Hi everyone, this is my first post, so be gentle!
My girlfriend really wants a Tiffany Legacy Style ring (Cushion cut in these ranges: 1.5-1.8ct, E-G, VS1-VS2) so I have been doing my research both on here as well as going to local places. Both rings are well within my budget and want to get her the biggest / best rock for the money! To her a larger ring would be worth the price and I don't mind considering they are both in my budget.
I found two places that both have great stones and settings that really good as well. The price of the settings is significantly different, and the size of the rings are as well. Want your opinion on what you would do if you were me?
China Town, NYC
My friend's, friend has a connection here, so there is a discount but no known history. Store seems small, they do all types of jewelry, not only engagement rings. Who knows how long they have been in business.
Rock:
1.52 CT, E, VS2 (GIA Cert)
Measurements: 6.87 x 6.64 x 4.16 mm (Square shape)
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Good
Fluorescence: None
Price: $10,822 (with my friends discount)
The Setting:
They ordered a sample ring, which was unfinished (no side stones, no mill work, just a plain setting) seemed like an exact replica of the Tiffany's style, with .42 - .48 ct in F, VS diamonds all around. They said they have done this type of setting only ONCE before. Didn't get to see the final product and craftsmanship.
Price: $550 (with my friends discount)
Total Price: $11,372
Diamond District, NYC
Found this place online, they probably post on this site so I wont name any names. They seem to be VERY highly recommended, with great feedback. They have been in business a long time and diamonds is their business!
The Rock:
As soon as i saw this rock i was in love with it (he had others but this was the one)!
1.73 CT, F, VS1 (GIA Cert)
Measurements : 7.47 x 6.57 x 4.29 (little narrower then above, but larger all together and still good proportion)
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Very Good
Fluorescence: None
Price: $12,475
The Setting:
They had done a lot of these in the past, and manufacture the ring them selves. It looked like an excellent copy just like the original. It was .32 ctw, using G VS stones. This is about 10 less points then the China town version of the ring. (Tiffany store said they use .42 ctw)The Ring he showed me was a finished version (with CZ's) and had really good craftsmanship.
Price: $1600
Total Price: $14,075
Summary:
I feel more comfortable with the Diamond District place as the people seem more trust worthy and they have been in the business much longer. I really like their diamond as it stands out in my mind and the size is right! The total price is only $2500 more then China Town and the rock is .21 ct bigger. The rapaport price was about $15,570 so the $12,475 is a good price! The guy also said if there were any problems (ie. one of the stones on the setting falls out) he would replace for free.
The China town place is giving me a great deal on the setting, although their experience doesn't seem to be on par. The price on the rock is really good (believe Rapaport sheet was some where around $13k), although it is a smaller stone and i know she would prefer the 1.73 ct.
Both places don't mind if i get the stone from one and the setting from the other, although im sure the price of the setting would go up if i don't buy their rock, and the diamond district place would charge a small fee to set the stone in a setting that was not theirs.
My girlfriend really wants a Tiffany Legacy Style ring (Cushion cut in these ranges: 1.5-1.8ct, E-G, VS1-VS2) so I have been doing my research both on here as well as going to local places. Both rings are well within my budget and want to get her the biggest / best rock for the money! To her a larger ring would be worth the price and I don't mind considering they are both in my budget.
I found two places that both have great stones and settings that really good as well. The price of the settings is significantly different, and the size of the rings are as well. Want your opinion on what you would do if you were me?
China Town, NYC
My friend's, friend has a connection here, so there is a discount but no known history. Store seems small, they do all types of jewelry, not only engagement rings. Who knows how long they have been in business.
Rock:
1.52 CT, E, VS2 (GIA Cert)
Measurements: 6.87 x 6.64 x 4.16 mm (Square shape)
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Good
Fluorescence: None
Price: $10,822 (with my friends discount)
The Setting:
They ordered a sample ring, which was unfinished (no side stones, no mill work, just a plain setting) seemed like an exact replica of the Tiffany's style, with .42 - .48 ct in F, VS diamonds all around. They said they have done this type of setting only ONCE before. Didn't get to see the final product and craftsmanship.
Price: $550 (with my friends discount)
Total Price: $11,372
Diamond District, NYC
Found this place online, they probably post on this site so I wont name any names. They seem to be VERY highly recommended, with great feedback. They have been in business a long time and diamonds is their business!
The Rock:
As soon as i saw this rock i was in love with it (he had others but this was the one)!
1.73 CT, F, VS1 (GIA Cert)
Measurements : 7.47 x 6.57 x 4.29 (little narrower then above, but larger all together and still good proportion)
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Very Good
Fluorescence: None
Price: $12,475
The Setting:
They had done a lot of these in the past, and manufacture the ring them selves. It looked like an excellent copy just like the original. It was .32 ctw, using G VS stones. This is about 10 less points then the China town version of the ring. (Tiffany store said they use .42 ctw)The Ring he showed me was a finished version (with CZ's) and had really good craftsmanship.
Price: $1600
Total Price: $14,075
Summary:
I feel more comfortable with the Diamond District place as the people seem more trust worthy and they have been in the business much longer. I really like their diamond as it stands out in my mind and the size is right! The total price is only $2500 more then China Town and the rock is .21 ct bigger. The rapaport price was about $15,570 so the $12,475 is a good price! The guy also said if there were any problems (ie. one of the stones on the setting falls out) he would replace for free.
The China town place is giving me a great deal on the setting, although their experience doesn't seem to be on par. The price on the rock is really good (believe Rapaport sheet was some where around $13k), although it is a smaller stone and i know she would prefer the 1.73 ct.
Both places don't mind if i get the stone from one and the setting from the other, although im sure the price of the setting would go up if i don't buy their rock, and the diamond district place would charge a small fee to set the stone in a setting that was not theirs.
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