Questions about settings... am I just being a stickler?

[sapx2]

Hello,

First, I want to say that this forum is extremely helpful, especially for someone who is very new to this. I am currently looking to buy an e-ring for my gf, and want to make sure that I get the best I can within my budget ($7500 max)... she deserves it! I''ve decided that I want to buy from a B&M store... i realize that I may pay a little more, but this is something that I just can''t buy without seeing it first (I realize that most onlie retailers have great return policies, but I think she''ll eventually figure out what I''m doing if boxes keep arriving at the door - I want this to be a surprise). Also, maybe I''m old school, but I think theres something more romantic about picking out a stone in person. I live near Boston, so there are plenty of great stores in the area... Shreve, Long''s, Tiffany, etc.

So that being said, I''ve looked at a lot of diamonds in person, I''ve seen heart and arrows, perfect symmetry, fire, sparkle, etc. The diamonds look great on their own, but as soon as they are dropped into a setting, they dont look quite as good. It seems that all of the settings are too big for the diamond, and make it look much smaller than it is. I am looking at stones between .75 ct and 1 ct. round brilliant. I realize that the setting will look different once the jeweler actually cuts it down properly, but even the stones that are set in store look too small for the settings... there seems to be a lot of space between the culet and the ring, and the prongs seem to overwhelm the stone. Blue Nile settings seem to have the same problem, based on pictures on their website. I am just looking for a classic solitaire setting.

Is this a common problem? Am I looking into this too much? The only place that seems to have settings that complement the stone (and sometimes make it look a lot bigger than it is) is Tiffany''s... but I''m not too sure I want to pay that type of premium price.

Any help, advice, or suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[meffaman]

This reply is a little off-topic, but I''m also from Boston (Medford - hence the "meffaman") and felt compelled to point out a couple of things I''ve come to realize in the past week or two with my own purchase. I completely understand you wanting to go to a B&M and I''m not looking to change your mind on that, just make sure you''re comparing everything and taking everything into consideration.

I''m upgrading my wifes original e-ring to a 3-stone and also purchasing a new wedding band. I went with matching rings from Precision Set. Initially I wasn''t sure if I made the right decision, but after reading threads on what band to match with particular e-rings, and the problem someone else is dealing with with a band that''s sitting too high compared to the e-ring, I''m feeling sooo much better knowing that I''m getting a matched set. So you might want to consider that moving forward, so as not to end up with a potential problem down the road when you''re shopping for a wedding band.

The next thing I just recently realized with dealing Good Old Gold is their lifetime trade-up policy, and also their buy-back policy. This is HUGH peace of mind. You should check it out and see if any of the B&M''s you''re dealing with have anything similar. I was going with GOG anyway because I love the amount of info they publish and they''re people I feel I can talk and relate to, so their policies are just an added bonus. http://www.goodoldgold.com/LifetimeGuarantee/

As far as delivery goes, I need to double-check, but I''m pretty sure my rings are going to go to the local Fed-Ex station where I''ll have to show id etc.... to pick them up. I''m certain they won''t be leaving them on my front step unsigned for.

 

[gwendolyn]

Date: 5/12/2008 11:14:18 AM
Author:sapx2
Hello,


First, I want to say that this forum is extremely helpful, especially for someone who is very new to this. I am currently looking to buy an e-ring for my gf, and want to make sure that I get the best I can within my budget ($7500 max)... she deserves it! I've decided that I want to buy from a B&M store... i realize that I may pay a little more, but this is something that I just can't buy without seeing it first (I realize that most onlie retailers have great return policies, but I think she'll eventually figure out what I'm doing if boxes keep arriving at the door - I want this to be a surprise). Also, maybe I'm old school, but I think theres something more romantic about picking out a stone in person. I live near Boston, so there are plenty of great stores in the area... Shreve, Long's, Tiffany, etc.


