Got the stone, now I need help for the custom setting

[evanx]

Thanks to everyone for the advice on the stone. I ended up geting a 0.91 G SI1 with Strong Blue from JA, HCA of 1.6. I have received it and I am glad the fluorescence does not negatively affect the looks.

Now I need help with the custom setting.

I am open to palladium, platinum and 18K white gold. I did some research on each type but does it really matter in general?

I am also looking for a local jeweller in Ontario, Canada to design the setting, preferably in the Greater Toronto Area.

So far I have contacted:

Leif Benner
http://www.leifbenner.com/

Linda Penwarden
http://lindapenwardenjewellery.com/

Engage Diamonds
http://www.engagediamonds.com/en/

Any reviews from fellow Pricescope members here for these jewellers? Also, are there any others you would recommend?

 

[Lane03]

Do some searches on here for pros / cons of each metal, but here are some off the top of my head.

Platinum: Most expensive, wont wear down over time, stronger than gold, naturally white, hypoallergenic, a pure metal

Palladium: Cheaper than 18k, wont wear down over time, stronger than gold, naturally white, hypoallergenic, a pure metal, some jewelers aren't as familiar with it and that could prove to be an obstacle in the future

White Gold: Middle of the two as far as pricing, will wear down with time, softer metal, whiter than platinum (due to the plating), requires rhodium re-plating every year or so, not hypoallergenic, not a pure metal (usually mixed with nickel or palladium)

 

[Gypsy]

Do some searches on here for pros / cons of each metal, but here are some off the top of my head.

Platinum: Most expensive, wont wear down over time, stronger than gold, naturally white, hypoallergenic, a pure metal

Palladium: Cheaper than 18k, wont wear down over time, stronger than gold, naturally white, hypoallergenic, a pure metal, some jewelers aren't as familiar with it and that could prove to be an obstacle in the future

White Gold: Middle of the two as far as pricing, will wear down with time, softer metal, whiter than platinum (due to the plating), requires rhodium re-plating every year or so, not hypoallergenic, not a pure metal (usually mixed with nickel or palladium)

Platinum develops a patina over time. Some love it, some don't. If you want to avoid it you get it polished every year or so. It's better for some designs than gold-- like pave.

Palladium-- MANY MANY MANY jewelers will not work with it.

White gold alloys that don't need plating-- like Stuller X alloys are your best bet for a balance of finance friendly yet low maintenance metal. Not as good as platinum for some designs. Alloys that need plating do not need it every year or so. It depends on your body chemistry--- some people need it every 4 months, other need it every four years. It's person specific.

 

[Lane03]

Stuller X is a good choice (I forgot about that one), but if you need any repair/re-sizing work done in the future make sure the jeweler knows it is Stuller X, or they might end up just using regular white gold (gold/nickel) by mistake.

 

[smoothmoose]

I bought my stone online and had Leif Benner design the setting back in April. Just click thorough my user profile and you'll see all my threads, reviews, and pics. Another user "sft" also got WF ACA and had Leif designed his setting as well. Search for his posts as well and you find some pics.

To sum up both of us are very satisfied and I can speak for my now fiance who is also very happy with the ring. She also met Leif afterwards for cleanings and adjustments and she agreed that we going to have him make our wedding bands as well.