CalliopeCladdagh
Shiny_Rock
- Joined
- Nov 26, 2018
- Messages
- 332
Hi everyone,
After finding out about AVCs on here, I now have my heart set on one for my engagement ring.
I was hoping to buy the diamond from August Vintage and have it shipped to me, to be set in a custom made ring at a local jeweller.
This was for 2 main reasons - import duty is lower on loose stones than on completed rings (I live outside the US), and having it made locally meant I could take it back annually for checkups and they would do all that kind of aftercare for free and with a vested interest in looking after the ring. Also I like the idea of supporting local businesses.
Today I went to a couple of jewellers, my first and second choices. They both 'fully' hand make/craft their jewellery, no casting involved, which is what I would like.
Essentially they both said they do not normally work with stones purchased elsewhere but could potentially make an exception seeing as it would be a particular brand, but they would not be willing to work with the specs I desire - particularly colour! I would like an I or J colour to maximise my budget, and they said they would not handle anything below H as they have a reputation to uphold!
All in all my reception was not great and I feel sad, but also annoyed - I am the customer literally trying to GIVE them my money and they make it feel like a chore.
I'm not sure what I want out of this thread really. Partly a place to vent. But any kind of advice around what I should do, suggestions, opinions, or experiences with buying diamonds or completed rings overseas, would be very welcome.
I should add that I have expensive taste but am constrained by budget which also limits my choices. If I had the funds I would just get someone like Erika Winters, whose stuff I LOVE, to make it and get the AVC sent directly to her and pay the extra in import duties etc. I am looking at around US$3000 for the diamond and US$1500 max for the setting.
After finding out about AVCs on here, I now have my heart set on one for my engagement ring.
I was hoping to buy the diamond from August Vintage and have it shipped to me, to be set in a custom made ring at a local jeweller.
This was for 2 main reasons - import duty is lower on loose stones than on completed rings (I live outside the US), and having it made locally meant I could take it back annually for checkups and they would do all that kind of aftercare for free and with a vested interest in looking after the ring. Also I like the idea of supporting local businesses.
Today I went to a couple of jewellers, my first and second choices. They both 'fully' hand make/craft their jewellery, no casting involved, which is what I would like.
Essentially they both said they do not normally work with stones purchased elsewhere but could potentially make an exception seeing as it would be a particular brand, but they would not be willing to work with the specs I desire - particularly colour! I would like an I or J colour to maximise my budget, and they said they would not handle anything below H as they have a reputation to uphold!
All in all my reception was not great and I feel sad, but also annoyed - I am the customer literally trying to GIVE them my money and they make it feel like a chore.
I'm not sure what I want out of this thread really. Partly a place to vent. But any kind of advice around what I should do, suggestions, opinions, or experiences with buying diamonds or completed rings overseas, would be very welcome.
I should add that I have expensive taste but am constrained by budget which also limits my choices. If I had the funds I would just get someone like Erika Winters, whose stuff I LOVE, to make it and get the AVC sent directly to her and pay the extra in import duties etc. I am looking at around US$3000 for the diamond and US$1500 max for the setting.