how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendations?

[fruxo]

Hey.

Writing this from phone, so I'll keep it short. I'm having difficulties finding a nice pear diamond. Think I found one now, several vendors lists it, but I asked James Allen if they could bring it in and they said they don't do it. So problem now is none of the vendors have a ring I like.

This is the James Allen one
http://www.jamesallen.com/mobile//item-page.asp?item=8981

I asked BGD for a quote for a halo with a plain band yesterday, but haven't heard anything yet. Roughly how expensive ate their custom rings compared to a similar design from their normal range? And how long do they take to make?

Anyone knows any other pear halo rings I might like? Delicate halo right next to diamond with plain band. $2000 Max. If I can find one I like I can ask the store to bring in diamond is the idea.

I'm running out of time for planned proposal so help is much appreciated!

 

[Gypsy]

Re: how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendati

2k isn't a good budget for custom a pave halo. Would you be okay with pave only around the center stone, and not on the shank? That's what I have and it might be more affordable for you.

Call Eternity Diamonds and see what they have for you. They have very affordable halos.

 

[fruxo]

Re: how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendati

Yes, I definitely want a plain band/shank thought I made it clear, but maybe it wasn't. I'll post more photos with examples of what I like and don't like when I get home.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendati

This is my ring. Is this what you want, only for a pear?

 

[fruxo]

Re: how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendati

Yes, that's right. Surprisingly hard to find a nice one though. There is an example in my first post of one of the designs I like, but it doesn't have to look exactly like that one. But I'd like to be able to fit a wedding ring flush to it like yours.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendati

Very hard to find a nice one. I agree.

BUT, the good news is: Brian has seen mine and he knows the design of the my wires under the halo that allow for a flush fit band. So he can make you something similar. BGD might be able to work with your budget and if they can, well... I would highly recommend that you buy from them. They have excellent quality.

I would also recommend that you call them TONIGHT (Friday's and Saturdays they have very limited availability) and talk to Leslie herself about your request, reference my halo to them and go from there.

Good luck! I can't WAIT to see how it turns out. I'm a fan (obviously) of this style.

 

[fruxo]

Re: how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendati

I've already emailed them and it is a little difficult calling unfortunately since I live in Australia (at work atm, hence why i'm posting from phone). I'll just have to hope for a quick reply! How much did yours cost?

 

[Gypsy]

Re: how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendati

I've already emailed them and it is a little difficult calling unfortunately since I live in Australia (at work atm, hence why i'm posting from phone). I'll just have to hope for a quick reply! How much did yours cost?

Mine isn't from them. And it is a hybrid. I had mine originally made 5 years or so ago by a designer that ended up not being very good with pave and I lost a ton of stones out of it. So I had to have just the halo redone by Steven Kirsch about a year ago. So mine has the shank from one designer and the halo from Steven. I highly recommend him, but he's going to be way out of budget for you unfortunately. But I would trust BGD absolutely to get you a quality and long lasting product.

If you wanted something like mine from Steven now it would be in the 3,000-3,500 range I expect.

 

[wakingdreams53]

Re: how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendati

Love pears! Love halos!
Went to the Diamond District in NYC and saw this one in the window. Under $2k setting. Very well made and comfortable.
It's definitely doable so don't get discouraged!

 

[ariel144]

Re: how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendati

You might try Mark Broumand he has great and unusual settings. Here is a pear 1.83c F SI1 in a custom halo setting. But the band is paved too but very dainty. Love the videos of the rings on his website. But you could probably get the diamond you have selected and the setting done with him. You did not mention your total budget.

http://www.markbroumand.com/283ct-pear-shape-diamond-engagement-anniversary-ring__2457-1d9372610/

And this one is really lovely for $7500...stone and setting. I love pear cut diamonds. Good luck.

http://www.markbroumand.com/200ct-pear-shape-diamond-engagement-anniversary-ring__2489-1d5337410/

My favorite...but no halo...look at that pear diamond F vs2 1.89c
http://www.markbroumand.com/264ct-pear-shape-diamond-engagement-anniversary-ring__2708-1d10640797/

 

[fruxo]

Re: how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendati

Call Eternity Diamonds and see what they have for you. They have very affordable halos.

