Thoughts on this setting from Jared

[peipose]

Hello! I''m still shopping around for an ering for my girlfriend, and today I was looking in Jared because as much as I love the deals online it is so much more helpful for me to actually see and feel them in person. After browsing their pretty large selection with an extremely friendly and knowledgeable sales associate, I had my eyes set on this set:

http://design.jared-diamonds.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/ring/item_58-5814.asp

If I do go with this setting, I''d be pairing it with one of their ideal Peerless diamonds (about .50ct), which shines like crazy under their fancy lights. I don''t have the specs on it today, but I was very pleased with it and he let me view the hearts and arrows and everything through the scope. Looked great.

Anyway, my concern with the setting is that its only 14K white gold, as is most of their selection. Is it worth me second guessing the setting because its not 18K? What are your thoughts on the setting itself?

I would of course consider buying it online completely if only I could find a VERY similar setting, but so far I haven''t found anything. I thought the price was pretty fair, especially considering it includes the wedding band. What do you think?

 

[missydebby]

Have you checked James Allen? Their prices are incredible, plus you if you click through from Pricescope you get an extra discount on the center stone. They also have a great and inexpensive selection of settings.

As for me, I''m not into the 14k. I think that setting is no bargain considering that.

 

[missydebby]

For instance, just bypass the matching set options and look for an engagement ring. Plenty have wedding rings that go with it...

Option 1 is $700 for 18k and it matches:

option 1 wedding band

or

pave option 1 for $875 withpave option 1 band for $800.

so around the same price but much better quality and gold. I know these aren''t exactly like your selection from Jared, but just examples nice sets out there at a good price. You may wanna look over the site.

 

[marcy]

The wedding set you picked is very pretty. I am in a minority here on PS in that I prefer to pay the little extra and buy locally for 2 reasons. I can see it and touch it and I really like the ability to walk in to a store and hand over my ring if it needs fixed or sized. I like the comfort of having a warranty that takes care of those things. It is worth the extra money to me.

 

[Miss Sparkly]

Date: 4/17/2010 10:47:13 AM
Author: marcyc
The wedding set you picked is very pretty. I am in a minority here on PS in that I prefer to pay the little extra and buy locally for 2 reasons. I can see it and touch it and I really like the ability to walk in to a store and hand over my ring if it needs fixed or sized. I like the comfort of having a warranty that takes care of those things. It is worth the extra money to me.

I am in 1,000% agreement with Marcy. I have several items from my local Jared and I

their customer service. Average turnaround time for a job is 2 to 3 hours, and I can have my one white gold piece redipped whenever I want. My skin chemistry eats away at white gold very quickly, and I''m super picky about it being WHITE, so I''ve had my rings replated once every three months. Time that by five years = 20 times. Times that by an average of $25 a dip if I didn''t have the warrenty = $500. Cost of warrenty which included all sizings, dippings, prong tippings etc = $79.99. Very much worth it for me

 

[PumpkinPie]

that''s a very pretty setting - I also suggest checking out James Allen for other options

 

[peipose]

Thanks for the replies!

I''ve been looking on tons of sites online... James Allen, White Flash, Blue Nile, Brian Gavin, Good Old Gold, etc. There are a few that I do like, but it''s just that issue of not seeing it in person. I suppose I could buy it and return it if I don''t like it, but even that is hard because I''d have to decide which one out of the 5 or so online ones that have my attention.

Plus as said above I''ve been extremely happy with the Jared shopping experience. At least the one by my house has such wonderful customer service. Very little pressure, and an awesome warranty! My only real issue is the the 14K white gold quality.

Would it be considered "acceptable" to see if a place like Brian Gavin''s custom settings to recreate a Jared setting to be identical in 18k or platinum? Are there rules or laws prohibiting that?

At this point I think this is still my #1 pick (its on layaway), but I have a couple weeks to decide.

 

[ponder]

Date: 4/17/2010 10:47:13 AM
Author: marcyc
The wedding set you picked is very pretty. I am in a minority here on PS in that I prefer to pay the little extra and buy locally for 2 reasons. I can see it and touch it and I really like the ability to walk in to a store and hand over my ring if it needs fixed or sized. I like the comfort of having a warranty that takes care of those things. It is worth the extra money to me.

I would not consider it a "little extra" when you are compare the prices between the peerless and a H&A from WF or BGD. I found the price difference to be between 30-50%.

 

[marcy]

Peipose, I think you should get whatever makes your heart go pitter patter. My ering center diamond is .53 AGS0. I paid about $500 more for it than I could get online and I don''t regret picking it out in person one bit. I have quite a few 14kt WG rings and have not had any trouble with them; one of them is a semi mount from Jared''s. I can''t wait to see what you get.