So that being said, I've looked at a lot of diamonds in person, I've seen heart and arrows, perfect symmetry, fire, sparkle, etc. The diamonds look great on their own, but as soon as they are dropped into a setting, they dont look quite as good. It seems that all of the settings are too big for the diamond, and make it look much smaller than it is. I am looking at stones between .75 ct and 1 ct. round brilliant. I realize that the setting will look different once the jeweler actually cuts it down properly, but even the stones that are set in store look too small for the settings... there seems to be a lot of space between the culet and the ring, and the prongs seem to overwhelm the stone. Blue Nile settings seem to have the same problem, based on pictures on their website. I am just looking for a classic solitaire setting.


Is this a common problem? Am I looking into this too much? The only place that seems to have settings that complement the stone (and sometimes make it look a lot bigger than it is) is Tiffany's... but I'm not too sure I want to pay that type of premium price.


Any help, advice, or suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance for your help!

Ok, I am by no means an expert around here, but I do have a couple of questions/replies for you.

When you looked at these diamonds in person, did you view them under different lighting? Part of what you may have been seeing (just a guess) is that even the poorly-cut stones can look good under jewelers' lighting, but taking them to the window, into natural light, will show how the diamond will look in most places in the real world (unless your girlfriend hangs out in jewelry stores very often, which if she's like us, she very well might

). So, if the stones you saw weren't cut well, maybe the settings were affecting their performance. They shouldn't--not if you're getting a well-cut stone, because all the light will enter and exit again through the top of the stone.

There are lots of PS recommended vendors who have simply elegant Tiffany-style settings, but the ones I know are online vendors (unless you live in NYC in which case you can visit them in person). If you are dead set against buying online, perhaps another poster will have an idea for you, or perhaps you could bring in a picture of the setting you like and ask to see something like it. I would be kind of surprised if most jewelry stores did not have something akin to the Tiffany 6-prong since it's the default setting.

 

[niceice]

Date: 5/12/2008 11:14:18 AM
Author:sapx2
I realize that the setting will look different once the jeweler actually cuts it down properly, but even the stones that are set in store look too small for the settings... there seems to be a lot of space between the culet and the ring, and the prongs seem to overwhelm the stone. Blue Nile settings seem to have the same problem, based on pictures on their website. I am just looking for a classic solitaire setting.

Is this a common problem? Am I looking into this too much? The only place that seems to have settings that complement the stone (and sometimes make it look a lot bigger than it is) is Tiffany''s...

A lot of people remark that the prongs on rings look heavy or bulky in comparison to how they perceive prongs should look in their mind, but realize that delicate looking prongs may not be that secure. Prong structure and design is a blend of an effort to maintain tensile strength and create a delicate appearance. The space between the culet and the base of the head (prong structure) exists to prevent the culet from being chipped during the setting process - without the gap, the diamond could be pushed down during the setting process where it might be chipped.

Different head structures appeal to different people for a variety of reasons... Is it the design of the Tiffany knife edge that you like? If so, there are several vendors here on PS who offer a similar prong structure including ourselves and White Flash. We''re on the West Coast so I''m not familiar with the retailers in your area, but I''m sure with a little effort you would be able to find a local jeweler who would work with you to achieve the desired balance of security and design.

 

[tberube]

Date: 5/12/2008 12:06:33 PM
Author: meffaman
This reply is a little off-topic, but I''m also from Boston (Medford - hence the ''meffaman'') and felt compelled to point out a couple of things I''ve come to realize in the past week or two with my own purchase. I completely understand you wanting to go to a B&M and I''m not looking to change your mind on that, just make sure you''re comparing everything and taking everything into consideration.


I''m upgrading my wifes original e-ring to a 3-stone and also purchasing a new wedding band. I went with matching rings from Precision Set. Initially I wasn''t sure if I made the right decision, but after reading threads on what band to match with particular e-rings, and the problem someone else is dealing with with a band that''s sitting too high compared to the e-ring, I''m feeling sooo much better knowing that I''m getting a matched set. So you might want to consider that moving forward, so as not to end up with a potential problem down the road when you''re shopping for a wedding band.


