Why was my WF quote so high?

[metro]

So, to follow-up with my this thread.

It''s not a complicated ring. I''m looking for 14K instead of plat. and the ring has a total of six 2-pointers (total 0.12 ctw.) and I was quoted over 2x the price that I recieved from other reputable designers

I told Leon about the quotes I recieved from the other designers and he told me that with the price of gold and the quality of work WF offers, their price was justified. He also suggested that I wait until spring and that WF would be launching a few new designs on their website that might appeal to me. I''m crushed

! I know WF does excellent work but honestly, the price floored me! To be more than 2X the price of the other guys just seems - shocking, to say the least.

What am I missing here? Why are their price SO MUCH higher than the other folks? I would pay a little over the other guys, but over 2x! Wow, I''m still in sticker shock

 

[dmus]

I recently got a quote on a custom ring from WF and they were higher too but not by 200%. Try Quest Jewelers. Folks here seem to rave about their work.

 

[Maisie]

I had a quote done recently which I felt was a bit high too. Maybe they are adjusting their prices......

 

[metro]

Thank you both, dmus and Maisie, for your feedback.

I was hoping it wasn''t just me. I know WF reins supreme around here and I was kinda nervous about sharing my experience

.

I don''t know if you''ve ever been to visit WF, but they are in a building with a ton of other jewelers/wholesalers. I made my way into a few stores on my way out and along the way I met a jeweler who said that he''d be willing to meet me at the estate pavilion so that I can show him the exact ring I want to duplicate. That way, he can see it for himself and know exactly how the ring looks in person - not just a crappy photo. That really impressed me. His price was $800 less than WF.

There is another reputable designer in town (my friend uses him) who quoted me a few hundred less than the guy mentioned above! He really impressed me with his fantastic sketch of the ring. Their pave work is iimpressive too (though my ring won''t have pave).

Gosh, I just don''t know what direction to take.

 

[mrssalvo]

well, metal prices are up and it seems like a bunch of designers are raising their pricing. signedpieces did recently, along with tacori and a few others and my guess even more will follow. So, not surprise that the quotes are on the rise too. however, business is business and there is nothing wrong to shopping around and finding the best quote on what you are wanting. Just be sure you are comparing workmanship etc. apples to apples. i''d be a bummer to save a bunch of $ but then sacrifice something in quality.

 

[strmrdr]

I'm not going too say 2x is justified or not but there is a ton of handwork that's going too be needed on that ring even if the base is cast.
The price of handwork is extremely variable as is the quality.
You could go 18k and the price shouldn't change much as most of the price should be the labor.
When picking someone too make it look for pieces with a lot of handwork.

WF used too have a master engraver working for them and that level work isn't cheap, I don't know if he is still doing work for them or not or if he would be the one doing the work but if he is that could explain the price.

 

[Maisie]

Date: 2/13/2008 3:38:30 PM
Author: strmrdr
I''m not going too say 2x is justified or not but there is a ton of handwork that''s going too be needed on that ring even if the base is cast.
The price of handwork is extremely variable as is the quality.
You could go 18k and the price shouldn''t change much as most of the price should be the labor.
When picking someone too make it look for pieces with a lot of handwork.

WF used too have a master engraver working for them and that level work isn''t cheap, I don''t know if he is still doing work for them or not or if he would be the one doing the work but if he is that could explain the price.

The price quote I had was for the same ring with, and without engraving. The difference between the two quotes was only $150.

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 2/13/2008 3:48:47 PM
Author: Maisie

The price quote I had was for the same ring with, and without engraving. The difference between the two quotes was only $150.

Without the details cant say much...
$150 could be 30min time with a master engraver or 2 hours with a benchman.
So a ring that takes 2 hours work with a master that could be $600 right there..

It also could be that WF is a little too aggressive on the price increases.
dunno....

What im getting at is you have too compare apples too apples.....

 

[metro]

There is no question in my mind that WF does exceptional work. Hands down, WF is my top choice.

However, I can''t see why, considering the the setting I want has no engraving, so scroll work, no millgrain, no pave - is still priced WAY beyond the other quotes. Bottom line is that I just can''t afford for WF to do the ring for me, which totally bums me out.

Here''s a poor quality pic of the setting I am looking to duplicate.

 

[Maisie]

I know how you feel. It is disappointing.

 

[Loves Vintage]

Metro - I''m intrigued by this ring! Is that a picture of the actual ring from the shop? Are those cut-outs on the side? It reminds me a teensy little bit of my ring. It''s a 1920''s ring for sure?

 

[Ellen]

I agree metal prices have risen.

