Would love some thoughts

MatthewG · May 23, 2008

Hi all,

I''m considering a few options for an e-ring. I''m looking at 1 - 1.3ct with the setting more important than the size of the rock. Got a few questions....

1) I''m looking at the simple solitaires from Cartier (1895) or HW. I have a max budget of £10k ($20k to most of you folks) which I would have thought would have allowed me at least 1ct in theses place? Am I right or am I being far too optimistic. My assumption is that neither Cartier or HW will be selling rocks that do not meet my standards on paper at least. I think it is approximately right in $ terms, but not heard many people purchasing with sterling. I know people will advise me towards WF or LM etc, but as long as I can afford a ring with them I''d rather pay the premium and be totally happy. Also as my gf doesn''t like diamonds too big

that I would go top notch on quality.

2) Also has anyone bought any rings from De Beers? They''ve recently opened a shop in London and I do quite like their settings. Just wondering if anyone had any experience with them.

3) Another thing - I want this to be a total surprise. I know what my gf likes, but I''m having trouble with the ring size. I am planning on measuring whilst she is sleeping, but worried I might be a little out when measuring (I measured myself to be a P in UK terms, but shop said I was an O, so one size out). Anyone know how far a ring might be resized by these places? Included the type of thing I''m thinking of

Any responses much appreciated.

Thanks, M

Deelight · May 23, 2008

Hi Mathew

welcome

These rings though not brand new will give you an idea of what the prices are for Cartier pieces (the retail price is at the top) I could not find any prices for HW though.

http://www.signedpieces.com/item.cfm?item_id=7747

http://www.signedpieces.com/item.cfm?item_id=4960

http://www.signedpieces.com/item.cfm?item_id=8101

HW will negotiate prices but I am unsure whether Cartier will

MatthewG · May 23, 2008

Thanks Deelight! Much appreciated.

Deelight · May 23, 2008

No worries

I will add I tried the second one on locally and it was beautiful I did not bother asking the price but it did make my heart go pitty patty

diamondseeker2006 · May 23, 2008

Matthew, in the past year, we had an educated shopper or two here who went to some of the major stores including the ones you mention, and they found that the stones were generally NOT the quality of the stones we see here daily. They were good diamonds, but not top quality cuts. The only reason I can really see to buy a diamond ring from Tiffany, Cartier, or HW is to have the brand name, which won''t even be known by most people ever looking at the ring.

I wouldn''t buy a platinum mounting with the idea of having it resized. I would find out her exact ring size even if you have to buy her an inexpensive, fun ring to find out.

Splinter · May 23, 2008

Date: 5/23/2008 7:24:20 AM
Author:MatthewG
Hi all,

1) Also as my gf doesn't like diamonds too big

that I would go top notch on quality.

3) Another thing - I want this to be a total surprise. I know what my gf likes, but I'm having trouble with the ring size. I am planning on measuring whilst she is sleeping, but worried I might be a little out when measuring (I measured myself to be a P in UK terms, but shop said I was an O, so one size out). Anyone know how far a ring might be resized by these places? Included the type of thing I'm thinking of

Hi Matthew

My first observation is what you said in point 1. Do you mean you don't think the stone from WF or elsewhere would be as good as one from Cartier, etc? I think you'd be surprised how superior the stones found at PS vendors can be (and shocked at the poor quality of some stones from supposed top brands). Either way you can always post the stone's stats on PS and folks will gladly give an opinion.

As for the measuring, the trick I used was to use a strip of paper to measure the inside of a ring I knew fitted my girlfriend. This gives you an absolute measure of the circumference of the ring, which makes it easier to find out the corresponding size. Just be aware that there seems to be conflicting conversion charts for UK/US sizes.

When it comes to resizing, I think the ring design you're looking at can be easily and safely resized quite a bit for minimal cost.

Welcome to PriceScope!

Delster · May 23, 2008

I have measured myself using the strip of paper technique and the online sizing guides and I always come out with a size M. Then I went and got myself measured and five jewellers in Dublin and Cartier in London all put me at a K 1/2! You need to figure out a way to find out her ring size accurately. I think it's risky measuring her while she's asleep - she could wake up and wonder what you're doing!

