Price No Object - Canadian Jeweller or Order from the US?

[MikeJones281]

I've spent months lurking the site, and have learned a ton! I'm ready to buy an engagement ring, but am having a really hard time deciding where to have it made. I live in Toronto, but had planned to have Victor Canera do the setting. I figured that it will be a little disconcerting to have the finished ring shipped here, but it was worth it for guaranteed quality. I am now having second thoughts about having the ring made non-locally, and would appreciate input from others who have been faced with the same decision.

I have been unable to find anyone in Toronto that specializes in entirely hand-forged rings. A few places have said they can do it, but typically they cast them. As such, they don't have any entirely forged rings to see in person, or even photos. I am not at all concerned about the difference in cost of forged vs. cast, and am more than happy to pay the VC price for quality; I just want the best made ring possible. With that said, I know that pave is delicate, and will likely require repairs over time. For that reason, it would be much more convenient to be able to take the ring somewhere locally for repairs and resizing down the road.

I've read great things about Leif Benner, but people here still seem to consider his work to be of somewhat lesser quality than VC, SK, LM; presumably because his work is mostly cast.

I really have two questions:

1) If price is not a concern, are there any jewellers in Toronto that compare to VC, SK, LM?
2) If not, is it generally worth settling for slightly lesser quality for the benefit of after-sale-care?

Any insight will be greatly appreciated!

 

[CharmyPoo]

Re: Price No Object - Canadian Jeweller or Order from the US

1) If price is not a concern, are there any jewellers in Toronto that compare to VC, SK, LM?
There may be but I haven't been able to find any that come close. I have heard that Leif will not fix outside work.

2) If not, is it generally worth settling for slightly lesser quality for the benefit of after-sale-care?
No. I rarely need after sales care so it is not worth it to me at all to get a lesser ring. With that said, I would rather go to SK and LM because of the closer distance NYC is to Toronto. It is far easier for me to make my way to NYC than it is to Cali. SK provides amazing after sales care and helps me with me other jewellery as well.

In Toronto, I use PH Design for resizing, setting, rhodium plating etc. I use them for my lower end purchases and they do a fantastic job. My higher end pieces go to SK.

I just came across this designer but have no experience. Her work looks amazing although I am not sure if she does e-rings.
http://www.reenaahluwalia.com

What is the setting design you are after?

 

[MikeJones281]

Re: Price No Object - Canadian Jeweller or Order from the US

Thanks so much for the response,

I'm looking for a split-shank with a halo; something like Victor's Anne Marie (http://www.victorcanera.com/the-anne-marie-split-shank-halo), or MNMade's SK ring, but with a halo ([URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/gog-2-5-rb-united-with-steven-kirschs-superb-artistry.185378/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/gog-2-5-rb-united-with-steven-kirschs-superb-artistry.185378/[/URL]).

So if you needed an SK ring resized, would you have that done at PH Designs, or would you take it to NY? My concern is that if the ring is ever resized elsewhere, the jeweller who made the ring would be less likely to stand behing their pave work if any issues came about later.

I have no doubt that I'm over-thinking this; just want to make sure I end up with the perfect ring - with no eventual regrets!

 

[CharmyPoo]

Re: Price No Object - Canadian Jeweller or Order from the US

Since you are going for a split shank, I would without a doubt use one of the three mentioned here. My e-ring is a split shank and the one that MNMAde's ring is modelled after. My ring was made by Leon Mege and Steven Kirsch made me my matching band. I find that very few can get the flow and curves of the split shank right. I have seen a few of my friends attempt this locally in Toronto and perhaps I am bias but none of them look right to me.

I only trust my higher end pieces with Leon Mege and Steven Kirsch (I don't mention VC simply because I have not worked with him directly and he is in California - has nothing to do with his capability). It is not that PH can't do it but I don't want to risk it. The pave is too delicate and the skill required is just on a different level. Steven is very easy going so I am sure he will still repair your ring in the even that someone else resized it. If a melee falls out, he can literally do it on the spot for you. I don't think this would work for Leon Mege as he would not be happy if someone else touched your ring.

