Tell me what you think of the ring I am buying for my GF

[ryan2145]

I looked at some of the suggestions on settings and most of the pictures from other ring makers were from far away and/or looked literally like drawings, not real photos. None of them were close up real looking photos like the ones on the DBL website. So to my novice eyes, it was impossible to tell if the uber custom ring showed any more metal than the others. Also, on some of the pictures from other websites (like ERD) the diamonds look kind of blocky and don't fit around the stone like the do in the DBL uber custom ring. So anyway, that is the one I am going with. However, I really appreciate everyone's input, and the compliments on my choice.

Of all the suggestions you all gave, the Mark Broumand pear shaped ring intrigued me the most. The engravings look awesome. I spoke with David at DBL and he said that he will see if he can get something similar done at no extra charge. So, I have to say that I am satisfied all around and confident with my choice. I will post pictures in a few weeks.

 

[Mayk]

My main point was I thought it was wrong to say "well you should not use DBL because there was this one setting that failed". We have no idea about the history and then when the thread was found... DBL had made it right for free.

My point about vendors was everyone has their favorites, people they have worked with and respect and like to recommend based on their works of art. I just think the options are limitless and if you feel you have the right amount of information and customer service and guarantees are in place you may choose someone who does beautiful work but is not a PS favorite with all the posters but liked by others or may not be on PS at all...

I also think it comes Down to funds..what you have, what you are willing to spend or more importantly what you are capable of spending based on the cost of your center, etc. so many factors, opinions and levels of quality.

 

[Rockdiamond]

From my perspective, one of the great things about PS is that vendors can respond to concerns about their products or services.

Charmy- it's awesome that you've never lost a stone from your setting.
Most micro pave rings ( statistically speaking) will likely never loose a stone. Most of ours never loose a stone.
Still, if you compare the total numbers of rings affected by stone loss and we're comparing a four prong solitaire, and a micro pave halo ring design- the pave design looses exponentially more, percentage wise, than a ring with one stone in it. No matter who makes it.
Some of the favored designs here on PS- the ones showing less metal, are more likely than a bulkier piece to loose stones, if both are well made.

How does everyone feel about the seller informing a potential client of this?
I really do think it's the right thing to do, but I think it will be interesting to hear how others feel.

 

[NonieMarie]

I looked at some of the suggestions on settings and most of the pictures from other ring makers were from far away and/or looked literally like drawings, not real photos. None of them were close up real looking photos like the ones on the DBL website. So to my novice eyes, it was impossible to tell if the uber custom ring showed any more metal than the others. Also, on some of the pictures from other websites (like ERD) the diamonds look kind of blocky and don't fit around the stone like the do in the DBL uber custom ring. So anyway, that is the one I am going with. However, I really appreciate everyone's input, and the compliments on my choice.

Of all the suggestions you all gave, the Mark Broumand pear shaped ring intrigued me the most. The engravings look awesome. I spoke with David at DBL and he said that he will see if he can get something similar done at no extra charge. So, I have to say that I am satisfied all around and confident with my choice. I will post pictures in a few weeks.

Good for you! Some members are very, very picky about all aspects of their creations . You asked for their opinions and made up your own mind. I'm sure the ring will be stunning and I will keep a look out for the unveiling.

 

[Niel]

My main point was I thought it was wrong to say "well you should not use DBL because there was this one setting that failed". We have no idea about the history and then when the thread was found... DBL had made it right for free.

My point about vendors was everyone has their favorites, people they have worked with and respect and like to recommend based on their works of art. I just think the options are limitless and if you feel you have the right amount of information and customer service and guarantees are in place you may choose someone who does beautiful work but is not a PS favorite with all the posters but liked by others or may not be on PS at all...

I also think it comes Down to funds..what you have, what you are willing to spend or more importantly what you are capable of spending based on the cost of your center, etc. so many factors, opinions and levels of quality.

I'm fairly certain all I said was that I would be concerned about the durability. That was all. I didn't say they were a bad choice or not to go with them. I just feel like this site should be good to hear ALL aspects of a company, as well as negative things and how the company chooses to deal with it.

 

[SB621]

My main point was I thought it was wrong to say "well you should not use DBL because there was this one setting that failed". We have no idea about the history and then when the thread was found... DBL had made it right for free.

My point about vendors was everyone has their favorites, people they have worked with and respect and like to recommend based on their works of art. I just think the options are limitless and if you feel you have the right amount of information and customer service and guarantees are in place you may choose someone who does beautiful work but is not a PS favorite with all the posters but liked by others or may not be on PS at all...

