Find your diamond
Find your jewelry
shape
carat
color
clarity

Which 5 stone ring would you choose? 0.75ctw WF or 1ctw IDJ

Which 5 stone ring would you choose?

  • IDJ 1ctw u prong

    Votes: 10 40.0%

  • Whiteflash 0.75ctw shared prong

    Votes: 15 60.0%
  • Total voters
    25
azeusa

azeusa

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 30, 2014
Messages
72
Hi,

I'm trying to make my mom's birthday extra-special - I have ordered a custom pear pendant from GOG, which is now being made - excellent communication with Stephanie so far!

With the little bit left over in my budget, I'm thinking of getting her a 5-stone ring. Which of these would you choose?

IDJ 1ctw 5 stone u-prong - $1295
http://www.idjewelry.com/5-stone-common-prong-band-w3496-y-iadd.html

Whiteflash 0.75ctw 5 stone u-prong - $1550
http://www.whiteflash.com/wedding-rings/five-stone-shared-prong-diamond-wedding-band-816.htm

Her finger size is about 5 - 5.5.

Brian Gavin has exquisite designs, but my budget can barely cover the price of a setting!
 
Re: Which 5 stone ring would you choose? 0.75ctw WF or 1ctw

I definitely wouldn't order anything straight off the PS website, the way you would with White Flash. Make sure you're getting the Pricescope quality stones from IDJ, otherwise they might send you something indifferent.

The WF 5-stone seems well-priced.
 
Re: Which 5 stone ring would you choose? 0.75ctw WF or 1ctw

Hmm, that's a tough one. Do you think that your mom appreciates size more or cut quality more? I think I would ask IDJ what
would be the price of PS quality stones (tell them you want to see arrows in the stone). I have a .81 5 stone in my avatar picture
but that is on a 6 1/2 size finger.

Boy, this is going to be one HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
 
Re: Which 5 stone ring would you choose? 0.75ctw WF or 1ctw

Purchased a .80 U-prong five stone ring ("pricescope quality") from IDJ last year as a wedding band for my wife. It is really beautiful and she gets lots of compliments. It was about a $300 increase to go from an IDJ Ebay ring to "pricescope quality".

Working with Luann was a pleasure. Took about 2 weeks start to finish.
 
Re: Which 5 stone ring would you choose? 0.75ctw WF or 1ctw

Thanks danielxlin, dannon35 and tyty333 (again :) your avatar ring is absolutely lovely- as are you!!)

I am inclined to say that my mom will (almost definitely) prefer cut quality over size, though she doesn't seem to wear much jewelry nowadays. She used to dress up quite a bit more, but now that she's retired she seems to have adopted a simpler style - maybe it's the yoga. My aunts (her sisters) are far more blingy though, and they would definite take a close look at any new rocks she has!

In any case, I think my mom DESERVES new sparklies - so here I am hunting. I am certain I'll be in safe hands with WF with regard to cut quality, BUT the IDJ price is just so tempting, for significantly bigger stones. And it seems they have almost consistently given PSers fantastic products as well. Will be talking to Luann, just to get a feel for pricing!

I've also been poking around Etsy, and found this very reasonably (almost unbelievably) priced 1 ctw 5-stone:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/221511004/5diam-100ct-f-vs2-diamond-wedding-ring?ref=shop_home_active_16
But the shop IS rather new, with fewer than 50 reviews - and of course there is no guarantee of stone quality. BUT - really lovely work.
 
Re: Which 5 stone ring would you choose? 0.75ctw WF or 1ctw

well - the etsy is returnable - maybe take a look.
 
Re: Which 5 stone ring would you choose? 0.75ctw WF or 1ctw

I have a .75 7 stone from WF. And I love it! I would highly recommend them.
 
Re: Which 5 stone ring would you choose? 0.75ctw WF or 1ctw

Thanks motownmama & unsettled!

I'm not based in the US, so returns are rather a hassle and quite expensive (including insurance) - everything has to be right the first time (if I can help it)!
 
Re: Which 5 stone ring would you choose? 0.75ctw WF or 1ctw

My true feeling as a mom of grown kids is that the diamond necklace is more than enough for one occasion. I would wait until the next occasion and give her a 1-1.25 ct, 5-stone band from Whiteflash. I definitely prefer quality.
 
