Is cost for this setting too high?

[Lsoares1]

I finally managed to find the setting I want, but the price of it kind of has me thinking.

Let me describe what I''m getting.
It''a a 3 stone princess cut Platinum engagement ring.
It has a total of 8 prongs. The center stone has 4 prongs holding it, and the side stones have two prongs on the outside. The inside of the side stones are supported by the center stone''s prongs (they connect to the center prongs about half way up).
There is nothing fancy on this ring. It is a flat shank and If I remember correctly, it is 3.75mm wide. I forget how thick it is, but it looks pretty standard.

I''ve had a hell of a time finding a jeweler that can make this setting (where the center prongs support the center stone and side stone as described above). I was surprised when I saw almost exactly what I wanted in this store. It is a B&M and in a kind of affluent area, so that may account for the cost.

I was quoted ~$3000.00. (This is just for the setting)
Is this price really jacked up? I felt completely comfortable with the designer I talked to in person, but the price is a bit more than I wanted to spend....

Any advice or thoughts would be appriciated,
HotRock

 

[Gypsy]

Honestly-- yeah. Sounds high to me. I''m thinking that''s more than custom would cost. I remember your thread and there''s a nice amount of platinum but... that''s about it. Call them and tell them that you liked it, but feel the price is too high, and your sorry. See what they say. Even affluent jewelers haggle (well, Tiffany''s probably doesn''t too often)... you get the point.

 

[Lsoares1]

Date: 5/9/2006 7:23:10 PM
Author: Gypsy
Honestly-- yeah. Sounds high to me. I''m thinking that''s more than custom would cost. I remember your thread and there''s a nice amount of platinum but... that''s about it. Call them and tell them that you liked it, but feel the price is too high, and your sorry. See what they say. Even affluent jewelers haggle (well, Tiffany''s probably doesn''t too often)... you get the point.

Yea, thats what I wasn''t too sure on. they gave me an estimate and said it would be between $2850-$3045.
I didn''t know if thats a take it or leave it or if you could actually haggle.... I guess it can''t hurt to ask, but I wonder how many of you have had success with this.

HotRock

 

[Kaleigh]

That sounds very high to me as well!!!

 

[mrssalvo]

It never hurts to ask for a discount. I do know plat is super expensive right now and that will jack the price up in a hurry. are the side stones included? If so, I'm sure they is a mark-up but it may not be completely out there.

 

[sasquatch]

Have you considered a rhodium-filled (white gold) setting? At 5,000 USD an ounce, rhodium may be the metal of choice in the near future. Anyone seen or heard of any 950 rhodium jewellery?

 

[Lsoares1]

No, The side stones are not included. I have all the stones already, I just need to get the setting done.
Anyone have any recomendations for a jewelry designer that can help me create this ring at a more resonable price?

HotRock

 

[mrssalvo]

Where are you located, and are you willing to ship the stones for the setting to be made out of state?

3K is out there if the stones aren't included. You definitely can do better with someone here on PS.

ETA: I'd recommend quest Jewelers. They use a cad/cam system where they will draw the design on a computer for you to see, they they will make a wax which you can approve and then make the ring. They are very customer service oriented and offer lifetime free sizing and warranties on their rings. Their prices are very competetive.

There have been many Pricescoper's to work them them on custom projects both locally and long distance, including myself. You can see pictures of their work here

 

[Lsoares1]

Date: 5/10/2006 8:26:06 AM
Author: mrssalvo
Where are you located, and are you willing to ship the stones for the setting to be made out of state?

3K is out there if the stones aren''t included. You definitely can do better with someone here on PS.

ETA: I''d recommend quest Jewelers. They use a cad/cam system where they will draw the design on a computer for you to see, they they will make a wax which you can approve and then make the ring. They are very customer service oriented and offer lifetime free sizing and warranties on their rings. Their prices are very competetive.

There have been many Pricescoper''s to work them them on custom projects both locally and long distance, including myself. You can see pictures of their work here

I would be willing to ship the stones out of state.
I did visit quest jewelers web site and did like what I saw there. I will try to contact them today to talk about what I want to have done.. hopefully, they will be able to create the setting.....
Thanks a bunch for the links and help.

You know, I wish there was a large database somewhere with pictures of ring settings....... I know the ring I want to create must have been made before (or something close to it as it''s not intricate at all)... It''s just so hard to describe what I want in words... But at least I feel like my journey will soon come to an end, and I''ll have the ring to propose with soon!!!

HotRock

 

[MustangGal]

It sounds like a Scott Kay setting I''ve seen. My husband really likes that look too.
http://www.scottkay.com/bridal/products.aspx?categoryid=94&productId=1638&page=1&view=3

 

[Lsoares1]

Date: 5/10/2006 10:44:20 AM
Author: MustangGal
It sounds like a Scott Kay setting I''ve seen. My husband really likes that look too.
http://www.scottkay.com/bridal/products.aspx?categoryid=94&productId=1638&page=1&view=3

I did see that setting before. The way the side diamonds are held by the center prongs is what I''m looking for.

But the ring I want will have straight prongs. My girl is not a fan of curved prongs at all.
The side stones would face up more (not as angled outwards) than the Scott Kay one... and the shank would be plain....

HotRock

 

[Gypsy]

I second the quest recommendation.

As for haggling. I always just ask for the jeweler''s best price. I say, "what''s your best price on this ring,"... they say XXX, I confirm with, "And that''s your best price?" (raised eyebrow accompanies this is I think it''s overpriced) and a pause... and sometimes they waffle and lower, sometimes they stay firm. After that, ball is in my court. Usually an "I''ll have to think about that" if I like it, or a "well, thank you for your time." if I don''t like it follows.