The Cartier 1895 is a beautiful setting

MatthewG · May 23, 2008

Thanks all - I am a bit worried about the sizing element. I''ve been trying the paper trick whilst she is asleep, and nearly run into the question "what are you doing?" :-s It seems like people are a bit split on the resizing issue?

I had toyed with the idea of getting a toy ring, but planning everything to the last detail and I kind of want the ring to be perfect.

I''m not saying that WF would be of a lower quality, but I really want to be able to see the ring/setting and everything in place before purchasing. In essence I guess I don''t like the idea of ordering over the net without being able to see that everything is perfect. Had thought about LM setting, but don''t like the idea of being so far away from the action.

Oh crikey

gwendolyn · May 23, 2008

First of all, I *love* the Cartier 1895. Beautiful ring! Second of all, if paying the premium for a name like Cartier or HW is worth it to you, then I think you should just go in person, see a few different stones in your budget and let you eyes select your favourite stone. If you wanted you could probably (I assume) get the numbers of the stones and put them up here for the experts to reassure you that you really are getting a very well cut stone. But at the end of the day, your lovely lady will be wearing the rock, not the paper.

Lorelei · May 23, 2008

Date: 5/23/2008 8:47:25 AM
Author: gwendolyn
First of all, I *love* the Cartier 1895. Beautiful ring! Second of all, if paying the premium for a name like Cartier or HW is worth it to you, then I think you should just go in person, see a few different stones in your budget and let you eyes select your favourite stone. If you wanted you could probably (I assume) get the numbers of the stones and put them up here for the experts to reassure you that you really are getting a very well cut stone. But at the end of the day, your lovely lady will be wearing the rock, not the paper.

That might be a good way forward as Gwennie suggested. Get the proportions of the diamonds you like, report back here and we can advise you on the best ones. We would need the -

depth %
table %
crown angle
pavilion angle
girdle measurement
polish and symmetry grade
diameter measurements

Delster · May 23, 2008

Does she own any rings? Can you mess around with them, try them on your own fingers and make a joke out of how small they are, get her to try them on and observe which ones fit her ring finger well? Or would that tip her off?

There is a thread on here about the quality of diamonds provided at Cartier/HW/Graff I believe. You've probably read that thread already?

If having the option of returning the product without penalty is important to you, Whiteflash do offer a 100% refund on all diamonds and WF settings, and an 80% refund on custom/designer settings. Maybe the WF Legato or Sleek Line might suit? Alternatively, Excel diamonds sell the Vatché Caroline, which is a beautiful ring very similar to the Cartier 1895, and they offer a 70% refund on Vatché settings and a 100% refund on diamonds. Both WF's and Excel Diamonds' refund policies apply within a ten day window. Good Old Gold also stocks Vatché but they don't offer a refund on settings (they do on diamonds). Leon Megé will give you an 80% refund on any stock items but no refund on custom work.

It's a tough decision to make, especially as you would have to put the money down and then wait to receive the finished product. If nothing will do but the original 1895 then that's what you should get. But if you also like one of the other designs that are close to it in style then I think you should consider the online option.

ETA - if you go with Cartier, I would do what Gwen and Lorelei advise! Them's wise women

MatthewG · May 23, 2008

Date: 5/23/2008 8:20:56 AM
Author: Deelight
No worries

I will add I tried the second one on locally and it was beautiful I did not bother asking the price but it did make my heart go pitty patty

That is the intention

MatthewG · May 23, 2008

I''ve really been looking through as many threads as I can on the HW and Cartier rocks. In general it seems like rocks of good quality, but not to trust blindly. Any experience with De Beers?

I (hope) the refund issue is not too important, as long as the re-sizing could be done. I realise that is a big ''if''.

Delster · May 23, 2008

Matthew I just remembered that BF has a business card from Cartier with some specs and prices written down on it from the time we went to Bond Street! So I ran downstairs and found it...