The next thing I just recently realized with dealing Good Old Gold is their lifetime trade-up policy, and also their buy-back policy. This is HUGH peace of mind. You should check it out and see if any of the B&M''s you''re dealing with have anything similar. I was going with GOG anyway because I love the amount of info they publish and they''re people I feel I can talk and relate to, so their policies are just an added bonus. http://www.goodoldgold.com/LifetimeGuarantee/


As far as delivery goes, I need to double-check, but I''m pretty sure my rings are going to go to the local Fed-Ex station where I''ll have to show id etc.... to pick them up. I''m certain they won''t be leaving them on my front step unsigned for.

I had a feeling you were from Medford!! Only Medford people say "meffa!" Ha!

 

[sapx2]

thanks for all of your replies! Its not that the diamond itself doesnt still sparkle in all of the settings, its just that i''m not completely satisfied with the total package. it just seems like all of the settings i''ve seen in retail stores are created for much larger diamonds... the salesmen assure me that "it''ll look great once its set" and "don''t worry about these minor details" but they dont seem minor to me.

Aside from Tiffany''s, Mark Morrell has some great settings, especially the Petite Sunburst... it looks like its the right mix of contemporary, classic, and delicate... and he seems to get rave reviews on here. However, in terms of price, i would be right up there w/ Tiffany''s.

Lots to think about...

 

[honey22]

Date: 5/12/2008 4:38:53 PM
Author: sapx2
thanks for all of your replies! Its not that the diamond itself doesnt still sparkle in all of the settings, its just that i'm not completely satisfied with the total package. it just seems like all of the settings i've seen in retail stores are created for much larger diamonds... the salesmen assure me that 'it'll look great once its set' and 'don't worry about these minor details' but they dont seem minor to me.


Aside from Tiffany's, Mark Morrell has some great settings, especially the Petite Sunburst... it looks like its the right mix of contemporary, classic, and delicate... and he seems to get rave reviews on here. However, in terms of price, i would be right up there w/ Tiffany's.


Lots to think about...

I would be very cautious of a saleman trying to reassure you that it will look fine when done, they really need to listen to and adress your concerns now, not just shut you up so to speak. Yes, I am sure it will look nice but will it be what you really want?

If you went for a beautiful H&A stone at Good Old Gold, they can set it in a Mark Morell setting for you, and you would still be lots of $$$ better off than Tiffs, and more than likely a better quality stone too. I know it's nerve racking buying sight unseen, but with a Mark Morrell setting and an Ideal cut H&A, the minute you open that box, you will be 110% sure that you made the right decision. And I am not just telling you this to sell you something, I am being 100% honest. I purchased sight unseen from America and had it shipped to Australia, a few panic attacks, heartburn and an aneurism later, I opened that box to the most stunning diamond I have ever seen in real life. No question I did the right thing. And in the unlikely event you don't like it, these vendors have excellent return policies!

Good luck! Another reason to go online - the girl gets a bigger rock for less $$$ - what more of a reason could you need

 

[Odilia]

Date: 5/12/2008 5:14:29 PM
Author: honey22

If you went for a beautiful H&A stone at Good Old Gold, they can set it in a Mark Morell setting for you, and you would still be lots of $$$ better off than Tiffs, and more than likely a better quality stone too. I know it''s nerve racking buying sight unseen, but with a Mark Morrell setting and an Ideal cut H&A, the minute you open that box, you will be 110% sure that you made the right decision. ....... And in the unlikely event you don''t like it, these vendors have excellent return policies!

Does Mark Morrell have a return policy?

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 5/12/2008 5:18:34 PM
Author: old-fashioned girl

Date: 5/12/2008 5:14:29 PM
Author: honey22

If you went for a beautiful H&A stone at Good Old Gold, they can set it in a Mark Morell setting for you, and you would still be lots of $$$ better off than Tiffs, and more than likely a better quality stone too. I know it''s nerve racking buying sight unseen, but with a Mark Morrell setting and an Ideal cut H&A, the minute you open that box, you will be 110% sure that you made the right decision. ....... And in the unlikely event you don''t like it, these vendors have excellent return policies!

Does Mark Morrell have a return policy?

His settings are custom, so I doubt it.

