Top Notch Custom Setting designers?

[JTOUPS1214]

Can anyone tell me who is top notch when it comes to custom settings (Comparable to BGD?)

I've been dealing with BGD for the week or so, but I don't feel like I'm getting quality service. The response time to my emails take forever, and I keep getting the run-around when it comes to pricing my custom setting?

I began by talking to the salesperson, (over email and phone) I specifically discussed all of my requirements. After going over everything, I requested a bottom line final price. I told this person I wanted to know because I don't want "hidden charges" and "fees" to spring up later. I wanted to know everything right there.

To make a long story short....They proceed to come back a day later and apologize, then tell me they forgot to add in the $75 setting fee. Now to most people, big deal it's only $75. (and honestly $75 is nothing to me when I'm spending 4K on a setting) But it's the point that they knew I had my own diamond and failed to tell me this charge when I asked up front. I TRULY want to do business with BGD because I love their work, and I still might (if they honor the original price) - but I'd like to know other options out there.

Thanks for listening, and thanks for your help!

 

[distracts]

If it's a custom setting, you will likely not get the whole exact price up front, but rather an estimate. The exact price depends in large part on how much time they spend working on it and dealing with you. It's not about "hidden" charges, but rather that they are custom-creating something, not just popping your stone in a ready-made setting, and so while they can tell you it will be around x dollars, based on estimating it to be around y amount of time plus z materials, but say you don't like the cad and send it back to be redone, well, that extra time and work will be added into the cost, and so on.

Honestly that interaction with BGD did not sound at all unusual for any custom setting process. It's too bad that they forgot the setting fee, but they DID get back to you about it.

People on here say Victor Canera has very good customer service.

 

[JTOUPS1214]

If it's a custom setting, you will likely not get the whole exact price up front, but rather an estimate. The exact price depends in large part on how much time they spend working on it and dealing with you. It's not about "hidden" charges, but rather that they are custom-creating something, not just popping your stone in a ready-made setting, and so while they can tell you it will be around x dollars, based on estimating it to be around y amount of time plus z materials, but say you don't like the cad and send it back to be redone, well, that extra time and work will be added into the cost, and so on.

Honestly that interaction with BGD did not sound at all unusual for any custom setting process. It's too bad that they forgot the setting fee, but they DID get back to you about it.

People on here say Victor Canera has very good customer service.

Thank you for your feedback.
If a setting fee is standard, that should be the first thing they tell me when I say I have my own stone.

I would like to add that I'm calling it custom, but only because I'm adding a surprise stone to a design they already have cad drawings on.

Let me ask you this....if it is indeed an estimate, and they estimate at 4k, but they end up creating it for 3k, do you think I would make me aware? We both know they wouldn't.

I'll look into Victor Canera though...thank you!

 

[Sparkly_Girl]

We are having my ring custom designed by Oscar Heyman & Bros as I type this. After they created the renderings for the ring and we approved them, they gave us an estimate for the setting. After I had my stone and was able to provide them with exact dimensions, they were able to give me a firm price for the piece.

We did all of this through a jewelry store that carries OH jewelry as they don't deal directly with the public. Each step has taken a bit longer than I would have liked, but that's just me. I'm impatient because I want to wear my ring! I definitely DO NOT want to rush perfection.

 

[JTOUPS1214]

Thank you sparky girl! Time isn't that big of a factor so I will also look into them. I just want honesty and great customer service.

Another update: BGD also just emailed me again and said there is also a shipping fee and insurance fee that I have to provide (another surprise $85 charge that they forgot)
Wow it just keeps getting better and better lol

 

[slg47]

what setting is it?

the shipping/mounting fees/etc are standard.

 

[mrssalvo]

Diamonds by Lauren just made Yssie's ring and it's wonderful. Her's was a cast/handmade combo but I believe they can do cast (which would more than likely be less expensive) or all handmade or a combo like Yssie's. I have been very impressed with what I've seen coming from then lately. Mark T at www.engagementringsdirect.com also uses cad and has produced some beautiful settings for prices copers.

