Help, I think I being ripped off!

[llayton]

Hi everyone,
I post here infrequently but lurk constantly I''m getting married in June and am on a mission to create my wedding band. I have 7-.10 diamonds that I''d like to have bar set in a platinum band. My jeweler quoted me 1600 dollars! Does this sound extremely high? It does to me, especially since I''m supplying the diamonds. I know platinum is high now but wow! Can someone recommend an online vendor that can do this a little more reasonable? Any help would be so appreciated!
Thanks,
Lisa

 

[diamondsbylauren]

Hi Lisa,
$1600 does sound high if the setting is simply a platinum casting- but still- I''m afraid that you are up against it here.
The best setters are very expensive. Therefore, if you save on labor, the results might be quite shabby.
Of course just because someone is charging a lot does not guarantee that the work WILL be done well.

Another aspect of many bands is that the dimaonds need to be exactly the correct mm size- this may also cause problems if your stones are not.

This is an example of why buying diamonds, and ring separately can be dangerous.

 

[llayton]

Thanks for replying. The diamonds I have are from an old channel set band that I''ve had for years. I never wear it anymore. I thought it would be economical to have them reset so that I may enjoy them once again. It''s been sitting in a drawer for over 5 years. I have found that I can get just as nice a setting with the diamonds supplied from the store for nearly the same price which doesn''t make sense to me. I think I''m going to have to put the project on hold for now and just go with a simple 2mm platinum band which makes me sad but I cant afford this with the added expenses of the wedding

 

[pqcollectibles]

You might be able to do some better. White Flash makes women's eternity, 5, 7, and 9 stone rings. GOG has Stuller mounts advertised on their website and GOG discounts off the Stuller advertised price to be comparable with WF. Nice Ice works with a fabulous smith and their setting prices are comparable to WF and GOG. Several folks here have been very satisfied working with Quest Manufacturing, so that's another possiblity for you to check out.

One thing that might run your costs up a bit is you have your own diamonds. Some Vendors will charge a setting fee per stone for diamonds from an outside source. I've seen that disclaimer listed on more than one Vendor's website.

 

[noobie]

Date: 1/14/2005 2:54:20 PM
Author: diamondsbylauren

This is an example of why buying diamonds, and ring separately can be dangerous.

Can be, but NOT necessarily. I do it all the time very successfully and will continue to. BTW, cheap does not always imply bad the same way expensive does not always imply good.

Where do you live and are you OK with shipping your stones?

Just as an FYI, you can buy a brand new ring with new stones for around that from Facets. Check out the Signed Pieces website or better yet call them. They can make the ring for you as well.

As for custom jewerlers, I've used Quest Manufacturing several times with great results. Ask 7-1 as well.

You have many options.

Good luck

 

[diamondsbylauren]

A 2mm platinum band is cool too! I know it''s not what you were dreamoing of though....
THe fact the the stones werer already set in a channel might mean that they are properly sized for a new one!

Best of luck!

 

[Logan Sapphire]

Just wanted to chime in that Quest is great! I''ve used them for several things, both repair-wise and custom, and they''re very reasonable. In fact, I''m going there tomorrow!

 

[llayton]

I live in upstate NY. Does location really have something to do with pricing? I have heard people on here talk about the vendors you''ve mentioned and no, I dont have a problem shipping the diamonds. I have researched to death diamonds before my fiance proposed but this (setting my own diamonds into a band) is all new to me. The 2mm band is ok. I just had my heart set on something different. I have checked out the signed pieces and this definetely may be an option. I just hate the fact that I have these beautiful diamonds sitting in a drawer not being shown off. Maybe I''ll just have them made into a necklace and white gold at that because platinum is rediculously expensive. Thanks everyone.

 

[llayton]

Does Quest manufacturing have a website I could check out. How do I get a hold of them?

 

[noobie]

www.questmanufacturing.com Best contact is phone

I asked where you live since people may recommend local jewelers. Your best value may be to buy a ring from Signed Pieces and save the stones for a necklace. I think you could probably get a ring from Signed Pieces and a white gold pendant made at Quest and buy a WG chain for your $1600.