Find your diamond
Find your jewelry
shape
carat
color
clarity

Just found this place... need some advice.

Z

zums

Rough_Rock
Joined
May 31, 2013
Messages
4
Hi all -

Wish I would have found this place a little sooner but glad I found it when I did (prior to making any purchase). Planning on proposing to my girlfriend in about 3 weeks, and last weekend for the first time we stopped in at Jared's. She had been looking at rings online but wanted to see a particular one in person to know if she truly liked it or not. Well, surprise surprise... she loved it. Here is the ring in question:

http://www.jared.com/en/jaredstore/engagement---wedding/1---190%3b-ct-tw-diamond-bridal-set-14k-white-gold/100222/100222.100223.100226

Now, apparetly this is a ring that is brand new and at this point only in a few stores... they had to actually request to have it shipped to the store so it was a few days before we had to go back and actually see it. I have taken a few days to think about it but need to let them know if we want it or they have to ship it back.

The list price is:

$6,299.99
+ $346.50 (tax)
$6,646.49 (total)

I have to be honest, this is above my comfort level. After discussing that with my g/f, she did pick out some other, cheaper options. However, I know she loves this ring by a wide margin. Particularly, the oval center stone as well as the bead setting, etc.

As I have had a few days to think, and being the "prudent" (not cheap) consumer that I usually am, I started to wonder how negotiable these chain stores like Jared's really were compared to a local shop. Some research led me to discover the online diamond shopping world (BlueNile, etc...) and also to this forum.

So.... my questions are these:

- What are the chances they come down much on this ring if I press them? I'm sure being a Neil Lane name brand does not help. Ideally, if I could get this ring out the door for $4,000 I would jump on it. I know they have overhead but also extreme markups (2-300%). Also, my girlfriend did notice a small inclusion on this SI2 diamond so another reason I cant justify full price.

- If that is not a remote possibility, is there any way to get a similar ring elsewhere? I realize I can get a better quality center stone at a likely lower price online, but are there similar settings to be had or am I stuck with going with Neil Lane to get a design something like this?

- Anything else I need to be aware of? Places to look, pricing strategies, etc? Timing with needing something within 3 weeks?

We have some short term future goals (kids, building a home) so I want to be prudent but also want to get something she will really enjoy.

Thank you so much in advance!
Matt
 
That's a tough one. There's a lot of things to pick apart to know where to go. Is it the exact ring that she likes or has she looked at others in the same style? Is an oval what she wants or is it just because an oval was in this ring setting? If it's just this particular ring, that's going to be hard, but if the main thing is she wants a split shank antique stle halo with pave and milgrain, you might be able to find something similar so I think that's the first question y'all probably should look at.

There are plenty of other manufacturers who make more antique style settings that may end being more budget friendly for you. Gabrial and Co and Beverly K come to mind first. You also may be able to save some cash by purchasing online if that's an ok option for you. Brick and Mortar pricing is probably going to be the highest.
 
I would buy the ring elsewhere. Ovals can be real duds, so I'd want to pick a loose one out first to make sure it is a good performer.

Gabriel and co makes similar setting, they are a brand sold by good old gold and I'd jewelry. Both are great places to get a ring, though idjewelry would be cheaper. they are great on a budget.

My concern is that a setting similar will cost half your budget. So I might suggest getting a more simplified setting.

You can get an oval halo with diamonds down the shank for under 1k (paying by wire makes it under)from James Allen.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-oval-center-item-6810


And that leaves you 3k for a stone, and you could really get a nice sized stone for that. But I guess you need to figure out what she liked about that setting. Was it EVERYTHING ABOUT IT or was it the center shape and the halo? Or something else.
 
There's a lot of different elements in the Neil Lane setting...halo, pave, split shank/graduated = more $$$

I agree with the others, not being able to pick your centre stone, especially when it's an oval, is risky. It could have bowtie, inclusion and lack of sparkle issues.

