I''m so bummed - please help!

[kindastuck]

Ok, so here is my situation. My fiance proposed to me MONTHS ago and has charged me with the task of actually picking out the ring. I have always had an idea of what I wanted but haven't been able to locate it. I have searched the internet high and low and FINALLY FOUND IT... only to research and find out that everyone says this retailer is NO GOOD. I found it on SHENOA & CO...

Do you think I should go to the bricks and mortar store front and see if I can look at it and buy it on sight? Or should I try taking the picture to another jeweler and see if they can recreate it?

P.S. I think my fiance might think I am beginning to stall... it's been 8 months since he proposed.

MY RING

 

[kindastuck]

p.s. I have designed the entire wedding around this ring

 

[MoonWater]

Wow, it''s so pretty. I''ve never heard of this company. Strangely their site reminds of the company where I found the ring I liked but was told the company was no good. I wonder if they are related.

 

[mrssalvo]

the diamond is set very, very high on that setting. If it were me, I'd look elsewhere for the setting. tacori makes some gorgeous settings with sapphire sidestones as well as Ritani. Goodoldgold is about an hours drive from NY, i'm assuming you're there since shenoa is local for you right? They carry tacori as well as a bunch of other designers and would be well worth a drive to their place.

ETA: love the blue theme though, gorgeous wedding ideas!!!

here's the Ritani with blue sapphire sides..they are a very well respected designer with high quality rings.

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/ritani-jewelry/rings/11QQ1/36/

here's another that could probably be made with blue sapphire sides.



http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/ritani-jewelry/rings/19QQ1/18/

 

[sera]

Beautiful ring- I love sapphires in e-ring settings. If I wanted something like that custom done, I think I would have Maytal Hannah do it. She doesn't have anything exactly like that on her site, but you can see she could easily do something similar and likely even more beautifully executed. I'm not sure what her prices run.

On Pearlman's site, there is a similar ring by Spark, though it is witout engraving. I don't know anything about Spark rings, but you could call up Pearlman's and ask them about the Spark ring and the one you are looking for- I know members here have mentioned they have ordered particular rings.

ETA: That Ritani mrssalvo posted is very pretty. It would look amazing with sapphire sides.
ETAA: Just realized the sides on the Spark are hearts which totally changes the impression of the ring, at least to me. If the one you posted is THE one, and you can't get it somewhere else, and where you can get it is highly not recommended, I would go custom.

 

[kindastuck]

Yes, I am in the NY Metro Area. I have looked at Tacori and many many other makers... and this is the only one that I have said.... THAT'S IT!!! Remember, I have been searching high and low for MONTHS... so the question is...

Should I go to Shenoa & Co's store in NYC and see if they have it in stock or should I take the picture to another jeweler and see if they can duplicate it?

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 10/7/2007 7:05:34 PM
Author: kindastuck



Should I go to Shenoa & Co's store in NYC and see if they have it in stock or should I take the picture to another jeweler and see if they can duplicate it?

have you searched shenoa on this site? I personally would not purchase from them no matter if they had my dream ring or not. You may have a hard time finding someone to make an exact replica b/c it's illegal, but if you really love that design I would contact Mark t at www.engagementringsdirect.com. he's located in the diamond district and has created some gorgeous custom rings and he'd be local for you. he's uses computer images so you can approve the process as you go and he makes a quality product I'd trust.

 

[kindastuck]

Date: 10/7/2007 7:00:55 PM
Author: mrssalvo

ETA: love the blue theme though, gorgeous wedding ideas!!!

Thanks!!!

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 10/7/2007 7:03:28 PM
Author: sera



On Pearlman's site, there is a similar ring by Spark, though it is witout engraving. I don't know anything about Spark rings, but you could call up Pearlman's and ask them about the Spark ring and the one you are looking for- I know members here have mentioned they have ordered particular rings.

that is a very pretty ring too and I like how the diamond is set. I actually saw some spark rings in person when I visited pearlmans last spring and they are very well made peices. (some of the stacked eternity bands are on my wishlist

) pearlmans will send out a setting for you to view in person too if one sparks your interest and no one local carries it.