Re: Which 5 stone ring would you choose? 0.75ctw WF or 1ctw

Thank you diamondseeker2006 - I'm a little impulsive, and get gripped by ideas (e.g. 5-stone rings) which I feel I must act on at once. There's definitely much wisdom in waiting.

However I confess a smidgen of guilt about not spending as much time with my mom as I'd like, and sometimes (when work gets tiresome) I am a little short on the phone with her, which I feel awful about afterwards. So I just might be trying a little hard to compensate. Recent events (concerning friends) have reminded me of just how unpredictable life could be, which with my impatience is making self-restraint really, really difficult.

On another note - the poll results are so far nearly evenly split. As am I! Have made contact with Luann, who will get back to me with prices - she said that "visible arrow" stones will be priced differently from PS-quality ones. She also mentioned that the stones will still be SI, but eye-clean - which I appreciate her being upfront about. I won't be louping them (well, not too much anyway).
 
Re: Which 5 stone ring would you choose? 0.75ctw WF or 1ctw

Is there any reason why you aren't sticking with GOG for the 5-stone ring as well? Maybe they can get you a better price for buying two pieces from them.
 
Re: Which 5 stone ring would you choose? 0.75ctw WF or 1ctw

TBH it hadn't crossed my mind to ask GOG, though I have the impression (entirely erroneous, I'm sure) they specialize in settings that emphasize a sizeable center stone. They aren't the cheapest either - though this is more than made up for by sterling service. Besides they had the perfect stone at a price I loved for the pendant I'm making. However, at this point I'm really looking for an affordable :) 5-stone with enough presence to be a standalone RHR - IDJ and WF seem to fit the bill just a little better. It's also an excellent opportunity for me to try one of these 2 vendors as a reference for future (bigger) orders :dance: .

I'm thinking of YG or RG for the setting - my mom has extremely sensitive skin, and wears mostly platinum, YG and silver. Although I don't think she has had an actual, documented allergy to WG, I don't want to challenge that!
 
Re: Which 5 stone ring would you choose? 0.75ctw WF or 1ctw

I had a poor experience with IDJ regarding setting quality/terrible setting job/prongs (not a ring like you are looking for, but something simple) so I would not recommend them, particularly as you said you need this to be right the first time.
 
Re: Which 5 stone ring would you choose? 0.75ctw WF or 1ctw

I've bought several pieces of jewelry from Whiteflash and have been very happy with their quality and service.
 
Re: Which 5 stone ring would you choose? 0.75ctw WF or 1ctw

Thanks Wednesday and Marcy - it's so helpful to hear about positive AND negative experiences, especially for those of us not stateside!

Luann got back with prices - essentially $400 more for the IDJ 1ctw with ideal-cut, "visible arrows" stones, which takes the price over the WF 0.75 ctw. Her quote for a 0.75ctw, similarly top-range IDJ ring is about $300 cheaper than the WF.

I have also gotten in touch with WF - to make the WF 0.75ctw ring in yellow/ rose gold with white gold prongs would be custom, so the price will likely be a little more.
 
Re: Which 5 stone ring would you choose? 0.75ctw WF or 1ctw

Good Wednesday Everyone
I normally don't post. But felt I need to in this case in response to WEDNESDAY post. I apologize if you weren't satisfied with your purchase but in all honestly I don't call working with you. Can you please verify what item you purchased and what the issue was ? We always work closely with our customers to rectify any situation and make sure they are satisfied with their purchase. Did you contact our pricescope department or spoke to anyone about the issue ? Was it an item that was made specifically to pricescope standards or was an in stock item or closeout /clearance item purchased off our Ebay store ? I care deeply about the happiness of our fellow pricescopers and strive for their 100% satisfaction. Especially when we are aware you came from pricescope. I wouldn't jeopardize our sterling reputation. If you may have any issues please feel free to reach out to me and I will personally take care of it.
Yekutiel
 
Re: Which 5 stone ring would you choose? 0.75ctw WF or 1ctw

Go with the IDJ ring! I received last week my 30th anniversary 5 stone 3 ctw anniversary band from IDJ. I'm planning on making a different thread to show you all, but I have to chime in on the IDJ setting. My setting is exquisite. I ordered an open gallery basket setting that came out unbelievable. The prongs, height, everything is perfect. I was so picky and Luann answered my 1,000 questions/emails so promptly and patiently. After I received the ring, I called her screaming with happy. She knows how picky I am because of our chats and the setting exceeded my expectations. Yekutiel, if you're reading this....... Thank you again!
 