You could check out the possibility of getting a custom, Neil Lane inspired setting but I think you said you're on a tight timeline. Another PSer used ERD (engagement rings direct) for a neil lane inspired piece: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/neil-lane-inspiration.175226/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/neil-lane-inspiration.175226/[/URL] And the final product of his neil lane style piece: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/erd-ring-review-reveal-neil-lane-inspiration.179523/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/erd-ring-review-reveal-neil-lane-inspiration.179523/[/URL]

Verragio has something similar but that brand is costly and the price doesn't include the centre stone or the wedding band: http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/verragio-domed-bead-set-diamond-engagement-ring-2007.htm

You could check out Stuller which is a mass produced line of jewelry but I have heard good things about their quality. Stuller only sells to jewellers so you would have to get a quote from a jeweller: http://www.stuller.com/browse/wedding-and-engagement/engagements/semi-mounts/1-2-ct-tw-1-ct-tw

As for negotiating price, I'm not familiar with Jared's policies.
 
That ring is way over priced!

The center diamond (according to the Jared site, the ring specs page) is 3/4 carat, H or I color and SI2 or I1 clarity. You can get a loose oval diamond with those specs for under $2000 from a vendor like James Allen. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.73-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-sku-189833.

As Niel mentioned, you should consider buying the diamond separately from a reputable company that can assess the cut quality of the diamond. Poorly cut diamonds do not sparkle. And if seeing inclusions bothers you, you definitely don't want to buy a pre-set diamond from a chain jeweler like Jared; they tend to use low clarity (SI2 and I1 and I2) diamonds in their pre-fabricated rings. It's a rip-off an the ring will likely look dull the minute it gets even a small amount of daily wear, from skin oils and hand lotions. If settings with lots of small stones are not made well, you also run the risk of losing small stones out of the setting.

For $6000, you should expect much better quality!

A split shank halo setting similar to the one your girlfriend liked will cost between $1500 and $2500 from a company like Gabriel.
Contact ID Jewelry or Good Old Gold and give them your budget and ask them to help you find an oval diamond and similar setting. You can find their contact information in the Knowledge section on the tool bar under featured sponsors.

Here is a photo of an oval setting from Gabriel.

michelle-kwan-oval-engagement-ring.jpg
 
If she loves loves loves it, I say go for it. I doubt they will come down in price but you could ask. They will probably tell you that their prices are already low and they don't do sales (that's what they say around here) Also remember that price is for the set.
 
luvsdmb|1370027694|3456963 said:
If she loves loves loves it, I say go for it. I doubt they will come down in price but you could ask. They will probably tell you that their prices are already low and they don't do sales (that's what they say around here)
Click to expand...

I don't know. I'm usually one that says a budget is set for a reason and if you're uncomfortable paying more than dont. Plus there's a question about the quality and the ring being overpriced. Creating a replica might be the best idea.
 
Dito the others that say its pretty expensive for what you are getting. I have a personal bias against Jared but, that doesn't come in to play here. I think it's way overpriced for what you can put together with an online retailer.
I too believe if you contact GOG or ID they can work with you and create for you you a way better ring. They can help you within budget also.
I would also double check with the GF on what exactly does she love about the ring? And then find a Gabriel setting that has those aspects.
There is a lot going on in that ring not to mention the wedding band is included, I believe.
Now unless you are getting married right away, I personally see no need to hog up the Ering budget with the wedding band[GRINNING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]
Save for that later.
 
Wow, thank you so much for the input and links. Got busy at work but did text her to fish for some more clarity on what exactly was the most important aspects of "THE ONE" that we looked at. Her txts:

"Like the ring I picked because of the 1 large oval diamond, the small round stones all the way around the oval, the diamonds on the band, the diamonds on the side of the band & at the crown of where the oval is so you see diamond from each angle. The split band & the fact it comes with the wedding band. Neil Lane is a bonus, but wasnt looking for that specifically (good news!). Love the shine, polished & detailed look of his work. Also, it's 1-5/8 ct what's not to love :) "

She then followed up with this:

"1000% want one large diamond (my interpretation: oval, which she is in love with) & several small diamonds around the main diamond & on the band. Split shank band preferred but I'd still say yes without it. (THE ONE has details in the split shank which is fine, no preference - that's the leafy detail). 1000% no channel diamond settings anywhere!

So I have some more information on what she really loves and can go from there. I will certainly take your recommendations into account when doing some more research this weekend.

Any other specific thoughts or suggestions with the additional information?