ETA: the fees coming from BGD are normal and not usual but I can understand the last minute "oh yeah's"...could be troublesome and frustrating.

 

[JTOUPS1214]

I can understand the fees also but I guess I just feel like these are things they knew ahead of time (and forgot to tell me)

At least I know what to expect with other companies, and I can see if they tell me these "fees" beforehand.

I'm speaking with Brian himself on Monday. I will see if he will honor his original salespersons quote. If he is a man of his word, I will gladly give him my business. Hopefully this experience will at least help the next person who buys from this girl I've been dealing with.

 

[winternight]

How annoying but do you have anything in writing? I would assume that your getting some kind of written estimate during the process? Then they should honor it. Then again I just had a bad experience with a vendor that didn't tell me about a very visible inclusion on the table of a diamond. I ended up paying shipping both ways because I didn't want to dispute through my credit card. Anyways I hope it works out for out. Obviously with some of the other suggestions you're going to be paying more for the service aspects.

 

[Mayk]

When I had a custom setting made...there wasn't a setting fee and he had to take the diamond from the old setting... Maybe added in up front but not quoted on the price..and my setting was reasonable for what I purchased... No extra charges that I was aware of...

 

[JTOUPS1214]

I do have a lot of the emails, but a lot of the details were told to her on the phone as well. Probably enough to dispute but I'm sure they can easily just say they don't want to do the setting.

Regardless, I'm sure they wouldnt lose money by setting it for free! Obviously I can see charges to send the diamond there, but i believe they should ship the ring back to me for free! (especially since they didn't tell me anything up front)

Has anyone dealt with Whiteflash custom settings? I purchased my diamond thru them and the service was above and beyond!

 

[PintoBean]

My mom has 3 BGD diamonds and settings, and they are all gorgeous.

For me, when I went custom, BGD was about $1,000 more than my ERD quote. I got a round number from Mark, and that included EVERYTHING.

I wanted to work with BGD, based on the quality workmanship of my mom's rings, but the cost was prohibitive for me. ERD was awesome to deal with.

Your BGD experience - sounds like they have a trainee sales rep?... strange!

Yssie has an amazing eye for detail, and fantastic design aesthetics to boot - she has had beautiful rings from Whiteflash and DiamondsByLauren.

My suggestion is to take a market survey. For my project, I polled ID Jewelry, Good Old Gold, BGD, Whiteflash and ERD.

 

[JTOUPS1214]

All great tips, thanks!!!

Well I won't "call out" the person but from looking at reviews I think this person has been there a while.
I really wanted to use BGD, it's ashame I'm having such a bad experience.

I'll probably talk to Whiteflash in the morning, then make my rounds. I just know I want quality, even if I have to spend extra money.

 

[maplefemme]

I do have a lot of the emails, but a lot of the details were told to her on the phone as well. Probably enough to dispute but I'm sure they can easily just say they don't want to do the setting.

Regardless, I'm sure they wouldnt lose money by setting it for free! Obviously I can see charges to send the diamond there, but i believe they should ship the ring back to me for free! (especially since they didn't tell me anything up front)

Has anyone dealt with Whiteflash custom settings? I purchased my diamond thru them and the service was above and beyond!

I completely understand how frustrating it is to get last minute charges, however, setting fees for stones not purchased through the same vendor that is setting the stone are absolutely normal. Shipping fees and insurance to mail the final ring to you are a given from any vendor.
I wasn't able to get a final price for my custom ring from Victor Canera until the ring was complete, it was an estimated quote, Steven Kirsch was the same.
They called you back to let you know about the setting fee before you/they proceed, they called to let you know about the shipping and insurance before they get the green flag to start making your ring. It's a late heads-up, I agree, but it's still before you have committed to the purchase and I don't understand why you feel you should now get it set and shipped for free, no offense.

