ERD vs BGD

[chrono]

I'm sure there's plenty of comparison threads but I'm too lazy to slog through the millions that it brings up because I know you ladies have the answer at your fingertips.

1. I know that BGD does CAD/wax/cast. What about ERD? Their website has little to no information on this.
2. BGD uses their signature branded ideal cut melees. How's the quality of ERD's melees?

 

[SB621]

I know that ERD also does hand forging.

Sorry I'm not much help on the rest!

new project in the works Chrono? Inquiring minds want to know

 

[chrono]

Does ERD do cast and hand forging (2 different styles) or only hand forging?

Maybe.... I think I've finally nailed down a design for one of my stones.

 

[PintoBean]

BGD - my mother has 3 rings from them - a Kristen setting, Michele setting, and a custom the "v" band of the Kristen to a truth head. Beautiful melee.

ERD - my setting in my avatar is a cad/cast. I also have a DBTY with 20 pointers. I think their melee is beautiful as well.

I do know that they have people who can do hand-forged work as well. When I was picking up my ring from ERD, Chris showed me a honker of a D colored diamond in a handforged setting - something that was almost the price of a home.

 

[chrono]

Thanks Pinto! How do the two melees compare? Can you see the difference in sparkle?

 

[SB621]

Does ERD do cast and hand forging (2 different styles) or only hand forging?

Maybe.... I think I've finally nailed down a design for one of my stones.

They do both!

Oh details please details!

 

[chrono]

This one is sort of a semi halo with lots of melees everywhere so it is imperative that the melees are super well cut. Does anyone know if any or both vendors have single cut melees?

 

[PintoBean]

I am absolutely NOT mindclean when it comes to the melee. I just have this diamond bias ingrained in my head that Brian Gavin diamonds are super ideal and are always going to be nicer. I've been "branded".

However, Chris Anadiotis at ERD is awesome to work with, and setting and other jewelry project prices are so much more reasonable (a lot less than BGD quotes, a smidge higher than IDJ) that inevitably, I am swayed ERD's way if I am looking for anything OTHER than a diamond center stone. I liken Chris to a great hairstylist - he's not going to let you walk out with bad hair (or in this case, a lousy setting with lame melee) because you are a walking+talking advertisement for his business.

 

[CharmyPoo]

As mentioned above, ERD has two methods - cad/cast more economical and hand made for other clients. The ERD and BGD rings I have seen (not that many) had compareable melee in my opinion. However, they were really small and as long as melee is sparkly I am ok. For myself, I would pick ERD because I find them a lot easier to work with and much more friendly. I also find I like their metal work better. With that said, I have not been privelaged enough with BGD to get serviced by Lesley or Brian to know what they can usually do. The service I receive is usually snappy, condesencing ...

 

[chrono]

My experience with both ERD and BGD in the past has been less than stellar but I'm willing to give it another shot. ERD had very poor customer response a few years ago (I had to call repeatedly to get my questions answered, he never called me back) and BGD seemed pretentious.

What about IDJ? How's the workmanship, service and melee quality?
Any other bench that you would recommend for CAD/cast who are of about the same calibre as ERD and BGD?
Whiteflash is out of the running because they no longer accept a customer's coloured stone.

I'm trying to get a list of 3 vendors to get quotes from. Good to know that ERD's metalwork is likely to be better, the melees are comparable and that they are still less expensive than BGD.

 

[TitanCi]

I'm sure there's plenty of comparison threads but I'm too lazy to slog through the millions that it brings up because I know you ladies have the answer at your fingertips.

1. I know that BGD does CAD/wax/cast. What about ERD? Their website has little to no information on this.
2. BGD uses their signature branded ideal cut melees. How's the quality of ERD's melees?

1. ERD does do CAD and hand forging. I think it depends on the style of the setting. The set I bought was CAD/cast
2. According to Chris, they use "ideal cut" round brilliant stones that are VS clarity and F/G in color. They're very nice and very sparkly/firey as my fiance's pave is super nice. Although I'll never have those small pointers verified, I can only believe them...

hope that helps!

 

[PintoBean]

I would draft a request for quote and submit it to IDJ, ERD, BGD, GOG.

I've had colored stones set at GOG, but it's not my favorite vendor. I don't always get the e-mail or phone response that I would expect to get from the other vendors - a bit more abrupt, curt, rushed, typical busy NY/LI-er. I would pop into the store at times when I was in the area doing wedding stuff, but the staff's knowledge does not seem to be on par with that of Jonathan's. It's a personal vibe thing.

On the otherhand, I like IDJ b/c the staff behind the counter are fun, and they have great memories. They know what my taste is and steer me towards pieces I will like. I prefer them for quick projects - something that can be done in a matter of hours, e.g., stud earrings, and for buying ready made pieces for special ocassions.

ERD - Chris is also very patient, and he writes beautiful e-mails. haha... I reached out to ERD first via e-mail, and got a response within 24 hours. I also kept up to date with them by e-mail, and ocassionally, by phone. THey were always very responsive.

BGD - I ADORE Denise, and Jamie sounds so sweet. I have only spoken briefly to Leslie - I find her more formal and aloof, whereas Denise is like my cray-cray girl friend.

 

[CharmyPoo]

I would suggest you try out Chris at ERD as he seems to be much more responsive than Mark.

Or why not try out Steven Kirsch? He is super responsive!

 

[CaprineSun]

I think ERD wins out over BGD for their metalwork. More fluid, beautiful claw prongs, not bulky (well, unless you want it).

Melee: I think ERD can get fantastic melee. BGD, of course, has their signature melee, too.
Both are great choices. I would go for ERD, however.

