Intricate Setting -- should I go custom?

[Bunnifer]

I believe I''ve found the setting that I want. It''s an "art deco" Vera Wang but since it is a Vera, the diamonds have to come from her for this particular setting. I believe the center is a 1.0ct princess with baguette accents on the side, totalling approx. 0.5cts. The profile accents are asscher cut diamonds. The center stone is H/I color, VVS2 clarity, and the baguett accents are approx. the same.

I have found the ring at Charleston Alexander and BBB, but I''m wondering if I went to a custom jeweler to copy the design, would it be cheaper? But, since it''s such an intricate design, could I trust a custom jeweler to make an exact copy? I am really in love with the way this setting looks. BTW -- BBB is quoting me $9600 and CA is quoting me $13K. The diamonds from both stores have the same specs.

Help!! Thanks

 

[Bunnifer]

Here is the profile of the ring.

 

[firebirdgold]

If you really want that ring, get that ring. A custom jeweler can not make an exact copy.. it''s illegal and infringement on intellectual property. Any custom ring has to be at least 20% different from the original design. sorry.

 

[j_yeh]

Why would you want to COPY this setting? If one is readily available, and this is the exact one you want...you should get it!

Having it custom made will probably cost the same, because you have to take into account the process in which the jewelers would have to go through to get the finished product. Not to mention the loss of sleep you spend locating all the diamonds, and praying the ring will come out the way you like it. Plus the time you have to wait for them to complete the job because they have to set each and every stone.

If you want something similar to this, custom is probably the only way to go. Then you can have a truly one of a kind piece, but if your heart is set on this setting...i say cough up the dough and move on.

 

[Bunnifer]

Thanks, IndieJones and j_yeh...I know about the intellectual property issues surrounding this idea but I was hoping to ignore them.

I really like this setting, so I should probably just get the exact one from VW. I have small fingers so Vera will have to make it anyways (to get the profile diamonds in correct proportion for a size 4.75 ring).

Thanks for your input!

 

[mrssalvo]

It''s a lovely ring and if you have tried it on and love that exact ring you should get it. YOu can always try to have someone make something similar, but do remember that it won''t be exactly the same.

 

[MINE!!]

Date: 9/26/2006 5:05:06 PM
Author: IndieJones
If you really want that ring, get that ring. A custom jeweler can not make an exact copy.. it's illegal and infringement on intellectual property. Any custom ring has to be at least 20% different from the original design. sorry.

I remember reading some very big debates on this site about this very issue. From what I gather, unless you "copyright" something, someone else can remake it... it just has to be slightly different. I think where the debate comes in is wether or not it is morally correct or not to copy someone elses work or not, and that just makes it a personal choice. I would think, that if you wanted someone to custom make you something "similiar" than, I would say go for it. However, with all the "detail" I think that it would probably be better for you to just buy the setting.

 

[Kaleigh]

If you love it then get it. I''d be afriad to go custom with this ring. It''s very intricate. It''s a lovely ring!!!!

 

[SoonIHope]

Hi Bunnifer! I actually have a Vera setting that (gasp!) does NOT have a Vera center stone!

Apparently that is a rule which the retailers invented, because Michael C. Fina in NYC told my fiance that they (VW) would set any diamond he wanted into the setting. So, he chose a gorgeous cushion (don''t even think Vera SELLS cushions) and they made the setting specifically for the specs of my stone. So, I recommend talking to some other retailers and seeing if anyone else (eg. www.michaelcfina.com - VW isn''t on their site though, try calling them if you''re not in the NY area) might be willing to sell you ONLY the Vera setting, since Vera Wang the company does not actually prohibit non-VW stones. Good luck!!! (And I LOVE your setting & couldn''t be happier with mine - highly recommended!

)

 

[Bunnifer]

From reading past posts on this subject, I know a lot has been said regarding copyrighting jewelry design. However, not all of it is accurate and I wanted to clarify the law, in a nutshell, for those seeking information about this topic. (Therefore, take my post with a grain of salt. I work in the intellectual property field but am not a copyright lawyer.)

Technically, a design is "copyrighted" when the drawing or piece is made; however, to protect the copyright (e.g., enforce the copyright against an infringer) one must apply for copyright registration with the Copyright Office. The protectable parts of a jewelry design are the drawings, as well as the design of the piece itself, but ONLY those parts which are considered ORIGINAL.

A designer such as Vera Wang may have filed for copyright registration on some/all of her designs, but again, the main issue is originality (which can get very complicated).

Anyways, those are my 2 cents on the matter.

 

[Bunnifer]

Also, I have researched but have not definitely discovered whether this particular design has been copyrighted by VW. However, as pointed out by some PSers, if I really like this particular setting, I should buy this setting from VW if only because a custom jeweler cannot guarantee that it will look exactly as I want it to look.

So, I think that is what I''m going to do.