WF settings - How good are they?

[Frenchcut]

Hi all,

I'm considering buying a diamond (or should I say my boyfriend is... ) from Whiteflash but I'm still a bit nervous about the setting. I found plenty of pretty nice pictures from their rings but still find it hard to be 100% confident it's going to look as good as what I could get from a B&M jeweller.

Can anyone (possibly a WF ring owner) confirm how their settings compare to settings by Tiffany of Cartier? Is it the same quality?
I'm especially interested in the quantity of platinum used, I'm afraid the ring may look fragile...

Also, if you have suggestions on what WF setting would look best (I'm looking for a solitaire setting) they are very welcome!

 

[onedrop]

I have had a few settings from Whiteflash, and I have been very happy with all of them including my current one. My only reason for re-setting my stone into a different setting was simply having a setting style that was more compatible with my lifestyle. In MY case I feel the quality is good and I have not had any issues with the platinum alloy or melee that was used in my settings. You should probably chat with someone at WF to get more information about the durability of their platinum alloy.

Do a search of the forum for WF settings. Doing so might give you a better idea of what WF does best as far as settings.

As far as measuring WF against Tiffany or Cartier, my simple response is that this a not an accurate comparison. If you desire a Tiffany or Cartier branded setting and all that comes with that, then I wouldn't personally expect to get that at WF or any other vendor for that matter.

Do you have any specific ideas of what type of setting you want and the shape of stone?

 

[Frenchcut]

Thank you, it will definitely be a round brilliant (1.0 to 1.2 carat) and I am leaning toward a simple solitaire setting so I want to make sure it's not going to look "cheap".

I know WH have a very good reputation but I also have a high level of expectation (I own several Cartier rings and a pendant, and also Mauboussin jewellery...), hence my question. And my boyfriend also his own expectations, which doesn't make things easier

 

[onedrop]

I *personally* don't think a WF setting will look cheap, but then again, I would not be looking at the setting with your sensibilities. What I think is if you are nervous about the quality about a piece that you will not see or try on until the finished product is done, perhaps you want to go the B & M route because you could at least try on a particular style and have a fairly reasonable idea of what you would be getting with the finished product.

FWIW there are a lot of knowledgeable and very detail-oriented Pricescope members that have WF settings that are very happy with them. In this case, the decision really will come down to your comfort-level with working with a vendor unknown to you.

Okay....RB center stone. Are you looking for a solitaire or a setting with side stones or pave?

 

[Frenchcut]

Thanks for your advice, there are 3 settings that look especially nice to me:

The legato sleek line:
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/legato-sleek-line-solitaire-engagement-ring-729.htm

And two with diamond pave:
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/diamonds-for-an-eternity-3-4-diamond-engagement-ring-1200.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/harmony-diamond-engagement-ring-890.htm

I really want the setting to make the stone "pop", it's not gonna be huge stone (1.1 carat probably) so I'd like the stone to stand high.

 

[demirci]

I think with a 1.1-1.2ct. any setting will be fine. A classic 4 prong tiffany style setting from WF would do the job very beautifully. Check out the Swan solitaire on WF website, too!
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/swan-solitaire-engagement-ring-by-vatche-310.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/4-prong-tiffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-587.htm

 

[ErinnM34]

Maybe a real-life perspective would help ease your mind when buying sight unseen? Personally, I don't have experience with Whiteflash, but have seen many beautiful rings of discerning PS'ers posted in SMTB threads. Check out some of these threads to get an idea of what a couple of the setting you were considering look like IRL, not in a shop photo

Legatos-plain & pave
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-new-wf-princess-cut-in-legato-micro-pave.147402/#post-2661726?hilit=legato%20sleek#p2661726']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-new-wf-princess-cut-in-legato-micro-pave.147402/#post-2661726?hilit=legato%20sleek#p2661726[/URL]

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/1-028-f-vs1-whiteflash-aca-in-plat-legato-sleek-line-pave.146232/#post-2642530?hilit=legato%20sleek#p2642530']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/1-028-f-vs1-whiteflash-aca-in-plat-legato-sleek-line-pave.146232/#post-2642530?hilit=legato%20sleek#p2642530[/URL]

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-new-wf-legato-sleek-line.129990/#post-127361?hilit=legato%20sleek#p127361']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-new-wf-legato-sleek-line.129990/#post-127361?hilit=legato%20sleek#p127361[/URL]

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/1-01-wf-aca-princess-cut-on-platinum-setting.128162/#post-125534?hilit=legato%20sleek#p125534']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/1-01-wf-aca-princess-cut-on-platinum-setting.128162/#post-125534?hilit=legato%20sleek#p125534[/URL]

Harmony Setting:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-upgrade-is-here-2-417-aca-in-harmony-setting-thanks-maisie-and-mara.115277/page-2']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-upgrade-is-here-2-417-aca-in-harmony-setting-thanks-maisie-and-mara.115277/page-2[/URL]

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/thanks-ps-aka-i-love-my-new-ring.82054/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/thanks-ps-aka-i-love-my-new-ring.82054/[/URL]

 

[onedrop]

Thanks for your advice, there are 3 settings that look especially nice to me:

The legato sleek line:
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/legato-sleek-line-solitaire-engagement-ring-729.htm

And two with diamond pave:
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/diamonds-for-an-eternity-3-4-diamond-engagement-ring-1200.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/harmony-diamond-engagement-ring-890.htm

I really want the setting to make the stone "pop", it's not gonna be huge stone (1.1 carat probably) so I'd like the stone to stand high.

