Found the design - help me match my budget!

[HSC]

I''m a new lurker on this site and need some advice from those of you with experience in this arena.

I am looking to purchase an engagement ring within about 6 weeks. If budget wasn''t a factor, I would call Leon Mege and have him make me this http://www.artofplatinum.com/4images/details.php?image_id=466 Unfortunately, if I spend the amount he charges on that setting, I wouldn''t have anything left for a center stone.

The thing is, I am not necessarily looking for a custom design - many jewelers sell a similar setting. My budget (including center stone is $5,000 - $6,000. Although I might not get the craftsmanship of Leon Mege at that price, can anyone recommend someone with proven quality in micro pave/halo settings?

 

[kimikocat]

hi HSC,

I''m sure others have suggestions, but off the top of my head., I remember a 18K gold Beverley K setting that looks like your example (from the top down). Do you have a preference for the profile?

The Bev K setting was priced at around 1200.00, so it wasn''t all that expensive. I don''t know how much it would be in plat, but I imagine even if it was in the range of 2000 or so, you''d still have a good chunk left over to buy a nice center stone, probably in the 1 carat range...if you compromise on color/clarity (again, others might want to chime in...I could be off )

 

[HSC]

Thanks for the quick response. I know she prefers low profile on the center setting, and prefers a round band on the bottom without any other metal supporting the center setting (sorry I don't know the terminology - see picture below for what I'm trying to describe,). Also, I was aiming at either palladium or platinum for the metal and she wants a Canadian diamond in the center, so for about $3K I can seemingly get in the .7 - .9 carat round cut range. For the center I am looking at Ideal cut, G color, and typically VS2 or SI1 clarity.

My local jeweler says he can make this ring for $1,750 in platinum and he has a great reputation for customer service, but I don't know about custom design. Also, if I purchase locally I will have to pay sales tax on the product and in my state that can be an additional $500 or more in my current budget...

 

[HSC]

The adornment on the bottom is definitely optional for us.


Kudos to lesco for inspiring me with this absolutely beautiful ring. If I could afford it, I would just ask Leon to make an exact replica!

 

[Tuckins1]

Here are a few from Knox jewelers... You should check out the whole site, they have some really beautiful pieces!!
ring1
ring2
ring3
ring4
ring5 (this one isn''t truly a halo, but it reminded me of a cool Tacori design...)
ring6
ring7
ring8
ring9
ring10

Sorry, I went a little crazy... I just love this site!