The SA at that time (last October) gave us a price of £11,900 for a 1ct F VVS2 in the 1895 setting. Hope that helps!

ETA - once you get in the general ballpark area I don't think resizing should be that much of a problem? I believe it's easier to size up than down, but someone please correct me if I'm wrong about that.

bgray · May 23, 2008

Many of the vendors who supply Cartier and HW for example sell the same stones to Whiteflash, James Allen and all the rest...............the only difference being that typically the online vendors sell more smaller stones than say HW, Graff but not however Cartier and Tiffany. Most jewelers like these are about selling their own designs (as well as dishes, handbags and silver)..............while all round diamonds are not created equal, they are to Tiffany. Tiffany is not seeking to target Pricescope members, they are depending on millions of people who trust in their name and dont care about about pavillion measurements, to provide them with top quality goods--which they do. Top quality though is not necessarily the best. If you really want a Tiffany or Cartier deisgn buy the real deal--but your decision should have nothing to do with the stone. Alternatively--if you were buying a large stone like say 3 carats and up you would be crazy to go to Hw and Graff because of the mark-up. Their designs are not unique in anyway and are often manufactured by the stone suppliers.

neatfreak · May 23, 2008

Date: 5/23/2008 9:15:53 AM
Author: MatthewG
I've really been looking through as many threads as I can on the HW and Cartier rocks. In general it seems like rocks of good quality, but not to trust blindly. Any experience with De Beers?

I (hope) the refund issue is not too important, as long as the re-sizing could be done. I realise that is a big 'if'.

YES. This is the take home message. These stores do have beautiful stones, but they are not *all* as nice as they could be. None will be DOGS, but some are nicer than others, so be aware of what you are purchasing.

As for the size, it is a pain to GET it sized, but as long as it is a simple solitaire (i.e., no pave), they can size it without too much trouble. But it might take awhile.

Deelight · May 23, 2008

Date: 5/23/2008 8:49:25 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 5/23/2008 8:47:25 AM

Author: gwendolyn

First of all, I *love* the Cartier 1895. Beautiful ring! Second of all, if paying the premium for a name like Cartier or HW is worth it to you, then I think you should just go in person, see a few different stones in your budget and let you eyes select your favourite stone. If you wanted you could probably (I assume) get the numbers of the stones and put them up here for the experts to reassure you that you really are getting a very well cut stone. But at the end of the day, your lovely lady will be wearing the rock, not the paper.

Click to expand...

That might be a good way forward as Gwennie suggested. Get the proportions of the diamonds you like, report back here and we can advise you on the best ones. We would need the -

depth %

table %

crown angle

pavilion angle

girdle measurement

polish and symmetry grade

diameter measurements

This is fantastic advise (as always

) If you want to pay the premium get the best of what is available

and I don''t mean colour or clarity

.

The 1895 solitaire is beautiful looks very fluid on the hand

arjunajane · May 23, 2008

Date: 5/23/2008 9:22:48 AM
Author: Delster
Matthew I just remembered that BF has a business card from Cartier with some specs and prices written down on it from the time we went to Bond Street! So I ran downstairs and found it...

The SA at that time (last October) gave us a price of £11,900 for a 1ct F VVS2 in the 1895 setting. Hope that helps!

ETA - once you get in the general ballpark area I don''t think resizing should be that much of a problem? I believe it''s easier to size up than down, but someone please correct me if I''m wrong about that.

I''m sorry , but I really just have to give my 0.2c and say bugger that! even if it were the nicest setting Ever (and I''d rather a leon) I couldn''t bring myself (or My Fi

)to pay over $20,000 Dollars for a one carat ring.
I know people have different budgets and different prioroties/preferences and i completely respect that - I just can''t fathom that a cartier one ct ring can be That much better than something else of the highest calibre (say GOG top notch stone and leon solitaire = 15k MAX)..

