Process of searching for an e-ring + questions

[reigndeerz]

Hi all

Armed with a budget of approximately USD3,500, I recently made the decision to scout around for a nice little ring to propose to my GF with...

We have gone walking around a couple of B&M stores, and there were certain settings that intrigued us, but none of which could capture everything that both of us wanted in the ring. Furthermore, the prices quoted for an ideal cut RB solitaire was nearly 50% higher than what it would cost here thru PS, hence the decision to go online, and also the decision to go custom.

In my mind, there''s a nice little picture of what I would like to see in the e-ring. A tension set platinum ring with rose gold trimmings, with a centre stone of approx 0.5 cts and two sidestones of ~.25 cts each. However, I recently heard that tension settings might not be the best idea for a e-ring that would last for the rest of our lives, and furthermore, my gf has also stated that she believes that she might be too rough with her handling of the ring for a tension set to work. So...first question: should I, or should I not still go for a tension set?

Secondly, tension set or not, I would very much like to have a custom design, something unique that I could attach significance to the design of the ring. This would definitely mean working with a jeweler to come up with a design, as the ideas I have are a fusion of the various designs that I have seen thus far. Which jewelers would be recommended for such a task, and how much could I expect to pay just for the ring setting alone? It does seem to me as if customizing rings is going to be a terribly expensive process, and I''m not quite sure if my budget would allow for that.

Last but not least. Which should be the process flow that I should be following?
1. Firming up a ring design before sourcing for the stone(s)
2. Purchasing the stone(s), before finding a jeweler to custom set it

This is a rather exciting process, albeit a painstaking one too, but I''m pretty sure all these hard work put into preparation would be well worth it when I see the ring on my gf''s finger!

Thanks guys and gals!

 

[ct-appr]

A custom mounting could eat up a considerable portion of your budget. I recommend putting most of your budget into the stone. You can always upgrade the mounting later on. It can be problematic to upgrade the diamond.

 

[tyty333]

Date: 10/28/2009 11:20:13 AM
Author: ct-appr
A custom mounting could eat up a considerable portion of your budget. I recommend putting most of your budget into the stone. You can always upgrade the mounting later on. It can be problematic to upgrade the diamond.

Got to agree with ct-appr. With your budget you should be able to find some nice stones for a 3 stone setting. I
think you would probably have a hard time doing both for $3500 but you could certainly contact a vendor and
request a quote. It would be easier to have them source you the diamonds. I would ask Whiteflash for a quote.
You would sort of have to know what you wanted in a setting (more than what you have described). Maybe have
some pictures to show them of rings that you want certain elements of, etc.

I''m not a big tension ring fan so I cant really comment on whether its good for everyday wear (forever). Let us
know if you would like us to suggest tension ring settings. We may be able to come up with some. I havent
seen to many (maybe 1) 3 stone tension ring.

 

[bgray]

reindeerz:

this ring sounds like the ring YOU want--I havent heard you mention what she wants..............?

 

[tarator]

Go down in color, I got an L and really some people say it looks white (others, including myself and others on this board say it has a warmer tone), but I do like the white and in some light it does look white.

Get an SI2 diamond. That way your diamond will still sparkle, but you will be able to afford bigger stones, a custom ring, for less.

 

[outatouch0]

Welcome to PS, I can identify with the budget circumstances so I will comment on what I can.
I don''t know the first thing on tension settings so I will skip that area. Having recently purchased a ring I have some experience with part of your post. More on my experience here
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/hanhs-e-ring.125095/
I agree with a previous post - it is very important to find out what type of ring SHE will like. This takes a considerable amount of thought, effort, and time to get it right so do not rush it. Taking your time also has the added benefit of being able to save up a few more bucks to add to your budget.

I found that having a jeweler start from scratch on a custom piece found on another site tended to double the price of the setting. I would have to agree with prev poster that a custom setting like you describe would likely eat up your entire present budget (platinum is also costs considerably more than white gold).
For your budget I would think you would be better off with a plainer setting (less expensive) leaving more money for quality diamonds. If you are particular on the setting then finding the setting first and getting the diamonds through the same vendor will be more practical and cost effective. Any of the PS vendors can find the diamonds that fit your criteria/situation.

good luck and keep us posted !!!