Thanks again!
 
luvsdmb|1370027694|3456963 said:
If she loves loves loves it, I say go for it. I doubt they will come down in price but you could ask. They will probably tell you that their prices are already low and they don't do sales (that's what they say around here) Also remember that price is for the set.
Click to expand...

Agreed, important to remember it does include the wedding band as well. Dont want to lose sight of the forest for the trees by breaking down the purchase into setting / center stone / band and then end up going over budget anyway.

Budget is a little flexible but the most important thing is to get my money's worth and not overpay for what we end up with.

Thanks again for your thoughts
 
A nice 1 ct oval and a plain, inexpensive setting can already set you over 4000, though the one in the Neil Lane Jared ring is .75 cts

I'm reading she wants a halo with pave on the shank. What is your maximum budget?
 
The setting is lovely and unique with the diamond leaf work set into the split shank. Will they call in diff. ovals for you to choose the stone? It doesn't seem overpriced to me because it includes the band. But if the price is over your budget then finding a stone on JA and finding a similar setting might save you some money.

PS'rs are great at finding settings and stones to come within your budget.
 
JulieN|1370032538|3457015 said:
A nice 1 ct oval and a plain, inexpensive setting can already set you over 4000, though the one in the Neil Lane Jared ring is .75 cts

I'm reading she wants a halo with pave on the shank. What is your maximum budget?
Click to expand...

I read it like that too, with one addition, seems she likes a split shank.

I don't think it being a "set" warrants it being 6500. And I think reaching out to idjewelry and saying "id like a oval halo with a pave split shank" will yield you very nice results.

Quality wise though for 2k I don't think you could beat that split shank ritani,

Now ritani is so hard to see when it comes to inclusions, but they have gemologists to view it, and this one has a nice crown and table so could be a good performed. Others correct me I'd I'm wrong, bit if your budget is a little higher.

http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/oval-diamond-0-90-Carat-F-color-GIA-certified/D-VM3WVP
 
The diamonds on the side of the engagement ring shank are going to "eat" the side of the wedding ring. There's a LOT not to like about that "feature"! Because the bands are curved, wearing a thin spacer between the two rings to protect them isn't even an option.

Also, settings with a lot of little diamonds aren't great for everyday wear because they're susceptible to coming lose and falling out.

That's a pretty set, but it's not particularly practical (which may be just fine with both of you...).

liz
 
Just got off the phone with my contact at Jared's. As expected, no budging on the price. She said they are always low priced, never have sales, and pushed the quality of their warranty. I did ask about getting my own center oval to put in the setting, and she said we could do that. The setting/wedding band itself is $4,520 with the diamond as-is at $1,780. An upgrade from SI2 to SI1 would be $2,380.

So, I think I'm more than willing to explore some of these other options to get something very close to this ring at either a lower cost or a higher quality for the same price. Ultimately I would like to stay below $5,000 if a all possible.

I agree it sounds like her main requirements are the oval, halo, paved, split shank. Thank you for helping me learn these terms lol.

I may even point her to this thread. While some of the spontoneity is lost there is a much better chance of ensuring other options are something she likes and is comfortable with, while also seeing better prices/better quality may quell some of the disappointment of maybe not going with "the one" at Jared's.
 
zums|1370035386|3457042 said:
Just got off the phone with my contact at Jared's. As expected, no budging on the price. She said they are always low priced, never have sales, and pushed the quality of their warranty. I did ask about getting my own center oval to put in the setting, and she said we could do that. The setting/wedding band itself is $4,520 with the diamond as-is at $1,780. An upgrade from SI2 to SI1 would be $2,380.

So, I think I'm more than willing to explore some of these other options to get something very close to this ring at either a lower cost or a higher quality for the same price. Ultimately I would like to stay below $5,000 if a all possible.

I agree it sounds like her main requirements are the oval, halo, paved, split shank. Thank you for helping me learn these terms lol.

I may even point her to this thread. While some of the spontoneity is lost there is a much better chance of ensuring other options are something she likes and is comfortable with, while also seeing better prices/better quality may quell some of the disappointment of maybe not going with "the one" at Jared's.
Click to expand...

