Need Help with Eternity Rings!!!!!

[bigpurchase123]

I would love for some input on eternity engagement bands and wedding rings... my girlfriend fell in love with the Memoire purity collection eternity wedding band and engagement ring. However, when I discussed this ring with several independent jewelers (not department store shops like Jared or Liljenquist, but private jewelers - some recommended on this site) I was told that these rings were VERY problematic.

First, I was told that due to the way that these diamonds were set that they were prone to being knocked out. One jeweler said that even with normal wear and tear that it was possible to lose a couple of stones a year. Also, I was told that Memoire had some "problems" with quality and warranty of their products. What are your thoughts? Does anyone have any experience with these particular Memoire rings? Does anyone know of any comparable rings? The price on these is pretty marked up compared to other rings, which I was explained was due simply to the "name factor." Personally I like the look of these rings, but the price tag is a little hefty.

My girlfriend also liked the Memiore petite prong eternity ring. I was told by some jewelers that these type of prong rings would be more stable and less likely to lose stones than the above mentioned purity collection ring. Any thoughts on this?

I was also told that platinum would be a stronger metal for holding in the stones in either type of setting... is this true OR a ploy to increase the cost of the rings?

I know that buying a ring that is not completely eternity (small band for sizing) is much safer... it can be re-sized, it is less likely to lose diamonds, etc. BUT both my girlfriend and I don''t like the look of these rings near as much. I am trying to make an informed decision with a ring that will last and not be subject to problems BUT that she also LOVES!!!

Two jewelers recommend the Precision Set ring (and additional picture) that looked a lot like the Memoire petite prong. Any thoughts about these rings?

Thanks in advance for any and all help!!!!!!!!!

 

[bigpurchase123]

Sorry... I screwed up the link to the Memoire Purity Collection engagement ring. Here is the correct link (hopefully!).

http://www.memoire.com/catalog/collections.aspx?products=2182


Does anyone have any comments on my earlier post... PLEASE!!!! I could definitely use some input.

 

[serenitydiamonds]

Date: 11/19/2009 12:27:32 PM
Author: bigpurchase123
Sorry... I screwed up the link to the Memoire Purity Collection engagement ring. Here is the correct link (hopefully!).


http://www.memoire.com/catalog/collections.aspx?products=2182



Does anyone have any comments on my earlier post... PLEASE!!!! I could definitely use some input.

The engagement ring first. I don''t know about this particular brand so I''m going to speak about that type of setting in general. I''ve set both diamonds and color gems in that type of setting. It''s a little more fragile than a typical prong, but if set correctly by an experienced person, it should be just fine for typical use. For every type of eternity band I recommend having the settings inspected annually for loose stones. You can also check them yourself and have them tightened if they are. All settings are fragile and should be treated as such, so naturally don''t wear them if your hands are going to be at risk for impacts/etc.

For the eternity band you listed, the stones would be a little more secure than the engagement band. In my experience I''ve never noticed a difference on loosing more stones with white gold vs platinum. Platinum is harder than white gold, so logically there may be an argument there. However, in my experience the setter''s ability tends to be far more coincidental to stone loss instead of what type of metal is used.

I love eternity bands myself, and have made them for most of my family for that reason. I don''t like the partial eternity bands because when wearing them, the part without stones always seems to rotate around the finger and show on top. Eternity''s can be sized down pretty easily, and up a little bit depending on the exact setting. If you''re concerned about needing a larger size in the future, get an eternity band of the larger size and have your jeweler solder a piece of metal on the inside of the band. If you need to size up you just remove this piece.

--Joshua