NEED HELP... Am I a difficult customer?

[finger25]

Hi, I'm a newbie. This is my first post. I've learned so much about diamonds here, I'm very happy that I found this place. You guys are simply so great!! Now I need your advice. I found the ring setting (halo style/plain shank) from one of the venders listed here and already contacted them a quite few times. Every time I sent an email with some questions they replied quickly and their customer service seems great. However, I'm having a problem...

Well, I'd like to see the ring in person to see how it goes with my wedding band. But they can't send *this ring* without a center stone. They want me to pick a diamond with the ring and they say "Just send it back to us if you dont like it". But I just cant spend 15k - 20k for something I am not sure. And here are the things I found from one of the threads here.

>we precast it in various sizes, but don't handmake to fit each center stone.

>the models are based on center diamonds of 0.30ct, .50ct, 0.75ct, 1.00ct, 1.25ct, 1.50ct, 1.75ct and 2.00ct

So it looks like they will use a same model for 2.00ct and 1.9ct. That's why I dont understand why I cant request the ring without a center stone, they know which size I'm thinking about. (I'd like to see the one for 2.00ct. Actually I went to a local jeweler to see a similar ring but it was for a smaller center stone and was not so helpful.) Also they couldnt give me the measurements, they say it's because it all depends on the size of the center stone... I would like to ask you guys what you would do if you were me... Placing an order without seeing it, without confidence, without any mesurements is like a gamble to me.


Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Gypsy]

Sounds like a sales tactic to me and makes no sense. Who is the vendor? I probably wouldn't do it either.

 

[slg47]

do they not send the ring because they custom make it to fit the center stone (or do they have stock sizes?)

 

[Gypsy]

Blue nile doesn't sell their settings separate. If it is them or a company like them it makes sense.

 

[Christina...]

are you planning on using a diamond that you already have as the center stone or are you purchasing a new stone? It's typically the best idea to purchase the stone and the setting from the same vendor for a couple reasons. 1. most insurance companies will not insure a loose diamond. 2. most vendors will not take responsibility for setting a diamond that they did not sell, so if something were to (heaven forbid) chip during the setting process and you were unable to find an insurance company to insure the stone, then you will be out many thousands of dollars.

If you will be purchasing a diamond from a vendor anyway and you really like this setting, why not purchase a stone from them? If your unhappy with either the diamond or the setting, then either or both can be returned. Most pricescope vendors have an excellent return policy. Otherwise, can you post a photo or link to the setting, we may be able to locate the same or similar setting somewhere else for you.

 

[finger25]

Sounds like a sales tactic to me and makes no sense. Who is the vendor? I probably wouldn't do it either.

I am not sure if I should say the name of the vender because I dont want to give anyone negative image about them and it seems like everybody here had a good experience with them, so I must be a difficult customer... I could say they are one of the venders with a great return policy, great service, and pricescope discount.


>Blue nile doesn't sell their settings separate. If it is them or a company like them it makes sense.

They *DO* sell their settings separately but they say they cant send *this ring* separately...
And they are not Blue nile.

 

[finger25]

do they not send the ring because they custom make it to fit the center stone (or do they have stock sizes?)

I have contacted a few clarks and their answers are always the same... They say they make this ring by each order and they need to know the exact size of the center stone. But it seems like even if I tell them the size they can't make it, so I guess they need to HAVE the center stone with them there to make the ring...

>do they have stock sizes?
I dont really know what you meant, but as I wrote, they precast it in various sizes, but don't handmake to fit each center stone. The models are based on center diamonds of 0.30ct, .50ct, 0.75ct, 1.00ct, 1.25ct, 1.50ct, 1.75ct and 2.00ct.

 

[finger25]

are you planning on using a diamond that you already have as the center stone or are you purchasing a new stone? It's typically the best idea to purchase the stone and the setting from the same vendor for a couple reasons. 1. most insurance companies will not insure a loose diamond. 2. most vendors will not take responsibility for setting a diamond that they did not sell, so if something were to (heaven forbid) chip during the setting process and you were unable to find an insurance company to insure the stone, then you will be out many thousands of dollars.

If you will be purchasing a diamond from a vendor anyway and you really like this setting, why not purchase a stone from them? If your unhappy with either the diamond or the setting, then either or both can be returned. Most pricescope vendors have an excellent return policy. Otherwise, can you post a photo or link to the setting, we may be able to locate the same or similar setting somewhere else for you.