 

[Gypsy]

I think ERD wins out over BGD for their metalwork. More fluid, beautiful claw prongs, not bulky (well, unless you want it).

Melee: I think ERD can get fantastic melee. BGD, of course, has their signature melee, too.
Both are great choices. I would go for ERD, however.

Missy, you owe us handshots. Do not think I've forgotten. One measly vendor pic of that gorgeous ring of yours AINT gonna cut it.

 

[Gypsy]

I ove BGD and ERD, but I'd be most inclined with anything pave to work with Steven. I REALLY REALLY prefer handforged for pave.

I'd get a quote from him for your third.

 

[Laila619]

Based on price alone, I'd probably go with ERD. I have found BGD's custom work to be quite pricey.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Single cuts...Victor Canera. Absolutely perfect work. My sapphire studs have tiny single cuts in the halo. I have no idea how he does it, but they are perfect. There is no one else at the moment that I would have do that kind of project.

 

[chrono]

My wallet isn't too happy with handforged pricing and I'm satisfied so far with CAD/cast. I've pushed the envelop with wax/cast twice successfully in the past and was delighted with the results. I don't think they are pave though, but shared prong. I think. With too many nice gems to set, it isn't cost effective for me to go with handforging. As it is, I've splurged on a die struck setting very recently.

 

[CaprineSun]

I think ERD wins out over BGD for their metalwork. More fluid, beautiful claw prongs, not bulky (well, unless you want it).

Melee: I think ERD can get fantastic melee. BGD, of course, has their signature melee, too.
Both are great choices. I would go for ERD, however.

Missy, you owe us handshots. Do not think I've forgotten. One measly vendor pic of that gorgeous ring of yours AINT gonna cut it.

Oh, Gypsy. How I wish I had handshots to show you! It's been what? 3 months? And, still no proposal. *sigh* Still (im)patiently waiting.

ETA: I've even bought a new camera in anticipation! I don't know what the hell he's waiting for & he won't tell me. *pouts*

 

[milton333]

Based on price alone, I'd probably go with ERD. I have found BGD's custom work to be quite pricey.

+1 to this. BGD custom quote exceeded Single Stone's, and IMO I would not expect the same quality of metal work and finishing.

What about Diamonds by Lauren?

How heirloom-ish is this going to be? Have you looked at EidelPrecious on Etsy? Seems like someone on CS used them, and I got a very reasonable quote. Seems to be excellent quality, you might search for who it was who worked with them for a colored stone and follow up on melee quality/workmanship.

 

[CaprineSun]

Based on price alone, I'd probably go with ERD. I have found BGD's custom work to be quite pricey.

+1 to this. BGD custom quote exceeded Single Stone's, and IMO I would not expect the same quality of metal work and finishing.

What about Diamonds by Lauren?

How heirloom-ish is this going to be? Have you looked at EidelPrecious on Etsy? Seems like someone on CS used them, and I got a very reasonable quote. Seems to be excellent quality, you might search for who it was who worked with them for a colored stone and follow up on melee quality/workmanship.

I also agree. When I was shopping around for quotes, BGD's price was $1K MORE than Steven Kirsch. I was confused & almost insulted since the quality of SK would far surpass BGD's based on the fact SK's would be hand-made & BGD CAD/CAST.

ETA: I consulted with David about my project as well. I would also put great faith in their work and customer service. He was a joy to talk to and really helped me. Plus, seeing Yssie's ring also tells the story.

 

[chrono]

I had never considered DBL but based on what I'm reading, I will. Thank you. BGD's past quotation was high but never eye brow raising. For it to cost $1k more than a handforged ring is mind boggling!

I would love to work with an Etsy vendor but it did not work out well for me twice in a row. I am very detailed oriented and most Etsy vendors prefer freer reign of their artistic abilities.

 

[Gypsy]

I think ERD wins out over BGD for their metalwork. More fluid, beautiful claw prongs, not bulky (well, unless you want it).

Melee: I think ERD can get fantastic melee. BGD, of course, has their signature melee, too.
Both are great choices. I would go for ERD, however.

Missy, you owe us handshots. Do not think I've forgotten. One measly vendor pic of that gorgeous ring of yours AINT gonna cut it.

Oh, Gypsy. How I wish I had handshots to show you! It's been what? 3 months? And, still no proposal. *sigh* Still (im)patiently waiting.

ETA: I've even bought a new camera in anticipation! I don't know what the hell he's waiting for & he won't tell me. *pouts*

I'm sorry honey, I didn't mean to poke at a sore subject. Fingers crossed for a quick proposal for you.

 

[CharmyPoo]

When I got quotes from ERD, WF, BGD and Leon. BGD was the most expensive quote of all - 30% more than ERD and WF.

 

[chrono]

30% more? For a CAD / cast?

 

[ascari_2]

The difference between ERD and BGD was almost a week long vacation in Cancun!

 

[chrono]

Or a second simpler setting.

 

[SB621]

Between IDJ, BGD and WF...BGD was always way more expensive. They quoted me over 30% on my last quote then WF.

 

[emcee]

I didn't find the price difference between ERD and BGD to be that huge. ERD was maybe 10% cheaper and I'm also expecting their pave work to be better than BGD's.

By the way, ERD can make the exact same setting as CAD or as hand forged. Obviously there will be a difference in quality but the overall style will be the same. However, one thing that shocked me was that ERD's hand forged setting cost pretty much the same as Victor Canera! Their hand forged work is quite nice, but at that price range I would most definitely go with Victor.