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Momma wants a halo. Orospot? advice?

If the VC ring is the one you like the best when looking at pics of halos, I would spend the money and just go for that one. There have been so many posts on here of other jewelers trying to copy the work of someone else for less money and the customer often ends up disappointed. I think the only other comparable vendors to consider would be Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege, or Diamonds by Lauren. ERD does lovely work too but I'm not sure it will be quite what you are looking for.
 
I have sold extra gold, platinum, and diamonds at a local jeweler. I can see why Victor really doesn't want to get into that practice since his focus is ring making.
 
Sarahbear621|1362403888|3395812 said:
momhappy|1362403542|3395806 said:
I talked to Victor Canera about taking the rest of the material from my existing wedding set (two platinum bands and probably a bit more than .40 in small, accent diamonds) and he said that they were not interested. He said that they would just return it back to me. I guess that I was sort of surprised by that response.
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You shouldn't be. Most jewelers won't take apart and reuse your scrap metal and diamonds. It is more time consuming and itsn't worth their labor costs.
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I was surprised because someone mentioned in this thread that VC would probably give me a fair price to trade in my left-over platinum & diamonds... I agree that it's probably a waste of time in many cases, but you'd think for someone like me (where you could probably give me a low-ball credit just to take it off my hands), it might be worth it.
 
Wow - I just got my quote from Steven Kirsch and it was about $1500 higher than my quote by Victor Canera :eek: The quote also does not include shipping costs and will take 4-6 weeks to complete (which is longer than any of the other jewelers). Based on this information, I will definitely not be using Steven Kirsch - although I'm sure his work is lovely, it's not for me. My top two choices are VC and my local jeweler. My local jeweler contacted me again today and they raised the original quote slightly for higher quality melee diamonds (G/VS instead of H/SI). I argued with them because high-quality melee was something that they told me was "standard" for them when they were giving me their sales pitch. They contacted me again later and said that they really wanted my business and that the quote would remain the same (even with the slightly better quality melee), that they would cap the price not to exceed for any reason, and that they would even purchase the left-over platinum/diamonds from my current ring, which could be credited to my account. Decisions, decisions....
 
Another update: I just got off the phone with ERD. We talked about the classic-style halo Like the "Ada": http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/ada-a-classic-micropave-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-bpid-79-19.html
He quoted me (for platinum) about $3000 for CAD and $4000 for hand-forged. They utilize F/G VS1/VS2 melee and the process would take roughly 4 weeks. He was extremely professional and delightful to talk with on the phone (as opposed to some of the others who won't even speak to me by phone - they want to quote my by email). The other nice thing is that they don't need my current E-ring until the very end of the process, so I wouldn't have to be without a ring for weeks at a time. So, what would you do:
A) Victor Canera: Approx $4100, hand-forged (I believe?), about a 3-week turnaround, requires sending my ring out
B) My local jeweler: $3500, about a 3-week turnaround (they will credit me an amount for the leftover platinum & diamonds from my current wedding ring set), CAD design, but hand-finished by an extremely talented jeweler, local - no sending my ring out
C) ERD: $3000 for CAD/$4000 for hand-forged and about a 3-week turnaround, requires sending my ring out
The melee specs are all pretty similar F/G/H-VS range and to be honest, I'm not even sure what the carat weight is, but I believe they are in the .50 range (because I researched so many jewelers, the whole process got WAY confusing, especially since I was clueless to begin with)
 
I'll tell you, it is amazing how sometimes VC is higher and sometimes SK is! Other times they are close to the same!

With the prices all that close, it wouldn't even be a question for me. There is no way I'd pay any local jeweler for doing a CAD ring $600 less than what a true pave master will make handforged. And Victor will win over ERD's handforged at only $100 more. I guess the only real question is that if you want to spend the least possible, you could do cast with ERD for $3000. But really, I'd happily pay the extra thousand for a VC piece.

You can sell your old platinum locally.
 
Hi
I found this ring through an ebay store, Panaveli Design. Which I did not know stores existed until I recently signed up on ebay.
I actually spoke to him for a quote and for my size it was around $800 that is of course using my own diamond.

I would love to know if anyone has used this designer, he has 100 % positive feedback but I'm new to this and I'm very nervous buying a ring from anyone and especially since mine is a larger size I would not be able to return it.

I too am looking for a halo, so far JbEG is looking like the way to go for myself. Have you checked them out?

www.panavelidesign.com

This ring with cushion cut diamond is $3500.

panaveli_design.jpg
 
diamondseeker2006|1362436040|3396226 said:
I'll tell you, it is amazing how sometimes VC is higher and sometimes SK is! Other times they are close to the same!