 

[sera]

Date: 10/7/2007 7:15:06 PM
Author: mrssalvo

Date: 10/7/2007 7:03:28 PM

Author: sera




On Pearlman''s site, there is a similar ring by Spark, though it is witout engraving. I don''t know anything about Spark rings, but you could call up Pearlman''s and ask them about the Spark ring and the one you are looking for- I know members here have mentioned they have ordered particular rings.

that is a very pretty ring too and I like how the diamond is set. I actually saw some spark rings in person when I visited pearlmans last spring and they are very well made peices. (some of the stacked eternity bands are on my wishlist

) pearlmans will send out a setting for you to view in person too if one sparks your interest and no local carries it.

OH, OK! That''s good to know because I have been eying their stacking rings too!!!

But first, I have to find my The One.

 

[kindastuck]

I wonder if I could just buy the setting... and get my diamond elsewhere... :thinking:

 

[sera]

There was just a thread somewhere around here about that... someone was going to send their setting to Whiteflash where they purchased a diamond and would pay a setting fee for them to set it. You might want to check about doing that at Engagement Rings Direct since it''s near you (?). Good Old Gold is in NY isn''t it? If I remember correctly from Jon''s accent.

 

[diamondringlover]

Ok, I have to put my 2 cents worth into this, if you LOVE the ring, get the ring, you should get what you love, not everyone needs a designer ring, this is just my opinion and I know I am a minority here, but I beleive in getting what you want and can afford vs getting something because it has a designer name to it. As long as the setting is solid and there is some sort of warranty I say you should go for it

 

[kindastuck]

Thanks! I actually think I am going to go to their store in Manhattan... if the ring is not there... or they can not make arrangements for me to view it before buying it... I think I will just scrap the idea of an engagement ring, only wear a wedding band and put the saved money toward our honeymoon. I don't want to settle... THIS IS THE RING...It's either this one or nothing...

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 10/7/2007 7:39:52 PM
Author: diamondrnglover
Ok, I have to put my 2 cents worth into this, if you LOVE the ring, get the ring, you should get what you love, not everyone needs a designer ring, this is just my opinion and I know I am a minority here, but I beleive in getting what you want and can afford vs getting something because it has a designer name to it. As long as the setting is solid and there is some sort of warranty I say you should go for it

i totally agree not everyone needs a designer ring. I just wouldn't buy a ring from a company that I didn't trust. But by all means since they are local for you kindastuck there is no reason not to go and see it in person and check out the quality and see if you are happy with it.

 

[kindastuck]

Well, I checked BBB - only 4 complaints in the last 12 months. Listed as satisfactory with the BBB. I called Shenoa and got the recording with their office hours... 9-6... (I was worried it would be by appt only). I work in Manhattan, so maybe I will head over on my lunch hour one day this week.

 

[diamondringlover]

The ring is very beautiful, I hope it looks as good in person

 

[marcy]

Beautiful ring and nice colors for your wedding. I would go see it in person; and if you love it as much as you think you do - I''d buy it. Since the BBB doesn''t have a long list of horror stories; I wouldn''t worry about it. I think it is nice to be able to see what you are getting. Good luck. I''ll be anxious to see your ring.

 

[Gypsy]

I wouldn't buy a center stone from them. Period. As for the setting, well, if you love it and 'it's this one or nothing' I think you answered your own question. It doesn't matter that *I* wouldn't buy it (and I wouldn't)... you love it, you want it... and nothing else.

 

[kindastuck]

Thanks for all your comments and advice... I will let you know as soon as I can stop by their showroom.


*maybe I will try to sneak some pictures with my cell phone

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 10/7/2007 7:54:17 PM
Author: mrssalvo

Date: 10/7/2007 7:39:52 PM
Author: diamondrnglover
Ok, I have to put my 2 cents worth into this, if you LOVE the ring, get the ring, you should get what you love, not everyone needs a designer ring, this is just my opinion and I know I am a minority here, but I beleive in getting what you want and can afford vs getting something because it has a designer name to it. As long as the setting is solid and there is some sort of warranty I say you should go for it

i totally agree not everyone needs a designer ring. I just wouldn't buy a ring from a company that I didn't trust. But by all means since they are local for you kindastuck there is no reason not to go and see it in person and check out the quality and see if you are happy with it.

I'll have to agree with MrsS on this one. Wouldn't buy from this company. They are also ebay sellers and have 99.8% feedback but there are 58 ratings "mutually withdrawn".

They will try to sell you a diamond. Check the quality of the setting with a loupe. And if you buy the setting, be sure you get the right size head for the size diamond you plan to get.

 

[marvel]

You can do a search on PS for other people''s experience with SHENOA & CO. If you HAVE TO HAVE THAT setting, I would get the setting from them, but go elsewhere for the stone. Good luck!!

