how the band goes up from the sides, so I deleted that. For a surprise stone I'll be putting in a blue sapphire. Now if I can't find one similar to this with a 2mm band, is it possible to put a surprise stone INSIDE the band even if it's only 2mm.

Has anyone seen something close to what I want on different websites or do I need to go custom? If I was to go custom, how much will it cost (approx) and should I go 14k or 18k white gold.

This is what the ring looks like now
stock.jpg

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/1-carat-solitaire-diamond-rings.html


Here is what i want, deleted the part my gf doesn't like, and I'd also want a thinner band. The reason she likes this one is because the prongs are slim. If you look on blue nile or james allen, their thinner bands have very thick prongs, which she doesn't like. The prongs in this setting are perfect size wise, in fact if we could go a little slimmer it would be ideal. The circle around the diamond also isn't necessary.
stock2.jpg
 
My only concern with that would be durability. I would be concerned one good whack would break at that junction between the head and shank.
 
So, basically she wants a setting that is NOT cathedral shoulders (the part that goes up from the band to the top of the ring...), with the same kind of basket setting and a surprise stone inside. Have you spoken with JA to see if they can do it for you? I'll look around to see if I can find something similar.
 
I've spoken to JA, but they won't have an answer for me until Monday as they have to talk to their manufacturing dept.

Unfortunately my stone is getting shipped out on Monday so it really doesn't matter where I end up getting the setting from at this point.

Any assumptions on how much this would cost?

Birks, has a similar setting that we saw in person, it's part of some new line they launched. This is a bad pic, it looks much better in real life:

birks3.jpg

birks2.jpg

birks.jpg
 
Tuckins1|1292786146|2801075 said:
Perhaps this?
http://www.knoxjewelers.biz/products/inspiration
Click to expand...


That won't work because it still has those "shoulders" they are just smaller and the issues here is 8 prongs. She wants 4 and not that thick.

The surprise stone doesn't have to be right under the diamond if it compromises integrity. I can put it inside the band, but I am not sure if a 2mm band is wide enough to fit a surprise stone.
 
Have you looked at Brian Gavin diamonds??

:bigsmile:
 
Thanks for the suggestion, he actually does have one that fits the bill, but the price seems a little excessive for something like that. I am not sure how to incorporate the surprise stone though. Will it fit inside the 2mm band?

Any thoughts on that, how much is a custom setting?



SET_5414_WHITE_Z3.jpg

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5414
 
Custom setting prices vary depending on the vendor, the methods used, the price of materials, and whether you need it rushed or can wait for the vendor's leadtime (which can vary depending on the time of year).

If you are trying for a Christmas proposal, I can't think of any vendor who will make anything custom for you without charging you a significant rush upcharge this close to a major holiday. Most vendors are already impacted just fullfilling the existing orders they have before the holiday.

Custom is typically more expensive than stock. But what you want isn't re-inventing the wheel. So I would look at Stuller and Adwar (they are casting companies most jewelers can order from) and Unique Settings of NY and see if you can find a setting that fits your requirements, get the item number and email it to a few vendors (highperfomancediamonds, engagement rings direct, and JA) and see when they can get it for you, and what the price would be.

If you think the Grace setting from BGD is priced high, custom quotes are not going to be a route that will make you happy.

KoxJewelers if known for inexpensive custom and settings. So they may be an exception to the custom costs more rule, and you should feel free to reach out to them with a phone call.
 
Gypsy|1292821229|2801488 said:
geckodani|1292807835|2801331 said:
Suggestions:

Scott Kay: http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/scott-kay-jewelry/rings/230U1/7/

Scott Kay: http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/scott-kay-jewelry/rings/152U1/42/

Ritani: http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/ritani-jewelry/rings/27QQ1/21/
Click to expand...

That Ritani is gorgeous! That would be my pick! Great find gecko!
Click to expand...

Thanks Gypsy! I've seen the Ritani IRL and it's lovely. I just saw that the OP wanted 4, not 8 prongs though. If you like the setting, it might be worth calling Pearlman's to see if they could make it with 4 instead of 8 prongs.
 
That doesn't work due to a few reasons: it still has shoulders and they thin out as they get to the stone. Looking for something cleaner/more symmetrical like my original post.
 
