Need help with new project!

[plethora23]

OK. So it's been a long, long time since I've posted but I really need Pricescopers help on this. So, our ten year anniversary is coming up and my husband says I have to decide in 1 week what I want to do as far as the ring for a diamond that I think he has already purchased. I had narrowed it down to a few rings but I was only able to try the attached one on in person. I had thought I wanted that ring with the cushion halo (not round as shown) but after trying it on my husband and I both liked it but again I was still bummed I did not get to try the cushion halo version. So fast forward a few weeks and the designer that makes the ring is giving us a price of 29+k which we think is ridiculous. We've negotiated down several thousand but still it seems like way too much for a setting. It is platinum with 2.5 carats of diamonds. We then contacted Singlestone and Victor Canera. SS is willing to do it as is. Victor Canera emailed and said that ring is too bulky, that the pave diamonds underneath "doesn't serve a purpose" and detracts from the ring. He's saying he'd like to do 4 stems on the side profile of the ring and set pave on them and that it would make the ring more delicate.

Thoughts on all this? Opinions needed. I agree the ring was pretty bulky but the work on the side looked amazing in person. I do worry it's a bit bulky though for my small hands. Also, still need to decide between cushion or round halo. I already have a round in a cushion halo currently and I plan to make that a right hand ring so it might be weird to have the exact same halo shape on both hands.

 

[nowicanseethemoon]

It's very pretty, but I would say that Victor is rarely (if ever) wrong. And whatever he does will be beyond fabulous...

 

[Aoife]

OK. So it's been a long, long time since I've posted but I really need Pricescopers help on this. So, our ten year anniversary is coming up and my husband says I have to decide in 1 week what I want to do as far as the ring for a diamond that I think he has already purchased. I had narrowed it down to a few rings but I was only able to try the attached one on in person. I had thought I wanted that ring with the cushion halo (not round as shown) but after trying it on my husband and I both liked it but again I was still bummed I did not get to try the cushion halo version. So fast forward a few weeks and the designer that makes the ring is giving us a price of 29+k which we think is ridiculous. We've negotiated down several thousand but still it seems like way too much for a setting. It is platinum with 2.5 carats of diamonds. We then contacted Singlestone and Victor Canera. SS is willing to do it as is. Victor Canera emailed and said that ring is too bulky, that the pave diamonds underneath "doesn't serve a purpose" and detracts from the ring. He's saying he'd like to do 4 stems on the side profile of the ring and set pave on them and that it would make the ring more delicate.

Thoughts on all this? Opinions needed. I agree the ring was pretty bulky but the work on the side looked amazing in person. I do worry it's a bit bulky though for my small hands. Also, still need to decide between cushion or round halo. I already have a round in a cushion halo currently and I plan to make that a right hand ring so it might be weird to have the exact same halo shape on both hands.

The first question is, how much are you in love with this ring exactly as it is? The first comment I bolded above says that you and your DH "liked" it, which to me is a far cry from "It makes my heart sing and I must have it" which to me is kind of important!

Was the quote from SS more reasonable?

And, regarding Victor Canera, I have the utmost respect for him, and love the rings I have from him, but he is not infallible (no one is) and what he is essentially describing is a totally different ring. Would it be lovely? Probably, but is it what you want?

 

[plethora23]

The quote was very reasonable at 12k from SS. And yes, from looking at what Victor is describing that is a completely different ring which does not have all the detail underneath. All that extra pave made it feel vintage-y to my husband and I which I LOVE. Victor's suggestions makes the ring look more modern to my eyes but again just my opinion.

 

[msop04]

OK. So it's been a long, long time since I've posted but I really need Pricescopers help on this. So, our ten year anniversary is coming up and my husband says I have to decide in 1 week what I want to do as far as the ring for a diamond that I think he has already purchased. I had narrowed it down to a few rings but I was only able to try the attached one on in person. I had thought I wanted that ring with the cushion halo (not round as shown) but after trying it on my husband and I both liked it but again I was still bummed I did not get to try the cushion halo version. So fast forward a few weeks and the designer that makes the ring is giving us a price of 29+k which we think is ridiculous. We've negotiated down several thousand but still it seems like way too much for a setting. It is platinum with 2.5 carats of diamonds. We then contacted Singlestone and Victor Canera. SS is willing to do it as is. Victor Canera emailed and said that ring is too bulky, that the pave diamonds underneath "doesn't serve a purpose" and detracts from the ring. He's saying he'd like to do 4 stems on the side profile of the ring and set pave on them and that it would make the ring more delicate.