I also think it comes Down to funds..what you have, what you are willing to spend or more importantly what you are capable of spending based on the cost of your center, etc. so many factors, opinions and levels of quality.

HI Mayk,

I pretty much just erased my entire response to you as much of it would have been pointless so I will just say. The pricing between an Uber setting and something hand foged is the difference of less then $400. To me that is insane to pay that much for a lower quality setting- pictures alone prove this so it is not my opinion but fact. This has nothing to do with vendor loyalty. I will always recommend the company that I would use pending what project I'm being asked about. I have recommended DBL in the past and will continue in the future for colored diamonds. MY point is that if you ask for an opinion on RT then you will get it and truely the bottom line is getting the best ring you can within your budget. We are here to help one another and I feel their are much better options out there for Ryan. It is his choice and his money so he can do whatever he wants but at least we are giving him options vs. saying "oh that is wonderful."

EDIT and I don't mean to come off like a total idoit to you Mayk! I'm posting while on a conference call so it is hard to multi-task! I think you are wonderful and I always value your opinion on jewelry (and you know I love your taste because I have purchased from you before!). I just wanted to be clear that I like to give options to people. I would rather have them know then not!

 

[Rockdiamond]

Hi All,
Just to clarify- our micro pave Uber settings ARE hand forged.
We also have a lower priced line of Hand Forged rings- as well as CAD and cast rings in the more affordable price ranges.

In fairness to all- as there have been some great makers mentioned: to truly compare, one would need to have two rings from different manufacturers in their hands to make a valid comparison. For the purposes of internet shoppers to compare apples to apples, we'd need to see the two examples in the same photo- or at least photographed the same way.

 

[Laila619]

My main point was I thought it was wrong to say "well you should not use DBL because there was this one setting that failed". We have no idea about the history and then when the thread was found... DBL had made it right for free.

My point about vendors was everyone has their favorites, people they have worked with and respect and like to recommend based on their works of art. I just think the options are limitless and if you feel you have the right amount of information and customer service and guarantees are in place you may choose someone who does beautiful work but is not a PS favorite with all the posters but liked by others or may not be on PS at all...

I also think it comes Down to funds..what you have, what you are willing to spend or more importantly what you are capable of spending based on the cost of your center, etc. so many factors, opinions and levels of quality.

HI Mayk,

I pretty much just erased my entire response to you as much of it would have been pointless so I will just say. The pricing between an Uber setting and something hand foged is the difference of less then $400. To me that is insane to pay that much for a lower quality setting- pictures alone prove this so it is not my opinion but fact. This has nothing to do with vendor loyalty. I will always recommend the company that I would use pending what project I'm being asked about. I have recommended DBL in the past and will continue in the future for colored diamonds. MY point is that if you ask for an opinion on RT then you will get it and truely the bottom line is getting the best ring you can within your budget. We are here to help one another and I feel their are much better options out there for Ryan. It is his choice and his money so he can do whatever he wants but at least we are giving him options vs. saying "oh that is wonderful."

EDIT and I don't mean to come off like a total idoit to you Mayk! I'm posting while on a conference call so it is hard to multi-task! I think you are wonderful and I always value your opinion on jewelry (and you know I love your taste because I have purchased from you before!). I just wanted to be clear that I like to give options to people. I would rather have them know then not!

Sarahbear (or anyone), in the photos, I didn't see any issues with the "uber" DBL setting. Can you please tell me what I should be looking for?

 

[Mayk]

Sarahbear. I adore you not the least bit stressed by your feedback...

Nielseel I think there are any number of ring designers on here that have had a "failure" at some point in time for one reason or another. I've seen some be it the big boys... WF, JA or BGD or the custom models.. and I seem to remember someone maybe Phoenix where a solitaire that was by LM split... It was very thin and if it wasn't her it was discussed when she was setting Holly. The point is when people say "oh I'm going to use Leon" I don't see people saying... "We'll there was this time his dog ran thought the studio' and ate a ring!" I'm just saying.

 

[CharmyPoo]

I guess me and Sarabear think alike ... and perhaps we are oddballs in all this. Ryan has made up his mind and good for him. We tried to help him so he doesn't make mistakes we have seen over and over again. But he is not here for opions and frankly I feel this is a planted thread so I am not going to waste more time on it.