Matthew, i realize you have expressed your desire to actually see the ring in person before you buy, which is fair enough.
There have been plenty of guys in the same situation as youself that have come to PS intent on buying from Tiff''s, Cartier etc and have ended up getting guidance to buy an amazing ring from a PS recommended vendor and then couldn''t be happier.

However I understand that buying online is not for everyone - I''m a real "value for money" kinda person, so my opinion is , as long as your aware of the other options available to you and still want to buy from a high end store, then awesome - as long as its an informed decision..
I''m sure you already realize, but the PS vendors which are most heavily recommended, such as WF and GOG, offer 30 day money back guarantee on diamonds, plus I believe an inspection period on their settings (granted they''re not custom) - so essentially, you get to actually take the ring home and live with it for a couple days before making up your mind..
Not sure if Cartier or HW offers this service..?

Good luck with your decision and congrats on the pending engagement!

MatthewG · May 23, 2008

Date: 5/23/2008 8:49:25 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 5/23/2008 8:47:25 AM

Author: gwendolyn

First of all, I *love* the Cartier 1895. Beautiful ring! Second of all, if paying the premium for a name like Cartier or HW is worth it to you, then I think you should just go in person, see a few different stones in your budget and let you eyes select your favourite stone. If you wanted you could probably (I assume) get the numbers of the stones and put them up here for the experts to reassure you that you really are getting a very well cut stone. But at the end of the day, your lovely lady will be wearing the rock, not the paper.

Click to expand...

That might be a good way forward as Gwennie suggested. Get the proportions of the diamonds you like, report back here and we can advise you on the best ones. We would need the -

depth %

table %

crown angle

pavilion angle

girdle measurement

polish and symmetry grade

diameter measurements

Thanks! I have a bit of time to mull this over. Planning to look around Cartier and HW to see what I like within budget and plan to report back!

Thank you so much everyone.

MatthewG · May 23, 2008

Date: 5/23/2008 10:05:53 AM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 5/23/2008 9:22:48 AM

Author: Delster

Matthew I just remembered that BF has a business card from Cartier with some specs and prices written down on it from the time we went to Bond Street! So I ran downstairs and found it...

The SA at that time (last October) gave us a price of £11,900 for a 1ct F VVS2 in the 1895 setting. Hope that helps!

ETA - once you get in the general ballpark area I don''t think resizing should be that much of a problem? I believe it''s easier to size up than down, but someone please correct me if I''m wrong about that.

Click to expand...

I''m sorry , but I really just have to give my 0.2c and say bugger that! even if it were the nicest setting Ever (and I''d rather a leon) I couldn''t bring myself (or My Fi

)to pay over $20,000 Dollars for a one carat ring.

I know people have different budgets and different prioroties/preferences and i completely respect that - I just can''t fathom that a cartier one ct ring can be That much better than something else of the highest calibre (say GOG top notch stone and leon solitaire = 15k MAX)..

Matthew, i realize you have expressed your desire to actually see the ring in person before you buy, which is fair enough.

There have been plenty of guys in the same situation as youself that have come to PS intent on buying from Tiff''s, Cartier etc and have ended up getting guidance to buy an amazing ring from a PS recommended vendor and then couldn''t be happier.

However I understand that buying online is not for everyone - I''m a real ''value for money'' kinda person, so my opinion is , as long as your aware of the other options available to you and still want to buy from a high end store, then awesome - as long as its an informed decision..

I''m sure you already realize, but the PS vendors which are most heavily recommended, such as WF and GOG, offer 30 day money back guarantee on diamonds, plus I believe an inspection period on their settings (granted they''re not custom) - so essentially, you get to actually take the ring home and live with it for a couple days before making up your mind..

Not sure if Cartier or HW offers this service..?

Good luck with your decision and congrats on the pending engagement!

I''m usually in the value for money camp... I''m a tight bugger most of the time - but this decision for me isn''t really about money (up to a point of course). I just want this ring to be perfect - I haven''t seen anything on WF in terms of settings that quite matches (I know they are lovely but they don''t make me think they''d make my gf weak at the knees).