Re: Which 5 stone ring would you choose? 0.75ctw WF or 1ctw

Thanks dismom3 for highlighting your great experience with IDJ :P . I do feel it is a tremendously positive sign how Yekutiel reads this forum closely, and fiercely protects IDJ's reputation - I must also confirm that Luann has been extremely responsive and helpful so far. Although I haven't placed an order yet, this is mainly because I'm not in the US, which makes returns a nightmarish prospect - and so I'm taking my time to consider every point before I commit.

I'll be in NY come July - with a few days to spare from work - and already the mischievous seeds of a little project are germinating... my pocket needs a lock! :shifty:
 
Re: Which 5 stone ring would you choose? 0.75ctw WF or 1ctw

Yekutiel|1432133201|3879006 said:
Good Wednesday Everyone
I normally don't post. But felt I need to in this case in response to WEDNESDAY post. I apologize if you weren't satisfied with your purchase but in all honestly I don't call working with you. Can you please verify what item you purchased and what the issue was ? We always work closely with our customers to rectify any situation and make sure they are satisfied with their purchase. Did you contact our pricescope department or spoke to anyone about the issue ? Was it an item that was made specifically to pricescope standards or was an in stock item or closeout /clearance item purchased off our Ebay store ? I care deeply about the happiness of our fellow pricescopers and strive for their 100% satisfaction. Especially when we are aware you came from pricescope. I wouldn't jeopardize our sterling reputation. If you may have any issues please feel free to reach out to me and I will personally take care of it.
Yekutiel
Click to expand...

Sure, it was in person in summer 2013 and I did mention Pricescope to try to make sure I had it done right the first time. However, it did not work out that way. It was basic post earrings and I wanted to make sure the stones were set properly. I specifically said I wanted to make sure the prongs looked good.

When I went to pick it up the first time, the prongs were bad. Like really bad. Some didn't touch the stone. The prongs needed to be fixed so I left it at the shop.

They were reworked and were better the second time, but after I got home, I found that a post on one of the settings was crooked - it was at an angle from where it was soldered to the part that holds the stone.

I brought it back and I was told that this had been worked on - even though I had not had any work done on it after picking it up from the shop. So I am not sure if these were refurbished and sold to me that way, or if something happened during the prong work, but whatever happened, it was in IDJ's control and not what I would expect of a new jewelry product. You then resoldered the post to make it straight.

So after all of that, involving four visits to the shop (three after I placed the order), I have earrings with straight posts and acceptable prongs. But it was not the experience I would have wanted and based on my experience, I cannot recommend IDJ if it is critical for the customer to have the piece done correctly the first time.
 
Re: Which 5 stone ring would you choose? 0.75ctw WF or 1ctw

Thank you Wednesday, for elaborating on your experience - it does seem the workmanship issue was resolved eventually, but not before some effort on your part!

I guess even the best vendors have off days - unpleasant for the individual customers afflicted by QC slip-ups, but very unfortunately that's the way things are. What IDJ definitely has, though, is extremely attractive pricing. $$$ saved means more for necessities/ next indulgence.

I'm close to making a decision. WF got back (it would cost quite a bit more for a yellow gold shank, which is considered custom and therefore non-returnable), as did Luann with a really nice email. Was at dinner with my mom tonight, in a modest family-run restaurant, and I was surprised to see at the next table a lady wearing substantial items - obviously high-carat tennis, gem (?emerald) pendant, and eye-smarting rings on both hands. I did not pass up the opportunity to put forth, subtly, my crafty line of enquiry - and it seems IF she had a new ring, my mom would very much prefer one she could wear anywhere. I know the amount of adornment considered usual varies enormously from place to place - where I work and in the city, it's highly common to see ladies sporting impressive pieces of jewelry - but as mentioned my mom is now retired and spends quite a bit of time at home, at yoga, pottering about the neighborhood etc. Which makes me start to favor the 0.75ctw over the 1ctw (by no means "large" in PS terms, but still quite eyecatching IRL I think). The price difference between the WF 0.75ctw and the IDJ one (with "visible arrows") is not inconsiderable.
 