Mayk - I agree that when it comes down to it .. it is about how much you are willing to spend. But for that same amount .. I rather spend it on the best vendor in that category. As an example, my local jeweler charges $7000 for a wg custom ring. I can pay $4000 for better quality than that ring through Steven Kirsch or I can pay $4000 from vendor X in which I know I am not happy with their pave work. So why wouldn't I pay $4000 to the better vendor? If I wanted to spend $2000, I would be looking at a different class and I will choose the best vendor in that class.

Rock Diamond - It is a good point to do some apples to apples comparisons. I think we can find it given the hundreds and hundreds of photos of the popular vendors available on this website and taken by individuals. I know myself I have taken many super close up photos of the pave work and metal work. Different strokes / different people.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Frankie takes fantastic and clear photos. It really shocks me if people can't see a difference but maybe t highlights that I am just far more picky. I was going to find photos and do a side by side and circle and point things out ... but then .. I really don't want to waste the time doing that.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/3-075ct-h-vs1-rb-diamond-in-victor-canera-emilya-halo-ring.181019/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/3-075ct-h-vs1-rb-diamond-in-victor-canera-emilya-halo-ring.181019/[/URL]

 

[SB621]

Laila,

Sorry I can't pull pictures nor do I have the time since I'm about to rush off and pick up kids from daycare. However, I highly recommend you pull up pictures from different websites and really start looking at the details. one of the big things I look for is how much metal is exposed. When looking top down at the halo is there a lot of metal showing around the rim and/ or from the side profile shot. How do the pave fit into the ring? etc....I believe Frankie in her compairson thread has photos of this in particular. Have you seen her thread? If you compare any of her 3 rings to an Uber setting there is a difference.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/comparison-photos-of-my-victor-canera-sk-leon-ring-setting.166496/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/comparison-photos-of-my-victor-canera-sk-leon-ring-setting.166496/[/URL]

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/semi-mount-ring-custom-made-halo-ring-with-single-or-full-cut-diamond-melee-so3956
For me the DBL ring you can easily see the metal inbetween the pave on the halo and shank. I also think the struts are bulky and awkward They lack the delicate and feminie appeal that the other vendor's rings have. I forget who but someone said this is an issue with cast rings but I don't believe it because I have seen an ERD halo (not hand forged) with very delicate struts. I was very impressed.

EDIT: Charmy I guess we posted at the same time...and you took the words right out of my mouth exactly!

 

[Rockdiamond]

Again, apples to apples:
The examples posted are a different pave style than the ring of ours posted.
The style posted of ours is "cut down" while the examples posted above are scoop set- which is a different pave method. The amount of metal showing is greatly affected by this one aspect.
Many people prefer the side design of a well done cut down.

About struts- one thing I love that our guys do is tailor the struts to the shape/ depth/and characteristics of the center diamond.
We sometimes use straight bars, and other times very delicate looking curved struts.
I agree with Sarabear- look at as many photos from the different sites as possible.
It's very important for all buyers of this type of ring to make sure the company doing the work has demonstrated the type of quality/price you prefer.
Looking at actual ring- or photos of actual rings- is a great way to do that.

 

[athenaworth]

Of all the suggestions you all gave, the Mark Broumand pear shaped ring intrigued me the most. The engravings look awesome. I spoke with David at DBL and he said that he will see if he can get something similar done at no extra charge.

I have to say this part bothers me. While certainly Mark Broumand can't "trademark" the idea of engraving the cup, I feel like DBL is blatently stealing his idea. It makes me feel really bad about posting such detailed photos.

ETA a note to OP: I love the stone you chose and I think it's going to be an amazing ering. I'm sorry that this post has touched a bit of a nerve with some of the posters on PS. It's no reflection on your choice of vendor or ering stone. Your girlfriend (soon to be fiance) is lucky to have you. Good luck with your proposal.

 

[two_little_birds]

The stone is stunning, and I really like the setting too. Ovals are beautiful, and one in a halo is even better!

I can't wait to see the completed project!

 

[AprilBaby]

If I was your gf I would be THRILLED to receive such a gorgeous ring! I have total confidence David will nail it exactly right! Congratulations on a job well done!!!!

 

[Niel]

Sarahbear. I adore you not the least bit stressed by your feedback...

Nielseel I think there are any number of ring designers on here that have had a "failure" at some point in time for one reason or another. I've seen some be it the big boys... WF, JA or BGD or the custom models.. and I seem to remember someone maybe Phoenix where a solitaire that was by LM split... It was very thin and if it wasn't her it was discussed when she was setting Holly. The point is when people say "oh I'm going to use Leon" I don't see people saying... "We'll there was this time his dog ran thought the studio' and ate a ring!" I'm just saying.

