seeking e-ring advice

[dcsam]

Hello, I''m very new to this process but it seems like there are some very knowledgable people on this site who''d be willing to help me out.

I''ve got a custom ring design in mind and wondering about people''s opinion on the feasibility and general thoughts on how to go about getting a custom ring made.

First a little background. My girlfriend works with her hands and so doesn''t want a setting where the diamond is set too high. In fact she prefers if its integrated into the band. She also hates prong settings (or at least those where the prongs are particularly prominent) and prefers square or rectangular stones.

For these reasons I''m thinking about a setting like the Tiffany Lucida bezel setting (see attached pic or http://www.tiffany.com/expertise/diamond/rings/engagement_lucida_ring.asp?ring=bezel&). However I''d also like some channel set diamonds on the band, which is why I''m thinking about a custom ring. My questions are as follows (if you only have a comment on one or some of them that would still be appreciated):

1. Is this feasible and do you have any thoughts on why or why not it may be recommended?
2. What type of stone would be used, since the Lucida is proprietary? I''m thinking radiant or emerald?
3. Does this type of setting place any limitations on stone size?
4. Does anybody have recommendations for a custom jeweler?
5. How does that process work? Should I get the diamond first or at the same time the ring is being designed?
6. What''s the price premium for a custom ring? Do you end up paying 2x for a custom ring versus buying a very similar one?
7. Any other thoughts or opinions are welcome.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[allycat0303]

Hi Dcsam!

Welcome to pricescope!

1) Are you looking to buy online or at a Mall/chain store? That info would help for suggestions.

Well if I were getting that setting I would get a radient just because I think of a radiant as being more "modern" looking, and I think of that as a modern setting.

When my boyfriend got my ring, he bought the diamond first then we found someone for the setting. But ideally, you get the setting and the stone from the same place if possible.

Custom prices depend very much on who you are working with (sometimes they are more expensive, sometimes less), but most likely it will be a lot LESS expensive then the Tiffany setting.

And I don''t think there are limitations on the size of the stone (if the setting is custom made).

 

[cutes814]

1. Is this feasible and do you have any thoughts on why or why not it may be recommended?

I don''t see why it won''t be feasible. If you GF does not like prong setting and she works with her hands often, then bezel setting should work very well with her.

2. What type of stone would be used, since the Lucida is proprietary? I''m thinking radiant or emerald?

For bezel settings, you can use any shape stone you like (maybe not the heart shape?

). You are not limited to only squarish shapes. What shape does she prefer?

3. Does this type of setting place any limitations on stone size?

This I do not know, maybe someone else can chime in?

4. Does anybody have recommendations for a custom jeweler?

Where do you live? Some of the online vendors and do custom pieces as well.

5. How does that process work? Should I get the diamond first or at the same time the ring is being designed?

You can do either. I would prefer to get a diamond first and then work on the setting, but things change and interfere all the time. That was the way I wanted to do it, but it so happened the other way around for my own e-ring. We decided on the setting first and then purchased the diamond.

6. What''s the price premium for a custom ring? Do you end up paying 2x for a custom ring versus buying a very similar one?

Depending on the difficulty of the piece, but usually custom rings cost less than paying for a designer piece.

7. Any other thoughts or opinions are welcome.

I think it''s very sweet of you to do all this research to create the e-ring for your GF. Just make sure to get some hints from her as to what would she like the ring to be.

 

[pebbles]

I'm not an expert, but I will also try to answer some of your questions.

1. I would make sure that she wants a bezel setting. The one drawback on this type of setting is that the diamond may appear slightly smaller than with a prong setting.

2. Radiants and emeralds have completely different looks to them. Some prefer the step cuts, others the more faceted radiant. Out of the two, I prefer a radiant, but that's just me. Your girlfriend may have a real strong preference of one over the other.

3. I don't think there are any limitations on the stone size if you are going custom.

4. There are several vendors that do custom work -- Whiteflash, and Quest Jewelers are two that come to mind. Mark Morrell is another that does awesome work (in fact, he would be my first choice).

5. Ideally you should get the diamond and setting from the same place. Either way, the jeweler should have your stone the entire time the setting is being made.

6. Price is completely dependent on the materials used (ie. gold vs. platinum) and type of setting (is it one the jeweler has made before, or do they have to come up with a design from scratch?) You don't always spend more for custom.

7. I think it's a beautiful setting -- especially if you have princess side stones!

Good luck!

ETA -- I was typing at the same time as Milly!

 

[Kaleigh]

That type of setting would look great with a radiant, EC or square emeraldcut/asscher. As far as custom settings WF does a lot of them on here. Also I bought my asscher from GOG and had Quest do my custom setting. Since you want to get a custom setting you are not limited at all in the size of the stone. Time for you to decide what stone you want, size and your budget will come in to play as well. I worked with Quest long distance and they are great to work with. PM me if you want their information. Many poeple here have used them and have been very pleased. HTH good luck!!