I haven't bought a diamond yet, I would like to pick one from them and I really wanna start looking for as soon as possible AFTER I decide the ring setting. But I just cant be sure without measurements... If this ring doesn't go well with my wedding band, I will have to change the whole plan. Ring design, center stone's shape, where to buy, all that kind of things. It will be really "restart from the very beginning".

Their return policy is great. I won't lose 1 cent, but the point is, you know,,, when your ring was not what you were expecting you would be so disappointed/heart breaking. I know myself,when I order the ring I will probably start falling in love with it, so returning is something I dont really wanna do because of the mental reason.

>can you post a photo or link to the setting, we may be able to locate the same or similar setting somewhere else for you.
Thank you, that's so kind of you. But you will notice which vender it is from the picture/link and I'm just not sure if I should say the name of them, I'm new here and dont wanna be rude to anyone... The ring is a halo style (not bezel) with a thin plain shank in platinum, center stone is round cut 1.7 - 2 ct. That's what I am looking for.

 

[slg47]

have you tried on other plain shank halos? also perhaps the vendor can take pics next to a wedding band so you can see what it would look like?

 

[Gypsy]

The reason we keep asking the vendor is because it will help us understand what is going on. People post their vendor 'issues' all the time, and sometimes it's the customer, sometimes it's the vendor and sometimes it's a miscommunication.

That said, some companies-- like BGD and WF can't send you the settings as they make each to order from scratch around your center.

It's really limiting our ability to help because we don't who the vendor is.

 

[slg47]

maybe you should get a setting made locally? or a designer setting that you can try on locally?

 

[finger25]

have you tried on other plain shank halos? also perhaps the vendor can take pics next to a wedding band so you can see what it would look like?

When I went to a local jeweler I tried many different styles of halo. But it was not so helpful because the rings were all *samples* and for about 1ct center stone,,, too small to compare to *this ring*. What I wanted to know is how big the halo would be, how much coverage my wedding band would have, how close they could sit together or something like that....

My wedding band is not from the vender... I told them what kind of wedding band I wear and even measurements but they couldnt give me a clear answer. I guess it's just difficult for them to say "yes" or "no" because they dont have my wedding band, and the ring either.

 

[finger25]

The reason we keep asking the vendor is because it will help us understand what is going on. People post their vendor 'issues' all the time, and sometimes it's the customer, sometimes it's the vendor and sometimes it's a miscommunication.

That said, some companies-- like BGD and WF can't send you the settings as they make each to order from scratch around your center.

It's really limiting our ability to help because we don't who the vendor is.

Ok, I understand. Please dont think I'm complaining about them. I'm just confused and cant make a decision.
Here is the link to the ring.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/-Platinum-Pave-Set-Diam-Engagement-Ring.html

Maybe I should give you more information.

1.
I might have to sacrifice *color grade* and might end up choosing J color.
In that case I'd like to ask them to use lower color stones in halo, if they can.
But it will be *special order* and *non-returnable*.

2.
I would like to ask them a small change.
Another halo ring on their website has tiny pointy prongs and I like it.
I asked the clark if they can make this ring with *the prongs*.
I just wanted to know the possibility but the answer is,,,
I have to order it to know if they can do it... pretty confused...
Also this will be *special order* and *non-returnable*.


Well. I understand special order is not returnable. But it's just too risky for me to do that NOW, I cant take "no return" before I make sure this ring goes well with my wedding band. That's why I really wanted to see it, you know, like a sample model. I thought just sending a ring without center stone would be easy for them... If they could do it, they wouldnt hurt, I wouldnt hurt, win-win situation.

But it looks like, the best way *for me* is just buy this ring with a diamond just to see in person. And return it anyway. And order *another same ring* with some changes. I just thought that would be *waist* for both of us, especially for them. But it looks like there is no better way and the clerks keep saying "you can return it if you dont like it"...

What do you guys think? What would you do? What is the most smartest way?

 

[finger25]

maybe you should get a setting made locally? or a designer setting that you can try on locally?

Well their price for the setting is pretty reasonable. I dont know if any local jewelers could do it with same price ... Because the jeweler I went the other day had a similar ring in white gold, I think they could make it in platinum but even white gold had much higher price. And I would like to pick a diamond from them because they have a virtual lope and actual picture of a diamond, and that helps me alot since I'm considering S!1 to save some money. (I wish I could stay with VS2 though...)

 

[slg47]

it will sit flush with a wedding band. can you try on other halos to see how they look with your wedding band?

as far as the color of the melee-you will probably see some contrast. since the halo adds so much size why not stick with I color and above?