I see people say all the time "oh ive heard he has problems with stones popping", so yes seems like exactly the same thing.


Im not at all saying "dont use DBL", i really like them, BUT i believe the OP should go in with his eyes open. And considering it shows how well DBL fixed the situation, seems like it wasnt a negative comment, seems just like one saying, "know these can have issues...look at how a thin pave from them snapped from very small amount of use".

OP sorry this happens from time to time, people take over a thread. For your original question, this ring will be stunning , just remember to tell her to be careful with it its not as sturdy as say a plain shank or a thinker split shank. Your girlfriend will just fall over herself. you did a very good job

 

[ryan2145]

Of all the suggestions you all gave, the Mark Broumand pear shaped ring intrigued me the most. The engravings look awesome. I spoke with David at DBL and he said that he will see if he can get something similar done at no extra charge.

I have to say this part bothers me. While certainly Mark Broumand can't "trademark" the idea of engraving the cup, I feel like DBL is blatently stealing his idea. It makes me feel really bad about posting such detailed photos.

ETA a note to OP: I love the stone you chose and I think it's going to be an amazing ering. I'm sorry that this post has touched a bit of a nerve with some of the posters on PS. It's no reflection on your choice of vendor or ering stone. Your girlfriend (soon to be fiance) is lucky to have you. Good luck with your proposal.

Thanks for the well wishes. I certainly hope she says yes. She is the most amazing person I've ever met and Ive actually put a ton of time trying to come up with the perfect ring. It took quite a while for me to get up the courage to use a yellow diamond but now I am comfortable with the idea.

I am actually not going to do the engravings or use the milgrain patterned wire. I think they look really cool. But, I ultimately decided that for my GF, I should keep it simple. I don't think DBL was trying to steal any ideas, just trying to give me quality customer service.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Rock Diamond is right in that the examples shared are u-cut versus cut down pave. After having both cut down (v-cut) and scoop (u-cut) pave, my preference is for the scoop / u-cut. I think Ryan might want to consider if he wants v-cut or u-cut pave regardless of the vendor he uses.

Unfortunately, I don't have any same shots of my Maytal ring as those on DBL's website. My Maytal Hannah ring has the same type of pave and it shows significantly less metal. I would say that the DBL prongs holding the center diamond is done better.

Here are some sample shots:





This is stirfry's cut down pave ring from Maytal Hannah:


If you did your search, you would have already seen plenty of examples from Leon, Victor and Steven. Just to show a range - this is ERD's u-cut pave halo which also has a lot less metal to me. From what I understand, ERD is more cost effective but I never asked for quotes for a halo.


Here is Victor's work with cut-down pave (same as DBL). I recall some of his earlier orks used cut-down (v-cut) but his recent rings are all u-cut / scoop.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-victor-canera-hw-inspired-cushion-cut-halo.164655/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-victor-canera-hw-inspired-cushion-cut-halo.164655/[/URL]

 

[ryan2145]

Charmy, thank you. Those examples are useful. I see the differences. Personally, I like both styles (v-cut and u-cut). They all look like very well-made rings to me. I can definitely see the similarity between the last photo and the Uber custom.

I think a lot of it comes down to personal taste as to which style looks best. I really like the ring you posted in the last photo but I can't really tell if it's better or worse than the Uber ring setting. I wired my money earlier today so I am going to go with the Uber ring. If I don't like it, I will return it. I think it will probably be fine though.

I do appreciate everyone trying to help me. I'm much more educated than I was 24 hours ago. I guess the original point of my post was to make sure I wasn't screwing up somehow. Maybe this wasn't the right forum. I had already agreed to buy the ring when I originally posted (although I hadn't sent the money) so I wasn't going to go back on my word unless I had a damn good reason. But I ultimately feel good about the purchase. I will post a pic after I get it in the mail.

 

[Niel]

Charmy, thank you. Those examples are useful. I see the differences. Personally, I like both styles (v-cut and u-cut). They all look like very well-made rings to me. I can definitely see the similarity between the last photo and the Uber custom.

I think a lot of it comes down to personal taste as to which style looks best. I really like the ring you posted in the last photo but I can't really tell if it's better or worse than the Uber ring setting. I wired my money earlier today so I am going to go with the Uber ring. If I don't like it, I will return it. I think it will probably be fine though.

I do appreciate everyone trying to help me. I'm much more educated than I was 24 hours ago. I guess the original point of my post was to make sure I wasn't screwing up somehow. Maybe this wasn't the right forum. I had already agreed to buy the ring when I originally posted (although I hadn't sent the money) so I wasn't going to go back on my word unless I had a damn good reason. But I ultimately feel good about the purchase. I will post a pic after I get it in the mail.

