PS''ers helped find my diamond, now lets find a setting!

[VetChecker]

Date: 6/28/2010 8:40:20 PM
Author: dreamer_d

Date: 6/28/2010 8:22:03 PM

Author: VetChecker

Yeah, I didnt much care for that 88 diamond either. I much prefer the octavia. I did real a long thread on him and saw the mixed reviews. I can see both sides but there is no question his work is high quality. I am still keeping my options open and will consider any suggestions given.


Im going to search for that heats on fire setting that was just posted. I am still open and would love a split shank if i can find the right one. Does anyone have any experience with a split shank? Specifically finding bands to match up flush with them?

I think you will always have a slight gap. I like the look of a gap, so it would not worry me. Has your gf expressed that she really wants a flush fit between her rings?

No she hasn''t expressed that she wants a flush setting...Maybe im the odd ball when it comes to engagement. We have talked about marriage but never talk about the ring. She will be happy with whatever I choose I know. She is not very particular at all, if anything IM the particular one!

Many of my friends tell me just to pick one out already but Im not rushing and making sure that I get the one we both will love.

As far as flush goes though, many woman I know have mentioned to make sure it is something that will sit flush...so that is all I have to go off of.

 

[cemrn]

Although I can really appreciate the work Leon does I think you are listening too much to him and not to your beloved. The Octavia is gorgeous and at the beginning of the thread you seemed over the moon about it. It sounds like a style she would really like. That seemed to be your gut instinct??? I''d go with that. What girl wouldn''t looooooove it

 

[Clairitek]

Date: 6/28/2010 8:55:18 PM
Author: VetChecker

Date: 6/28/2010 8:40:20 PM
Author: dreamer_d

Date: 6/28/2010 8:22:03 PM

Author: VetChecker

Yeah, I didnt much care for that 88 diamond either. I much prefer the octavia. I did real a long thread on him and saw the mixed reviews. I can see both sides but there is no question his work is high quality. I am still keeping my options open and will consider any suggestions given.


Im going to search for that heats on fire setting that was just posted. I am still open and would love a split shank if i can find the right one. Does anyone have any experience with a split shank? Specifically finding bands to match up flush with them?

I think you will always have a slight gap. I like the look of a gap, so it would not worry me. Has your gf expressed that she really wants a flush fit between her rings?

No she hasn''t expressed that she wants a flush setting...Maybe im the odd ball when it comes to engagement. We have talked about marriage but never talk about the ring. She will be happy with whatever I choose I know. She is not very particular at all, if anything IM the particular one!

Many of my friends tell me just to pick one out already but Im not rushing and making sure that I get the one we both will love.
As far as flush goes though, many woman I know have mentioned to make sure it is something that will sit flush...so that is all I have to go off of.

Just thought I''d chime in that most of the women I know who have engagement rings are not fanatical about it sitting flush. I''d put a priority on getting her a setting that she has shown you that she likes before I worry about stuff like a WB sitting flush. If she hasn''t spefically mentioned it, then perhaps it isn''t a big deal?

 

[VetChecker]

Date: 6/28/2010 9:00:43 PM
Author: cemrn
Although I can really appreciate the work Leon does I think you are listening too much to him and not to your beloved. The Octavia is gorgeous and at the beginning of the thread you seemed over the moon about it. It sounds like a style she would really like. That seemed to be your gut instinct??? I''d go with that. What girl wouldn''t looooooove it

Thanks Cemrn! You put me back on track! I need that sometimes...usually the gf is there for it when i start to get excited about something but since I cant (wont) talk to her about this now, I guess thats why I need all of you!

I just love the LM settings...wish I could afford a nice split pave from him. I am still searching for that perfect one though! I either want that perfect split pave or the simple one. Anyone out there have any more they have seen or stumbled upon? I am really looking forward to talking to jonathan tomorrow from GOG abotu what he has and can do.