I also agree to make sure you're comparing comperable vendors in regards to their work.

I also wonder if strms statement might not ring a bit true on being a tad aggressive on pricing?

And, business is business.


I recently got a quote from them and another comperable vendor on a very simple custom setting. There was a $1000.00 difference, with WF on the higher bid. As much as I like WF, and wanted to work with them, I simply can't/couldn't justify that.


Lastly, glad to hear it wasn't just me, either.

 

[metro]

Date: 2/13/2008 4:41:37 PM
Author: Loves Vintage
Metro - I'm intrigued by this ring! Is that a picture of the actual ring from the shop? Are those cut-outs on the side? It reminds me a teensy little bit of my ring. It's a 1920's ring for sure?

Yes ma'am! This is a picture of the actual ring! I found it at a fine antique shop that I "window" shop. I've always wanted a vintage ering, so I went in to look at semi-mounts for my new diamond and that's when the sales lady starting pulling out all these great rings that they do not display. Before she showed me this ring, she said, "I'm about to show my favorite ring - I think it's just what you're looking for."

I was in love the moment I put it on my finger! I spent the next hour discussing this ring - looking at it under every light condition, examining it under a microscope - wearing it! It is such a beautiful ring and it's exactly what I've been searching for!

After trying on hundreds of rings, I knew the moment that I put this on that this is the one for me! Of course, my excitement was obvious and the sales lady really wanted to sell me and we haggled on the price but I could only get her to come to 6k. She's emailed me thi pic of the ring to "show to my husnand" that afternoon. I know she was just trying to entice me further. Yes, it's from the 1920's.

Where's the link to your ring? I wonder if it's the ring I have saved in my fav's? I have a picture saved of a ring that looks very much like this, that I've toted around with me when visiting jewelry designers to get a quote.

Oh - and those are cut outs! Don't ya just LOVE IT!

 

[Maisie]

Date: 2/13/2008 4:43:47 PM
Author: Ellen
I agree metal prices have risen.

I also agree to make sure you''re comparing comperable vendors in regards to their work.

I also wonder if strms statement might not ring a bit true on being a tad aggressive on pricing?

And, business is business.


I recently got a quote from them and another comperable vendor on a very simple custom setting. There was a $1000.00 difference, with WF on the higher bid. As much as I like WF, and wanted to work with them, I simply can''t/couldn''t justify that.


Lastly, glad to hear it wasn''t just me, either.

I hope their prices aren''t going to keep jumping up. Maybe they are getting bigger as a company, and as a result they feel that they should push their prices up a bit.

My problem is that my finances aren''t going to keep jumping. I want to be able to work with WF again, but not if the prices increase to a place I can''t reach.

 

[Loves Vintage]

This is my ring. It has the same cut-out on the side, but the top of your ring seems a bit more squared off.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/officially-engaged-pics-of-my-oec-and-very-delicate-antique-setting.76798/

I think my jeweler dated mine to 1910, but I understand that must just be his best guess. I should go back and read my post as I probably said there. Were there any markings on the ring that give an indication as to its age?

Anyway, so the antique shop where you found this ring -- that''s 6k with the stone, right? They won''t sell it to you without the stone? I read your other post and it looks like you have a super-lovely WF stone that you''ll use, right?

I''ll have to check out your posts for pictures of your wedding band as I''m looking for mine now . . . .

 

[LegacyGirl]

Everyone is going up again.... Excel just raised their prices again too.

 

[metro]

LovesVintage - we have the same tastes in jewelry! Your ring is the ring I have in my fav''s folder and the picture I''ve been toting around with me!

6K is with the stone. They say it''s a 0.77 OEC I/VS - it''s beautiful with a teeny-tiny culet. I looked at it through a 20x microscope. No, they won''t sell just the semi-mount to me. Plus, she said the ring will not accomodate my size stone. I''d be all over it IF I had the money! Damn, I need to win the lotto!

 

[erica k]

Date: 2/13/2008 5:08:20 PM
Author: Maisie

Date: 2/13/2008 4:43:47 PM



My problem is that my finances aren''t going to keep jumping. I want to be able to work with WF again, but not if the prices increase to a place I can''t reach.

As the cost of living continues increasing more rapidly than my income, diamonds and other little jewelry indulgences will become a thing of the past...

I think it''s best to shop around, but do make sure you''re satisfied with their workmanship and customer service before you hand anything over!

It''s a gorgeous ring. I wonder if Singlestone has something similar already made?

 

[metro]

Date: 2/13/2008 5:08:20 PM
Author: Maisie

Date: 2/13/2008 4:43:47 PM
Author: Ellen
I agree metal prices have risen.