 

[TristanC]

Sorry you are having troubles. Yet I agree that although it is frustrating, all these costs are standard. The frustration should be that you are being told late; NOT that you are frustrated because you aren't making headway when you argue that they should waive those said fees. You said early on that $75 is not a big deal. $85 later for shipping is a different thing altogether too but again, it is standard.

I don't think (this is my humble opinion) you are entitled to free shipping, or a setting fee, or insurance costs just because they forgot to tell you everything all at once.

Yes, they can waive it (exception), but they also can and have a right to charge it (norm). You also have a right to take your business elsewhere. And wherever you go, those charges will still be present.

Victor will be more expensive than what you shared here. His costs are also fluid and will likely come late - I think the work is undertaken on a 'gentleman's' basis of fair pricing by his standards which you accept when you commission him. LM and SK should be the same. I actually like this style of business, so long as I am happy to pay for the time of an artisan. Obviously I don't want to have fluid prices when I buy off the shelf, but again, that is a different thing altogether.

Oscar Heyman might charge you $75 just for the priviledge of breathing on your ring. And you'll Like it! I REALLY love their work, but I am sadly not able to afford it. So thank you once again Sparkly for allowing us to participate in your creation!!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I agree that these are charges they all add. I can see how it might not come up when the design of the ring hasn't even been firmed up. You likely would be given a work order with all the information before proceeding.

I am just going to say this since you haven't made a commitment yet, but I think you might be making a mistake not buying this style ring that has already been designed and made...as in the Tacori or the Verragio or one of the others we looked at on the other thread. I am not convinced the ring will turn out better and I think it may cost as much or more in the long run. I really, really liked both the Verragio and the Tacori.

Here are some more that I came across since the other thread:

http://www.gabrielengaged.com/style/ER7546W44JJ

http://www.gabrielengaged.com/style/ER6273W44JJ

 

[JTOUPS1214]

I do have a lot of the emails, but a lot of the details were told to her on the phone as well. Probably enough to dispute but I'm sure they can easily just say they don't want to do the setting.

Regardless, I'm sure they wouldnt lose money by setting it for free! Obviously I can see charges to send the diamond there, but i believe they should ship the ring back to me for free! (especially since they didn't tell me anything up front)

Has anyone dealt with Whiteflash custom settings? I purchased my diamond thru them and the service was above and beyond!

I completely understand how frustrating it is to get last minute charges, however, setting fees for stones not purchased through the same vendor that is setting the stone are absolutely normal. Shipping fees and insurance to mail the final ring to you are a given from any vendor.
I wasn't able to get a final price for my custom ring from Victor Canera until the ring was complete, it was an estimated quote, Steven Kirsch was the same.
They called you back to let you know about the setting fee before you/they proceed, they called to let you know about the shipping and insurance before they get the green flag to start making your ring. It's a late heads-up, I agree, but it's still before you have committed to the purchase and I don't understand why you feel you should now get it set and shipped for free, no offense.

No offense taken! I 100% completely agree I should pay for shipping and setting fee!

this is why I asked up front "what are you charges, fees, etc..". I told her specifically to be up front and tell me everything I'm liable for. She then proceeded to tell me my final total.
Next day....I get an email stating she was sorry, but there is a setting fee"
Next day....I get another email stating I need to pay for insurance to ship everything back completed.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I do have a lot of the emails, but a lot of the details were told to her on the phone as well. Probably enough to dispute but I'm sure they can easily just say they don't want to do the setting.

Regardless, I'm sure they wouldnt lose money by setting it for free! Obviously I can see charges to send the diamond there, but i believe they should ship the ring back to me for free! (especially since they didn't tell me anything up front)

Has anyone dealt with Whiteflash custom settings? I purchased my diamond thru them and the service was above and beyond!