 

[KeepStepping]

I don''t think there is anything wrong with picking your setting from Jared. I have purchased both online at Blue Nile and GOG, and don''t think their prices can be beat as far as center stone diamonds go. However, as far as the actual setting goes, I really felt the need to see and touch mine in person as well. I had my heart set on a 5,600k Tacori setting that I looked at online for weeks, until I finally by chance saw it in a store and completely hated it. There is a lot of benefit of purchasing a diamond and mount from the same place because of the discounts often given for pairing your purchases -- but between the service that Jared offers in fixing/cleaning/dipping your mount, and your ability to actually slip it on your finger (if you are a woman) or seeing what you are going to present the woman of your dreams with -- the 14k gold is a negligable difference. They may need a little more care in the long run, but if something goes wrong with your rings purchased online....guess what you get to do?

Ship it, worry about it coming home safe, and then inspecting it when it gets back and worrying in the back of your head if they have given you the right piece. (There are some wonderful, perfectly trustworthy websites that Pricescoper''s buy from here, but it won''t prevent you from worrying about it when the ring has to leave the hand of your loved one for repair, should anything ever happen to it.)

Just trust the recommendation of purchasing the care plan along with the ring, it will make it worth your while.

PS - I ended up purchasing mine from Jared, as well, after much hesitation, because they had a setting that was just so unique and perfect for what I wanted that I was not willing to trade it in for something simiilar.

 

[yssie]

You should get whichever setting makes you the happiest, no matter where it comes from

To answer your question, no, no custom designer will design a setting to be exactly like another designers - this would be violating all sorts of copyright and ownership issues. Can you ask Jared if they will make the same in 18k?

 

[Kaleigh]

Sounds to me that this ring fits the bill on all counts. It''s lovely ...

Look could you save some bucks buying online?? Yes, but you need to touch , see and feel . I so get that!!

Please come back with hand shots!!!! Best of luck!!!

 

[CBL]

Also in my experience Jared will set any diamond. If you came in with a diamond bought elsewhere and purchased that setting, they would set it for free.
Good luck-it is a pretty setting.

 

[denverappraiser]

Date: 4/18/2010 12:31:46 PM
Author: CBL
Also in my experience Jared will set any diamond. If you came in with a diamond bought elsewhere and purchased that setting, they would set it for free.

Good luck-it is a pretty setting.

Not that it should be a deal killer, but I think there’s a fee to set stones that they didn’t sell. Also, not every stone will fit into every setting. In both cases, ask and I’m sure they’ll be happy to tell you your options.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[Miss Sparkly]

Date: 4/18/2010 12:31:46 PM
Author: CBL
Also in my experience Jared will set any diamond. If you came in with a diamond bought elsewhere and purchased that setting, they would set it for free.
Good luck-it is a pretty setting.

I''ve noticed that it depends on the salesperson. Some will say that it''s included w/the warrenty while others will charge. I never have gotten a straight answer on this one

 

[Dreamer_D]

I would buy that setting if you like it, then buy a diamond from a reputable PS vendor online and have the setting shipped to them, they will set your diamond and take financial responsibility for the loose stone during the setting process.

You will save a pretty penny on the diamond buying online.

 

[vabaz]

Date: 4/17/2010 3:54:37 PM
Author: peipose
Thanks for the replies!

I''ve been looking on tons of sites online... James Allen, White Flash, Blue Nile, Brian Gavin, Good Old Gold, etc. There are a few that I do like, but it''s just that issue of not seeing it in person. I suppose I could buy it and return it if I don''t like it, but even that is hard because I''d have to decide which one out of the 5 or so online ones that have my attention.

Plus as said above I''ve been extremely happy with the Jared shopping experience. At least the one by my house has such wonderful customer service. Very little pressure, and an awesome warranty! My only real issue is the the 14K white gold quality.

Would it be considered ''acceptable'' to see if a place like Brian Gavin''s custom settings to recreate a Jared setting to be identical in 18k or platinum? Are there rules or laws prohibiting that?

At this point I think this is still my #1 pick (its on layaway), but I have a couple weeks to decide.

Call Lesley at BGD - send her "inspiration" photos of what you like and with a few modifications, Brian will make a beautiful setting!!!

 

[Diamond*Dana]

I have several 14K gold pieces, and have purchased settings from Jared, never having a problem at all. If this is the setting that you want, you should get it.

As for stone setting and fees at Jared, I have never had to pay a setting fee, but did have to pay for the new head to fit my stone (which was overpriced IMO, probably making up for the lack of a setting fee, lol).

