What Should this Custom Setting Cost?

[_JM]

Hello!

I searched for other posts on custom settings and their cost, and saw that people were willing to weigh in on what they felt was a fair price.

I attached pictures to this post--the first is the setting I actually tried on and liked. The second is one I found online (randomly on Costco.com) that I really liked. They're similar to me--but I definitely don't care for the extra diamond on the side on the first one. I would also ask that the diamond be set a little lower since I don't like it when the diamond is way up in the air and can catch on things.

The ring will be platinum, and set with an asscher cut diamond (not sure if that's important).

Lastly, what are questions I should be asking as far as quality of metal etc? Is there a specific alloy (I think that's the word I'm looking for) that they should be using? In short, how can I make sure that the setting is made with quality metal?

Thank you in advance!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

The first one looks much finer to me. I like the rounded shank as opposed to the edges on the second one, and I like the basket on the first one better than the second. I think there are settings out there similar to those. I would try to find one before going custom because it is scary to do when you haven't seen the ring maker make that particular design before. Fine custom solitaires will often cost $1500-2000 in platinum. I am going by prices I have seen from Leon Mege and Vatche.

 

[rubybeth]

Looks like a pretty basic setting, I do not think you need to go custom to get something like it. One option:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/comfort-fit-surprise-diamond-ring-600.htm

I can look for more later if nobody else chimes in with suggestions.

Edited to add: you could go semi custom and ask if WFmcouldmleave the side diamond off the one above. Another option:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/tapered-tiffany-style-half-round-18k-white-gold-5540w18

 

[_JM]

Thanks to both of you!

The idea of not going with something custom is new as I haven't been able to find anything that I like. I appreciate any help searching!

Here are some more details:

1. It is very important to me that a wedding band can sit flush with the engagement ring (this is possible with the first thing posted).

2. I don't like the "surprise" diamond at all--just a solitaire is perfect!

3. It needs to be set low, but I don't like bevel settings--so just a lower solitaire. Incidentally, how can you tell how low it is set online? That has been a struggle for me for sure!

Thanks again!

 

[rubybeth]

I can look for more flush fit options. That was somewhat important to me so I get where you are coming from. Usually you can just ask them to set it lower or higher, depending on your preference. The depth of your stone will sort of determine how low it can be set. Most options I would post can be semi-customized if you ask. I know Whiteflash will since I have asked, so removing surprise diamonds is do-able if that setting is what you like.

Edited to add: this one looks really similar to the second one you posted. ID Jewelry (idjewelryonline.com) and Good Old Gold both carry Gabriel & Co, or there may be a dealer near you:

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER6642W4JJJ

You can e-mail and ask for details, but I know they will do platinum, and if you click on the 'matching' wedding band, it appears to be a flush fit (no gap) in the last image of the two rings together:

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/WB6642W44JJ

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Nice job, rubybeth!

 

[_JM]

I'm really impressed with your searching skills! I like the last one you found the best

At this point I'm wondering what the disadvantage would be to having a ring custom made since I can't locate any setting like this w/o a diamond locally. I have a hard time picturing things without trying them on--I have never worn rings or much jewelry in my life. If I went the custom route, I would be able to tell them exactly what I'd like, able to try on a wax likeness, etc.

In other words, is there an advantage to paying for an out of the box (so to speak) setting that I'm not considering?

Thank you again!