I also agree to make sure you''re comparing comperable vendors in regards to their work.

I also wonder if strms statement might not ring a bit true on being a tad aggressive on pricing?

And, business is business.


I recently got a quote from them and another comperable vendor on a very simple custom setting. There was a $1000.00 difference, with WF on the higher bid. As much as I like WF, and wanted to work with them, I simply can''t/couldn''t justify that.


Lastly, glad to hear it wasn''t just me, either.

I hope their prices aren''t going to keep jumping up. Maybe they are getting bigger as a company, and as a result they feel that they should push their prices up a bit.

My problem is that my finances aren''t going to keep jumping. I want to be able to work with WF again, but not if the prices increase to a place I can''t reach.

Totally!

 

[metro]

Date: 2/13/2008 5:45:30 PM
Author: metro

Date: 2/13/2008 5:08:20 PM
Author: Maisie

Date: 2/13/2008 4:43:47 PM
Author: Ellen
I agree metal prices have risen.

I also agree to make sure you''re comparing comperable vendors in regards to their work.

I also wonder if strms statement might not ring a bit true on being a tad aggressive on pricing?

And, business is business.


I recently got a quote from them and another comperable vendor on a very simple custom setting. There was a $1000.00 difference, with WF on the higher bid. As much as I like WF, and wanted to work with them, I simply can''t/couldn''t justify that.


Lastly, glad to hear it wasn''t just me, either.

I hope their prices aren''t going to keep jumping up. Maybe they are getting bigger as a company, and as a result they feel that they should push their prices up a bit.

My problem is that my finances aren''t going to keep jumping. I want to be able to work with WF again, but not if the prices increase to a place I can''t reach.

Totally!

I thought about Singlestone, but I assumed their prices were out of my budget. I guess it wouldnt'' hurt to ask.

 

[Maisie]

I am even looking at jewellery designers in the UK to see if they are less expensive. They aren''t usually but its worth a try.

 

[phoenixgirl]

I think it''s the invisible hand of economics at work. With their superior reputation, there is increased demand for their work, so they can charge more. Enough people are willing to pay higher prices that they are receiving just the right amount of work for their capabilities. Should they charge less just to receive more jobs than they can handle at their current capacity?

 

[Maisie]

No. They should just charge me less because I am lovely

 

[LegacyGirl]

Date: 2/13/2008 5:54:50 PM
Author: Maisie
No. They should just charge me less because I am lovely

I love how you think

 

[Ellen]

Date: 2/13/2008 5:54:50 PM
Author: Maisie
No. They should just charge me less because I am lovely

 

[Maisie]

Date: 2/13/2008 6:12:03 PM
Author: LegacyGirl

Date: 2/13/2008 5:54:50 PM
Author: Maisie
No. They should just charge me less because I am lovely

I love how you think

 

[Maisie]

Date: 2/13/2008 6:12:30 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 2/13/2008 5:54:50 PM
Author: Maisie
No. They should just charge me less because I am lovely

.

 

[Maisie]

ooh dear! that came out rather large lol!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I have a different take on it. WhiteFlash is not a jewelry store. They are diamond sellers primarily. They offer settings primarily for the diamonds they sell. The profit is in selling a lot of diamonds and not in custom ring making. They can price custom projects high because that is not where their primary income comes from. In contrast, a jeweler like Quest is more of a regular jeweler that does a lot of custom settings. I am sure they depend on that income as part of their business model. That is why when someone buys a diamond from another vendor, I don''t recommend that they go look at settings at another online vendor. You may as well go buy a setting locally if you can''t find one with your diamond vendor because there are few discounts on settings other than perhaps at Pearlmans. For custom settings, I''d really look at the people who do that as their primary business.

 

[Maisie]

Date: 2/13/2008 6:19:19 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
I have a different take on it. WhiteFlash is not a jewelry store. They are diamond sellers primarily. They offer settings primarily for the diamonds they sell. The profit is in selling a lot of diamonds and not in custom ring making. They can price custom projects high because that is not where their primary income comes from. In contrast, a jeweler like Quest is more of a regular jeweler that does a lot of custom settings. I am sure they depend on that income as part of their business model. That is why when someone buys a diamond from another vendor, I don''t recommend that they go look at settings at another online vendor. You may as well go buy a setting locally if you can''t find one with your diamond vendor because there are few discounts on settings other than perhaps at Pearlmans. For custom settings, I''d really look at the people who do that as their primary business.

Good point DS.

I suppose I just have a confidence in WF because I have used them before. Its kind of scary to try and find someone else to use when I live so far away from the action.