 

[peipose]

Thanks for all your feedback everyone!! I feel a lot better after getting some pros like you guys to chime in on it. I think its a great idea to try getting a diamond from WF or something and having Jared set it. Interestingly they did say there was about a $115 setting fee even though I was buying both the setting and Peerless diamond from Jared. I''ll go back in and talk to him again and see what we can work out!

As far as the 14K white gold, I''m feeling way better about that too. The ring I gave to my girlfriend for our 5 year anniversary is from Kay Jewelers, which I guess is part of the same family as Jared. I found the ring online (http://www.kay.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product1%7C10101%7C10001%7C-1%7C530675103%7C15064%7C15064) and this one is 14K white gold as well. She LOVES this ring so much, and it still looks gorgeous and I don''t believe it''s ever even been replated or anything, just polished up in the store.

It feels so good getting near the end of this ring purchase journey...its so much pressure!! lol

 

[peipose]

Ok, I''m back again, this time with a copy of the diamond''s AGS cert. Here''s the info on the Jared Peerless Diamond...

Round Brilliant
Measurements: 5.32 - 5.35 x 3.31 mm

Cut Grade: AGS Ideal 0
Light Performance: 0
Proportion Factors: 0
Finish: 0
Polish: Ideal
Symmetry: Ideal
Color Grade AGS 1.5 (G)
Clarity Grade: AGS 5 (SI1)
Carat Weight: 0.572 cts.
Fluorescence: Negligible
Cutlet: Pointed

I also have the diagram with all the percentages but I''m not sure how to explain it. I''ll do my best:

Table (flat top): 55.1%
Depth (top to bottom): 62%
Top Angle: 36 degrees
Bottom Angle: 40.6 degrees
Top Depth (above girdle): 16.3%
Bottom Depth (below girdle): 42.2%
Girdle: Faceted 1.3% to 3.3%

Then there''s a random "48" in the top of the diamond in the diagram, and a 79 in the bottom part of the diamond. Not sure what these mean.

The price is $2200 from brick & mortar Jared store. I was shown the hearts & arrows through a scope in the store, and it looked great to me. I could barely pick out the inclusions through the microscope, it was eye clean.

What do you think? Do these specs help and do they sound good?

 

[marcy]

I don''t think you can go wrong with an AGS0 diamond. Sounds lovely.

 

[CBL]

Hmm, as I revisited this topic I remembered that when I had a stone set with them, I believe Jared charged me something like $50 to set it. That seemed worthwhile at the time. $115 seems pretty hefty though especially if you buy their diamond. That''s kinda weird.

Date: 4/18/2010 3:32:34 PM
Author: peipose
Thanks for all your feedback everyone!! I feel a lot better after getting some pros like you guys to chime in on it. I think its a great idea to try getting a diamond from WF or something and having Jared set it. Interestingly they did say there was about a $115 setting fee even though I was buying both the setting and Peerless diamond from Jared. I''ll go back in and talk to him again and see what we can work out!


As far as the 14K white gold, I''m feeling way better about that too. The ring I gave to my girlfriend for our 5 year anniversary is from Kay Jewelers, which I guess is part of the same family as Jared. I found the ring online (http://www.kay.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product1%7C10101%7C10001%7C-1%7C530675103%7C15064%7C15064) and this one is 14K white gold as well. She LOVES this ring so much, and it still looks gorgeous and I don''t believe it''s ever even been replated or anything, just polished up in the store.


It feels so good getting near the end of this ring purchase journey...its so much pressure!! lol

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 4/18/2010 3:32:34 PM
Author: peipose
Thanks for all your feedback everyone!! I feel a lot better after getting some pros like you guys to chime in on it. I think its a great idea to try getting a diamond from WF or something and having Jared set it. Interestingly they did say there was about a $115 setting fee even though I was buying both the setting and Peerless diamond from Jared. I''ll go back in and talk to him again and see what we can work out!

no no - the other way around. If you by a centre diamond from a PS vendor, you should also have *that* vendor set it in the Jared setting - Not Jareds.
As mentioned above, than in the case of damage or difficulties during the setting process, your vendor will take responsibility for their diamond. This will not happen with Jared, and you leave yourself exposed.
$115 setting fee also seems reasonably high to me.

 

[rhbgirl24]

I think to answer your question (regardless of where its from), I think the 14K white gold is just fine. The different metals are personal preference. Mine is 14k unplated white and yellow gold. I prefer that over the 18k and even platinum....