 

[E B]

Date: 6/28/2010 9:12:28 PM
Author: VetChecker

I just love the LM settings...wish I could afford a nice split pave from him. I am still searching for that perfect one though! I either want that perfect split pave or the simple one. Anyone out there have any more they have seen or stumbled upon? I am really looking forward to talking to jonathan tomorrow from GOG abotu what he has and can do.

How would you feel about going custom? If you do split-shank, I''d highly recommend it. It wouldn''t hurt to get some quotes.

 

[slg47]

Date: 6/28/2010 9:21:37 PM
Author: E B

Date: 6/28/2010 9:12:28 PM

Author: VetChecker


I just love the LM settings...wish I could afford a nice split pave from him. I am still searching for that perfect one though! I either want that perfect split pave or the simple one. Anyone out there have any more they have seen or stumbled upon? I am really looking forward to talking to jonathan tomorrow from GOG abotu what he has and can do.

How would you feel about going custom? If you do split-shank, I''d highly recommend it. It wouldn''t hurt to get some quotes.

ask GOG, I believe they do custom work? that way the proportions would be right for the diamond...

 

[VetChecker]

I am fine going custom. I wouldn''t know where to start online. I have talked to a handful of local jewelers and they have discussed custom work with them.

I have heard many of you mention some of "PriceScope vendors". Are these just the users online that are vendors or is there a partner list someplace I haven''t found yet? Even though I have spent nearly every free minute on the forum over the last week, I''m still new.

 

[slg47]

I''d start with GOG, see what they have or can get in terms of stock settings, and get a quote for custom. I''d also go 1/2 pave or 3/4 to save $$ (so only have the pave 1/2 way around the band)

I think PS vendors just refers to vendors recommended on PS, such as GOG, WF, BGD, JA, etc...

 

[CharmyPoo]

On one end of the custom world are vendors like Leon Mege, Single Stone, Ocean Pearlman, Mark Morrell, Maytal Hannah, and Durnell that do hand made custom work. Popular CAD and CAST custom jewelers include WhiteFlash, Brian Gavin Diamonds, ERD and Jewels by Erica Grace. I would venture to say that WhiteFlash and Brian Gavin Diamonds are more popular for their CAD and CAST work.

 

[Lula]

Date: 6/28/2010 5:20:47 PM
Author: dreamer_d

Date: 6/28/2010 5:14:47 PM

Author: E B

Date: 6/28/2010 4:57:23 PM

Author: VetChecker

Well he replied fairly quickly.... he suggested i look at this website


here

.

Is he suggesting this cut for you?

Never heard of that cut. I like the octavia myself.


Have you done a search on Leon? He has a very mixed reputation on PS. I think if you want to work with him it is a good idea to do a search so you have an idea of his pluses and minuses. He is an artist no question, but not very good at customer service *overall*. He has his fans, no doubt, and many happy PS customers... but enough unhappy ones that I personally would not buy from him.


Anyways, you can form your own opinions, but I think it is a good idea to do some research before making a decision!

Ditto -- a big, fat, giant ditto. I've been biting my tongue -- or rather sitting on my hands, to stop myself from replying to this thread. But unleash the hounds! I can't stop myself. That man has an ego the size of Jupiter (the planet, that is, though I'm sure he's thinking I mean the god)!

The nerve. The nerve! There are many vendors regularly recommended on PS who are longtime "competitors" but who are gentlemen to their core and who will not refuse to work with a client who wants to buy a stone from one place and a setting from another. In fact, they pride themselves on their good sportsmanship.

I do not understand how this benchman has risen to the heights he has on this forum -- indeed, almost mythical proportions -- given his attitude and his shoddy customer service. Yes, he does good pave. But so do others, without the 'tude. I for one am too old to deal with that kind of cra* from someone to whom I'm forking over my hard-earned money for a luxury good.

