Setting Assistance

[alirov]

Hi Everyone,

I purchased a diamond that I quite like from B2C Jewels. It's a 0.90ct, VVS1 clarity, K color diamond. I ordered 6 of the replica settings that B2C Jewels allows and out of those, found one I liked the most. Afterwards, I found another setting that I may (or may not) like more but B2C Jewels won't send me a replica since I have already hit their 6 replica limit in a 12 month period policy.

I am looking into 14k unplated white gold settings. I don't want the hassle of replating the ring every so often and I like the idea of the metal to be a bit warmer to complement the K color diamond. I think 18k unplated white gold might be heading too much into the warm category for me but feel free to show me otherwise.

Out of the setting replicas that were shipped to me, my favorite was:

http://www.b2cjewels.com/Diamond-Ac...t-Ring-14K-White-Gold-(1-5-cttw.)-6395-1.aspx

I am now also looking at this one:

http://www.b2cjewels.com/Diamond-Ac...nt-Engagement-Ring-14K-White-Gold-6177-1.aspx

It looks a bit thick and unwieldy but I asked a B2C Jewels representative and he said for my diamond, the band would be 2.4 - 2.6mm thick which is right around what the setting I liked would be. I wish I could see more photos of that setting or see it in person but I can find absolutely no other information on it and B2C Jewels aren't able to provide any assistance.

The reason I like the second setting is due to the Trellis/Basket head (is that what it's called?). I haven't seen one in person but I think I like the look of it and it may help hide a bit of the side of the diamond, hence, hiding a bit of the yellow from it.

I've also found a few settings that I may like on James Allen but for them to use a diamond that wasn't purchased from them would cost around $130 extra. I think my options are:

1) Choose a setting from B2C Jewels and go with that.
2) Spend the extra $130 and choose a James Allen setting.
3) Return the diamond I bought to B2C Jewels and try and find one from James Allen that I like to go with their settings.

Does anyone have real life pictures of the second B2C Jewels setting that they could share? Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

 

[Gypsy]

Get a Stuller setting. Through whatever jeweler you want. With their x1 alloy 14kt or 18kt doesn't need plating.

And they have some nice settings.

Just about any jeweler can get them for you too.

 

[alirov]

Thanks for the tip! I'd never heard of them before and am finding some settings that may be of interest. While searching and researching Stuller, I also stumbled across Gabriel & Co. settings which seem to get great reviews everywhere. Any comments or opinions on them vs Stuller? I know both Good Old Gold and ID Jewelry carry Gabriel & Co. settings and some look quite nice as well.

 

[Gypsy]

Depends on what you want.

Both are good.

I like the simple solitaires on Stuller. They have several that are lovely for their price point.

Gabriel has had good reviews and experiences on here as well. If you want something with diamonds in the setting, they are a good option. But for antique styles I prefer Beverly K.

 

[denverappraiser]

I don't know the B2C policies but given that there are shipping and handling costs and a certain amount of wear and tear associated with sending these things out, I'm not surprised that there's a limit on how many they'll do. They may be more cooperative about sending another if you pay them.

 

[alirov]

I've gone ahead and bookmarked a good amount of both Stuller and Gabriel & Co. settings. I do want a setting with pave diamonds so perhaps Gabriel & Co. will be the way to go. I sent out an e-mail to ID Jewelry last night with some questions and am still awaiting a response. I'll keep everyone updated though as this progresses!

As for B2C policies, they do charge a $10 shipping fee for each order of replicas. I can understand the wear and tear argument but it seems silly not providing just one more replica when I asked due to being on the fence between two settings. I was actually fine with the idea of just seeing photos of finished rings or even photos of the replica if they didn't want to send it out due to policy. The photos they provide online and the 3D images don't seem to do the rings justice. I had asked directly if there's a good reason why they can't send one more out (even if I did pay) and I got a very honest answer back saying that it's just due to policy and nothing else. Now instead of only focusing on B2C settings, I'm looking elsewhere and they may lose a sale.