Okay, it sounds like if you want the surprise diamond to show, you'll have to go custom. You seem to be leaning towards a peg head - a head that sits on top of the band, rather than being integrated with a cathedral setting, or what you're calling shoulders.
 
geckodani|1292861388|2801757 said:
Okay, it sounds like if you want the surprise diamond to show, you'll have to go custom. You seem to be leaning towards a peg head - a head that sits on top of the band, rather than being integrated with a cathedral setting, or what you're calling shoulders.
Click to expand...


Yes, that's it.

I went to a local shop and they will do a "custom" the way I want it for $750. I am not sure why on Gavin's site he wants so much more for his. :confused:
 
0carat|1292870977|2801876 said:
I went to a local shop and they will do a "custom" the way I want it for $750. I am not sure why on Gavin's site he wants so much more for his. :confused:
Click to expand...

Just make sure it is a reputable shop. Many times I've heard bad stories of people finding a "steal of a deal" at a local shop compared to the more well-known companies and end up with lopsided, dented, or just downright horrible pieces. Just do a bit of research, because it's better to get it done the right way first than have to pay for having it done twice!
 
0carat|1292870977|2801876 said:
geckodani|1292861388|2801757 said:
Okay, it sounds like if you want the surprise diamond to show, you'll have to go custom. You seem to be leaning towards a peg head - a head that sits on top of the band, rather than being integrated with a cathedral setting, or what you're calling shoulders.
Click to expand...


Yes, that's it.

I went to a local shop and they will do a "custom" the way I want it for $750. I am not sure why on Gavin's site he wants so much more for his. :confused:
Click to expand...

Custom work is not equal. Setting work isn't equal. Construction isn't equal. That setting is very high quality, and it is based on another by Leon Mege that actually costs more (or very similar). There are many bad custom experiences on here because people have opted to go for a cheaper option.

I would contract Daniel M Jewelry from ETSY for what you want, if your 750 is around your price point. I think they would do a good job.

Quality of Craftsmanship, the setting being made to order for your stone's exact dimensions, and BGD's quality are what you are paying for.

You will find many solitaires that cost as much, if not more than that one. BGD has no stock pieces, they do not say ... on his stone is one carat, go to a drawer and pull one out, or order one from a setting company and just order the setting that is supposed to fit a one carat stone. They custom make each ring to order.

ETA: The Grace setting is solid and uses a good amount of metal. That can also account for the price difference. There are many settings that go light on the metal weight to make a less expensive piece... that ultimately isn't very durable. Call BGD and ask about the average metal weight on one of their Grace settings. Then compare that to other settings metal weight.
 
Here, this might help.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/got-cads-of-band-want-opinions.153285/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/got-cads-of-band-want-opinions.153285/[/URL]

This is my thread about the custom piece I am currently doing with BGD. Even if you don't work with them, and go with another vendor, the process should be the same. If you read through the thread you will see step by step how much work can go into a custom project. And if you decide to go custom (with whomever) it will help you understand what you need to be seeing at each stage. And what the jeweler will be doing at each stage.

Now, my thread has a lot of process shots, and that was factored into my pricing, so BGD doesn't do this for every piece... but since I did have it done you can learn from it.

My design was based on an already 'existing' design with just a 'few' tweaks as well. It sounds simple. But it's not. A lot of time goes into making a well constructed custom piece. If it is rushed, mistakes can happen.

There a quite a few vendors on here I would trust for custom. Wink at HighPerformanceDiamonds, Mark at Engagementringsdirect, DanielM from Etsy... but each for specific types of projects. All of them would work for yours.
 
Count me in the number of folks that had someone local do a custom job because it was cheaper. It did not turn out well, and I ended up having to get an entirely new setting. If you do go local, make sure you are VERY clear about what you want. Gypsy gave some great advice about the custom process.
 
Good luck to you! Please come back with the finished product! :appl:
 
unfortunately your desire for a few (four) thin prongs and no crossbar across the basket do not mesh well: strength must be provided somehow, either by thickening the prongs or adding the crossbar, or adding more prongs. Which is the least offensive option, in your eyes?


ditto PPs about different quality of both work and materials, something you'll want to investigate.
 
Nice find D&T!!
 
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