 

[Odilia]

Date: 5/12/2008 5:23:14 PM
Author: dreamer_dachsie

Date: 5/12/2008 5:18:34 PM
Author: old-fashioned girl

Date: 5/12/2008 5:14:29 PM
Author: honey22

If you went for a beautiful H&A stone at Good Old Gold, they can set it in a Mark Morell setting for you, and you would still be lots of $$$ better off than Tiffs, and more than likely a better quality stone too. I know it''s nerve racking buying sight unseen, but with a Mark Morrell setting and an Ideal cut H&A, the minute you open that box, you will be 110% sure that you made the right decision. ....... And in the unlikely event you don''t like it, these vendors have excellent return policies!

Does Mark Morrell have a return policy?

His settings are custom, so I doubt it.

That''s what I thought - I thought he stated that on his website. (I know of custom vendors who do have a return policy, but I did not think he was one.)

 

[honey22]

I thought Good Old Gold has some Mark Morrell settings in their stock inventory? Would these not qualify under their return policy? Maybe something to check directly with Good Old Gold?

 

[softly softly]

I think Mark Morrell creates all his settings, including those offered by GOG, specifically for each customer''s diamond and that''s why none of his work is covered by a return period.

 

[gwendolyn]

Date: 5/12/2008 4:38:53 PM
Author: sapx2
thanks for all of your replies! Its not that the diamond itself doesnt still sparkle in all of the settings, its just that i''m not completely satisfied with the total package. it just seems like all of the settings i''ve seen in retail stores are created for much larger diamonds... the salesmen assure me that ''it''ll look great once its set'' and ''don''t worry about these minor details'' but they dont seem minor to me.


Aside from Tiffany''s, Mark Morrell has some great settings, especially the Petite Sunburst... it looks like its the right mix of contemporary, classic, and delicate... and he seems to get rave reviews on here. However, in terms of price, i would be right up there w/ Tiffany''s.


Lots to think about...

You''re right, they''re not minor details. Good for you for listening to your gut.

Mark Morrell''s work is gorgeous. I hope to be able to get the Torchiere as my engagement ring (we''re choosing together when we''ve got the money saved), and have chosen it based on the photos on PS and his website, nothing more. His stuff looks SO amazing that I feel ok doing that--I''m in the UK, so it''s not like I can drop into his office or anything. If you pick a great stone and send it to a great artist like Mark, I''d be willing to bet my savings account that you will be perfectly happy once you get that ring in your hot little hands. But only you can make the call as to whether or not you think his workmanship is worth the risk of not physically being there to pick out the setting. Unless you live in New England...?

 

[sapx2]

Thanks again for all of your advice.

So I priced out some Tiffany rings, and some GOG/WF stones with the Mark Morrell Petite Sunburst setting. The pricing is actually very similar for stones w/ comparable specs... and if i take into account that Tiffany has a 0% interest pmt plan (for 1 year) it would actually be cheaper in the long run (since any other ring I buy would be at 3.99% apr through my credit card for 1 year).

But since this decision isnt based purely on price (both are within my budget), I just want to get the ring that will look best on her finger, and that she will love. I do live in MA (I''m actually less than 1 hour away from Mark Morrell), so I could view his work in person. I just need to figure out if she''d appreciate a Tiffany ring more than the Morrell, or vice versa.

Thanks again for all of your input... I''ll let you all know what I decide!

 

[litebrite]

I have a MM and I am over the moon happy with it. Of course, I designed it myself so I knew exactly what I would be getting. I was keen on simple, elegant, fluid and custom, and I got a ring sized exactly to my finger that feels like it''s always belonged.

For me, the Tiffany name was not as important as the quality of the craftsmanship and Mark''s incredible precision and attention to detail. I get raves everywhere I wear my ring, and it''s under 1 carat.

I know that the process of sending a stone via mail can be kind of nerve wracking but everything turned out fine for us and Mark is a really nice fellow. So if you can drop by to see him I would encourage it (but he is an incredibly busy man, and a one man workshop.) It''s different than the brick and mortar sales people but the end product is still incredibly satisfying.