Leon''s settings are some of the few that I''ve seen that I''d be comfortable going with (although there is something about the double claws I''m not so keen on which might sound a little blasphemous around here) - but a little concerned about doing a more customised product with an ocean inbetween.

I''ve left myself plenty of time though which is increasingly seeming like a good thing!

Splinter · May 23, 2008

Matthew, if you've got time to wait I can let you know how my custom ring purchase from WF goes. I'm also in London and have done the whole thing via email and phone. The final product is shipping in about a week. Might put you at ease about buying without seeing the ring? I know this was a huge hurdle to get over myself, but in the end I saw how much more I got for my money (Hooray for the 2 to 1 exchange rate!) and read enough about WF to be comfortable trusting that they would get the design right.

Also: Yes, leaving plenty of time for yourself is a good idea!

Also: "ETA - if you go with Cartier, I would do what Gwen and Lorelei advise! Them's wise women" <---- Very true!

MatthewG · May 23, 2008

Date: 5/23/2008 11:25:12 AM
Author: Splinter
Matthew, if you''ve got time to wait I can let you know how my custom ring purchase from WF goes. I''m also in London and have done the whole thing via email and phone. The final product is shipping in about a week. Might put you at ease about buying without seeing the ring? I know this was a huge hurdle to get over myself, but in the end I saw how much more I got for my money (Hooray for the 2 to 1 exchange rate!) and read enough about WF to be comfortable trusting that they would get the design right.

Also: Yes, leaving plenty of time for yourself is a good idea!

Also: ''ETA - if you go with Cartier, I would do what Gwen and Lorelei advise! Them''s wise women'' <---- Very true!

It would be great to hear how you get on!

arjunajane · May 23, 2008

Date: 5/23/2008 10:56:09 AM
Author: MatthewG

Date: 5/23/2008 10:05:53 AM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 5/23/2008 9:22:48 AM

Author: Delster

Matthew I just remembered that BF has a business card from Cartier with some specs and prices written down on it from the time we went to Bond Street! So I ran downstairs and found it...

The SA at that time (last October) gave us a price of £11,900 for a 1ct F VVS2 in the 1895 setting. Hope that helps!

ETA - once you get in the general ballpark area I don''t think resizing should be that much of a problem? I believe it''s easier to size up than down, but someone please correct me if I''m wrong about that.

Click to expand...

I''m sorry , but I really just have to give my 0.2c and say bugger that! even if it were the nicest setting Ever (and I''d rather a leon) I couldn''t bring myself (or My Fi

)to pay over $20,000 Dollars for a one carat ring.

I know people have different budgets and different prioroties/preferences and i completely respect that - I just can''t fathom that a cartier one ct ring can be That much better than something else of the highest calibre (say GOG top notch stone and leon solitaire = 15k MAX)..

Matthew, i realize you have expressed your desire to actually see the ring in person before you buy, which is fair enough.

There have been plenty of guys in the same situation as youself that have come to PS intent on buying from Tiff''s, Cartier etc and have ended up getting guidance to buy an amazing ring from a PS recommended vendor and then couldn''t be happier.

However I understand that buying online is not for everyone - I''m a real ''value for money'' kinda person, so my opinion is , as long as your aware of the other options available to you and still want to buy from a high end store, then awesome - as long as its an informed decision..

I''m sure you already realize, but the PS vendors which are most heavily recommended, such as WF and GOG, offer 30 day money back guarantee on diamonds, plus I believe an inspection period on their settings (granted they''re not custom) - so essentially, you get to actually take the ring home and live with it for a couple days before making up your mind..

Not sure if Cartier or HW offers this service..?

Good luck with your decision and congrats on the pending engagement!

Click to expand...

I''m usually in the value for money camp... I''m a tight bugger most of the time - but this decision for me isn''t really about money (up to a point of course). I just want this ring to be perfect - I haven''t seen anything on WF in terms of settings that quite matches (I know they are lovely but they don''t make me think they''d make my gf weak at the knees).

Leon''s settings are some of the few that I''ve seen that I''d be comfortable going with (although there is something about the double claws I''m not so keen on which might sound a little blasphemous around here) - but a little concerned about doing a more customised product with an ocean inbetween.