Re: Which 5 stone ring would you choose? 0.75ctw WF or 1ctw

I'm happy that we worked with you and rectified the issue. We made an exception in your case and wanted to accommodate you in setting gems and diamonds that were not purchased from us. We try our best to facilitate our pricescopers by offering services that we don't normally like to do, Just to keep the pricescope community happy. Our area of expertise is mostly loose diamonds and finished jewelry and we are not specialized bench jewelers like Leon Mege etc. We've set many diamonds and gemstones since you last visited us almost two years ago and I can safely say we have perfected this based on everyone's feedback about our "claw prongs". I'm truly sorry you had a bad experience and over the years we have gained more experience and understanding of what type of standards are expected. It's a continuous learning process and we always take everyone's feedback and use that to better our level of service. I do admit we do have rare occasions where a customer isn't happy similar to your situation, However It's impossible to please everyone all the time. (even the world is not a perfect circle) IDJ will always work with the customer to get it right. And please bear in mind your experience was earring castings that weren't even purchased from us not our diamond wedding bands that we make which relates to this thread. Since overseas customer don't have the luxury to inspect in store we provide pictures and a video of the finished product for approval before we ship out. I appreciate you coming forward and we will definitely make sure these situations don't arise again.
Yekutiel
 
Re: Which 5 stone ring would you choose? 0.75ctw WF or 1ctw

HI,

I don't think you need super-ideal stones for the sizes you need. (hearts and arrows.) This is over- kill in my opinion. Ideal cut stones would do, and I think that IDJ knows what pricescope standards are. You are un-necessarily raising your costs. This is a topic that has been discussed lately on PS, and the conclusion by most of us is that super-ideal is un-necessary in many cases.

I have no personal recommendation, but don't waste you money on super-ideal stones, when you can get the same light performance from something less expensive.

Annette
 
Re: Which 5 stone ring would you choose? 0.75ctw WF or 1ctw

Thanks Annette - I absolutely take your point. I doubt my mom or her friends will scrutinise 3 - 4mm stones from an inch away, much less with a loupe - though I might :P - as long as the diamonds have great light performance and are not lifeless, dull things.

And, of course, thanks again Yekutiel for your response!
 
Re: Which 5 stone ring would you choose? 0.75ctw WF or 1ctw

An update, because I must! After all everyone had been so absolutely helpful in steering me through this little project...

I was called away on a sudden work trip, and had some downtime to mull over things... and nurse my nagging feeling that there should Not be a compromise... after all it's mom and she has never settled on anything but the best for me.

And I was browsing through all the wonderful vendor sites, and happened upon the most charming suite of OECs (1ctw) offered by JeBG. The next thing I knew I bought the stones, and am now working with Grace on a simple, beautiful, vintage-inspired setting to match the utter romanticism of the stones. They look lovely like OECs do, quite warm (J), impressionistically paint-daub-like and pastely, so the shank will be in 18K rose gold to match the soft, mellow stone tones.

This means I won't be going with either WF or IDJ for this particular project, but I've been completely impressed by how prompt and helpful both were in dealing with my inquiries. Now, I'm rather taken by their tennis bracelets...
 
Re: Which 5 stone ring would you choose? 0.75ctw WF or 1ctw

Dannon35.....is the uprong a high setting?? How many mm would you say it is??
 
Re: Which 5 stone ring would you choose? 0.75ctw WF or 1ctw

I would go with WF. I have a 1/2 eternity made with 15 point ACAs and the sparkle factor is off the charts!

Edited-- I just read your last post. Your mother is sure to love the OEC ring! From what I hear, Grace only sources the best of the best!

Please come back and post pics of the final product!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP
Jewelry Blog
PriceScope-Concierge-Ad
Find prime cuts.
Top