Help finding an asscher and custom setting...

[noideawhattodo]

My gf just decided that she really wants an asscher and I can''t seem to find any nice ones in b&m stores around here. Before I buy online, I want to see the difference between a "generic" asscher and a royal asscher.

1. Any suggestions for a jeweler/store in the DC/MD area that will have good quality stones that I can see?

2. Anyone work with stores in this area for custom platinum settings? I really loved the pics from Quest Manufacturing, but their website is gone - are they still in buisness? Other recs?

Thanks for all the useful info!

 

[JulieN]

Ice Mine asscher pictures: http://com.pricescope.com/photos/icemine/default.aspx

 

[Regular Guy]

Perhaps the Quest website was down when you checked (found at upper right, under Resources/local jewelers)? It seems up now, and is the jeweler many of us have used in this area for custom work. They did move recently a few miles to Fairfax, if this matters (they may have changed their web address, too?).

I don''t shop locally a lot, and never for an Asher. Charleson Alexander reportedly is worth a look, especially for on hand goods, and they have a robust website for pre-visit shopping at wherethediamomdsare.com. Not sure about the different types of ashers, but having just checked, I see a dozen in different sizes, colors, & clarities, on hand (though call, since they have 2 locations) they''re representing as "ideal cut."

 

[indecisive]

There is a Fink''s store near the Dulles Town Center that might have some asschers. I went to their store in Roanoke and they had 3 asschers for me to look at (ok, one was 6 carats and a little out of my price range!). It is worth a call. I second the recommendation for Ice Mine. We didn''t use them but their customer service was excellent, much better than other jewelry makers in the area.