You aren't over thinking it. Everything you have asked is very important and key considerations in your choice. Given your circumstances, I would first make sure you get your gf's finger sized so that you can make a setting as close to fitting as possible. I would also recommend that you use Steven Kirsch - my rationale is that he is more flexible than Leon Mege, he has made the setting and there is proof of the quality, and finally because he is in NYC which makes travel a heck of a lot easier in the even that you really need to do something with it. I find it much easier to make a trip to NYC than to LA - transport, hotels, things to do, etc. Plus, you are bound to find a friend making a trip out to NYC but not so much LA on a regular basis. On top of all that, this is really just a personal recommendation as I have worked on numerous projects with Steven Kirsch and feel very comfortable with his personality, style, flexibility, etc. He has made net new rings for me, turned ugly ducklings into works of art, resized numerous rings, fixed poor pave workmanship from other vendors.

Here are some split shank halo rings on SK's site. Each have a slightly different style of pave around the halo.
http://www.stevenkirsch.com/engagement/halo/r0104.html
http://www.stevenkirsch.com/engagement/halo/r0156.html
http://www.stevenkirsch.com/engagement/halo/r0148.html
http://www.stevenkirsch.com/engagement/halo/r0119.html

And this one .. wow.
http://www.stevenkirsch.com/engagement/halo/r0123.html

 

[MikeJones281]

Re: Price No Object - Canadian Jeweller or Order from the US

Thanks again, I really appreciate it! This is exactly what I needed to hear to justify the extra effort!

 

[arkieb1]

Re: Price No Object - Canadian Jeweller or Order from the US

+1

 

[arkieb1]

Re: Price No Object - Canadian Jeweller or Order from the US

I vote use one of them too. My vote would be for Victor. His pave is immaculate. And he is a really nice guy as well. I have a ring made by him and I live in Australia. It was not a drama.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Re: Price No Object - Canadian Jeweller or Order from the US

Make sure you come back and let us know whatever you decide ... we want to see the finished product too!

 

[MikeJones281]

Re: Price No Object - Canadian Jeweller or Order from the US

Thanks again!

I'll certainly post photos once it's done. I'm meeting with a local diamond dealer this week, as I'd like to see the stones in person without having to deal with customs before having it set. Martin from USA Certed Diamonds has set up an appointment for me with his supplier, as he has explained that stones in the range I'm looking are pretty uncommon in Canada!

 

[CharmyPoo]

Re: Price No Object - Canadian Jeweller or Order from the US

What specs are you looking for?

 

[anne_h]

Re: Price No Object - Canadian Jeweller or Order from the US

I'm from Canada too and have never been able to find diamonds, gems and jewelry for comparable selection, price and quality as in the US. Although I dislike the logistical hassles associated with buying out of the country.

I live in a large Canadian city and have never been able to find what I am looking for here.

My ring is the original Anne-Marie from VC that you referred to. I can attest that Victor's service and work is excellent. He created a beautiful split shank. Note that I opted for a shank a bit thicker than most who go for delicate pave. I went for 1.8mm for durability. I believe Victor will go as low as 1.5mm if you want (just confirm with him).

I know SK and LM are admired by others here. I'm sure you can't go wrong by choosing one of these makers.

The only downside I've encountered so far by not going local (besides logistics) is any sizing or repair work you may need. So far I've needed none, but if/when I do, I know I will only want Victor's bench to touch it. Still worth it to me though.

Hope this helps,

Anne

 

[MikeJones281]

Re: Price No Object - Canadian Jeweller or Order from the US

Thanks Anne,

It's great to get confirmation that repairs aren't required that often. I'll also be going with a thicker shank, similar to yours. Needless to say, I'm a big fan of your ring! Did you have the ring shipped, or did you pick it up in LA?

Charmy, I'm looking for a ~3ct. RB, H&A, F-G, VS stone.

Thanks again for all the feedback!

 

[arkieb1]

Re: Price No Object - Canadian Jeweller or Order from the US

If you don't have any luck, Perry who works with Leon can source anything for you and their prices are O.K, Victor has a smaller selection but will source stones for you as well. He has an excellent eye for quality too.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Re: Price No Object - Canadian Jeweller or Order from the US

I don't know your budget but at that size ... I would just buy this one and be done with it if money is no object. I would not worry about buying a RB sight unseen. Plus, you can't really get better than BGD signature line. $54K
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/3.125-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104062605004

$35,800 but need to confirm if it is eyeclean.
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/round-cut/3.01-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-200200

Or this one for $35K which doesn't have the best HCA score. It does look nice to me and GOG does have it in their inventory (and usually GOG carries well cut stones). I would talk to Jon first before making any decisions.
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10361/

ETA: Oops, I just read 3 ct and missed the F-G, VS part.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Re: Price No Object - Canadian Jeweller or Order from the US

Some other options ... none are perfect.

