No to Robbins Bros, what are my options now??

[justwong]

So I was about 50/50 on going with a ring from RB, but after reading up on this forum (which is awesome BTW), I've decided against it. However, I still love the Tacori setting I saw there (http://www.robbinsbrothers.com/Engagement-Rings/Ring-With-Sidestones/Tacori-i22597.ring), so I'm not too sure on how to proceed from here. I have a friend who got his engagement ring custom made, supposedly identical to a Tacori setting he wanted. His guy provided the setting and the diamond, after getting my friend's approval. I've also been reading up on this forum about getting loose diamonds online, so that gives me another option. However, I've read that Tacori settings are very intricate and I'm afraid the quality will suffer if custom-made. The setting is pretty expensive considering my budget (setting is $3000, budget around $6000), so that also holds me back from wanting to buy retail.

Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated, as I'm feeling a bit like I'm in over my head here. Thanks in advance.

 

[RockyRacoon]

So I was about 50/50 on going with a ring from RB, but after reading up on this forum (which is awesome BTW), I've decided against it. However, I still love the Tacori setting I saw there (http://www.robbinsbrothers.com/Engagement-Rings/Ring-With-Sidestones/Tacori-i22597.ring), so I'm not too sure on how to proceed from here. I have a friend who got his engagement ring custom made, supposedly identical to a Tacori setting he wanted. His guy provided the setting and the diamond, after getting my friend's approval. I've also been reading up on this forum about getting loose diamonds online, so that gives me another option. However, I've read that Tacori settings are very intricate and I'm afraid the quality will suffer if custom-made. The setting is pretty expensive considering my budget (setting is $3000, budget around $6000), so that also holds me back from wanting to buy retail.

Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated, as I'm feeling a bit like I'm in over my head here. Thanks in advance.

It might be worthwhile to first consider getting the real thing.

If you purchase the stone + setting from a single vendor, you can often get a discount on the setting.

Here are two vendors that can get Tacori settings.

Each of these stones is well-cut and comes with a great trade-up policy:
.84ct, I, VS2
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3317409.htm

.821ct, H, SI1
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3326172.htm

.81ct, I, SI1
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/0-81ct-i-si1-premium-round-ideal-cut-diamond.html

Depending upon the exact setting, you may be able to get close to your $6k budget with one of those stones.

Worth getting a quote, before looking at the custom route.

 

[baby monster]

Does it have to be Tacori? How about a similar setting from Gabriel? https://eshop.gabrielny.com/product/ER11823R3W83JJ/amavida

Few PS vendors offer Gabriel line - ID Jewelry and Good Old Gold.

 

[justwong]

Thanks for the replies!

@Rocky, those diamonds look great and better than the RB one they had offered. Do you know if the vendors you listed offer discounts for ring/diamond combos? Whiteflash has the setting I want, but I can't anything about discounts there.

@baby monster, it doesn't have to be Tacori, and that's a nice looking setting as well, but I liked the fact that I saw the ring in person and compared it with others in the store. Do you know if any retail stores would carry the Gabriel line so I could physically look at it?

 

[baby monster]

Both IDJ and GOG have Gabriel setting on hand so if you're in NY/NJ area, you can make an appt and go see them in person. Otherwise, Gabriel site has "find a store" option to locate a retailer by you. Gabriel line is pretty extensive though, so check if they have this particular one on display.

 

[RockyRacoon]

Thanks for the replies!

@Rocky, those diamonds look great and better than the RB one they had offered. Do you know if the vendors you listed offer discounts for ring/diamond combos? Whiteflash has the setting I want, but I can't anything about discounts there.

I would just give Whiteflash a call.

I've dealt with them on multiple occasions and they have always been responsive and honest.

Give them your parameters (including budget), the setting you're after, the stones you like, and see what they can do!

 

[justwong]

Thanks again for responses. I'm going to try getting a quote from the custom guy and see what he has to say first. I started looking at loose diamonds on Bluenile as well, are they more or less reliable than whiteflash?

 

[RockyRacoon]

Thanks again for responses. I'm going to try getting a quote from the custom guy and see what he has to say first. I started looking at loose diamonds on Bluenile as well, are they more or less reliable than whiteflash?

BN does not provide any of the info you need to determine a stone's light performance (many consider to be the most important component of a stone).

They do offer very good prices, but you are buying blind.