I''ve left myself plenty of time though which is increasingly seeming like a good thing!

Fair enough matey! I am also buying from even further away - Australia, so know how you feel. Beside some slight frustration I can''t just pick up the phone sometimes, I really can''t complain - email and IM and a couple calls have been good enough for me.

Just so you know, Leon also does single claw which are extremely popular - I can give you pics if your interest. imho, I would dare to say his work looks to be better quality, even if the design is "cartier-inspired" (disclaimer: I don''t own a Leon lol!).

Also as mentioned, WF are Very well respected for their custom work - as you said you don''t love the stock stuff.
As I said before, knowledge is key, but ultimately its your $$ and your decision, and I''m sure it will be gorgeous !

MatthewG · May 23, 2008

Date: 5/23/2008 8:53:13 AM
Author: Delster
Does she own any rings? Can you mess around with them, try them on your own fingers and make a joke out of how small they are, get her to try them on and observe which ones fit her ring finger well? Or would that tip her off?

There is a thread on here about the quality of diamonds provided at Cartier/HW/Graff I believe. You''ve probably read that thread already?

If having the option of returning the product without penalty is important to you, Whiteflash do offer a 100% refund on all diamonds and WF settings, and an 80% refund on custom/designer settings. Maybe the WF Legato or Sleek Line might suit? Alternatively, Excel diamonds sell the Vatché Caroline, which is a beautiful ring very similar to the Cartier 1895, and they offer a 70% refund on Vatché settings and a 100% refund on diamonds. Both WF''s and Excel Diamonds'' refund policies apply within a ten day window. Good Old Gold also stocks Vatché but they don''t offer a refund on settings (they do on diamonds). Leon Megé will give you an 80% refund on any stock items but no refund on custom work.

It''s a tough decision to make, especially as you would have to put the money down and then wait to receive the finished product. If nothing will do but the original 1895 then that''s what you should get. But if you also like one of the other designs that are close to it in style then I think you should consider the online option.

ETA - if you go with Cartier, I would do what Gwen and Lorelei advise! Them''s wise women

You''ve sparked an idea - thank you! Think I''ll buy a cheap ring that I know will be too small for her usual ring wearing fingers - she''ll be forced to try it on others. Also following everyone''s wise words I''m thinking about GOG or WF diamond in a LM setting, but I''m still going to look at HW and Cartier I think. Logistics could still be a problem if I head for the LM route as I''d need to get the diamond delivered to the UK, ship it back to LM in NY and get it shipped back with setting. Am I missing a much easier route of doing this

Thank you everyone for all your advice - not sure you realise how much of a help you all are!

JulieN · May 23, 2008

Infinity Diamonds, in Antwerp.

You don''t have to see the diamond first, IMO. But if you insist, you might go with Infinity just to avoid the transAtlantic thing one extra time.

Deelight · May 23, 2008

Date: 5/23/2008 7:12:55 PM
Author: MatthewG

Date: 5/23/2008 8:53:13 AM

Author: Delster

Does she own any rings? Can you mess around with them, try them on your own fingers and make a joke out of how small they are, get her to try them on and observe which ones fit her ring finger well? Or would that tip her off?

There is a thread on here about the quality of diamonds provided at Cartier/HW/Graff I believe. You''ve probably read that thread already?

If having the option of returning the product without penalty is important to you, Whiteflash do offer a 100% refund on all diamonds and WF settings, and an 80% refund on custom/designer settings. Maybe the WF Legato or Sleek Line might suit? Alternatively, Excel diamonds sell the Vatché Caroline, which is a beautiful ring very similar to the Cartier 1895, and they offer a 70% refund on Vatché settings and a 100% refund on diamonds. Both WF''s and Excel Diamonds'' refund policies apply within a ten day window. Good Old Gold also stocks Vatché but they don''t offer a refund on settings (they do on diamonds). Leon Megé will give you an 80% refund on any stock items but no refund on custom work.