With the prices all that close, it wouldn't even be a question for me. There is no way I'd pay any local jeweler for doing a CAD ring $600 less than what a true pave master will make handforged. And Victor will win over ERD's handforged at only $100 more. I guess the only real question is that if you want to spend the least possible, you could do cast with ERD for $3000. But really, I'd happily pay the extra thousand for a VC piece.

You can sell your old platinum locally.
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Yup I will always vote for the pave master. Though I have seen an ERD version and it was beautiful. However if we are talking about $100 I would go with VC.
 
Just thought I'd put in my input on Orospot since I bought a band on ebay that was originally made by them. For the price, it's fine, but not precise. If they are substantially less, it might be worth considering - but if your budget allows, I'd go with a hand forged ring.
 
Well, technically, my budget allows, but it comes down to simply a matter of choice. When My husband and I first got married, we used to spend oodles of money on jewelry, watches, etc., but after having kids about 8 years ago, spending money on those sorts of things seemed frivolous and much less important. Don't get me wrong, I still splurge on things (like expensive shoes & handbags), but jewelry isn't one of them. I have a hard time justifying a $4000 price tag when I will likely "upgrade" to a 2 carat or a natural yellow diamond within about the next 10 years. Then again, it's entirely possible that although we have been blessed financially, that could change at any time. With that in mind, I'd like to get a ring that I can be overjoyed with now (and forever if I had to be), but not something that will go to waste should I decide to upgrade in the near future. Does that make sense? I truly do appreciate all of your responses:)
 
diamondseeker2006|1362441635|3396312 said:
If you really just want an inexpensive but nicely made ring to wear for a few years, I would consider this:

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER8271W44JJ (white gold price listed)
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Thanks for posting, but as I mentioned earlier, I don't necessarily want an "inexpensive" ring. I want something that I'm not going to spend a fortune on, but something that I could be happy with if, God forbid, our financial picture changed. Realistically, I could be wearing this re-set for another 10 years.
 
momhappy|1362442725|3396319 said:
diamondseeker2006|1362441635|3396312 said:
If you really just want an inexpensive but nicely made ring to wear for a few years, I would consider this:

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER8271W44JJ (white gold price listed)
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Thanks for posting, but as I mentioned earlier, I don't necessarily want an "inexpensive" ring. I want something that I'm not going to spend a fortune on, but something that I could be happy with if, God forbid, our financial picture changed. Realistically, I could be wearing this re-set for another 10 years.
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I'll be honest, I just think you are right that in 10 years you'll be ready for a change. These are SUCH popular settings, its easy to get tired of something like that in the long run. Not that it won't be beautiful, but I can see you wanting to change again. And I think for that reason erd is the right choice. Very beautiful, but sense this probably isn't your forever setting, it might not be the one you go top dollar one
 
I meant by inexpensive that is was less than $4000. I think Gabriel is probably as good quality as ERD cast, but I can't say that for sure since I have only seen pictures. We recommend Gabriel and Co settings here all the time for people who do not want to go with handforged.
 
nielseel|1362443499|3396331 said:
momhappy|1362442725|3396319 said:
diamondseeker2006|1362441635|3396312 said:
If you really just want an inexpensive but nicely made ring to wear for a few years, I would consider this:

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER8271W44JJ (white gold price listed)
Click to expand...

Thanks for posting, but as I mentioned earlier, I don't necessarily want an "inexpensive" ring. I want something that I'm not going to spend a fortune on, but something that I could be happy with if, God forbid, our financial picture changed. Realistically, I could be wearing this re-set for another 10 years.
Click to expand...
I'll be honest, I just think you are right that in 10 years you'll be ready for a change. These are SUCH popular settings, its easy to get tired of something like that in the long run. Not that it won't be beautiful, but I can see you wanting to change again. And I think for that reason erd is the right choice. Very beautiful, but sense this probably isn't your forever setting, it might not be the one you go top dollar one
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I think that you hit the nail on the head. In all likelihood, my "perfect" halo isn't my forever setting. You made another interesting point too about going top dollar on some things and maybe not others. Because I may end up with an upgrade in say 10 years, it's not something that I'm inclined to spend top dollar on.
 
diamondseeker2006|1362444282|3396338 said:
I meant by inexpensive that is was less than $4000. I think Gabriel is probably as good quality as ERD cast, but I can't say that for sure since I have only seen pictures. We recommend Gabriel and Co settings here all the time for people who do not want to go with handforged.
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Oh, I wasn't making any sort of quality judgement about Gabriel - I don't have any experience with them and I am sure their jewelry is lovely. However, when I looked at the pictures, I could see somewhat of a difference between the style (or craftsmanship) of their halos vs. those of ERD at a slightly higher price point. I think that ERD offers as close to VC/SK as I'm gonna get, so it's either spend $4100 with VC or $3000 with ERD.
 