Including her in the decision is the best thing you can do! :appl: You've set a budget, and you've indicated that you want to get the best quality for your money. She's given you some great descriptions of what she likes. It takes a bit more work to find a stone and setting separately, but you really do get more for your money that way, and you get a ring that is a bit more one-of-a-kind. The Jared setting is overpriced for the quality of the setting. And you do not want to pay for their warranty. Those jewelry store warranties are full of loopholes and are expensive. The better option, and what most of us here do, is to insure your ring through your homeowner's insurance or through a company that specializes in insuring jewelry, such as Jeweler's Mutual.

Many companies make split-shank halos -- Ritani and Beverly K, and I believe James Allen has a split-shank halo on their site as well. Take a look at the photo at the bottom of page 2 of this thread. Gypsy -- who is a whiz at finding settings -- posted a photo of an oval in a halo with a split shank. It's a Beverly K. brand setting, which is also a reasonably-priced, quality brand.
https://www.pricescope.com/forum/rockytalky/help-cushion-hal-o-question-size-t180764-30.html
I believe Good Old Gold and ID Jewelry carry Beverly K settings -- somebody please correct me if I'm wrong.

To save time, consider buying the loose stone and the setting from the same place. My suggestion is you look for the largest, prettiest oval you can find, spending approximately 2/3 or $3300 of your budget on the diamond, and get a nice split-shank halo in the $1500 - $1800 range. You can always upgrade the setting for an anniversary. And the wedding band needs its own budget. Try to find a halo setting that does not require a curved band -- rings often spin and curved rings may need to be soldered together to stay lined up, which is not a great situation, because many women want the option to wear a stand-alone wedding band for sports, travel, etc.
 
zums|1370035386|3457042 said:
Just got off the phone with my contact at Jared's. As expected, no budging on the price. She said they are always low priced, never have sales, and pushed the quality of their warranty. I did ask about getting my own center oval to put in the setting, and she said we could do that. The setting/wedding band itself is $4,520 with the diamond as-is at $1,780. An upgrade from SI2 to SI1 would be $2,380.

So, I think I'm more than willing to explore some of these other options to get something very close to this ring at either a lower cost or a higher quality for the same price. Ultimately I would like to stay below $5,000 if a all possible.

I agree it sounds like her main requirements are the oval, halo, paved, split shank. Thank you for helping me learn these terms lol.

I may even point her to this thread. While some of the spontoneity is lost there is a much better chance of ensuring other options are something she likes and is comfortable with, while also seeing better prices/better quality may quell some of the disappointment of maybe not going with "the one" at Jared's.
Click to expand...

One of the things that concerns me about the ring you want is that even in their advertising photo some of the melee diamonds are dark centered. If they are highlighting one of there best pieces and it has dark centered stones, you can be sure that the ones you see in the stores will most likely have just as many or more.

If you stay with the oval at the .75ct size there are several member jewelers here who can make you an inspired by type of piece within your budget and give you the opportunity to see the center stone first.

Wink
 
Oh my. That setting is way overpriced and the quality of the center stone is quite poor. Frankly with all I've heard about Jared I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole, Neil Lane notwithstanding. I know that you are looking to get engaged quickly, but you're dropping a lot of $$ here and you both want to be happy with your choice. No need to rush the decision.

Definitely include your fiance-to-be in the decision making process. There are a number of good companies that make split shank halos; I have one myself from Simon G. It also comes with a lifetime warranty, etc. I got my stone online and found the setting at a brick and mortar. IMO, online is the way to go for a stone. You can use the diamond search at the top of the page. I did and found a number of very nice GIA stones of the same size but with much better specs than the one in the Jared setting for 2K+. No visible inclusions!

Good luck!
 
Lead times for elaborate custom-made settings are generally something like 4-8 weeks, with maybe 6 weeks or so as average, just to pull some numbers out of the air based on what I can recall reading here. And May/June/July is the busiest time for jewelers due to all the weddings and anniversaries. If you need to have a complete ring in 3 weeks, consider finding the perfect oval now but set it in a plain gold temporary setting and don't rush the jeweler or manufacturer on making the mounting because that can result in disappointment and/or money wasted. If you are going to sink money into a detailed setting, then take time to look around and allow sufficient time for creating it. You can always ship the diamond back to be be reset later. I have had some rings made from stock findings from Stuller in peak May/June time, and brother, did I get the sloppy work. I learned to wait until Aug/Sept. I'd hate for a custom ring to be slapped together just to meet a too-short deadline.
 