It''s a tough decision to make, especially as you would have to put the money down and then wait to receive the finished product. If nothing will do but the original 1895 then that''s what you should get. But if you also like one of the other designs that are close to it in style then I think you should consider the online option.

ETA - if you go with Cartier, I would do what Gwen and Lorelei advise! Them''s wise women

Click to expand...

You''ve sparked an idea - thank you! Think I''ll buy a cheap ring that I know will be too small for her usual ring wearing fingers - she''ll be forced to try it on others. Also following everyone''s wise words I''m thinking about GOG or WF diamond in a LM setting, but I''m still going to look at HW and Cartier I think. Logistics could still be a problem if I head for the LM route as I''d need to get the diamond delivered to the UK, ship it back to LM in NY and get it shipped back with setting. Am I missing a much easier route of doing this

Thank you everyone for all your advice - not sure you realise how much of a help you all are!

Get the diamond shipped directly from GOG or WF to an appraiser in the US and then straight to LM and the completed ring shipped from LM to you

.

Buying from OS as well I kinda prefer GOG mainly because of the videos you get to see how it sparkles and the personality of the diamond

.

gwendolyn · May 23, 2008

Date: 5/23/2008 7:12:55 PM
Author: MatthewG
You''ve sparked an idea - thank you! Think I''ll buy a cheap ring that I know will be too small for her usual ring wearing fingers - she''ll be forced to try it on others. Also following everyone''s wise words I''m thinking about GOG or WF diamond in a LM setting, but I''m still going to look at HW and Cartier I think. Logistics could still be a problem if I head for the LM route as I''d need to get the diamond delivered to the UK, ship it back to LM in NY and get it shipped back with setting. Am I missing a much easier route of doing this

Thank you everyone for all your advice - not sure you realise how much of a help you all are!

Hello again, Matthew.

I just wanted to mention, based on what I''ve read here on the forums, it seems that people usually purchase their diamonds from GOG or WF (or whichever internet vendor), have the stone sent to the person setting the stone (like LM or MWM or whoever), and then they have it sent to them, a finished product. Now, that requires a lot of trust that I''m sure a lot of people aren''t prepared to give to a company that doesn''t feel tangible to them, so that might not work for you. I too am in the UK (here for grad school) and my boyfriend and I are planning on getting engaged within the next 6 months or so, while living and working here (after I finish in July, woohoo!).

I have been reading this website for a year now, and I have read enough good reviews of customer service and quality from these vendors that I do feel that I can trust GOG to find the stone I want, make me videos of it so I can see it *almost* in person, then, send it off to MWM to make my setting (who will also be eyeing up my stone to make sure the stone matches the cert--we''ve got personal accounts of this happening here), and then send it to me here in the UK. I have read enough to see how these companies/people deal with their customers that I know I will be taken care of, even from 3000+ miles away. I totally understand if you do not have this same level of comfort, as you''ve probably not been reading this website for as long as I have, but in case you do want to give the idea a chance, I just wanted to say that I think you''d be in very safe, capable, responsible hands.

*As a side note, I just wanted to say I haven''t bought anything from any of the companies listed yet. I have emailed GOG, LM and MWM and they were all great, and if you haven''t yet checked out GOG''s educational videos on diamonds, you are missing out! They are GREAT! Taught me so much. And lots prettier than just reading charts and articles.

ginzagirl · May 23, 2008

MG - I''m a proud owner of the Harry Winston micropave ring. I''m in Japan and bought from the U.S. because HW prices are practically double here. HW will insure your ring until it arrives and you sign for it. I had a great experience with them. For 20,000 U.S.D, you should be able to get 1 carat plus in their plain solitaire settings. One carat in the mircopave will be around 24,000ish, give or take a little.

I love the 1895 ring. Cartier is a slight bit cheaper than Winston so your budget should be fine.

As for De Beers, I seriously considered them during my ring shopping stage. However, having seen and tried them on a few times, I decided against them. I found the rings to be too thick and and the settings a bit boring. But that''s just my personal opinion. Also, since their price were almost as high as Cartier and HW, I did not think it was worth it as I don''t think De Beers value will hold up in the long term.

