Pricing on Settings

[the_rock]

Hi all, long-time PS lurker.

I finally purchased a stone and was wondering how much settings normally cost. I feel as if there has been a lot of discussion around diamonds and PSers here generally has an idea when a diamond is considered a good value.

However there seems to be a lack of transparency on setting price and quality. Who is a go-to setter, though I do find it tough to stomach handing over an expense piece of gem to a stranger.

I understand it varies by metal (gold, silver?, titanium, setting with additional diamonds).

In my instance, a fairly common setting (Tiffany's 6 prong in platinum). What should I expect to pay? I've been to some jewelers that quoted me $600, some that quoted $2,000, and this is quote a large range.

What are some appropriate questions to ask? What are things that I should focus on?

 

[WinkHPD]

Hi all, long-time PS lurker.

What should I expect to pay? I've been to some jewelers that quoted me $600, some that quoted $2,000, and this is quote a large range.

That is a large range, and ironically, it may be that both the low and the high are fair prices for what is being received.

If you are getting a Stuller setting mounting which is cast and the stone is hastily set and polished, to a degree that looks nice under casual observation, that $600 price may well be a bargain.

If you are getting a mounting that was custom made to fit both the size of your diamond and the finger size of the recipient, polished to a mirror like finish on the inside of the head and shank as well as the outside, that $2,000 price may indeed be a bargain also.

If you were having a truly handmade piece, properly made by an expert craftsman, you will not be able to touch it for only $2,000.

All three will look similar, the difference between the least expensive and the middle will be extremely obvious, especially in photos as it is difficult to take a photo of the $600 ring that will not show polishing scratches when even slightly magnified. Between the custom made ring and the hand made ring, it may be difficult, if not impossible to see any differences, but the hand made piece will still be properly valued as it took more time to make and thus is priced higher. The experience of both of the more expensive pieces will be part of the value as well, and you will need an educated appraiser to have it properly appraised.

There is no real easy answer to the question that you ask, but with some research and exploration, you will determine the path that is proper for you.

Wink

 

[Rockdiamond]

to add to Wink's excellent answer:
I suggest that consumers ask to see actual pieces that have been made by the seller they're considering.
Too many stories of consumers being asked to trust that a shop could make a given style, only to see that the shop was not capable of the details.

Unfortunately, even many jewelry store owners- and salespeople are not trained on subtle differences that can easily double or triple the price is a very fine piece as compared to a commercial item.
I remember having a discussion with a shop owner- his store is a walk-in business on 47th st.
We were looking at one of our "Uber" pieces- a halo ring that sells for over $4k as a semi mount.
He laughed at the price
" I make identical rings for 1/3 the price"
"Wow", I responded, "can you show me one please?"
Suffice it to say that virtually any PS member would have laughed in the guys face- I mean, there was no comparison in quality whatsoever. ( A dog would have seen the difference)
But the guy was insistent. He literally could not see what I was talking about.

There's nothing wrong with commercial merchandise- when it's executed properly.
But if you're looking for fine hand forged, the difference is easily noticeable ( if one cares to look carefully).