HPD/CBI vs Q Custom Jewelry

[SallyB]

Hi,

I seem to have struck out on finding a pre-loved super ideal cut band. And I think it will be quite some time before I could get one from Wink. So I found Q Custom Jewelry on Etsy. They advertise ideal cut bands with a quick turnaround time due to the owner making the bands/rings in his own little workshop at home.

Have any of you purchased from Q? What do you think of his workmanship and the cut quality of his smaller stones? His Etsy reviews are great, but I thought I’d ask the experts.

For reference, I once owned a diamond band made by Shane & Co. It was supposedly ideal cut too but to me it didn’t sparkle much at all. I want to avoid making the same mistake twice.

Thanks for your advice!

 

[SallyB]

Oh, just FYI, new Brian Gavin and VC bands are too expensive for my current budget. And I feel very iffy about ordering from Whiteflash right now because of Texas’ nonessential business closures and the fact that this is a band and not a solitaire.

 

[tyty333]

Can you provide a link to the etsy site?

 

[xxxxxx]

I think in these cases you really should save up and the purchase directly from a vendor who will disclose every information you need.
You could ask the Etsy seller what super ideal means to him (certs for every stone - from where he sources etc). As super ideal isn’t a trademarked word I think anybody can use it for marketing.

 

[lovedogs]

HPD/CBI will blow 99% of other vendors out of the water. They are on par with BGD, WF, VC, etc. For me it would be no contest, but I assume that CBI/HPD will be on par price-wise with BGD, WF, etc.

 

[lovedogs]

PS. bands from this person won't have ideal cut stones as per PS standards. Granted for melee there aren't many "ideal" options, as melee aren't individually graded (typically). But I can pretty much guarantee that HPD/CBI will be better than the etsy vendor.

 

[elizat]

I believe there is a review of that jeweler here. The buyer was very happy, but you may not be comparing like and like items. I think that's what is important here. I would guess that the Etsy shop is a lot more budget friendly, but you should weigh that as well.

ETA: https://www.pricescope.com/communit...ewelry-bubble-bezel-band.245093/#post-4451978

 

[SallyB]

This is a band I was considering:

This item is unavailable - Etsy

Find the perfect handmade gift, vintage & on-trend clothes, unique jewelry, and more… lots more.

www.etsy.com

 

[SallyB]

I believe there is a review of that jeweler here. The buyer was very happy, but you may not be comparing like and like items. I think that's what is important here. I would guess that the Etsy shop is a lot more budget friendly, but you should weigh that as well.

ETA: https://www.pricescope.com/communit...ewelry-bubble-bezel-band.245093/#post-4451978

Thanks Elizat. This is helpful.

 

[SallyB]

Thanks everyone. My first choice is Wink. He has a very nice message on his website now about his business and working with customers on engagement rings during these trying times. If they can make a diamond band in the near future with their lux melee I would probably buy from HPD. But I’m looking at alternative vendors for my upcoming anniversary band since it seems necessary due to the coronavirus.

 

[RunningwithScissors]

Reach out to WF. I've been in contact with Brittany regarding a bracelet and she seemed optimistic about when their bench will be running again.

I'm in Houston and I wouldn't be surprised if we start to see some businesses opening up here in the near future.

 

[RunningwithScissors]

Personally, I love HPD/CBI and Whiteflash. Both are excellent companies and have amazing diamonds. If it were me, I'd wait and save up for a 5 stone band from either one, or from BGD.

 

[SallyB]

Reach out to WF. I've been in contact with Brittany regarding a bracelet and she seemed optimistic about when their bench will be running again.

I'm in Houston and I wouldn't be surprised if we start to see some businesses opening up here in the near future.

Thanks @RunningwithScissors. Did you put money down on your bracelet? I wonder how they’ll prioritize their orders with everything that’s going on. Maybe I’ll call Brittany.

 

[lovedogs]

Thanks everyone. My first choice is Wink. He has a very nice message on his website now about his business and working with customers on engagement rings during these trying times. If they can make a diamond band in the near future with their lux melee I would probably buy from HPD. But I’m looking at alternative vendors for my upcoming anniversary band since it seems necessary due to the coronavirus.

I think Wink is worth the wait.

 

[headlight]

This is a band I was considering:

This item is unavailable - Etsy

Find the perfect handmade gift, vintage & on-trend clothes, unique jewelry, and more… lots more.

www.etsy.com

Unless I missed it, I don't see anything about color and clarity for the stones.

 

[headlight]

Given you already were disappointed with your Shane purchase, I think you should wait until you can purchase something you know will be of excellent quality. Also, I wouldn't make a decision on who to go with right now based on their estimated delivery. Everyone is on a limited schedule right now and it is just to be expected.

 

[SallyB]

Unless I missed it, I don't see anything about color and clarity for the stones.

E-G, VS

 

[RunningwithScissors]

Thanks @RunningwithScissors. Did you put money down on your bracelet? I wonder how they’ll prioritize their orders with everything that’s going on. Maybe I’ll call Brittany.

No, I did not start the bracelet project yet. I have to save up and also decide exactly what size I want.