Should I be highly skeptical about this...?

[Laila619]

Hi,
Some of you might remember that I'm looking for a vendor to do a custom engagement ring and matching wedding band for the 1 carat diamond I already own. I got many good recommendations from you helpful PSers for people to contact about this project.

I also went to a local jeweler in my city and spoke to the owner, who seemed really knowledgable. I was impressed, because he could converse with me about a number of things, and he really knew his stuff. Well, many of the quotes I've gotten have been pretty high, but that is to be expected for custom work. This local jeweler however, gave me the lowest quote by far; in fact I'm wondering why the quote is SO low and now I'm skeptical.

He is quoting me only $1400 ($700 each) for a Palladium White Gold alloy e-ring with 10 channel set sidestones (around .40ctw) and the matching band with 11 channel set diamonds. Why so low? That price is around $1,100 less than the next cheapest quote I've gotten. Would you think this is too good to be true? Would you think the quality would be poor? I tend to be of the mindset that you get what you pay for, but perhaps he just has really good prices, or he's desperate for business.

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[neatfreak]

You get what you pay for. Unless he could show me many many examples of the fine work he has done I would pass.

And what about cut/clarity of the sidestones? That matters too...

 

[stone-cold11]

Ditto.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

They will be mass produced which does not mean they will be inferior in manufacturing quality (Tiffany and most major brands mass produce).

But assuming the value is 40% mount and 60% diamonds they are not the finest quality diamonds - likey pretty low quality - ask if you can pay more and have better goodies?

 

[Amethyste]

Well, I had my jeweler in NYC make me a custom made platinum eternity ring with .75TCW of G/H VS1 diamonds. His quote was $800 which is pretty "cheap" - and the quality is superb!

 

[Laila619]

Date: 8/5/2009 7:34:11 AM
Author: Amethyste
Well, I had my jeweler in NYC make me a custom made platinum eternity ring with .75TCW of G/H VS1 diamonds. His quote was $800 which is pretty ''cheap'' - and the quality is superb!

Wow, interesting Amethyste! Why was his quote so low?

 

[Amethyste]

Date: 8/5/2009 8:33:21 AM
Author: Laila619

Date: 8/5/2009 7:34:11 AM
Author: Amethyste
Well, I had my jeweler in NYC make me a custom made platinum eternity ring with .75TCW of G/H VS1 diamonds. His quote was $800 which is pretty ''cheap'' - and the quality is superb!

Wow, interesting Amethyste! Why was his quote so low?

Hmmm not quite sure, maybe a "good customer" discount? He does fabulous pave work, Shhhhhhh... i think he does the same or even better work than Leon Mege actually. Maybe its the economy?

Has he shown you pictures or example of work that he''s done for you to view?

 

[lowphat]

It''s prettey inexpensive but not unheard of. Melee diamonds are really cheap and palladium is pretty cheap as well.