But are they actually nice though? Also, the melee seems to be g-h SI, which is lower than what seems to be the norm elsewhere such at james allen, but maybe it's good enough. I want it to sparkle a lot though, and I'm afraid the cut is not going to be great. Anyway, despite having lots of halos, I still had problems finding any nice ones at eternity diamonds. These are probably the nicest, but I'm unsure what I feel about their side views... Also no idea if they even set them with pears or not or what the quality is like.
http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/eng...With-Plain-Band-and-Surprise-Diamonds-462.htm
http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/eng...ement-ring/Scarlett-Diamond-Halo-Ring-394.htm

As for brian gavin, his halo rings seems to start at $2700, but those have diamonds on the shank as well (although price only applicable up to 1carat fancy shape though, and I'm looking at 1.4ish). I was hoping to have a small chance of him meeting my budget since I don't want those shank diamonds, but I know there is not a big chance of it happening. Here is a pear diamond halo custom job that looks amazing. It has split shanks with lots and lots of diamonds, but I'd be happy to skip those and just get the actual halo, which looks absolutely perfect.
http://blog.brianthecutter.com/2010...at-pear-shape-split-shank-diamond-halo-ring…/

Anyway, I need to find a backup plan if brian gavin is too expensive, so does anyone have any other suggestions of specific rings they like (and where to buy it from)? I'll throw in another ring that I DON'T like, ie I don't like this kind of side view where the top is only attached by 1 point to the band if you know what I mean.
http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/eng...nna-Princess-Cut-Halo-Ring-(.10-ctw.)-328.htm

 

[Gypsy]

Re: how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendati

My backup plan would be Engagement Rings Direct. CALL (Mark's much better on the phone) Mark and ask him if he can do a "plain shank halo" for a 1.4 carat pear for you for under 2k.

Do you have your center stone yet? Because if you don't... I would drop on the center stone down to 1.2 carat or so and try to put a little more money toward a quality setting. In a halo 1.2 is going to be enough in a pear. They are spready.

 

[rubybeth]

Re: how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendati

Anyway, I need to find a backup plan if brian gavin is too expensive, so does anyone have any other suggestions of specific rings they like (and where to buy it from)? I'll throw in another ring that I DON'T like, ie I don't like this kind of side view where the top is only attached by 1 point to the band if you know what I mean.
http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/eng...nna-Princess-Cut-Halo-Ring-(.10-ctw.)-328.htm

I don't like how the head attaches to the shank on that ring either. Have you seen Whiteflash's Guinevere halo/plain shank setting?

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/guinevere-solitaire-engagement-ring-180.htm

I asked them a while ago about making it custom for my shape diamond (a square radiant) and they said they could definitely do it, it would be a custom design based on a stock design, so kind of half and half, but the setting base price in 18k white gold is $1,450, so even with a custom fee up to $540, you'd still be under $2k. And I can vouch their melee (F/G VS) are awesome, I have a WF ring in my avatar and love it <-----.

 

[shimmer]

Re: how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendati

I don't like how the head attaches to the shank on that ring either. Have you seen Whiteflash's Guinevere halo/plain shank setting?

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/guinevere-solitaire-engagement-ring-180.htm

I asked them a while ago about making it custom for my shape diamond (a square radiant) and they said they could definitely do it, it would be a custom design based on a stock design, so kind of half and half, but the setting base price in 18k white gold is $1,450, so even with a custom fee up to $540, you'd still be under $2k. And I can vouch their melee (F/G VS) are awesome, I have a WF ring in my avatar and love it

I was just logging in to suggest the Genviere as well!!! It's gorgeous and white flash melee is amazing! They will charge an outside stone setting fee if your stone is from elsewhere so add that in to the total as well, it was $150 the last time I inquired.

 

[fruxo]

Re: how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendati

So I got a reply from brian gavin today. Estimated cost is $2450 in white gold and $2750 in platinum up to size 7.5 (she is more like 8.25-8.5). Also, she said it would take 3-4 weeks "from CAD to finished piece", which I assume means that it will take another week or two from starting work until CAD is done. Unless CAD work is included in that estimate, I'm not sure how to interpret it. Either way, it means I will almost definitely overshoot my planned proposal date (which is 4.5 weeks from now) as well. Which will probably be likely to happen either way as halos always take seems to take a few weeks to get done regardless, since they can't just plonk on a diamond on a pre-made piece as with many other designs.