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/round-cut/3.11-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-145028

Virtual stone to be called in
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-3313852-3.02-carat-Round-diamond-F-color-VS2-Clarity.aspx?sku=3313852&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

 

[MikeJones281]

Re: Price No Object - Canadian Jeweller or Order from the US

Thanks again Charmy,

I'm not concerned about the price of the setting; I do have a budget in mind for the stone though! I would like to keep it under $70k, so unfortunately that James Allen stone won't work. I've spoken to Brian about this 3.288 H SI1 (http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/3.288-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-104063703001). Having never seen a comparable stone in person, I'm nervous about going below my preferred colour and clarity grade. Seeing it in person may alleviate some of my concerns. Brian mentioned that he may be able to arrange to have it brought to Toronto for me to see, which would be great.

Also, with regards to the B2C stone, I am looking for something with no or faint fluorescence.

Thanks again!

 

[heididdl]

Re: Price No Object - Canadian Jeweller or Order from the US

I like charmypoos 3.12 from BG gorgous stone

 

[MikeJones281]

Re: Price No Object - Canadian Jeweller or Order from the US

I like charmypoos 3.12 from BG gorgous stone

Seems like someone else did too, as it's now reserved!

I came across this stone from GOG, and it looks fantastic. A bit below my ideal colour range, but I'm hoping the cut will make up for it. I still have my appointment with the local dealer later in the week, but have reserved this one so it isn't sold before I have a chance to make my decision.

Please let me know your thoughts!
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10287/

 

[MikeJones281]

Re: Price No Object - Canadian Jeweller or Order from the US

I've just been informed by GOG that the stone I reserved yesterday has now been sold to someone else. Needless to say, I'm incredibly disappointed with them, and am unlikely to buy from them in the future!

 

[WillyDiamond]

Re: Price No Object - Canadian Jeweller or Order from the US

I've just been informed by GOG that the stone I reserved yesterday has now been sold to someone else. Needless to say, I'm incredibly disappointed with them, and am unlikely to buy from them in the future!

If the stone you reserved at GOG was in house, that is inexcusable. If it was part of their virtual collection, then these things happen because it may take a few days to update the system. Either way you may want to take this up with Jonathan at GOG.

 

[vintagelover229]

Re: Price No Object - Canadian Jeweller or Order from the US

I know you said you wanted a round but have you seen this ring by Leon? It's all set and ready to go and amazing!!

http://www.leonmege.com/index.php/shop-now/shop-now/cold-fusion-3-carat-true-antique-cushion-diamond-engagement-ring-detail

 

[MikeJones281]

Re: Price No Object - Canadian Jeweller or Order from the US

I've just been informed by GOG that the stone I reserved yesterday has now been sold to someone else. Needless to say, I'm incredibly disappointed with them, and am unlikely to buy from them in the future!

If the stone you reserved at GOG was in house, that is inexcusable. If it was part of their virtual collection, then these things happen because it may take a few days to update the system. Either way you may want to take this up with Jonathan at GOG.

I certainly did not see anything on the page to indicate that it was in virtual inventory, and when I spoke to them on the phone before reserving it, they certainly did not mention any possibility of it not being available. I understand these things happen though, and won't let it bother me too much!

 

[MikeJones281]

Re: Price No Object - Canadian Jeweller or Order from the US

I know you said you wanted a round but have you seen this ring by Leon? It's all set and ready to go and amazing!!

http://www.leonmege.com/index.php/shop-now/shop-now/cold-fusion-3-carat-true-antique-cushion-diamond-engagement-ring-detail

Unbelievable ring, but I'm not in enough of a rush to justify getting anything other than exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks for the suggestion though!

 

[Behacad]

Re: Price No Object - Canadian Jeweller or Order from the US

I am in Toronto. If budget is limited to under 10k, would you still recommend going with someone from New York? I have looked at Leif Benner's work, and I am considering going with him. I would like a tapered pave with some delicate handwork on the sides of the band.