And now he is selling diamonds. Okay, fine -- he has the right to source his own diamonds. But, VetChecker, have you read the history of the Octavia? Do you realize that it was designed by a very talented diamond designer who has been a consumer member of this forum since practically its inception? Owning an Octavia is a rare thing indeed in these days of mass produced diamonds -- each with a more elaborate marketing gimmick than the next. Read the threads about its design and production in the PS archives. Then tell me you would not be proud to own something so unusual and born of a highly unusual cooperative artisan process (a consumer-designer, who is now part of the trade; a cutter, and a vendor willing to take a chance on a new design). Very rare indeed in these days of slick mass marketing.

I can't help but think that Leon is an authorized dealer of the "eighty-eight" cut, and that's why he sent you that link.

There are many lovely settings available for the beautiful Octavia stone you have chosen. Jonathan has a good reputation on this forum; he also plays well with others - ahem -- and if he feels that another vendor would be a better choice for the setting you want, I'm sure he will willing share that information with you.

End of rant.

 

[VetChecker]

Ahh Sara! I love the rant! My deposit is on the Octavia and just waiting until tomorrow to talk to jonathan to seal the deal! I get EXACTLY what you mean about him though. The more I think about it now the more I think it isnt worth the hassle. I know 100% if I mention LM to any person in my circle of friends they would have A CLUE who I was talking about. To be honest, I cant even talk about this process with most of them because the run of the mill late 20-early 30 something does not have the desire to research a product before making an investment. All the woman I know engaged/married are sporting mall box store rings that have that highly desired I2 clarity and J color at only a 500% mark up!

I don''t want my future wife to be wearing "just another ring" that every other woman is wearing. That is why I love that diamond. (No offense please to anyone who has bought a ring at the local mall, but in my limited experience..most shoppers go there and get taken since they don''t take the time to ask questions and educate themselves) Sorry about that rant!

Back to what you were saying. I mentioned on the phone that it was designed by a consumer and he mumbled a little something I couldn''t make out. I am willing to hear him out if he can find something as unique and stunning as the Octavia. At the end of the conversation he did say he would set it if we couldn''t find something so we should give him credit for that.

In the end I know what I end up with will be perfect. I won''t settle for less then that. Thanks to everyone helping so far and who I am sure will continue to help!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 6/28/2010 9:52:08 PM
Author: CharmyPoo
On one end of the custom world are vendors like Leon Mege, Single Stone, Ocean Pearlman, Mark Morrell, Maytal Hannah, and Durnell that do hand made custom work. Popular CAD and CAST custom jewelers include WhiteFlash, Brian Gavin Diamonds, ERD and Jewels by Erica Grace. I would venture to say that WhiteFlash and Brian Gavin Diamonds are more popular for their CAD and CAST work.

Yes. Keep in mind the price difference for the former group will be to the tune of double the price from the latter, though it is worth it for hand made if it is to be a heirloom piece and you can afford it.

"Price Scope Vendors" are vendors who have passed the consumer test on pricescope in terms of the product they offer and the customer service theyr provide. Most pay to advertise here, and some do not, but all of the vendors who are named here regularly have earned their recommendations.

Without hesitation I recommend:

Good Old Gold (GOG)
Whiteflash (WF)
Brian Gavin Diamonds (BGD)
High Performance Diamonds (HPD)
James Allen (JA)
Engagement Rings Direct (ERD)

Each excells in slightly different things.

Now that I think of it, ERD also does very nice CAD and cast pave work, so they might also be someone to contact for your setting, along with BGD and WF.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 6/28/2010 10:11:37 PM
Author: VetChecker
... All the woman I know engaged/married are sporting mall box store rings that have that highly desired I2 clarity and J color at only a 500% mark up!
.

Hey some of us love our J color diamonds

 

[VetChecker]

Date: 6/28/2010 10:17:44 PM
Author: dreamer_d

Date: 6/28/2010 10:11:37 PM

Author: VetChecker

... All the woman I know engaged/married are sporting mall box store rings that have that highly desired I2 clarity and J color at only a 500% mark up!

.

Hey some of us love our J color diamonds

But your not buying a J, expecting E

 

[E B]

Ha, sara! So true.