Fabulous! You and she will love it! Don't let this discussion get you down that is a well made ring most every one here would love to have! Shell be blown away

 

[pinkjewel]

Ryan- it will be a beautiful ring!! the stone is gorgeous and David's Uber bench will make a beautiful setting. I have worked with David twice and I'm very pleased with both the quality of the settings and David's exceptional customer service. There are people on Pricescope that have certain favorite vendors and they certainly do beautiful work, but I think you will be very, very happy with the ring you have chosen.

 

[Enerchi]

Charmy, thank you. Those examples are useful. I see the differences. Personally, I like both styles (v-cut and u-cut). They all look like very well-made rings to me. I can definitely see the similarity between the last photo and the Uber custom.

I think a lot of it comes down to personal taste as to which style looks best. I really like the ring you posted in the last photo but I can't really tell if it's better or worse than the Uber ring setting. I wired my money earlier today so I am going to go with the Uber ring. If I don't like it, I will return it. I think it will probably be fine though.

I do appreciate everyone trying to help me. I'm much more educated than I was 24 hours ago. I guess the original point of my post was to make sure I wasn't screwing up somehow. Maybe this wasn't the right forum. I had already agreed to buy the ring when I originally posted (although I hadn't sent the money) so I wasn't going to go back on my word unless I had a damn good reason. But I ultimately feel good about the purchase. I will post a pic after I get it in the mail.

That's what counts the most!! I'm excited for you and can't wait to see this beauty finished --- and hear ALL ABOUT the proposal!

I definitely love my DBL ring and had a great customer service experience with David, with lots of communication along the way. Wishing you just as smooth an experience!

(and he even named the setting after me!! woo hoo!)

 

[yssie]

Charmy, thank you. Those examples are useful. I see the differences. Personally, I like both styles (v-cut and u-cut). They all look like very well-made rings to me. I can definitely see the similarity between the last photo and the Uber custom.

I think a lot of it comes down to personal taste as to which style looks best. I really like the ring you posted in the last photo but I can't really tell if it's better or worse than the Uber ring setting. I wired my money earlier today so I am going to go with the Uber ring. If I don't like it, I will return it. I think it will probably be fine though.

I do appreciate everyone trying to help me. I'm much more educated than I was 24 hours ago. I guess the original point of my post was to make sure I wasn't screwing up somehow. Maybe this wasn't the right forum. I had already agreed to buy the ring when I originally posted (although I hadn't sent the money) so I wasn't going to go back on my word unless I had a damn good reason. But I ultimately feel good about the purchase. I will post a pic after I get it in the mail.

I don't think it will probably be fine, I think it will be one of the most beautiful rings you've ever seen!!

I can't claim to be a pave expert - I see differences in photos but I haven't seen enough myself to judge. I can guarantee that the bench you've chosen will do a masterful job on the metalwork, and the diamond is beautiful

I will also say that the value of working with a vendor you're comfortable with is priceless. I had a disappointing experience with one of the other vendors highly recommended on this thread - due entirely to both sides being unable to agree on acceptable and effective communication, and turning around to David's openness in the name of customer service was a huge relief.

 

[aljdewey]

I struggle with the notion that desired quality on a pave/micropave ring is only about the amount of metal used.

Rings in that class have a few considerations - one is an aesthetic slant, and another is a durability slant, and which of those is more important varies by individual. Less metal may mean more delicate looking, but it also means less material holding stones in....bottom line. So, it's important to consider the intended wearer when deciding how much is too much/enough, etc.

Is the ring going to be worn daily? If so, what will be the common conditions it's exposed to daily? (Wearing it only to desk job and then taking off for household chores, or will you wear it to kickboxing class and gardening?)

Are you hard on your hands? (I seem to always be knocking mine on the edge of desk)

What metal is the ring made of? (Softer metals may require more metal; harder ones may require less)

How tolerant are you for maintenance? Are you willing to commit to more frequent maintenance to get the look you want, or will you become frustrated if you have to make a few stone replacements?

All of these (and more) factor into making the best choice for one's lifestyle, and I think this often gets overlooked in the "less metal is always better OR always represents better quality" discussions.

 

[Laila619]

Please don't worry at all Ryan, it's going to be absolutely spectacular. DBL will take good care of you.

 

[VRBeauty]

The center stone you've chosen is spectacular, and I'm sure the finished ring will be beautiful. Please do come back and let us see it!