BTW: Your wedding ideas look FAB!!

 

[kindastuck]

It''s cool... I sort of feel like I am on a reconnaissance mission. I aim to seek out the truth!

 

[kindastuck]

Thanks! My fiance is English... and it''s sort of a big deal the whole "sapphire" "royal" thing. I think the wedding concept was the best I could come up with without it being over done and tacky.

 

[MoonWater]

Ok, so after this thread I had to do a PS search on this company and yikes! The rep from them is sooo mean!!!

 

[ouivalerie]

Somebody should start a jewelry examination buisness, where someone in another state that has bought a really good diamond can have it locally examined in person! For $100.00 I would go and look at a diamond for someone, were the diamond to be close to me and get them make it right if necessary. Call a reputable local jeweler and ask if they will pick up the diamond if you want to get it perfect the first time. It''s a good job for someone.

I got a suspicion that the diamond sellers are sometimes older men who can''t see up close anymore. They really are harder to deal with and here''s why.

"There is no harder man to defeat than one who does not realize he has lost" How can they know if they have bad eyes?

I had a jeweler sell me my first 1 carat diamond and they were the biggest liars. I sent it back and was banned from their website, a few days later I got another ID, back on just to look at what people were paying. Almost twice for the same piece of junk I sent back, so that''s why it''s hard for you. These guys really do make high dollar sales, and you have to get past that in you own unique way. You like a very unique ring so I''m sure you can make this work out SOMEHOW

 

[marvel]

Date: 10/7/2007 10:39:40 PM
Author: ouivalerie
Somebody should start a jewelry examination buisness, where someone in another state that has bought a really good diamond can have it locally examined in person! For $100.00 I would go and look at a diamond for someone, were the diamond to be close to me and get them make it right if necessary. Call a reputable local jeweler and ask if they will pick up the diamond if you want to get it perfect the first time. It''s a good job for someone.

I got a suspicion that the diamond sellers are sometimes older men who can''t see up close anymore. They really are harder to deal with and here''s why.

''There is no harder man to defeat than one who does not realize he has lost'' How can they know if they have bad eyes?

I had a jeweler sell me my first 1 carat diamond and they were the biggest liars. I sent it back and was banned from their website, a few days later I got another ID, back on just to look at what people were paying. Almost twice for the same piece of junk I sent back, so that''s why it''s hard for you. These guys really do make high dollar sales, and you have to get past that in you own unique way. You like a very unique ring so I''m sure you can make this work out SOMEHOW

That would be an independent appraiser. You can find them at most jewelry stores and they will appraise a stone/ring for about $100. Good thinking though

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 10/7/2007 10:54:38 PM
Author: marvel

That would be an independent appraiser. You can find them at most jewelry stores and they will appraise a stone/ring for about $100. Good thinking though

Marvel, if you find the appaiser at a jewelry store... chances are that they are dependant, not independant. If you want a truly independant opinion... you should go to a non-affliated independant appraiser, like Neil Beaty. That''s where I sent my ring and diamond. And believe me, there is a HUGE difference between a true independent and knowledgeable appraiser belonging to strict professional organizations and the guy that took online GIA courses and is telling you that you got taken... and by the way have you seen the lovely selection of rings featured in THIS store?

 

[Diamond*Dana]

Beautiful ring...I hope that it looks as gorgeous in person. I really hope this works out in your favor since you are so in love with this particular ring. Good luck, let us know what you find.

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 10/7/2007 10:39:40 PM
Author: ouivalerie
Somebody should start a jewelry examination buisness, where someone in another state that has bought a really good diamond can have it locally examined in person! For $100.00 I would go and look at a diamond for someone, were the diamond to be close to me and get them make it right if necessary. Call a reputable local jeweler and ask if they will pick up the diamond if you want to get it perfect the first time. It's a good job for someone.

I got a suspicion that the diamond sellers are sometimes older men who can't see up close anymore. They really are harder to deal with and here's why.

'There is no harder man to defeat than one who does not realize he has lost' How can they know if they have bad eyes?

I had a jeweler sell me my first 1 carat diamond and they were the biggest liars. I sent it back and was banned from their website, a few days later I got another ID, back on just to look at what people were paying. Almost twice for the same piece of junk I sent back, so that's why it's hard for you. These guys really do make high dollar sales, and you have to get past that in you own unique way. You like a very unique ring so I'm sure you can make this work out SOMEHOW

Not the way it works here ..