ERD vs BGD

[Gypsy]

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.

Steven beats them all on price. And is quality is top notch.

 

[emcee]

Steven beats them all on price. And is quality is top notch.

Definitely agree that Steven's work is outstanding, but based on the last quote I got, his price was pretty much the same. Maybe $100 less than ERD and VC.

 

[chrono]

Hmmm...perhaps I should contact Victor and Steven then as well. In general, single cuts are more expensive because they are a specialty item? Does Victor or Steven have the edge in terms of quality of work (and pricing)?

 

[CharmyPoo]

I believe Victor's prices are higher than both Leon and Steven. Leon/Steven have very comperable prices.

How about Maytal Hannah too? I think her prices are lower. Her antique pieces are nice.

 

[alene]

I got quotes from Steven, Victor and ERD (handforged) about 4 months ago and ERD was the least expensive one while VC was the most , about 10% more than SK. Steven's work (which is what i went with) really is outstanding.

 

[SB621]

I haven't asked ERD for a quote yet that I have going with a special project as I do almost everything through email and they havent' answered me back....been about 3 weeks. VC and SK got back to me right away- same day infact.

I'm actually really surprized where SK came in at - within my budget! I would definitely contact them Chrono because you just never know!

 

[lin_ny]

I haven't asked ERD for a quote yet that I have going with a special project as I do almost everything through email and they havent' answered me back....been about 3 weeks. VC and SK got back to me right away- same day infact.

I'm actually really surprized where SK came in at - within my budget! I would definitely contact them Chrono because you just never know!

Chris @ ERD didn't get my first e-mail. I e-mailed again a week later and he got back to me the same day.

If you're still interested you may want to e-mail again.

 

[SB621]

I haven't asked ERD for a quote yet that I have going with a special project as I do almost everything through email and they havent' answered me back....been about 3 weeks. VC and SK got back to me right away- same day infact.

I'm actually really surprized where SK came in at - within my budget! I would definitely contact them Chrono because you just never know!

Chris @ ERD didn't get my first e-mail. I e-mailed again a week later and he got back to me the same day.

If you're still interested you may want to e-mail again.

Thanks Lin! If things take a turn I will probably just call them as apposed to email. We will have to see how everything turns out down the road. I like to work with new vendors so I'm always interested.

 

[JDNJ]

What is cast, CAD, melee etc?

 

[Niel]

What is cast, CAD, melee etc?

Cad/cast is regarding how the ring is made. CAD means Computer aided design. Its basically the difference between machine and hand made, if I am not mistaken. (please correct me if I am wrong)

as for melee, its regarding the tiny stones stones in the setting

Im surprised to hear from all of you that BGD is so much more expensive for custom. I know what chrono means though when you say it "feels pretentious"

 

[chrono]

The design is done using graphical software on the computer, which in turn takes that information and feeds it into a special machine that makes the wax. Molten metal is then poured into the wax and is cast. Once done, it still has to be finished by hand, filing away the excess and reshaping a little if necessary. Melees (itty bitty diamonds which are usually under 0.1 ct each) are then set into the specially made holes in the setting.

 

[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*

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

No worries. This is PS, so I don't mind the poking. Thanks for thinking of me & my ring!

 

[CharmyPoo]

I just placed an order for a custom piece (will reveal jeweler after I get it)

Picking up my new Steven Kirsch ring tomorrow

 

[chrono]

Charmy,
How long will it take? No hints on the ring design?

 

[woofmama]

Don't have any experience with custom but can contribute to the price quote aspect of this thread. When I was getting quotes for my Sholdt setting, BGD was significantly higher than Pearlmans in both the actual setting and shipping fee's. When I responded back to their quote that I was using another source due to a lower quote they wanted to know what I was quoted so they could match.
I chose not to reveal that because I saw no reason to play one vendor against the other.
I guess I'm not surprised to see that many have had the same experience. As a small business owner I do understand that they are most likely basing their prices on what they need to make to be profitable & I know that the margin on diamonds is small.
Perhaps they should consider offering a PS discount on settings since so much business is referred from here.
Hope this isn't too off topic.

 

[chrono]

I don't know what their costs or margins are to keep afloat but BGD could not even come close to price matching WF's quote when I did my project 2 years ago.