Find your diamond
Find your jewelry
shape
carat
color
clarity

The Jewelry Exchange question...

Status
Not open for further replies. Please create a new topic or request for this thread to be opened.
N

Need Help123

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 1, 2007
Messages
45
Hi Folks,

Quick question here. Does anyone know anything about "The Jewelry Exchange?" Their prices seem to be much cheaper than any other store I''ve looked at. Just a little bit about my situation. I''m looking for a .75 to 1 ct diamond that I can put in this mount: http://www.helzberg.com/hdsim/jsp/catalog.do?product_id=1632852&channelId=-8820&programId=9410 Also, I''m far from an expert on this topic. They told me I could purchase everything but the diamond at Helzberg for a certain price. If I took that to The Jewelry Exchange, could they put a diamond from their store into that setting?

Just curious if anyone can give me information about "The Jewelry Exchange" or alternative suggestions on where else I should look. If anyone has any links to other similar engagement rings that include sapphires, if you could post those, that would be great. Thanks!
 
Do a search on "Jewelry Exchange" in the search bar.
2.gif
 
Here''s what I''ve said in other threads asking the same question.

"It will be difficult to find a well cut stone in this type of place. It can be done, but they don''t know much about cut quality there. The JE I''ve been to has a diamond room in the back (I wouldn''t even try to buy something from the front counter) but you have to know your cut parameters, because they won''t. "

Now, would I buy from a trusted vendor online that can provide me IS images, Sarin reports, etc over a local JE? Yes, any day of the week, because 99% of the time the stones at the JE store won''t have that information accompanying them. They''ll probably have table, depth, and dimension #s, and that''s it.
 
I did a search and see that the folks on this board have not too many good things to say about the Jewelry Exchange. Duly noted. Seeing as how I am a completely uninformed about this whole thing, does anyone know of any other places that sell something similar to what I linked above? I''m looking for an engagement ring with a center diamond, side diamonds and sapphires and I''m having a hard time finding one that doesn''t look cheap. I think the one I pasted above looks very nice and with the right diamond (read: larger and better quality) could make that ring beautiful. That semi-mount is 14k white gold. Is it a poor choice to get something that is 14 rather than 18? I would really appreciate your help on this.
 
Pardon me for saying this, but the setting you posted is very heavy, and a bit dated. Are you sure this is what she wants in terms of a setting , or were you looking for something with sapphires in it and this caught your attention because it''s a substantial piece.
 
Thanks for the reply. I actually thought that setting was quite nice. Shows what I know, I guess! I''ve done a lot of searches online and the majority of the rings I found which have diamonds and sapphires look a lot like this: http://www.bluenile.com/product_details.asp?oid=5411&page=1&col=3&row=3&pos=9&set_shape=

That just seems to be lacking. I guess there is something to be said for the understated look. I actually saw the Helzberg ring in person and it was quite nice. Is that style outdated? My girlfriend loves sapphires and has mentioned in passing many times that she would like her engagement ring to include them. I''d love any suggestions you could give me!
1.gif
 
Does your girlfriend like a more antique look? Here's a ring from antiqueengagementrings.com that she might like:

Replica Art Deco Engagement Ring

ETA: I just noticed the ad says out of stock, but since it's a replica, you could call about having one made.
 
Honestly? Yes, the style is outdated.

What type of person is she normally. How does she dress? Understated? Really fashionista? Casual? Classic tailored?

What types of rings to her friends have?

And what, is your budget?
 
This is one of my favorite sapphire settings. It''s by tacori. Here''s the side view:

Tacori Saphire halo side view.jpg
 
Front view:

Tacori Saphire halo front view.jpg
 
Gypsy, that ring is fantastic. Ironic that you post a Tacori ring as I was just looking at a handful of their rings. Are their rings typically well-regarded? I''d say she''s a pretty fashion-oriented, but she''s not afraid to throw on a tank top and jeans. She''s currently in law school. I think a really contemporary ring may suit her nicely.
 
Oh and as for my budget. I''m looking to spend around $3,000, no more than about $3,500.
 
Date: 9/3/2007 3:13:17 AM
Author: Need Help123
Oh and as for my budget. I'm looking to spend around $3,000, no more than about $3,500.
Click to expand...

Then I'd steer clear of Tacori unless you can find a real deal. Tacori settings can run your entire budget (and more), depending on the metal used.

What about something like this, but swap the 2 side diamonds for sapphires?

Diamonds and Lace
 
That''s a nice one. I feel a little foolish. I was getting all excited looking at these Tacori rings until I realized those prices didn''t include the center stone. I appreciate your help Gypsy and EBree. Keep ''em coming please!
 
Kirk kara also has a lot of settings, where sapphire sidestones are an option.

www.kirkkara.com


Another idea, and a very classic one. Is to have a sapphire as your center stone with a ring of diamonds around it.


This is a lovely sapphire three stone from the weddingband.com

dianacoutureweddingband.gif
 
Date: 9/3/2007 3:13:17 AM
Author: Need Help123
Oh and as for my budget. I''m looking to spend around $3,000, no more than about $3,500.
Click to expand...

For the whole ring? Or just for the setting?
 
For the whole ring. I understand I probably won''t be able to get more than a .5 ct, maybe .75 ct for a decent center stone and some sapphires in a nice setting for that price.
 
Date: 9/3/2007 3:28:47 AM
Author: Need Help123
That''s a nice one. I feel a little foolish. I was getting all excited looking at these Tacori rings until I realized those prices didn''t include the center stone. I appreciate your help Gypsy and EBree. Keep ''em coming please!
Click to expand...

