Engagement Ring Question - newbie - please help :)

cboyd1976 · Aug 3, 2009

Hello,

Well, for starters I literally know nothing about jewelry. That being said, I'm beginning to start my shopping process for an engagement ring. At this point in time I have a particular setting that I totally have my heart set on.

http://www.michaelcfina.com/ic/mcfina/sections/wedding_engagement_rings/wedding_engagement/mark_patterson_designer_bridal/:product/code/PL0689PROM0010.html?block=1

For starters, there aren't any jewelry stores in Dallas (where I live) that carry Mark Patterson rings. I was wondering if I should explore the option of locating a custom jeweler who can create / copy this design? Is this something commonly done? (I don't even know if this is even ethical to be honest). Are there savings to be had taking this route (i.e. paying for the name vs. having it custom made at a cheaper cost?)

Any insight, comments, etc would be greatly appreciated. My apologies if this is a shady question as I have no idea if having jewelers "copy" designs is something taboo or not in the jewelry world. Thanks in advance for your comments.

Secondly, what is the proper approach to take - do I buy the ring first then buy a loose diamond to match - or do I buy the loose diamond first then buy the ring? Can I even do this or do I have to buy it all in one stop?

-Charlie

Lorelei · Aug 3, 2009

Date: 8/3/2009 12:17:27 PM
Author:cboyd1976
Hello,

Well, for starters I literally know nothing about jewelry. That being said, I'm beginning to start my shopping process for an engagement ring. At this point in time I have a particular setting that I totally have my heart set on.

http://www.michaelcfina.com/ic/mcfina/sections/wedding_engagement_rings/wedding_engagement/mark_patterson_designer_bridal/:product/code/PL0689PROM0010.html?block=1

For starters, there aren't any jewelry stores in Dallas (where I live) that carry Mark Patterson rings. I was wondering if I should explore the option of locating a custom jeweler who can create / copy this design? Is this something commonly done? (I don't even know if this is even ethical to be honest). Are there savings to be had taking this route (i.e. paying for the name vs. having it custom made at a cheaper cost?)

Any insight, comments, etc would be greatly appreciated. My apologies if this is a shady question as I have no idea if having jewelers 'copy' designs is something taboo or not in the jewelry world. Thanks in advance for your comments.

Secondly, what is the proper approach to take - do I buy the ring first then buy a loose diamond to match - or do I buy the loose diamond first then buy the ring? Can I even do this or do I have to buy it all in one stop?

-Charlie

Hi Charlie

I would suggest you contact John Pollard at http://www.craftedbyinfinity.com/

John is in DFW and could be able to help you not only with the diamond but with the setting also. He is a great guy and posts here so it could be well worth contacting him.

As to the ring itself, it depends on how you proceed, whether you choose the MP and are restricted as to what size diamond will fit, or whether you have something similar created, many settings will accomodate different size diamonds so whichever way you go it shouldn't be a problem. If you do decide to go custom then you won't be able to have the exact same design but you could have something along similar lines.

D&T · Aug 3, 2009

are you planning on buying a diamond online? have you tried the ring at the store? if you like it, have you contact Mark Patterson maybe in commissioning this piece with a diamond of your choice ? http://www.markpatterson.com/ (not sure if he does work for the public or just B2B) but worth a try

Buy the Diamond first so, the mounting that you are interested looks like its built around to fit the diamond, not one that you can adjust and tweak the head.

cboyd1976 · Aug 3, 2009

Thanks for the responses. Another question to the experts. Is this Mark Patterson setting I'm interested in a good designer / brand, of high quality, etc.... I have zero zero zero experience with Jewelry. It seems that this ring is a little more expensive that others that are in the same league - not sure if I'm paying for a name, perhaps I'm not comparing things correctly. I am rambling - anyways - your positive and negative comments regarding Mark Patterson engagement rings, and this one in particular would be greatly appreciated.

http://www.michaelcfina.com/ic/mcfina/sections/wedding_engagement_rings/wedding_engagement/mark_patterson_designer_bridal/:product/code/PL0689PROM0010.html?block=1