Help! Settings from online or local jewelers?

[knuman]

Hello

I''ve been going crazy looking for a diamond and engagement ring for the last couple of months and decided to see if I can get any help from here. I started off going to retailers and wholesalers locally but realised getting a diamond online was much cheaper and there would be no pressure or sales tactics to deal with.

I thought the hardest thing would be picking the right diamond - after a LOT of research, I''ve narrowed my choice down to 4 diamonds from Union Diamond and Scheiner Diamonds (TheDiamond.com) - they are all roughly 1 carat, D color, VVS2 diamonds with excellent cut, polish, symmetry etc for around US$10,000 (three are a few hundred dollars over, one just under). I expect to make a final decision soon, so I am now looking for possible settings. That''s when I realised finding the right setting is just as hard as the diamond!

My girlfriend has always had her eye on the Tiffany 6-pronged classic setting, and that was what I had in mind as well, but there are a few concerns:

1. Is the knife edge going to be uncomfortable or not sit flush with the wedding band? (I''m thinking of a half circle channel set wedding band, but that can wait until later) Has anyone ever tried to make a classic Tiffany ring but with a round, smooth edge? I wonder how that will look...

2. I see that Union Diamond has a Tiffany replica - I hear a lot of people rave on about the diamonds at Union Diamond but haven''t heard much about their settings. Does anyone have an idea or testimonials about their settings? I am concerned because their replica in platinum is only US$399 but most other places charge significantly higher.

3. Is it better simply to get a diamond online and then go to a reputable local jeweler to custom make the setting? I''ve checked out a few of the online diamond sellers that also do the settings - Superbcert, Whiteflash, James Allen, Nice Ice etc - I would probably say Superbcert''s looks the closest but it still looks a little bit different to the pictures on Tiffany''s website. I guess my question is whether the local jewellers can do it better - without charging too much more than these online places...

If anyone can assist that would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[Oleander]

I can only comment on your question about knife-edged bands. For me, knife-edge actually makes it easier for most wedding bands to sit closer to the engagement ring since it's so narrow and provides a flat surface for bands to butt against; and it takes up less space on the finger, so it doesn't get as "crowded." I think they are simply elegant.

The type of wedding band you describe will work well with a knife-edge; my sister's rings are just as you describe.

I find the knife-edge to be extremely comfortable, both because it's less bulky than a standard band and isn't as wide. I've never regretted my choice. My wedding band is also knife-edged. I don't feel like I have too much "stuff" on my fingers.

I also think that the knife-edge showcases the diamond very well since it sorta fades into the background--less metal interfering with the pretty stone. Makes the diamond look larger in my eyes.

And since my knife-edge bands are so thin, there was plenty of room for a _third_ band this year: a diamond anniversary band.

As with all jewelry, one must consider the wearers physique, stature, taste, lifestyle, and desires. Only you know all those things about your intended. I wish you luck and happiness in your engagement ring search!

 

[knuman]

Thank you very much! That has really alleviated a lot of my concerns about the knife edge band - I''m going to go for it! Now I just need to know where...

 

[Oleander]

Date: 10/9/2006 1:16:03 AM
Author: knuman
Thank you very much! That has really alleviated a lot of my concerns about the knife edge band - I'm going to go for it! Now I just need to know where...

Since you have mentioned a concern for flushness of the bands, I wanted to mention that in your search for a setting, pay close attention and make note of the head of the ring. Certain styles of solitaire settings may impede a band from sitting close. Tiffany's works very well for flush-sitting, and the very close replicas seem, to my eyes, to also work well because they have the same way of attaching the diamond to the band (I think it's called a peg head). Personally, I am impressed with and prefer the tiffany-style solitaire designs of SuperbCert, Mark Morrell, and Quest. _Some_ of the Whiteflash tiffany-style settings appeal to me; they come in a close second in my book. But there are many others you can browse in these forums (search "tiffany replica" or "tiffany copy" and you'll see many beautiful rings), and perhaps one you like will jump out at you.

 

[mrssalvo]

demelza has the superbcert tiffany repro and had a tough time finding any band that would look right except the matching knife edge band. you can read her thread here;

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/scott-kay-pave-band-vs-plain-a-taste-test.36063/


many times where you buy the diamond from will depend on who has what you are looking for in stock. I personally prefer to buy the diamond and setting from the same place, it's just easier. I'd go with the setting you like the most. having someone make a copy doesn't always turn out at expected. there are some already great repros out there for the tiffany setting, superbcert being my favorite so I'd probably just buy one of them.