So looking at this setting again it does say you can use ovals. heres a picture of it with a cushion halo for a round. I actually think itll be more attractive with an oval. Ive had a ritani and the quality of the pave is fantastic. Plus if she likes the idea of it being a "brand", ritani is a nice one

img_969.jpg


they might be able to do it in your timeline, doesnt hurt to ask... they seem to have a quick turn around

heres a few i think look promising enough to ask the gemologist to look at, and under 5000

http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/oval-diamond-0-90-Carat-I-color-GIA-certified/D-DM92F7

http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/oval-diamond-0-70-Carat-D-color-GIA-certified/D-C3W6SB ( i know its 70 points but i feel like it has a lot of potential and it measures nice i feel like)
 
DONT BUY A DIAMOND RING FROM A CHAIN STORE ...there I said it out load. If you are thinking about spending between 4-5000 its like through your money at their windows and watching the bills fall to the floor.

Unless this .75 diamond is certified H SIi I know you can do sooo much better putting a beautiful GIa certified .75 oval diamond from a PS vendor (with our discount) and having a similar setting made.

Also consider that your girlfriend saw that ring but how many settings has she truly looked it. I am sure that when you hand her an ideal cut .75 oval that is truly certified H SI1 quality in a similar setting she will be through the moon.

You are paying not only or Jareds over head lighting but you are over paying for Neil Lane's name.....

Now that I saw her txt what I read is what Neil sees 1 carat diamond in a halo possibily with a split shank. Truly I think as most girls they get excited when they see bling. I think a really nice diamond weather it is over, cushion or round in a halo with split shank she would love.

Sorry but I keep reading posts and adding. I think that that original ring is way to much going on trust me if you find a gorgous 1 carat oval and put that halo she won't need all those tiny diamonds all over the place to hide a mediocre .75 diamond.
 
zums|1370035386|3457042 said:
Just got off the phone with my contact at Jared's. As expected, no budging on the price. She said they are always low priced, never have sales, and pushed the quality of their warranty. I did ask about getting my own center oval to put in the setting, and she said we could do that. The setting/wedding band itself is $4,520 with the diamond as-is at $1,780. An upgrade from SI2 to SI1 would be $2,380.

So, I think I'm more than willing to explore some of these other options to get something very close to this ring at either a lower cost or a higher quality for the same price. Ultimately I would like to stay below $5,000 if a all possible.

I agree it sounds like her main requirements are the oval, halo, paved, split shank. Thank you for helping me learn these terms lol.

I may even point her to this thread. While some of the spontoneity is lost there is a much better chance of ensuring other options are something she likes and is comfortable with, while also seeing better prices/better quality may quell some of the disappointment of maybe not going with "the one" at Jared's.
Click to expand...

It's not uncommon for chain stores to say such stuff and try to promote advantages that you most likely won't need. The fact of the matter is they are usually always more expensive.

You can definitely find better ones rather than to regret making the purchase of "the one" sometime down the road.
 
i agree, you mention a warranty, but those really arent worth much. you buy the ring and insure it (like you should anyways) and thats really all you need.
 
I don't much care for the quality of the Neil Lane setting. I would definitely let you girlfriend pick out her own setting, since she seems to have distinctive tastes, but steer her away from that one. I think she was probably attracted to all the bling, but you can get better bling for less money, you just have to be a smart shopper. Show her some of the blingy rings here on Pricescope. She will be blown away.
 
Sounds like you pick your favorite PS vendor and say: oval, split shank halo and see what they can do. I suggest a polished band on the ering with a pave wedding band (2-2.2 mm), would be considered very "au courant" and pretty, and good for versatility and wear for the future (so two diamond bands don't scratch each other). A lot of people around here recommend unplated white gold so your rings develop a nice patina over time, similar look to platinum but less expensive. The vendors will work quickly on your behalf and frankly, they've got to get going. :wavey:
Good luck!
 
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP
Jewelry Blog
PriceScope-Concierge-Ad
Find prime cuts.
Top