Thoughts on all this? Opinions needed. I agree the ring was pretty bulky but the work on the side looked amazing in person. I do worry it's a bit bulky though for my small hands. Also, still need to decide between cushion or round halo. I already have a round in a cushion halo currently and I plan to make that a right hand ring so it might be weird to have the exact same halo shape on both hands.

Wait a minute... WHAT??!!

So, let me get this straight... $29,000.00 for a setting??!! (I just threw up in my mouth a little)
Girl, let SS, VC, SK, or LM do a BAD*** setting for you, regardless of how bulky you may or may not want it to be! Maybe I'm being naive, but that is an exorbitant amount of money to pay for a setting. What size is your solitaire? Are you upgrading this as well?

...still light-headed from the price of that setting. Whew!

On a brighter note, I am very excited for your upgrade and can't wait to see what you get! FWIW, I like the diamonds on the sides, whether or not they serve a purpose is irrelevant if you like the look. After all, that's the part you will be looking at from your POV. And if you love the cushion halo with a round stone, then get it -- who cares if you have two!

 

[Tekate]

I am a total new person but have been a diamond lover for 40 years, the Canera sounds much less bulky, I certainly love the beautiful picture but would love to see a pix of what Canera is suggesting. Beautiful ring no matter what.

 

[nowicanseethemoon]

OK. So it's been a long, long time since I've posted but I really need Pricescopers help on this. So, our ten year anniversary is coming up and my husband says I have to decide in 1 week what I want to do as far as the ring for a diamond that I think he has already purchased. I had narrowed it down to a few rings but I was only able to try the attached one on in person. I had thought I wanted that ring with the cushion halo (not round as shown) but after trying it on my husband and I both liked it but again I was still bummed I did not get to try the cushion halo version. So fast forward a few weeks and the designer that makes the ring is giving us a price of 29+k which we think is ridiculous. We've negotiated down several thousand but still it seems like way too much for a setting. It is platinum with 2.5 carats of diamonds. We then contacted Singlestone and Victor Canera. SS is willing to do it as is. Victor Canera emailed and said that ring is too bulky, that the pave diamonds underneath "doesn't serve a purpose" and detracts from the ring. He's saying he'd like to do 4 stems on the side profile of the ring and set pave on them and that it would make the ring more delicate.

Thoughts on all this? Opinions needed. I agree the ring was pretty bulky but the work on the side looked amazing in person. I do worry it's a bit bulky though for my small hands. Also, still need to decide between cushion or round halo. I already have a round in a cushion halo currently and I plan to make that a right hand ring so it might be weird to have the exact same halo shape on both hands.

Wait a minute... WHAT??!!

So, let me get this straight... $29,000.00 for a setting??!! (I just threw up in my mouth a little)
Girl, let SS, VC, SK, or LM do a BAD*** setting for you, regardless of how bulky you may or may not want it to be! Maybe I'm being naive, but that is an exorbitant amount of money to pay for a setting. What size is your solitaire? Are you upgrading this as well?

...still light-headed for the price of that setting. Whew!

When I read that price I thought "wow, I'm naive about how much settings cost."

 

[Tekate]

that is true.. I love modern settings.. go with the one you feel better about and even 12K seems very expensive to me.. I have reset my diamond.. oh.. 4X in 26 years with the latest 2 mos ago and I keep getting more modern as I go.. I look forward very much to pix!!

 

[msop04]

The quote was very reasonable at 12k from SS. And yes, from looking at what Victor is describing that is a completely different ring which does not have all the detail underneath. All that extra pave made it feel vintage-y to my husband and I which I LOVE. Victor's suggestions makes the ring look more modern to my eyes but again just my opinion.

This seems like a more fair price for a custom hand forged ring. And SS does absolutely exquisite work. Maybe you could have them do it and just "tweak it" a little for a less bulky look?

 

[plethora23]

You got that right. It was 29k+ for the original designer setting. Negotiated down to $23.5k but still seems too high to me for a setting. I just feel ripped off at that price but I do love that designer and my current ring is made by him. This is the big ten year anniversary stone. No more white diamonds after this so it is go big or go home for me!

 

[starrylight]

Are you comfortable with the likelihood of loosing melee and having to send it to the designer each time to get fixed so that the warranty isn't voided?