First off, I just want to say "thank you" to those who posted offering advice and suggestions. This was my first thread and I've found this Forum to be very helpful.
I made my decision. Yesterday, I was almost certain that I was going to go with my local jeweler, but after speaking on the phone with Chris at ERD, I've decided to go that route for my custom halo. ERD was by far, the best customer service I received (and the process has only just begun). Normally, with these sorts of decisions, I've learned to trust my gut/instincts and I just feel that ERD is the way to go. I'm hoping to have a completed ring no later than March 28th - I'll keep you updated. Thanks again for all of your help:)
 
oh good- that was the route I was hoping you would take! ERD does amazing pieces- CAD and hand forged so I think you will be thrilled with it.
 
momhappy|1362503973|3396898 said:
First off, I just want to say "thank you" to those who posted offering advice and suggestions. This was my first thread and I've found this Forum to be very helpful.
I made my decision. Yesterday, I was almost certain that I was going to go with my local jeweler, but after speaking on the phone with Chris at ERD, I've decided to go that route for my custom halo. ERD was by far, the best customer service I received (and the process has only just begun). Normally, with these sorts of decisions, I've learned to trust my gut/instincts and I just feel that ERD is the way to go. I'm hoping to have a completed ring no later than March 28th - I'll keep you updated. Thanks again for all of your help:)
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I've worked with ERD in the past. IMHO, he offers hands down the best service from all the vendors I've used. He was even helpful if I didn't use him, but need an opinion.
 
momhappy|1362503973|3396898 said:
First off, I just want to say "thank you" to those who posted offering advice and suggestions. This was my first thread and I've found this Forum to be very helpful.
I made my decision. Yesterday, I was almost certain that I was going to go with my local jeweler, but after speaking on the phone with Chris at ERD, I've decided to go that route for my custom halo. ERD was by far, the best customer service I received (and the process has only just begun). Normally, with these sorts of decisions, I've learned to trust my gut/instincts and I just feel that ERD is the way to go. I'm hoping to have a completed ring no later than March 28th - I'll keep you updated. Thanks again for all of your help:)
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That is great! :appl: It does sound like a good choice for what you are wanting. Can't wait to see it!
 
^^^Thanks:) I can't wait to see it either. And now the agonizing wait begins...
 
Great choice, I'm sure ERD will make you a beautiful ring!
 
Since we both have parallel projects... how long are you expected to wait.... oh, I feel SO NAKED without my ring!! Gah! I hate the wait...I am jittery... like I'm on withdrawal!! Quest should get my ring Friday evening... he had told me about 4 weeks when we spoke over the phone... so... beginning April? Mine's my birthday present (April)... I wonder if I'll get it on time...
 
I'm glad you went with them. Really great quality and I think you won't feel as bad in 10 years when you move to something else. Its going to be beautiful!
 
fiona00004|1362518601|3397215 said:
Since we both have parallel projects... how long are you expected to wait.... oh, I feel SO NAKED without my ring!! Gah! I hate the wait...I am jittery... like I'm on withdrawal!! Quest should get my ring Friday evening... he had told me about 4 weeks when we spoke over the phone... so... beginning April? Mine's my birthday present (April)... I wonder if I'll get it on time...
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I asked ERD if they could have a completed ring in my hands no later than March 28th (before our spring break trip) and they promised me they could. Also, the nice thing about ERD is that I don't need to send them my current ring until the very end when they are ready to set it into the new setting. I believe that I will have to send it out in a couple of weeks and I have another diamond band that I will wear until my new ring arrives. The wait is excruciating.... Not knowing.... Hoping you made the right choices.... It will be a long 3 1/2 weeks for me for sure! Let's keep each other updated!!!
 
That's the only reason I couldn't be an e studs as I needed to trade my old ones in and couldn't sell them privately. they prefer to work with diamonds that they feel are quality and cut they feel comfortable. Even the jeweler that took my trade ins said they will sit in his shop as he wouldn't sell them to his clients poo poo
 
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