 

[Gypsy]

No issue with sitting flush.

Here's the thing about James Allen. They have customer service issues with their communication on settings. Even if they CAN send it to you, some of their staff might think they can't. We had the owner, James tell us they are carrying Vatche now, and another poster has been trying to buy a Vatche setting from them and all the customer service people have been telling him they don't carry Vatche. It's been very frustrating for him.

Get James, the owner, on the phone and talk to him. See what he says.

As for center stone. Melee diamond perform differently from center stones. I have an F center and F melee and even then in some light my melee look whiter, just because of the way melee diamonds reflect light differently from center stones. Generally we tell people to stay within two color grades with centers and sidestones, including melee stones.

What does your wedding band look like that you are worried about the combo?

 

[Christina...]

That's a lot more helpful! Slg and gypsy have already told that you shouldn't have any trouble with your ring sitting flush and I agree. I also have a JA setting with this same melee, my center is an I asscher and they tend to have more body color than a RB and I never never never feel that it makes my center stone appear yellow.

As for JAs communication on settings....I'm currently working on them on a project and I've asked to speak with someone straight from the custom department, and that's been helpful. I second the idea of speaking with Jim, he's a super nice guy and perhaps he can give you some more useful information.

 

[totheleft]

Haven't worked with the company so I'm not helpful there, but your ring will sit flush with that stone. And the shank itself is plain - I'd go try on your wedding ring with other plain shank halos at a B&M store; should give you an idea.

 

[finger25]

slg47,Gypsy,Christina,THANK YOU SO MUCH, I feel much better now. I will decide what I really wanna do and try to contact the owner if I still wanna stick with this ring. Honestly talking to the owner is little bit overwhelming to me but it sounds like it's the best way for me now.

>What does your wedding band look like that you are worried about the combo?

My wedding band is similar to this one. (Mine is kind of thick and tall.)
http://www.bluenile.com/wedding-ring-platinum_4525
I dont really care if they sit flush or not now, because when I tried on a similar ring at a local jeweler I got a hint how they would look like when they are next to each other and I prefer a little space between them.


My concern is,,, Is a diamond safe with my wedding band?
Ok here is the ring.
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/-Platinum-Pave-Set-Diam-Engagement-Ring.html
The center diamond is not protected by struts and there is open space under the halo. When you see this ring from the side (the way ring would look like "I" not "O") at just right under the halo, the diamond should be wider than the shank. So if the halo is big and my wedding band has much coverage by sitting flash, there might be chance that my wedding band can touch/hit the bottom of the diamond (bottom means side body not curet.) Because the local jeweler didnt have the model for a bigger center stone, I couldnt really guess how big this ring's halo would be and how close the diamond would be to the edge of the wedding band...

Honestly I dont really need to stick with this ring if I can find similar one. What I love is the look "halo + plain shank". (I think it's a combo of solitaire and halo. And I am a solitaire lover!) But so far I cant find any ... Most halo styles have pave band and I might be able to ask to change to a plain shank but I was just afraid to go with "special order with no return". Blue nile has a similar one but it says the center stone has to be within 1.5ct and it's little small for me...

 

[finger25]

Haven't worked with the company so I'm not helpful there, but your ring will sit flush with that stone. And the shank itself is plain - I'd go try on your wedding ring with other plain shank halos at a B&M store; should give you an idea.

Hi totheleft, sorry I missed your post.
Actually I *DID* go to the jeweler and tried some rings, but they didnt have any for a bigger center stone. They have so many styles but all the rings are for 1ct center stone because they are samples. And my top concern is *NOT* if they sit flush. (Please read my post above. )

 

[slg47]

it should be totally safe. if you are concerned you can ask them how high the diamond sits off the finger and then check to make sure that it is more than the height of your band (which I am sure it will be!)

 

[Christina...]

it should be totally safe. if you are concerned you can ask them how high the diamond sits off the finger and then check to make sure that it is more than the height of your band (which I am sure it will be!)

Great advice, and ask it just as slg47 has, that way there wont be any mistakes in communication. The matching wedding bands that they show for this ring measure 1.5-1.7 and 2.15, so it appears it has some range of choices. Do you know the height of your wedder? If you can find out you can also email JA with the dimensions and they should be able to tell you if it will fit up under the halo and not rub. It really doesn't look like an issue though, and for what it's worth....I think it will make a beautiful set!!