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Is this setting worth the wait?

dornab

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 28, 2015
Messages
42
So I'm finally ready to order my e-ring! (We returned the original e-ring, it was a very sweet and complete surprise, he made sure it was refundable so we can look together afterwards).

I'm getting a ~1.5ct stone, excellent cut/polish/symmetry from bluenile (don't get mad, I just can't see much difference between ideal cut and true H&As, so decided to go with BN as opposed to WF and BG). Getting some real pictures from them in the next couple of days for the two stones I'm considering, and then I'll be ready to order.

The setting I really wanted was this one in 18K white gold (my wedding band is in WG), copy paste in your browser, don't know what it doesn't work on click:
http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-...lier-solitaire-engagement-ring-platinum_41262

But they say it will take until mid february to get it made! I can't even order it now. Also, they have a special promotion that gives 500$ credit towards future purchases for custom made rings, and I won't be able to get that promotion either. :((

They have a similar setting, do you think they are close-enough/is this one nice? (Look at the actual 360 videos as opposed to the main pics, there is a weird gap in their main pics that doesn't exist with diamonds >1ct) copy paste in your browser:
http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/white-gold-engagement-ring-setting_19285

Is it worth the extremely long wait (I'm dying to get my ring!)/losing $500 promotion to wait for the first one, or do you think the second one is fine? I'm not sure I prefer the first one so much more, what do you think?
 

LLJsmom

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Oct 24, 2012
Messages
12,633
Sorry, can't see your links.

The $500 credit isn't worth it. YOu only get it if you do a custom design with BN in the future.

No problems with going with BN. As long as you know you're not a "needs H&A or super ideal cut" kinda person, you can find beautiful stones on BN.

I do find their settings to be really expensive for the quality that you get. Big knobby prongs, parts of metal that don't connect. How much are you spending on the setting? But of course, since you're buying the stone there, it does make it simple.
 

telephone89

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Aug 29, 2014
Messages
4,223
You could probably have it custom made for around the same price, without the wait. I do think the monique has a slight something extra that the petite doesn't have, but the petite is cheaper and you'd get it asap (and the credit, if you're interested in custom). I don't know if it's different enough to notice day to day.
 

dornab

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 28, 2015
Messages
42
LLJsmom: It looks like clicking on the link goes to the UK site, did you try copy pasting in your browser?

The Monique one is actually cheaper than the other one, the price you see there is for platinum. The WG starts from $590. Do you think I get a similar one made at this price?

Also, do you think the light performance will be better with the Monique one because of the little openings in the sides of the setting? Or that doesn't matter?
 

flyingpig

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Nov 7, 2015
Messages
2,975
I just can't see much difference between ideal cut and true H&As, so decided to go with BN as opposed to WF and BG)
You can get a H&A from BN, with some digging. Ask members here, and they will find an amazing stone.

Regarding the wait, you will get the ring sometime around Valentine's. Wouldn't it be romantic?
Regarding the discount, you already returned a ring to pick one for yourself. Why compromise now?? In addition, around Valentine's, there are promotions everywhere. From now and Feb, who knows?? You may find settings you like better.
 

telephone89

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Aug 29, 2014
Messages
4,223
That's weird that one is cheaper in white gold but the other is cheaper in plat. Sorry, I was looking at the price of plat vs plat.

I don't think the 'holes' in the monique will add *much* for performance, given that so much of the setting is already quite open. The petite is as well.

I'd give David Klass a call and see what he would charge. It's a nice simple design, I think it could be done quickly and really nicely.
 

dornab

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 28, 2015
Messages
42
Okay so I will try to get it made by someone else, and if not, I'll just wait. You're right, I can wait another couple of months. It's slowly killing me but it can be done ;(

telephone89: I think I know what's happening, the price of the monique is set as "starting from", it's probably this low price if you have a small diamond and a small finger. I like that actually, I don't understand why so many places charge everyone the same amount. Makes no sense that a size 2 pays the same as a size 8! I can see that for T-shirts, but not for precious metal rings.
 

MollyMalone

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jun 2, 2013
Messages
3,413
dornab, do you live here in the States; if so, I don't think you have to go the custom route or wait 2+ months -- unless your heart is set on that Monique Lhuillier ring. Your local neighborhood jewelers doubtlessly have catalogues from Stuller, Unique Settings, and/or Adwar; could order a mounting for you (none of these 3 companies sells directly to consumers); and then set your BN diamond. Because we're coming up on Christmas-New Year's, the turn-around time will be probably be a bit longer than it otherwise would be, but I'm thinking any of these manufacturers could deliver a solitaire mounting to your local jeweler before the end of the year. Stuller, for one, might be able to do so in a few short days.

You won't be able to see the prices in the online catalogues because you are not in the trade, but you can view the possibilities on their web sites -- although I actually prefer flipping through the paper catalogues.
http://www.stuller.com/browse/wedding-and-engagement/engagements/solitaire
http://www.uniquesettings.com/products/engagement_rings?ref=165
http://www.adwar.com/products/list?category=Engagements&subcat=Solitaire&shape=Round

I'm thinking you might like Stuller 122047, but I'm also posting the online catalog pic of another favorite of mine, 122004. And here are some PS threads, with many photos, about each of them. Either one would be wallet-friendly and a pleasing, good value.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-baby-avr-is-here.199679/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-baby-avr-is-here.199679/[/URL]
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-stuller-settings.212118/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-stuller-settings.212118/[/URL]
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/introducing-my-wonky-diamond-ring.217499/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/introducing-my-wonky-diamond-ring.217499/[/URL]

stuller_122047.jpg

stuller_122004.jpg
 

dornab

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 28, 2015
Messages
42
I don't like it when the sides go up (cathedral?), but I see your point. The closest stuller I found is:

Or the stuller 4-prong solstice:


Also, more expensive ones I like:
Vatche Classic Four Prong Engagement Ring Style U-114:


And my favorite, Mark Morrell "Slim Petite" 4 prong:


I feel the same about the stuller solstice as the second blue nile, if I don't get the Monique and it's between stuller and the second BN, I'd just go with the BN.

I looked at the David Klass FB pics, there are a couple of rings that could work (if the price is okay), so emailed him about it. I like his jewelry! In fact, I'd prefer his to Monique, his looks much more delicate.

_8126099_orig.jpg

3f64661f-76c9-4ef8-a983-a52f00b09623.jpeg

xlarge.jpg
 

sweetbeans

Rough_Rock
Joined
Feb 19, 2014
Messages
29
Dear OP,

I don't know if you made any decision regarding this setting, but I happen to have the exact setting in platinum. This is such a beautiful, delicate setting that is classic yet slightly different. I don't see anything like mine everyday. I would say it's worth the wait, but of course I may be biased because I love this setting! :appl:
 

dornab

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 28, 2015
Messages
42
sweetbeans, I haven't got one yet, but I just ordered my diamond from somewhere else and I got a cushion, so I can't get this anymore (this is only available for rounds bought on BN).

I love your setting though :love: I like that it has a bit of curvature on the prongs, but not too much. It's the perfect amount! I will ask my jeweler to make something like it for a cushion diamond, with a few modifications to go with my wedding band. :)
 

sweetbeans

Rough_Rock
Joined
Feb 19, 2014
Messages
29
Congrats! I'm happy you found what you love. I love cushion diamonds as well. Yes, the curvature on the Monique setting makes it look like a flower, very delicate and nice. Thanks and enjoy your ring!
 
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