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Help with custom design from UK

SunnyLea

SunnyLea

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 30, 2017
Messages
4
Hi all!

This is my first post. I’ve learnt so much from this wonderful community, thank you!

I hope someone can help with some advice. My fiancé and I are hoping to have a custom made ring with an OEC diamond. Thanks to all the information on here I think we would like to contact OWD about the diamond and perhaps David Klass about the setting. The problem is we live overseas (UK), so I’m not sure how the process would work. Sorry for my ignorance, but what’s the usual way for the diamond go from the diamond seller to the setter? Or would it be better for us to go with the one vendor who can do everything? Any info would be greatly appreciated!

I"ll try add a picture of the setting I'd love.

Ring design idea.jpg
 
Since you are in the UK, and logistically I think it makes sense to have one bench do it all, I would consider having Adam's bench do it. His settings are quite nice. However, if you want something super high quality, hand-forged, etc, I would have Steven Kirsch do it, as he is in NYC too. What is your budget and how much do you want to spend on the stone and the setting?
 
Thank you for getting back to me so quickly! That sounds sensible. Our budget is about $4500-5000 for both the stone and the setting. I'd love something heirloom quality if that's possible in our budget!
 
I don't know what you mean by heirloom quality. By PS standards, an heirloom quality ornate setting like the one you chose would cost more than your entire budget. But not everyone has the same definition of heirloom quality. I think Adam may be able to produce something nice within your budget, but that leaves very little budget for your stone, likely below the half carat range. I would email Adam, show him the picture of the setting you want, tell him your budget, and see what he can suggest.
 
Hi Sunnylea, it is tricky buying from overseas, I know! Have you tried on a similar setting to check if it suits your hand? Often the things we like the look of don't translate well in real life- I thought I wanted a solitaire engagement ring but ended up with a three stone. This was partly because I'd seen lots of pics of huge solitaires and our budget would only stretch to a small stone.

Have you factored taxes into the budget? They will be at least 20% on top of the cost.

It might also be worth visiting some good quality antique shops to see if you can find something similar closer to home.
 
Personally I think you'd be better looking for something in the UK or make a trip to the USA to choose the ring. The shipping and import duty will swallow up a chunk of your budget. What if it arrives and you don't love the finished ring? If you wanted to return for any reason you wouldn't get the shipping or duty back.
 
Hi Sunnylea, I live in the UK and bought an OEC from Erica and LAD and had it set by Victor Canera. Erica shipped the stone to me and I sent it to Victor - she would have sent it to him directly, but I wanted to see it first as it was an M and I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the colour. I paid 20% on customs, fedexed it to Victor and then paid 20% on the cost of the setting when he sent it back - it was slightly complicated as I had to produce proof for Victor that my contents insurance would cover the stone while it was with him, and then that I'd already paid import duty/VAT on the diamond and then sent it back as UK customs tried to charge me again on the entire value of the ring.

This was about a year and half ago when sterling was more favourable against the dollar - in all honesty, I agree with Snowdrop13 that you might do better at this point by finding something already here. Where are you located in the UK?
 
Or can you buy the largest stone you (will) love (in your budget) from Adam and have Adam put it in a temporary solitaire for now. And then get that setting you adore made by David as a wedding or anniversary present after you save up for a while. Then you could still enjoy a beautiful OEC ring and not settle to have it all now.
 
ringo865 said:
Or can you buy the largest stone you (will) love (in your budget) from Adam and have Adam put it in a temporary solitaire for now. And then get that setting you adore made by David as a wedding or anniversary present after you save up for a while. Then you could still enjoy a beautiful OEC ring and not settle to have it all now.
Click to expand...

This is a good idea! There are lots of vendors of old cut stones to explore. There maybe someone UK based who can do your setting for you, there are a couple of threads on this if you do a search.
 
I had DK make a similar ring recently in platinum and the price was very reasonable. It would be a bit less in white gold. Here is my thread so you can see how it turned out.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cad-help-please.228409/#post-4147169

The stone is an antique cushion and if I recall correctly its .84 cts. It is uncerted and a bit warm, about and L and I got it for a good price from Grace. The total cost of the stone and the ring was under $3000. You would have room in your budget to buy a higher colored stone, I think. Something like this:

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/diamonds/83ct-oecut-diamond-gia-i-vs2

I guess it depends on whether you have to see the stone in person before the ring is made. If so, you should probably stick to buying in the UK, but if not, the stone could be shipped to DK and you could work with him to make your ring.
 
Wow, thanks everyone! I'll have more of a look around over here with some of those links and also have a look at your thread Lookinagain. So far it's been fairly hard to find old cut diamonds over here (surprisingly!) so I'll see how I go! Thanks again!
 
You might want to check LT and DB - being from Europe myself, I always follow other sellers from EU closely, there are few, but options appear.

On the other hand, there are a couple of stones and rings in the lower color posted currently on Loupetroop from various sellers that would be close to 1ct or just below in the range below USD2000. You just need to comb through the listings a bit.

That should leave you enough budget for a nice custom setting.
 
Dizzie said:
You might want to check LT and DB - being from Europe myself, I always follow other sellers from EU closely, there are few, but options appear.

On the other hand, there are a couple of stones and rings in the lower color posted currently on Loupetroop from various sellers that would be close to 1ct or just below in the range below USD2000. You just need to comb through the listings a bit.

That should leave you enough budget for a nice custom setting.
Click to expand...



I'm sorry to bump this old thread but who is LT and DB? Are rhey located in Europe. I'm on the hunt for a trustworthy jeweller on Europe
 
Lt= loupetroop.com
Db=diamondbistr
Both sites for private party to private party preloved jewelry sales
 
I have done this before (I’m based in London) I got my ring from Steven Kirsch. The ticket to NYC was 300 pounds return and it was worth it.

Durnham Rose based in London. They also stock CBI diamonds. Or Savy they sell Erika settings
 
kathness said:
I have done this before (I’m based in London) I got my ring from Steven Kirsch. The ticket to NYC was 300 pounds return and it was worth it.

Durnham Rose based in London. They also stock CBI diamonds. Or Savy they sell Erika settings
Click to expand...
@Durham Rose is a forum member on here - I'm not sure they can talk about their design capabilities on the forum due to it potentially being promoting their wares, but for anyone in the UK, it could be worth contacting them for a discussion.

There is a thread somewhere with UK jeweler recommendations but I'd need to search for it!


(I know this is an old thread but I think this info is still useful ;) lol)
 
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