 

[Miss Sparkly]

Date: 4/18/2010 3:32:34 PM
Author: peipose
Thanks for all your feedback everyone!! I feel a lot better after getting some pros like you guys to chime in on it. I think its a great idea to try getting a diamond from WF or something and having Jared set it. Interestingly they did say there was about a $115 setting fee even though I was buying both the setting and Peerless diamond from Jared. I''ll go back in and talk to him again and see what we can work out!

As far as the 14K white gold, I''m feeling way better about that too. The ring I gave to my girlfriend for our 5 year anniversary is from Kay Jewelers, which I guess is part of the same family as Jared. I found the ring online (http://www.kay.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product1%7C10101%7C10001%7C-1%7C530675103%7C15064%7C15064) and this one is 14K white gold as well. She LOVES this ring so much, and it still looks gorgeous and I don''t believe it''s ever even been replated or anything, just polished up in the store.

It feels so good getting near the end of this ring purchase journey...its so much pressure!! lol

The $115 "setting fee" should actually break down to $30 for the setting and $85 for the head. If the head doesn''t fit then they charge you to order a new head.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 7:48:31 AM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 4/18/2010 3:32:34 PM
Author: peipose
Thanks for all your feedback everyone!! I feel a lot better after getting some pros like you guys to chime in on it. I think its a great idea to try getting a diamond from WF or something and having Jared set it. Interestingly they did say there was about a $115 setting fee even though I was buying both the setting and Peerless diamond from Jared. I''ll go back in and talk to him again and see what we can work out!

no no - the other way around. If you by a centre diamond from a PS vendor, you should also have *that* vendor set it in the Jared setting - Not Jareds.
As mentioned above, than in the case of damage or difficulties during the setting process, your vendor will take responsibility for their diamond. This will not happen with Jared, and you leave yourself exposed.
$115 setting fee also seems reasonably high to me.

DITTO! If you want Jared''s to set a diamond you buy elsewhere, then you can get insurance through Jewelers Mutual to cover the setting process.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/19/2010 8:03:02 PM
Author: peipose
Ok, I''m back again, this time with a copy of the diamond''s AGS cert. Here''s the info on the Jared Peerless Diamond...

Round Brilliant
Measurements: 5.32 - 5.35 x 3.31 mm

Cut Grade: AGS Ideal 0
Light Performance: 0
Proportion Factors: 0
Finish: 0
Polish: Ideal
Symmetry: Ideal
Color Grade AGS 1.5 (G)
Clarity Grade: AGS 5 (SI1)
Carat Weight: 0.572 cts.
Fluorescence: Negligible
Cutlet: Pointed

I also have the diagram with all the percentages but I''m not sure how to explain it. I''ll do my best:

Table (flat top): 55.1%
Depth (top to bottom): 62%
Top Angle: 36 degrees
Bottom Angle: 40.6 degrees
Top Depth (above girdle): 16.3%
Bottom Depth (below girdle): 42.2%
Girdle: Faceted 1.3% to 3.3%

Then there''s a random ''48'' in the top of the diamond in the diagram, and a 79 in the bottom part of the diamond. Not sure what these mean.

The price is $2200 from brick & mortar Jared store. I was shown the hearts & arrows through a scope in the store, and it looked great to me. I could barely pick out the inclusions through the microscope, it was eye clean.

What do you think? Do these specs help and do they sound good?

That price is high.

Here is what you could get for the same money online:
0.70ct G SI1 http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-1040381680061

Here is a .54ct G VS2 for only $1400
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-1040381680092

 

[cara]

I don''t have a problem with 14K white gold. 24K gold is YELLOW so if you want ''gold'' to be white it has to be mixed with something else. Its more than 14K settings are cheaper, so you want to be sure that the setting quality is not also cheap in addition to made with a cheaper metal.

Ditto the others, if you

love

the Jared''s setting, then buy a stone online and ship the Jared''s setting to the stone vendor for setting. Make sure the Jared''s setting will accommodate your diamond size-wise.

It is a little simpler to buy the setting and stone from one place, so make sure that you prefer the Jared''s setting over whatever is offered from your online vendor. But I would not buy a Jared''s diamond. You can get better quality for a good price online.

 

[swingirl]

Date: 4/20/2010 12:57:14 PM
Author: dreamer_d
That price is high.

Here is what you could get for the same money online:

0.70ct G SI1 http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-1040381680061

Here is a .54ct G VS2 for only $1400

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-1040381680092

These are beautiful stones. I would buy either of them sight unseen because Brian Gavin looks at all the stones and hand-picks them to begin with. I also would trust them to set the stone into which ever setting you choose. They are tried and true. At Jareds you really don't know the setter's experience. They could be wonderful or it could be their first day. What does their warranty include? Who would insure your loose stone while being set?