 

[ct-appr]

Date: 10/28/2009 5:42:06 PM
Author: tarator
Go down in color, I got an L and really some people say it looks white (others, including myself and others on this board say it has a warmer tone), but I do like the white and in some light it does look white.


Get an SI2 diamond. That way your diamond will still sparkle, but you will be able to afford bigger stones, a custom ring, for less.

I don''t 100% agree with the L color recommendation. When the color goes below J, there is noticeable color, especially if the stone is set in white metal. I recommend looking at an L color next to a couple of higher colored stones. Color differences are very subtle and need to be compared side by side. I would keep it above an "I" color. If you get an Ideal or excellent cut, the cut will mask some color and clarity characteristics. Also, a little weak fluorescence will pick up the UV in the daylight and make it look a little whiter. I agree with the SI2 clarity, just find a nice one.

 

[decodelighted]

I don''t think she wants tension set ... she wouldn''t be 2nd guessing that plan re: function if its something she REALLY wanted.

Perhaps it would be best to work with a vendor who also sells diamonds AND does custom work. So you can adjust along the way as the design develops. HOWEVER, personally I''d want to max out size of center stone & go with a simple, sleek, minimalist setting. Sounds like that would suit both of your aesthetics and be the most Bang for the Buck.

 

[E B]

Date: 10/28/2009 6:00:12 PM
Author: decodelighted
I don''t think she wants tension set ... she wouldn''t be 2nd guessing that plan re: function if its something she REALLY wanted.

I agree with this.

What about sitting down with her and coming up with a design together? Make sure you''re completely open to what she wants- remember, she''ll be the one wearing it every day.

Many of the recommended vendors will custom-make a setting as well as source the stone(s), so let them know what you want to spend and you can look for the diamond(s) and discuss the setting at the same time.

 

[reigndeerz]

Thank you all for the replies.

The ring that she wants is really just a unique ring, no other requests really...hence the search for a custom made ring as it does seem that simple settings don''t really fall into that ''unique'' category...heh. The only other request she had for me was to keep my budget down to under $1k, which I personally felt it was quite low!

Given the huge cost of settings as mentioned by all the posters, I might just do away with the thought of customizing the ring, and instead go for a channel set or a setting with micro paves.

 

[tyty333]

Date: 10/28/2009 8:10:15 PM
Author: reigndeerz
Thank you all for the replies.

The ring that she wants is really just a unique ring, no other requests really...hence the search for a custom made ring as it does seem that simple settings don''t really fall into that ''unique'' category...heh. The only other request she had for me was to keep my budget down to under $1k, which I personally felt it was quite low!

Given the huge cost of settings as mentioned by all the posters, I might just do away with the thought of customizing the ring, and instead go for a channel set or a setting with micro paves.

That would be lovely and an excellent idea (IMO)!

 

[clgwli]

Date: 10/28/2009 8:10:15 PM
Author: reigndeerz
Thank you all for the replies.

The ring that she wants is really just a unique ring, no other requests really...hence the search for a custom made ring as it does seem that simple settings don''t really fall into that ''unique'' category...heh. The only other request she had for me was to keep my budget down to under $1k, which I personally felt it was quite low!

Given the huge cost of settings as mentioned by all the posters, I might just do away with the thought of customizing the ring, and instead go for a channel set or a setting with micro paves.

That does sound lovely! No matter what, be sure to talk about options for rings. A good jeweler might be able to help you get what you want by modifying settings too. I have had some lovely jewelry created for me without having to create molds and therefore a higher cost. One of my favorite rings was a simple gold etched band that I loved. I really wanted to add a gem to it, and my jeweler was able to set the stone in the way I wanted to without any issues. My total cost for everything was rather inexpensive. I obviously had the cost for the ring itself, but the setting of the stone was under $100. Just something to keep in mind when trying to create something unique! Good luck to you