 

[msop04]

You got that right. It was 29k+ for the original designer setting. Negotiated down to $23.5k but still seems too high to me for a setting. I just feel ripped off at that price but I do love that designer and my current ring is made by him. This is the big ten year anniversary stone. No more white diamonds after this so it is go big or go home for me!

Just out of curiosity, was the setting a JB Starr?? I fell in love with one at Diamonds Direct. I saw the price and fell out of love at once.

EDIT: NOPE, it's Jack Kelege!! Same thing happened with that one too!!! (why must I have champagne tastes??...)

 

[msop04]

Are you comfortable with the likelihood of loosing melee and having to send it to the designer each time to get fixed so that the warranty isn't voided?

This will be true of any setting with pave... Unfortunatley, it just goes with the territory. I say get what you want.

 

[plethora23]

I've never lost a pave stone with my current Jack Kelege. I've worn it every day since 2008. I guess that says a lot about the quality of his work. My current ring has a ton of pave under the basket as well.

 

[Rosebloom]

$29k seems insane for a setting unless it's from a celebrity jeweler like JAR, Neil Lane, Lorraine Schwarz.

I would ask Steven Kirsch for a quote. His work is impeccable and he really seems to strive to make his customers happy (as opposed to having more limits on the kind of work he'll take on). Then I'd go with either he or Single Stone, whichever is less expensive and feels best to you. But if Single Stone quoted $12k, then I would seriously question the merits of the $29k guy. SS is the best of the best and certainly doesn't cut corners. And with the $17k you're saving... Diamond earrings?

I can't wait to see the finished piece!

 

[plethora23]

Yes, the price caught us off guard.. We had been quoted $17,900 from a local store that brought it in for us but when we called the designer direct to verify they said for custom it was $29,xxx. We asked if they were using more diamonds and they said no it was just the cost of doing custom for a stone of that size. Made no sense to us. They aren't increasing the carat weight. So, even negotiated down to $23,500 it still seems insane. It feels like we get are getting a luxury tax just based on what my husband is telling them about the size of the diamond.

 

[msop04]

Yes, the price caught us off guard.. We had been quoted $17,900 from a local store that brought it in for us but when we called the designer direct to verify they said for custom it was $29,xxx. We asked if they were using more diamonds and they said no it was just the cost of doing custom for a stone of that size. Made no sense to us. They aren't increasing the carat weight. So, even negotiated down to $23,500 it still seems insane. It feels like we get are getting a luxury tax just based on what my husband is telling them about the size of the diamond.

Yeah, it really does sound like they are drastically increasing the price because they know you have a large stone in a very expensive setting already. I would hope not, but... ya never know!!

 

[SB621]

If you like the orginal setting I would go with SS to do it. I do agree that while VC does great vintage-y rings there is always a modern/ contemporary understone to his style. If you want 100% vintage then stick with SS.

 

[plethora23]

If you like the orginal setting I would go with SS to do it. I do agree that while VC does great vintage-y rings there is always a modern/ contemporary understone to his style. If you want 100% vintage then stick with SS.

I'm leaning towards SS right now if I'm not going with the original from Kelege because they do look more vintage to me. I'm not comfortable starting on a whole new different style ring with VC. I have not heard from Kirsch yet. Any opinions on whether to go with the round with round halo or round with cushion halo? Unfortunately, Kelege did not have that version anywhere to bring into the store to try on. I have rather small hands and short fingers so as far as how bulky it will look would one halo shape look better than another?

 

[Christina...]

If you like the orginal setting I would go with SS to do it. I do agree that while VC does great vintage-y rings there is always a modern/ contemporary understone to his style. If you want 100% vintage then stick with SS.

I totally agree with SB, although I have to say that this design doesn't really scream 'vintage' to me. Perhaps that's why VC was leaning toward streamlining it a bit and making it more modern?

Have you considered starting frkm scratch with a designer, maybe creating a file of a few inspiration pieces with aspects that you adore and see how they can come together to create one beautiful and unique piece? Inspiration can come from anywhere, Yssie and I were discussing her RDG not long ago and she shared some inspiration photos with me and I was blown away because she used designs from wallpaper and china etc. Very cool!

I cant wait to see what you decide to do. I'm sure its going to be absolutely amazing!