You are welcome!

Personally, of the three I REALLY love the Legato sleek line setting. It's simple, yet classic with really nice lines which should give you the effect you want.

I actually had the Harmony setting at one time and that one is also really nice. If you want more of a shimmery effect and want the center stone to be the showcase, the melee in that setting makes it a great choice for you. Only reason I changed out of the Harmony setting is that the matching wedding band I had would spin and show metal which really started to be a pain for me. You will probably not have the same issue if your rings are sized properly.

I like the Diamonds for an Eternity as well, but the side stones on that setting are larger than those in the Harmony and so, give a more bold effect. Perhaps someone else who owns that setting will chime in with their observations.


ETA: Ironically enough, my Harmony setting is shown in the last thread that Erin posted. I ended up selling it to another PS member, and as you can see she is really happy with it!

 

[swingirl]

As far as measuring WF against Tiffany or Cartier, my simple response is that this a not an accurate comparison. If you desire a Tiffany or Cartier branded setting and all that comes with that, then I wouldn't personally expect to get that at WF or any other vendor for that matter.

What is preventing you from getting a Tiffany or Cartier since that is what are looking far? Is there a setting by either of these vendors that you like? If you are looking for something very high end there might be other vendors especially if you are looking at anything custom.

You will certainly find a beautiful stone at WF but you don't have to limit yourself to their settings.

 

[D2B]

I have both custom ring (stone and setting) from WF and stock setting for earings. Gorgeous, excellent workmanship and I have looked at many high end B&M stores to see what styles I liked.

Talk to a consultant, if you dont like a stock setting I am pretty certain you can return it ( minus some minor fees for taking out your diamond?). To me they have always provided excellent service and their custom work is brilliant.

Good luck

 

[LGK]

What about a high end handmade setting by someone like Maytal Hannah, Mark Morell or Leon Mege? From what I've seen- and bear in mind I don't own any jewelry from WF!- WF's work is really excellent *for CAD & cast jewelry*. Which may not quite measure up to, like, Cartier. While I'd say WF's work is quite lovely and not cheap looking by any means, it isn't going to have quite the same delicacy of a handmade piece. Honestly I don't know if Cartier or TIffany's settings are handmade, but I kind of think that at least Cartier's are. I mean, with jewelry, often you do get what you pay for. A CAD & cast piece can be really nice, but it isn't going to be as totally perfect as a handmade piece. If you're looking for a certain level of perfection and balance of design, you might be happier with one of the aforementioned jewelers that do handmade work.

Also, does WF send samples? Some online places do, you might ask.

However, since you're not looking for a super ornate piece, you may be fine with WF's level of workmanship, because it really is with teensy tiny pave work that the difference between handmade and cast pieces becomes more evident. For that reason, if you do go with WF, the sleek line might be the best bet, with the Harmony less likely to be up to your standards. (And nothing wrong with that, of course.)

It could also be that WF's work is fine for you for a semi-temporary setting, like if you get one of their settings to use for a few years but don't plan it to be a "forever" setting. And then look at upgrading to a handmade setting some years down the line.

 

[atroop711]

I have 2 pieces (e-ring custom made by WF) and my eternity u-prong (from WF) and the work has been great. When I worked with them on the custom piece, they were professional and patient. The ring is spectacular...both rings are!

I recommend WF to all of my friends. Mind you I live in NYC and have all of the high end designers outside of my door but I chose WF. I also got more BANG for my buck with WF plus quality work.

 

[Imdanny]

As far as measuring WF against Tiffany or Cartier, my simple response is that this a not an accurate comparison. If you desire a Tiffany or Cartier branded setting and all that comes with that, then I wouldn't personally expect to get that at WF or any other vendor for that matter.

True. There are many ways to make a ring (no offense to WF at all) and although I'm not exactly sure how Tiffany and Cartier make theirs I am pretty sure it's a different method.

I know Harry Winston rings are hand made, as are VC&A's. Leon Mege would be a fair comparison to those two.

If you want to see how the look of rings varies look at a picture of a simple band made by eweddingbands (no offense to them at all) and a simple band made by Cartier. It's a different look. eweddingbands iirc makes rings by taking a rod of metal and cutting it into sections. Cartier and Tiffany use a different method.

You own Cartier pieces so it wouldn't be the same thing. On the other hand, I don't think WF's rings will look 'cheap' at all. If that's what you're afraid of I wouldn't worry.

 

[Frenchcut]

Thank you all for your advice, everything you said will prove very helpful when it's time to make a decision !