Time for setting-need thoughts on major price difference!!!

[momhappy]

I have the stones for my three-stone ring. I have received a couple of quotes for the actual setting. The setting is two-tone with the main ring in white gold and the center stone area in yellow gold. One of the quotes that I received seems pretty fair (around $1500) and it includes the whole process (CAD, mounting, etc.).
Then I found this:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/160843886/jewelry-sets-vintage-three-stones-solid
I don't know what to make of it It seems too good to be true (and you know what they say about that…). This setting is all 18K white & yellow gold, whereas my quote above was for 14K white and 18K yellow. The Etsy jeweler has quoted me around $500 for that setting customized to meet my needs (stone sizes, re-sizing, mounting my stones, AND shipping back & forth).
I am thoroughly confused. Obviously, I want a quality, well-made ring and I'm not going to sacrifice that for price. I don't have an issue with the $1500 price tag, but I'm wondering if I'm paying more for the whole CAD process when I might not need to. Please tell me your honest opinions.

 

[artdecolover71]

Re: Time for setting-need thoughts on major price difference

The etsy one is from China. I know a lot of people use Lord of Gem Rings from Etsy and I think he is based in China as well-have you checked his listings?

 

[MarionC]

Re: Time for setting-need thoughts on major price difference

The Etsy setting is poorly made with rough edges that are not straight. Maybe that's what settings look like before they are "finished"?

 

[momhappy]

Re: Time for setting-need thoughts on major price difference

^Yes, I was thinking the same thing. I believe that the settings look "rough" because that's how they look before stones are mounted. Maybe some jewelers can chime in? The seller gets decent feedback (it's not a ton, but the feedback he has is good). He also has numerous listings for completed rings/jewelry and the quality looks to be decent. It's just so confusing….

 

[momhappy]

Re: Time for setting-need thoughts on major price difference

Anyone else? Thoughts, opinions, advice?
Thanks to those who have posted so far - I appreciate your input

 

[momhappy]

Re: Time for setting-need thoughts on major price difference

The etsy one is from China. I know a lot of people use Lord of Gem Rings from Etsy and I think he is based in China as well-have you checked his listings?

I think that I found LOG on Etsy and although most of the reviews are good, there are a few horrible reviews about quality that make me nervous.

 

[AprilBaby]

Re: Time for setting-need thoughts on major price difference

Remember you always get what you pay for!

 

[momhappy]

Re: Time for setting-need thoughts on major price difference

^yes, that's why I started this thread. Like I said, I'm okay with paying more. However, my question is whether or not I'm paying more for a CAD when I don't need to? Obviously, part of the larger price tag is the CAD, etc., but how much does that actually affect the end result? With the CADs, I'll still be reviewing them online and I won't get to see the actual ring in person until it's completed and shipped. Likewise, I wouldn't see the Etsy ring until it's completed and shipped either. Do the settings, rings, jewelry in the Etsy shop that I listed look like poor quality?

 

[mrs-b]

Re: Time for setting-need thoughts on major price difference

momhappy - i don't know what jeweler or style you were considering for the $1500 ring, but I really like the etsy ring. It doesn't look flimsy anywhere and yes the prongs seem delicate enough not to be clumpy or ugly (which is often the case in cheaper rings).

At $283 dollars, I'd definitely go with the etsy ring - what do you have to lose? If for some reason you dislike it, you can always sell it on, save it for a future project, or, at very worst - scrap it and get a few bucks.

Either way, I like it.

 

[momhappy]

Re: Time for setting-need thoughts on major price difference

^Thanks for your input. My quote on the Etsy is more like $500 because I'd have a couple of modifications made. Still, the ring is solid 18K and seems to be of decent quality. I've looked through the pages and pages of their completed rings too, especially the prongs, which is something that I'm picky about. The rings look decent and some of them are quite intricate/detailed. The only thing that I noticed was that some of the gem stones did not appear to be of fabulous quality, but I already have my stones, so I would not be utilizing their stones. I really don't want to make the wrong choice here - I've already put a lot of time, effort, money into my stones. I should also mention that this is a right-hand ring and probably not something that will be worn daily (although, it will be worn fairly regularly).