 

[Acinom]

What an exciting project!! I would talk to VC again and see what he can do for you.
My favourite ring with a vintage feel is LGK's ring (see photo). The vintage feel comes from the milgrain, the engraving, the french cut diamond melee as well as the OEC center stone. But he can do magic with pave as well (for example his delicate Emilya setting). If you have small and slender hands, I would choose a bit more delicate setting like VC suggested to you. But most important is that you are in love with the setting. Good luck

 

[msop04]

If you like the orginal setting I would go with SS to do it. I do agree that while VC does great vintage-y rings there is always a modern/ contemporary understone to his style. If you want 100% vintage then stick with SS.

I'm leaning towards SS right now if I'm not going with the original from Kelege because they do look more vintage to me. I'm not comfortable starting on a whole new different style ring with VC. I have not heard from Kirsch yet. Any opinions on whether to go with the round with round halo or round with cushion halo? Unfortunately, Kelege did not have that version anywhere to bring into the store to try on. I have rather small hands and short fingers so as far as how bulky it will look would one halo shape look better than another?

Hey plethora... I totally understand not wanting to start over with a different style ring. I prefer the cushion halo. I think it makes it a little different and draws your eye in (I'm a little biased). This ring reminds me of Juliana Rancic's ering -- gorgeous!

Have you thought about having the three split shank "pinch in" more as it meets the basket? This would make it looks less bulky and accentuate the center more. Also, an octagonal halo would still give you the look, only softened more at the edges like the photos below... very unique. I feel the halos with 8 prongs (or maybe more for your large stone ) give a more vintage looks as well. The only downside to this is that you may grow tired of the shape after a while...

 

[plethora23]

If you like the orginal setting I would go with SS to do it. I do agree that while VC does great vintage-y rings there is always a modern/ contemporary understone to his style. If you want 100% vintage then stick with SS.

I'm leaning towards SS right now if I'm not going with the original from Kelege because they do look more vintage to me. I'm not comfortable starting on a whole new different style ring with VC. I have not heard from Kirsch yet. Any opinions on whether to go with the round with round halo or round with cushion halo? Unfortunately, Kelege did not have that version anywhere to bring into the store to try on. I have rather small hands and short fingers so as far as how bulky it will look would one halo shape look better than another?

Hey plethora... I totally understand not wanting to start over with a different style ring. I prefer the cushion halo. I think it makes it a little different and draws your eye in (I'm a little biased). This ring reminds me of Juliana Rancic's ering -- gorgeous!

Have you thought about having the three split shank "pinch in" more as it meets the basket? This would make it looks less bulky and accentuate the center more. Also, an octagonal halo would still give you the look, only softened more at the edges like the photos below... very unique. I feel the halos with 8 prongs (or maybe more for your large stone ) give a more vintage looks as well. The only downside to this is that you may grow tired of the shape after a while...

I thought about the octagonal halo but when I showed my husband a picture he didn't like it and I personally have never seen or tried one on in person so not sure how that would look. I think that halo shape might take up even more room? The size of the center is going to be soo big already the halo doesn't need to make it any bigger. Although you might see me posting in 5 years saying it's not big enough!
Here's what I was looking at.

 

[msop04]

I thought about the octagonal halo but when I showed my husband a picture he didn't like it and I personally have never seen or tried one on in person so not sure how that would look. I think that halo shape might take up even more room? The size of the center is going to be soo big already the halo doesn't need to make it any bigger. Although you might see me posting in 5 years saying it's not big enough!
Here's what I was looking at.

I'm not quite sure about it taking a little more room, but I do love the ring you posted (Bez Ambar??) In that case, I would do the cushion halo and cinch the shanks where they meet the center.

 

[plethora23]

Anyone have a photo of a ring where the 3 bands are cinched where they meet? I've only seen it on rings with two bands but would like to see what it looks like with the 3 cinched.

 

[msop04]

Anyone have a photo of a ring where the 3 bands are cinched where they meet? I've only seen it on rings with two bands but would like to see what it looks like with the 3 cinched.

I'm not sure that I've seen this, but the middle would stay the same while the outer ones would just be tighter where they attach to the basket. You'd probably have to make them a little thinner for it to look right. (I hope that made sense... ) If you were having SS make it, I'm sure they could give you some drawings of some ways to do it.

 

[Christina...]

Gulp!! I love the Ambar setting you posted. That gets my vote!!

 

[plethora23]

Gulp!! I love the Ambar setting you posted. That gets my vote!!

Of course they had to call it the "Octopus ring" from "the Octopus Collection." What's up with that? I'm not even going to mention that to my husband!