I completely understand how frustrating it is to get last minute charges, however, setting fees for stones not purchased through the same vendor that is setting the stone are absolutely normal. Shipping fees and insurance to mail the final ring to you are a given from any vendor.
I wasn't able to get a final price for my custom ring from Victor Canera until the ring was complete, it was an estimated quote, Steven Kirsch was the same.
They called you back to let you know about the setting fee before you/they proceed, they called to let you know about the shipping and insurance before they get the green flag to start making your ring. It's a late heads-up, I agree, but it's still before you have committed to the purchase and I don't understand why you feel you should now get it set and shipped for free, no offense.

No offense taken! I 100% completely agree I should pay for shipping and setting fee!

this is why I asked up front "what are you charges, fees, etc..". I told her specifically to be up front and tell me everything I'm liable for. She then proceeded to tell me my final total.
Next day....I get an email stating she was sorry, but there is a setting fee"
Next day....I get another email stating I need to pay for insurance to ship everything back completed.

This is one reason we recommend buying the setting from the diamond vendor whenever possible...you don't have those extra charges. You could buy the Verragio or Tacori locally and avoid all that.

 

[JTOUPS1214]

I agree that these are charges they all add. I can see how it might not come up when the design of the ring hasn't even been firmed up. You likely would be given a work order with all the information before proceeding.

I am just going to say this since you haven't made a commitment yet, but I think you might be making a mistake not buying this style ring that has already been designed and made...as in the Tacori or the Verragio or one of the others we looked at on the other thread. I am not convinced the ring will turn out better and I think it may cost as much or more in the long run. I really, really liked both the Verragio and the Tacori.

Here are some more that I came across since the other thread:

http://www.gabrielengaged.com/style/ER7546W44JJ

http://www.gabrielengaged.com/style/ER6273W44JJ

You've definitely seen me through this little journey!
I can see myself going back to the tacori or veraggio lol!
I just wish I could ask her " pick from these options!!"
But I'd rather it be a surprise, and I think she feels the same.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Custom work is always an unknown. We have had people here redo rings multiple times because they saw things that they wanted changed after the custom ring was finished. With the Tacori and Verragio, you have two well known designer names that will be known by any young women who have looked at engagement rings. You know what the rings look like (yet they will still be custom made for your stone). Both are very gorgeous with one slightly more vintage and one slightly more contemporary. I honestly like both of them better than the one at BG, even though they do beautiful work. I just would feel safer with the sure things. I will be happy for you with any decision you make, but I wanted to say that before but didn't because you seemed to have made a decision.

 

[Gypsy]

I'm sorry you are having a bad experience. Even if you chose to go with a different vendor, I'd like to encourage you to get on the phone with BGD, ask to talk to Lesley, and don't speak to anyone else else-- just say, I want to talk to Lesley, and that's the only person I will speak to, when is she available, please have her call me at ______ if you can't get her on the phone immediately. Then tell her your experience so that she is aware of the issue. I have had one "flub" in service at least once by every vendor on here that I've spoken to, except Steven Kirsch. GOG, BGD, James Allen, ERD, Wink, Hunt ... all of them have dropped the ball at least once. I make sure I tell the owners when they do so they are aware of it and correct it. And I think of providing feedback as a very important part of being a customer. Especially if a customer service flub is the reason I am looking to move on to a different vendor.

 

[maplefemme]

I do have a lot of the emails, but a lot of the details were told to her on the phone as well. Probably enough to dispute but I'm sure they can easily just say they don't want to do the setting.

Regardless, I'm sure they wouldnt lose money by setting it for free! Obviously I can see charges to send the diamond there, but i believe they should ship the ring back to me for free! (especially since they didn't tell me anything up front)

Has anyone dealt with Whiteflash custom settings? I purchased my diamond thru them and the service was above and beyond!