VC, I''d send the original inspiration photo to whichever vendors you like the most, give ''em the amount you want to spend, Octavia''s dimensions, and see what''s doable. The half eternity idea is a good one not only to save money, but its a) easier to resize should she ever need to and b) she wont have to worry about losing a diamond if she smacks the bottom of it into a metal doorknob, a hard counter, whatever.

Keep us posted!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 6/28/2010 10:36:06 PM
Author: E B
Ha, sara! So true.

VC, I''d send the original inspiration photo to whichever vendors you like the most, give ''em the amount you want to spend, Octavia''s dimensions, and see what''s doable. The half eternity idea is a good one not only to save money, but its a) easier to resize should she ever need to and b) she wont have to worry about losing a diamond if she smacks the bottom of it into a metal doorknob, a hard counter, whatever.

Keep us posted!

Excellent suggestion!

 

[VetChecker]

I know with such a limited budget left I shouldnt be asking this question, but just for educational purpose:

18k white gold vs platinum?

In the long run isn''t Platinum the ideal material? No need to redip ect? Is it worth the extra 500-1k?

 

[yssie]

Sara that was heartfelt

Well, he does beautiful work, no arguments - but yes, so do many others, I agree. I think the name Leon Mege is on the tip of the tongue right now because so many people have posted pieces he's made for them recently - give it a few weeks and the spotlight will be on some other designer

 

[yssie]

Date: 6/28/2010 10:41:17 PM
Author: VetChecker
I know with such a limited budget left I shouldnt be asking this question, but just for educational purpose:

18k white gold vs platinum?

In the long run isn't Platinum the ideal material? No need to redip ect? Is it worth the extra 500-1k?

I would definitely inquire into the specialty white golds that don't need dipping.

As for the 'ideal material' - totally depends on what YOU want. I thought so too, until I had my Ering custom made in it, and I couldn't stand the patina or the colour on my skin so long run or short run platinum is definitely not for me

 

[LGK]

I don''t actually think PT is inherently superior to WG. It is just a different metal with different properties. If you''re getting a really lacy and delicate filigree piece, PT is better. For a plain band, IMO, WG is better because it doesn''t show nicks/scratches as much.

And yeah, there''re types of white gold alloyed with palladium that don''t need rhodium plating. I have one and love it- nice and bright white.

(Unplated white gold is pretty too- see yssie''s set for a great example.)

Glad you''re thinking of sticking with the Octavia- that response you got from Leon kind of irked me just reading about it actually. And I think the Octavia is way prettier- and a lot more like what your GF wants- than the 88 cut diamond. I don''t like busy extra facets much, unless it''s a massive 3 ct+ stone. I personally like the look of bigger facets- they give those gorgeous huge fire flashes, rather than a lot of splintery pinfiery ones.

 

[VetChecker]

Date: 6/28/2010 11:03:54 PM
Author: LittleGreyKitten
I don''t actually think PT is inherently superior to WG. It is just a different metal with different properties. If you''re getting a really lacy and delicate filigree piece, PT is better. For a plain band, IMO, WG is better because it doesn''t show nicks/scratches as much.


And yeah, there''re types of white gold alloyed with palladium that don''t need rhodium plating. I have one and love it- nice and bright white.


(Unplated white gold is pretty too- see yssie''s set for a great example.)


Glad you''re thinking of sticking with the Octavia- that response you got from Leon kind of irked me just reading about it actually. And I think the Octavia is way prettier- and a lot more like what your GF wants- than the 88 cut diamond. I don''t like busy extra facets much, unless it''s a massive 3 ct+ stone. I personally like the look of bigger facets- they give those gorgeous huge fire flashes, rather than a lot of splintery pinfiery ones.

Im not just thinking, but going to get the Octavia! I have it on hold and am ready to move on it. That said, I am willing to listen to other suggestions if someone of LM''s reputation states that he can find something better.

I have watched that video of it a 100 times! I hope that is the actual diamond in the video! Now I just need to find that darn setting!