For the budget I had, I could have gotten a 2 plus carat but that was not of interest. So, I decided to throw it all in the name! You might think I''m silly but since no one here in Japan wears 2+ carats , it wouldn''t look good. But one day, when I''m back in Canada, I shall... but until then.

Having gone both the custom route and throwing good money away to brand names.. I wouldn''t change a thing. It''s great to experience both.

At the end of the day, you should really buy what you like and think that your g/f will cherish for the rest of her life.

Good luck and let us know what you decide!

MatthewG · May 24, 2008

Date: 5/23/2008 7:33:05 PM
Author: gwendolyn

Date: 5/23/2008 7:12:55 PM

Author: MatthewG

You''ve sparked an idea - thank you! Think I''ll buy a cheap ring that I know will be too small for her usual ring wearing fingers - she''ll be forced to try it on others. Also following everyone''s wise words I''m thinking about GOG or WF diamond in a LM setting, but I''m still going to look at HW and Cartier I think. Logistics could still be a problem if I head for the LM route as I''d need to get the diamond delivered to the UK, ship it back to LM in NY and get it shipped back with setting. Am I missing a much easier route of doing this

Thank you everyone for all your advice - not sure you realise how much of a help you all are!

Click to expand...

Hello again, Matthew.

I just wanted to mention, based on what I''ve read here on the forums, it seems that people usually purchase their diamonds from GOG or WF (or whichever internet vendor), have the stone sent to the person setting the stone (like LM or MWM or whoever), and then they have it sent to them, a finished product. Now, that requires a lot of trust that I''m sure a lot of people aren''t prepared to give to a company that doesn''t feel tangible to them, so that might not work for you. I too am in the UK (here for grad school) and my boyfriend and I are planning on getting engaged within the next 6 months or so, while living and working here (after I finish in July, woohoo!).

I have been reading this website for a year now, and I have read enough good reviews of customer service and quality from these vendors that I do feel that I can trust GOG to find the stone I want, make me videos of it so I can see it *almost* in person, then, send it off to MWM to make my setting (who will also be eyeing up my stone to make sure the stone matches the cert--we''ve got personal accounts of this happening here), and then send it to me here in the UK. I have read enough to see how these companies/people deal with their customers that I know I will be taken care of, even from 3000+ miles away. I totally understand if you do not have this same level of comfort, as you''ve probably not been reading this website for as long as I have, but in case you do want to give the idea a chance, I just wanted to say that I think you''d be in very safe, capable, responsible hands.

*As a side note, I just wanted to say I haven''t bought anything from any of the companies listed yet. I have emailed GOG, LM and MWM and they were all great, and if you haven''t yet checked out GOG''s educational videos on diamonds, you are missing out! They are GREAT! Taught me so much. And lots prettier than just reading charts and articles.

How did I not think of that?!

Thx again!

MatthewG · May 24, 2008

Hi ginzagirl - thx for the feedback on De Beers. I''d been kinda coming to the same opinion - I thought the settings maybe weren''t quite as interesting but just wanted to check that I wasn''t going barmy.

This forum has helped me from feeling a bit overwhelmed by the whole thing to feeling excited about what I''m going to choose!

Would love some thoughts

Rough_Rock

Sponsored By:

Ideal_Rock

Rough_Rock

Ideal_Rock

Super_Ideal_Rock

Shiny_Rock

Ideal_Rock

Rough_Rock

Ideal_Rock

Super_Ideal_Rock

Ideal_Rock

Rough_Rock

Rough_Rock

Ideal_Rock

Brilliant_Rock

Super_Ideal_Rock

Ideal_Rock

Ideal_Rock

Rough_Rock

Rough_Rock

Shiny_Rock

Rough_Rock

Ideal_Rock

Rough_Rock

Super_Ideal_Rock

Ideal_Rock

Ideal_Rock

Shiny_Rock

Rough_Rock

Rough_Rock