Is quality of eternity bands better at some vendors?

[Gayletmom]

I''m looking for two eternity bands, on the thin side ( about 2mm platinum) with small diamonds set all around. The one that I saw in my local B&M was approx. 1 ct. total. Something like the one below from Single Stone.

My question is whether there is a noticeable difference in quality in eternity bands? Am I more likely to get excellent quality in an eternity from one of our trusted PS vendors that specializes in well cut stones? Secondly, would you expect similar quality/sparkle/fire from say, White Flash, Single Stone and GOG? I would love to hear from someone who has laid eyes on bands from different vendors.

 

[bgray]

Date: 12/8/2009 1:36:12 PM
Author:Gayletmom
I''m looking for two eternity bands, on the thin side ( about 2mm platinum) with small diamonds set all around. The one that I saw in my local B&M was approx. 1 ct. total. Something like the one below from Single Stone.


My question is whether there is a noticeable difference in quality in eternity bands? Am I more likely to get excellent quality in an eternity from one of our trusted PS vendors that specializes in well cut stones? Secondly, would you expect similar quality/sparkle/fire from say, White Flash, Single Stone and GOG? I would love to hear from someone who has laid eyes on bands from different vendors.

Interesting topic--I would like to hear the responses myself

 

[Gayletmom]

Any eternity band lovers out there?

 

[Liane]

I haven''t seen any eternity bands from PS vendors in person (at least not that I know of), but I can tell you that I have seen some baaaaaaadd eternity bands at B&Ms. Quality of diamonds definitely makes a difference. I can''t decide whether it''s worse to have an otherwise pretty band marred by two or three cloudy, lifeless diamonds or a band that''s just awful all the way around because all its diamonds are heavily included and poorly cut, but I have seen both those things (and worse!) and they are a horror to behold.

I don''t think it''s necessary to go all the way up to having ACA melee for every diamond on the band (although if that''s what makes you happy, then by all means!), but it''s unquestionably important to have good-quality diamonds on the band. And as with all other jewelry, there are plenty of bad versions out there, and the difference in quality is very obvious.

 

[Gayletmom]

Thanks, Liane, for the report. I have only seen bands at my local B&M so I haven''t been able to compare them to those that contain diamonds that I am sure are well cut. You have confirmed my suspicion that the quality varies greatly. I''ll be going with the sure thing.

 

[D&T]

yes there are some good bands still at a B&M my first wedding band consist of Princess cut diamonds, very good quality, no inclusions and all the same quality across but it was an independently own jeweler, I have a few ACAs band as well and love to see my arrows in my five pointers (I think anything less than even three pointers - its hard to see the arrows without a loupe but the sparkle factor is still there) and I have a couple of single cuts not that great quality ebay bands as well but definitely the fire is not there as much, however I do see some brillance still, I have seen some Jareds Peerless bands collection and have louped it clean and sparkly and I wouldn't hesistate to purchase one (almost did but was about $500 more than I wanted to spend at the time), I would not buy from their other lines as they are not super great cuts and included enough that I can tell the difference in some stones in the setting

compared to their peerless collection.

 

[shelleydog]

We bought a 3.40 ctw eternity band from Whiteflash last year that is incredible. I''ve had many jewelers comment on the quality of the diamonds and the workmanship of the platinum band. The only thing I found comparable locally was at Tiffany''s (and it was MUCH more expensive).