So yeah, I'm torn.. The longer I've looked (unsuccessfully), the higher the budget has gotten. I just really want it to be perfect is all so I keep justifying the increases, but the total price has just crept up a lot over the last month or so. Might have another look at their diamonds, maybe they have some cheaper (smaller) ones I can enquire about. Not much will probably happen over the weekend so I can take a day or two to consider my choices and what to do. In a way I feel that if I'm gonna spend $7000-8000 anyway, I might as well spend $10.000 and get her something she will be blown away by. In another way I'm like holy f*, I'm about to blow 10 grand on a trinket.. decisions decisions..

Do you guys know what white gold they use btw? ie from what I've heard, the mixes where they use palladium is far superior and does not go yellow like the other one. The platinum is only another $300 otherwise, might be worth considering.

I don't like how the head attaches to the shank on that ring either. Have you seen Whiteflash's Guinevere halo/plain shank setting?

Hmm, see to me that is very similar to the link I posted, ie what I don't like unfortunately.

 

[rubybeth]

Re: how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendati

I don't like how the head attaches to the shank on that ring either. Have you seen Whiteflash's Guinevere halo/plain shank setting?

Hmm, see to me that is very similar to the link I posted, ie what I don't like unfortunately.

It looks very different to me--the WF one has four supports on the underside which curve up to the doughnut over which the halo floats, while the ED one just has two 'legs' that shoot straight up making for a very 'flat' looking side profile and halo--but if you don't like it, I hope you find something else that works!

 

[fruxo]

Re: how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendati

It looks very different to me--the WF one has four supports on the underside which curve up to the doughnut over which the halo floats, while the ED one just has two 'legs' that shoot straight up making for a very 'flat' looking side profile and halo--but if you don't like it, I hope you find something else that works!

It's difficult to explain.
Here are two pictures with nice side views. Ignore all the diamonds and whatnot Basically, I like it when the top is connected in two spots spaced further apart. Following the curve of the ring sort of. Most halos seems to have this design.
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/e.../belle-halo-micro-pave-18k-white-gold-5497w18
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/e...s/halo-engagement-ring-18k-white-gold-5441w18

 

[fruxo]

Re: how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendati

I know I only just updated with brian gavin response, but I'm leaning towards going with his ring/diamond. I will definitely take a day or so to not make any rushed decision, but leaning strongly towards starting the process of getting the custom ring done this weekend.

Any chance they do pricescope discounts on their diamonds like many other vendors btw? I really wouldn't have found him or probably even heard of him if it hadn't been for the pricescope forums

 

[Gypsy]

Re: how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendati

I know I only just updated with brian gavin response, but I'm leaning towards going with his ring/diamond. I will definitely take a day or so to not make any rushed decision, but leaning strongly towards starting the process of getting the custom ring done this weekend.

Any chance they do pricescope discounts on their diamonds like many other vendors btw? I really wouldn't have found him or probably even heard of him if it hadn't been for the pricescope forums

Mention how you found them. They will let you know if you qualify for any discounts. I know there is a bank wire discount.

 

[Laila619]

Re: how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendati

They told me that there is a maximum of a 5% discount for PS member + wire.

 

[tyty333]

Re: how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendati

Here is a picture of an Oval in the WF guinevere. Its really lovely. It would come in close to your $2k budget.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-new-wf-ering-upgrade.148378/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-new-wf-ering-upgrade.148378/[/URL]

 

[Gypsy]

Re: how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendati

I personally prefer a cathedral shank, going up to the halo. That's the one thing I don't like about the WF design.

 

[fruxo]

Re: how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendati

I personally prefer a cathedral shank, going up to the halo. That's the one thing I don't like about the WF design.

Ah yeah, I think cathedral is the word I was trying to find when describing how I prefer the halo to be attached to the shank

 

[Gypsy]

Re: how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendati

It's hard to use new terminology. I know.

So what you want, so far, is a pave halo around a pear diamond with a plain high polish cathedral shank.

NOW:

Two more questions. Which of these is the pave type you want. One has a very thin metal channel to protect the pave on the outside (bright cut) the other doesn't (such as V-cut or U-cut, or fishtail) and the stones are left exposed. Bright cut halo: http://artofplatinum.com/vault/platinum-custom-rings V-cut pave: http://artofplatinum.com/vault/halo-ring-engagement

Finally, do you want your gallery wires (the wires under the halo) to be concave (like mine) or convex (like the whiteflash wires).