I completely understand how frustrating it is to get last minute charges, however, setting fees for stones not purchased through the same vendor that is setting the stone are absolutely normal. Shipping fees and insurance to mail the final ring to you are a given from any vendor.
I wasn't able to get a final price for my custom ring from Victor Canera until the ring was complete, it was an estimated quote, Steven Kirsch was the same.
They called you back to let you know about the setting fee before you/they proceed, they called to let you know about the shipping and insurance before they get the green flag to start making your ring. It's a late heads-up, I agree, but it's still before you have committed to the purchase and I don't understand why you feel you should now get it set and shipped for free, no offense.

No offense taken! I 100% completely agree I should pay for shipping and setting fee!

this is why I asked up front "what are you charges, fees, etc..". I told her specifically to be up front and tell me everything I'm liable for. She then proceeded to tell me my final total.
Next day....I get an email stating she was sorry, but there is a setting fee"
Next day....I get another email stating I need to pay for insurance to ship everything back completed.

At the end of the day go with who you feel completely comfortable with, it's a special purchase and it should be a great experience for you! It's fair to say that every vendor has/will drop the ball at some point, they're human, it's how they rectify it that counts.
I agree with Gypsy, ask to talk to Lesley.
Look forward to seeing the final result

 

[JTOUPS1214]

Thanks to all of you!
I definitely have some decisions to make!
Obviously I just want a great experience (like I did with my diamond at Whiteflash)

Does anyone know offhand if tacori or verragio will customize a ring of theirs? ( one example For instance...add a surprise stone on the inside?)

 

[slg47]

Thanks to all of you!
I definitely have some decisions to make!
Obviously I just want a great experience (like I did with my diamond at Whiteflash)

Does anyone know offhand if tacori or verragio will customize a ring of theirs? ( one example For instance...add a surprise stone on the inside?)

why not get WF to make the ring since you got the diamond from them?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I just remembered something I should have said in my last post. We know your gf was looking at very nice designer settings because the example she showed you was Michael B. That was another reason I felt like she might be happier with one of those designer settings.

Now I will be quiet and let you sleep on it and make your own decision!

 

[mrssalvo]

I just remembered something I should have said in my last post. We know your gf was looking at very nice designer settings because the example she showed you was Michael B. That was another reason I felt like she might be happier with one of those designer settings.

Now I will be quiet and let you sleep on it and make your own decision!

Good point DS. I agree that I don't think you should rule out just getting a designer setting.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I saw your question about the surprise stone. I really would just skip that. It is wonderful to have something engraved in the wedding band like the wedding date and initials or a word or two, though!

 

[JTOUPS1214]

I saw your question about the surprise stone. I really would just skip that. It is wonderful to have something engraved in the wedding band like the wedding date and initials or a word or two, though!

I don't want a setting someone else has....So, can you tell me how to make a setting like this, my own? (besides an engraving)

 

[pregcurious]

I can understand the fees also but I guess I just feel like these are things they knew ahead of time (and forgot to tell me)

I agree that they are things they knew ahead of time, and forgot to tell you. However, this is not uncommon when you're going custom, because you're at the mercy of customer service. The process can become even more "fluid" once you are designing the ring if you make any changes. I think because you want everything just so, it is a good idea for you to go with a stock ring that has a longer return period.

 

[yssie]

I don't understand why you are going with BGD for the setting, not WF, given that you had a good experience buying the diamond from WF and given that they basically do exactly the same sort of work with the the same results at the same pricepoints?

Nothing against BGD - but it's so much easier and *safer* and more productive to keep it all in the family. If you buy both diamond and setting from the same vendor you don't have to worry about liability issues should something happen/insurance for setting the loose stone, and the fact of the matter is that any vendor must naturally be more concerned about a full order of diamond plus setting than one for just a setting, especially if that vendor also sells diamonds and does not specialize in high-end (read: pricey) settings...


I have worked with both WF and BGD. And Canera and DBL for that matter. WF and DBL get my repeat business.