Finally coming out of the shadows

[atd93]

Hey all, it's about time to pop the question to my GF, so I figure I better get some things straight by finally asking my own questions on the forums

I will likely be getting either a Princess of Hearts or Jubilee stone from GoG, with a custom engagement ring from Leon Mege, Steven Kirsch, or Victor Canera.


1. On the designers' websites, they strongly recommend getting the diamond through them (they guarantee they can get it cheaper, I'm assuming they just want to make more profit?). Do any of these designers have access to PoH or Jubilee cuts?
2. If they do have access to these cuts, is it fair of me to play, say, LM vs GoG against each other in pricing for similar stones? Or will that just get me nowhere fast?
3. Who the heck is ERD?
4. I would get a ring like https://leonmege.com/index.php/portfolio/engagement/halo-antique-cushion-platinum-ring-detail or like https://leonmege.com/index.php/portfolio/engagement/modern-cushion-solitaire-platinum-ring-detail . It would be modified to a radiant cut. Does anybody have experience with what this will cost me for the different designers (the stone will be ~1 ct)?
5. Does it make sense to get single-cut vs full-cut pave diamonds for a 2mm band (or is that just for micro pave)? How much will it cost to upgrade the stones?


Sorry for the tough questions, any help is appreciated!

 

[luvdajules]

Hi OP, gonna try to answer your questions but I'm sure more experienced posters will reply shortly. These are tough questions, by the way. They say, pick the jeweler, then the stone. So, based on reviews, I'd pick the jeweler who could do the job from start to finish, all you mentioned could. They do have access to stones. ERD is Engagement Rings Direct. I'd do full cut melee. I don't think the added cost for upgraded melee is that much at that size (in comparison to the overall budget). For a 1 ct. stone, you might be better off with a more ready made set up, maybe half the cost for the setting? Those settings you picked are gorgeous and so delicate, but expensive. Good Luck!

 

[arkieb1]

No the others don't specifically have the cuts you have mentioned. GOG have a lot of very specialised cuts that few people stock. Leon will not take anything from GOG due to a longstanding disagreement with Jon the owner of GOG, Victor might take them because they are not cuts that he has manufactured himself (he doesn't take August Vintage Cushions from them for example because he makes them himself) email him and ask, and Steven, I believe, will take them. Engagement Rings direct will also make that style of ring for you it will be cast and not handmade and slightly cheaper than the rest but they do a good job as well;

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/

 

[Gypsy]

No the others don't specifically have the cuts you have mentioned. GOG have a lot of very specialised cuts that few people stock. Leon will not take anything from GOG due to a longstanding disagreement with Jon the owner of GOG, Victor might take them because they are not cuts that he has manufactured himself (he doesn't take August Vintage Cushions from them for example because he makes them himself) email him and ask, and Steven, I believe, will take them. Engagement Rings direct will also make that style of ring for you it will be cast and not handmade and slightly cheaper than the rest but they do a good job as well;

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/

Two slight corrections to arkiebs wonderful post. Steven will definitely take stones from anyone. Second, Engagement Rings Direct has two benches: one is CAD the other is handforged. They can quote you for both.

Personally I'd buy the stones from GOG and send it to Steven as he is very professional and there is no fuss about where the stones come from or where they go.