Does the ring have to have a diamond as the center stone, or would a sapphire center work?
 
Really looking to get a diamond as the center stone. I guess I can''t throw tradition completely to the wind.
 
Okay so for your budget here's my suggestion: I'd buy one of these sapphires.

http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Blue/Round/stoneid=B2095


http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Blue/Round/stoneid=B2399

And have them set in one of these two settings:

http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/nscnet/expandjsring.aspx?stoneid=JS55A

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/Halo-Prong-Ring-by-WF_941.htm


Princess Diana had a ring similar to this style she had a gorgeous sapphire set with a ring of diamonds around it.

For 3500, this is what I think is going to have the most, WOW factor. Plus you said she's in lawschool, so that means there is a lot of pressure to keep up with the Joneses (been there done that). It will be unique, and very lovely. And BIG.


Another option is to get the LARGEST I colored ACA or ES from Whiteflash and set it into this very affordable setting here:

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/Comfort-Fit--Surprise--Diamond-Ring_765.htm

It's not two round diamonds on each side of the head, surprise stones, and you could call WF and ask them to replace them with sapphires so that she gets a classic beautiful solitare with the sapphires as surprise stones.

But beyond those two options IMO, your going to get junk.
 
What about this setting, with sapphire baguette sides instead of diamond?

Forever Yours
 
Date: 9/3/2007 3:38:18 AM
Author: Need Help123
Really looking to get a diamond as the center stone. I guess I can''t throw tradition completely to the wind.
Click to expand...

Actually original engagement rings were not diamonds, they were colored stones. And many of the stars you see have colored stone rings as engagment rings (granted they are usually colored diamonds). But sapphires are a VERY VERY classic and traditional center stone for engagement rings. And many ladies on here opt for them instead of a smaller diamond in a plain setting.
 
Ebree... Knox doesn''t like to work with colored stones. Even sapphires. I don''t think they would opt to change out thier diamonds with sapphires. Just from experience, mine and others.
2.gif
 
EBree, I really like that and I think the best thing for me to do is to just find a nice setting and try and work with a company to get the ring I want. Gypsy, thanks again for your help too, but I think I''d like to look for something that has a center diamond as opposed to the center sapphire.
 
Here are some diamond choices: ask with all of they are eye clean.


http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-232031.htm#


http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-283263.htm#

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-283241.htm#


Put it in the surpise stone setting above with the sapphires as surprise stones OR put it in this one, if WF can source sapphire baguettes for you.

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/3Stone/Baguette-Diamond-Ring_969.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/Comfort-Fit--Surprise--Diamond-Ring_765.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/3Stone/-Trois-Brillant-_1031.htm (affordable three stone -- I'd ask about sapphire sides)


WF is a good company with GREAT round diamonds who will work with you to get what you want.

And yes, there is definitely something to be said for understated. For your budget, the more diamonds and elaborate things you get in a setting... the more likihood that the center stone is going to be cr*p. Start with the diamond. Then you'll know what your budget is for the setting, and you can find it. Good luck.
 
About your price range... sapphire engagement ring. ETA: was posting this when you were posting you didn't want a sapphire center... pretty to look at anyway
30.gif
 
Date: 9/3/2007 3:50:27 AM
Author: Gypsy
Ebree... Knox doesn't like to work with colored stones. Even sapphires. I don't think they would opt to change out thier diamonds with sapphires. Just from experience, mine and others.
2.gif
Click to expand...

I had no idea! Is this a new thing? In their page(s) of custom designs, several have colored stones incorporated.

Knox Custom
 
Date: 9/3/2007 4:01:32 AM
Author: sera
About your price range... sapphire engagement ring. ETA: was posting this when you were posting you didn''t want a sapphire center... pretty to look at anyway
30.gif
Click to expand...

Oh I LIKE that!!
 
it sounds to me like you are floundering about a bit. I think you need to take a step back and take it piece by piece starting with your most important financial decisions.

assuming you are aiming for a colorless Modern RB center stone The greatest impact on the price your ring will be Ct weight of your center diamond.

1) figure out exactly how small are you willing to go on your center diamond. Figure that out first, as that is going ot be the greatest dictator of your price.

2)After ct weight you need to figure out exactly how low you feel comfortable going in color and clarity as those are going to be your next two biggest cost elements. As far as cut, I say stick to Ideal cut parameters and if you can find a great deal on an ACA thats awesome but not necessary. If you get a diamond with Ideal cut dimensions then you can easily do away with any nambranding while still getting a top of the line masterfully cut stone and save that money to put toward your setting if need be.


for example, If you dont feel you should go any smaller and lower in quality than .7ct G Vs2 then your setting options are going to be in the 500-1000 dollar range depending on the deal you get. which mght be more than sufficient.

But if you say that you feel comfortable going as low as .5ct H SI1 or even lower in some aspects then you may well have 2200-2500 dollars for a setting. Which would certainly be more than sufficient.

Thus, Once you set what you feel to be your lowest acceptable parameters for your center stone then you can see what money you have left over to start finding a setting.


That will allow you an actual price cap to put on your setting and limit the settings you are looking at, and if you find one in the middle or even towards the bottom of your setting price range then that money can immediatly be turned around and be used to get you an even better diamond than your minimum requirements--larger, whiter, whatever you choose to do with the money.

Anyway, that seems like the most logical approach to me, and it would allow you to get some organization to your Ering hunt. As with most things in life organization which is giong to be critical to making an intelligent purchase and using your funds in the most efficient manner.
 
Status
Not open for further replies. Please create a new topic or request for this thread to be opened.
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP
Jewelry Blog
PriceScope-Concierge-Ad
Find prime cuts.
Top