Need Advice: Whiteflash, James Allen, Settings

[ckg92]

So I''ve been doing quite a bit of research the last few months, including reading most of the related topics on this forum on whiteflash, bluenile, james allen..etc.

I''ve decided to go with the buying online route, and am currently leaning toward whiteflash and james allen. Whiteflash seems to have a really nice reputation and good customer service and support (and being able to call and verify eye cleanness is nice). However, Whiteflash doesn''t seem to offer that many settings, as opposed to James Allen.

I''m looking around a 1/2 (round cut) carat stone, in a simple solitaire setting, that tapers (either in width or heighth) from the bottom of the ring to the top. So far, I like Whiteflash''s tiffany style 6-prong ring, however one thing that''s shocked me is the prices (setting-wise) are much different than James Allen. Are James Allen''s settings that much better or just over-priced? Are Whiteflash''s settings as top notch as their company name?

On a last note/final question, I''ve been reading everywhere and talking with people in local stores about platinum vs white gold, and I seem to get differing views wherever I go. Most local stores I''ve been to are not carrying platinum saying that it dings/bends easily and that it''s not as "shiny". However I hear those exact things about white gold rings from online sources. Anyone care to clear up my confusion?

Thanks

 

[D&T]

some vendors prefer to work with platinum as it is more malleable and easier to work with than gold. but anything can be shiny, just how often you want to polish the ring, platinum develops a patina over time to give you more of an aged look but again you can get it polished to get it back to shiny, and others like the weight of platinum vs white gold. wg you have to rhodium plate every so often, and some people develop allergies to white gold so they prefer platinum. it really depends on you or your FI whats important or if you have budget constraints or metal preference? what she prefers and wears, my gold rings scratches as well, then i get it all polished and its as good as new.

 

[ckg92]

Can anyone here attest or explain the price difference between whiteflash and james avery settings or preference/advisories to one or the other?

 

[D&T]

I have never bought from James Allen, although I have spoke with them regarding a few rings, but I would not hesitate to buy from them if you like one of their stock rings. All my settings, custom mount, semi mounts have been purchased from whiteflash. So if you were interested in more of a custom route, then I would recommend whiteflash vs James Allen. I have seen more custom rings through whiteflash.