When we know the answer to those questions, you will be able to tell BGD exactly what you want.

I suggest no larger than 1 pointers in your halo. I have 1/2 pointers, but my center stone is smaller than yours will be.

 

[fruxo]

Re: how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendati

Two more questions. Which of these is the pave type you want. One has a very thin metal channel to protect the pave on the outside (bright cut) the other doesn't (such as V-cut or U-cut, or fishtail) and the stones are left exposed. Bright cut halo: http://artofplatinum.com/vault/platinum-custom-rings V-cut pave: http://artofplatinum.com/vault/halo-ring-engagement

Finally, do you want your gallery wires (the wires under the halo) to be concave (like mine) or convex (like the whiteflash wires).

I'm not too fussed about whether the diamonds in the halo are completely enclosed or not, they can look good either way, but I suppose I prefer if they are not completely enclosed if I have to choose. I'll post this link again from a custom pear brian gavin did that looks really nice, I'd be very happy to have them set like this:
http://blog.brianthecutter.com/2010/10/28/brian-gavin-creates-magnificent-5-carat-pear-shape-split-shank-diamond-halo-ring%E2%80%A6/

As for the wires under the halo, I'm again not too fussed. I've seen plenty of different ones that I like. I suppose that probably doesn't help, but I think the straight wires from the link above looks nice (but probably wouldn't really work with a single band). I think yours look nice. Here's another one that I don't mind despite being a bit unusual (don't like the milgrain though):
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/halo-engagement-ring-18k-white-gold-5441w18

Although if I could choose, I'd probably pick no wires at all. Not sure if it is more difficult to do (ie more expensive), but if it is, I'd be happy to get some wires instead. It's by no means a deal breaker. The side view of this looks amazing though. But maybe it's risky having a setting like this in terms of potentially knocking the diamond into things and damaging it, I don't really know.
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/belle-halo-micro-pave-18k-white-gold-5497w18

Lastly I can add that I probably wouldn't mind if it tapers in a little towards the halo as well, but not overly important. I'll probably leave a lot of these decisions to them, ie I'll tell them both what I want and what I prefer. With the latter, I'll tell them it's to their discretion to make small changes as according to what they think look better. All their rings look amazing and they obviously got a good eye for these things, much better than a random like me I'm sure.

 

[fruxo]

Re: how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendati

After thinking about this all day, I decided to go through with it. Which is to say I've asked them to have the diamond inspected, and if everything checks out OK we can get started with the ring Going to be a long next few days while I await the the assessment... fingers crossed!

 

[Enerchi]

Re: how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendati

Congrats Fruxo on making that decision and I hope it goes (quickly!) and smoothly so you make your engagement deadline!

I love the selection of halo's you've come up with and the advice Gypsy has given you .... priceless I'm thrilled you found PS and BGD and that your ring will be a work of art. Can't wait to follow the progress (maybe start a thread " engagement ring in the making" kind of thing? )

 

[Gypsy]

Re: how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendati

Perfect. Yes they do have a good eye don't they.
Okay so v-cut pave halo. I strongly suggest underwires on a halo for safety and strength. So concave plain metal underwires that allow for a flush fit band. Plain high polish cathedral shank that tapers toward the halo. 1 point full cut melee in the halo. 2mm comfort fit shank except for the taper. 4 claw prongs on the center stone, no v at the tip. Halo tilted 20 degrees down away from center stone.
If you copy and paste that Brian will take care of the rest and send you a CAD rendering when it is done. I thave worked with him on MANY projects and have been thrilled each time. You are going ti be very happy! Congrats on your choice.

 

[NOYFB]

Re: how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendati

My BGD halo (RHR, not ER) with a plain shank was in the $2600 range.

 

[fruxo]

Re: how expensive is BGD custom ring? pear halo recommendati

...4 claw prongs on the center stone, no v at the tip. Halo tilted 20 degrees down away from center stone...

Thanks for the help, knowing how to describe it makes it a lot easier.

However, I'm not so sure about the quoted parts. Why no V at the tip? The halo I linked had a V and it looked fine. And as that would be the area most prone to damage, it would be nice to have it protected for our piece of mind.

And would you mind explaining what having the halo tilted 20 degrees from center stone means? I don't really get it.