We have the diamond; now we need the ring

[mensagrrl1]

If you thought finding the perfect diamond was hard, try finding a jeweler to create a self-designed ring!

At least we do have the perfect diamond for us. We purchased an oval 1.22 c/I/IF/Ideal that we love. Yes, it has a GIA cert. We wanted to create a ring of our own - something not off-the-shelf, something we can be proud to say we made together. We even sketched out a drawing with all the features we want. Without going into great detail, we basically just want a 14k unplated WG solitaire ring with a semi-bezel setting. Most importantly, we want it to look perfect, not like it was homemade in a garage if you know what I mean.

We've shopped our ring around to only a few places, some online and some locally, and we've been quoted everything from $1850 to $950 - these prices seem really high.

Two questions:

1. Is this the kind of costs we can expect for a custom, simple ring? It has no other stones, no filigree, no engraving, no anything really.

2. Can anybody recommend a high-quality, easy-to-work-with jeweler who will not charge an outrageous sum?

Thanks in advance!

 

[slg47]

have you not been able to find a non-custom setting that you like?

do either of these seem similar? perhaps WF could make some changes and that might be more cost effective?
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/true-love-diamond-engagement-ring-510.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/keystone-half-bezel-solitaire-engagement-ring-1105.htm


what is your budget for the setting?

 

[mensagrrl1]

Hi! Nice to "meet" you, and thank you for responding.

Yes, we looked at non-custom rings for many weeks and since nothing was quite right, we finally decided to just design it ourselves. Our ring is simple, but not without details that we insist to be present. For example, the setting in our design is maximally open to allow the most light - this is why our stone had to be an ultra ideal cut and internally flawless.

Some rings out there did inspire our design, but none are right by themselves. We drew our favorite features from these rings:

http://www.serendipitydiamonds.co.uk/detail.asp/sku=R1H008/sideways-oval-engagement-ring

http://www.cjex.net/engagement-rings/classic/half-bezel-set-diamond-ring-with-pave-sides/10508

And of course, the ever-popular Sholdt semi-bezel was an influence as well.

Additionally, our ring has a shank structure that is rare if not unique. I can't find any pictures of anything similar.

Know of any custom-design jewelers who can help?

 

[mensagrrl1]

Or maybe someone can point me in the direction of another discussion topic that is asking for the same kind of help?

 

[MissStepcut]

I don't think those prices sound high for what you're asking for. I assume you're going to want CADs and a lot of communication: that's time consuming and costly. In fact, if anything, they sound low.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Most of my pieces are custom--and custom work is costly. $950 seems at the low end of the scale; gold prices are very high and design time, effort and input are priced accordingly.

cheers--Sharon

 

[MissStepcut]

HI:

Most of my pieces are custom--and custom work is costly. $950 seems at the low end of the scale; gold prices are very high and design time, effort and input are priced accordingly.

cheers--Sharon

Of course, any jeweler should be judged on his work (in the desired style) work and portfolio, but I'm having a hard time imagining getting a fully custom piece with "perfect" finishing and great customer responsiveness for $950.

 

[rubybeth]

HI:

Most of my pieces are custom--and custom work is costly. $950 seems at the low end of the scale; gold prices are very high and design time, effort and input are priced accordingly.

cheers--Sharon

Agreed, $950 seems quite low. I asked for a quote for a custom bezel setting from a few Etsy sellers and they were in the $600-$800 range, and that was for a setting similar to something they'd made before.

I'd suggest looking at places that have done settings similar to what you are looking for. Look through portfolios of work completed (like Whiteflash and Brian Gavin Diamonds both have galleries of their custom work) and see if the results are what you'd expect.

Also, I had to laugh at this part of your post:

Most importantly, we want it to look perfect, not like it was homemade in a garage if you know what I mean.

... because a few months back, we had a guy who actually *did* create his fiancée's ring in his garage, and it was AWESOME! https://www.pricescope.com/blog/jewel-week-homemade-engagement-ring

 

[vinjewels]

HI:

... because a few months back, we had a guy who actually *did* create his fiancée's ring in his garage, and it was AWESOME! https://www.pricescope.com/blog/jewel-week-homemade-engagement-ring

Ha! That is my favorite thread on PS.

Mensagrrl1, I am with everyone else. It seems on the low end. I was considering "preloved" settings because the cost of gold is so high and custom work is pretty expensive. You may not want to go that route though...

I have heard great things about Mark at Engagement rings direct as well as IDjewelry too.