Tomorrow will be a busy day!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 6/28/2010 10:41:29 PM
Author: yssie
Sara that was heartfelt

And a little scary

 

[lknvrb4]

My split shank will allow a wedding band to sit flush. Perhaps call some vendors and ask if they have any that sit flush.

 

[VetChecker]

Good morning Pricescope! Today should be a fun day of shooting off emails to some of the vendors you all suggested! I can''t wait to hear back from GOG.

LK: Do you have a picture of how your spit shank looks?

 

[Lula]

Date: 6/29/2010 1:31:56 AM
Author: dreamer_d

Date: 6/28/2010 10:41:29 PM

Author: yssie

Sara that was heartfelt

And a little scary

an

heh-heh -- yeah, I scared myself, too.

That response from Leon with the link to the eighty-eight is what sent me over the edge. I mean, that was over the top even for Leon.

VetChecker, Dreamer gave you a great list of names; have fun today contacting them -- we'll all be anxiously awaiting (some of us more anxiously than others!) a follow-up!

 

[VetChecker]

Date: 6/29/2010 8:34:35 AM
Author: sarap333

Date: 6/29/2010 1:31:56 AM

Author: dreamer_d

Date: 6/28/2010 10:41:29 PM


Author: yssie


Sara that was heartfelt

And a little scary

an

heh-heh -- yeah, I scared myself, too.


That response from Leon with the link to the eighty-eight is what sent me over the edge. I mean, that was over the top even for Leon.


VetChecker, Dreamer gave you a great list of names; have fun today contacting them -- we''ll all be anxiously awaiting (some of us more anxiously than others!) a follow-up!

Thanks. I have already started putting things together to send out to each of them! This is turning into an adventure as I have now ran into a problem that threatens the entire "surprise" thing!

I have a side job coaching at a local high school and that is how I am paying for the difference between my saved money and the cost. I wont get paid though until December so yesterday I contacted my bank, USAA, and took out a personal loan. It did not hit me until afterwards that she logs into my account to pay some of our bills...and the loan shows up in there now!!

So I am desperately trying to work with the bank to find a way to remove them from my online display but it currently is not looking to good!

I swear...if this all works out in the end, I am going to put this entire experience into one of those short stories you see on MSN/CNN ect!

 

[VetChecker]

Well here is the update as of this morning. I have sent emails to a most of the places on the list up above. I used the online chat tool with whiteflash where the nice woman took the specifics of what I wanted to find. We also talked about options if we cant find or make a quality split shank pave to compliment the octavia. Here is a link to one of her suggestions. Single band pave

Any thoughts on that one as we wait for responses?

 

[E B]

Date: 6/29/2010 10:43:24 AM
Author: VetChecker
Well here is the update as of this morning. I have sent emails to a most of the places on the list up above. I used the online chat tool with whiteflash where the nice woman took the specifics of what I wanted to find. We also talked about options if we cant find or make a quality split shank pave to compliment the octavia. Here is a link to one of her suggestions. Single band pave

Any thoughts on that one as we wait for responses?

It's pretty! What do you think?

If we're talking about Whiteflash settings, I've got to suggest this one, too. Super delicate (and a lot less expensive!):

The 'Legato' with Micro Pave

 

[HoyaLawyaBride]

So glad you''re keeping the Octavia! I gasped when I saw that diamond. If you released it, I would have snatched it up!

 

[VetChecker]

Date: 6/29/2010 10:46:20 AM
Author: E B
It''s pretty! What do you think?


If we''re talking about Whiteflash settings, I''ve got to suggest this one, too. Super delicate (and a lot less expensive!):


The ''Legato'' with Micro Pave

Well the one they suggested I do think looks very nice. I wonder if it will take away from the center diamond? The link you provided, I personally am not a fan of the circle and then a mount

What I mean is if you compare the two, I have a strong preference to how the setting blends up to the mounting instead of attaches. (I feel like I am speaking dutch as I am sure there is a much more proper way to say what im trying too!

)