Advice on price of micropave band

[HappyChappy]

Hello all!

I was on here asking for help with my engagement ring a while back and received some really fantastic advice (thank you!).

A bit of an update on my original engagement ring in case you saw my first thread. Despite the issues surrounding the ring I decided to use it but first wanted to fix up some worn prongs and make sure the diamonds were secure. I found a jeweler with a good reputation who specialises in vintage rings (mine is from 1910) so I put it in with them. When it came back the prongs between two diamonds were squished and the other prongs were uneven and catching on things. They are still working on it but I saw their first attempt at fixing it the other day and it wasn't much improved . Because of all the issues I have had with this ring I have given up and am just settling with another ring I have as I'm too occupied with my new baby to look for another lol.

Now to the wedding band.

The other ring I am using is quite small and I would like a very dainty band with a micropave setting to go with it. I went to a jeweller yesterday and ordered a half band claw set micropave with a curve and profile that match the ring. It's going to cost $2,900 AUD or $1,925 USD. I was originally ok with that but have awoken in the middle of the night wondering if that is a bit expensive for what I ordered? I have used this jeweller before and was happy with the quality of their work but as someone without much understanding of the industry I thought they were a bit expensive. However, I returned to them after my experience with the the other jeweller as I know their work and I didn't want another unpleasant surprise.

So what do you guys think? Is $1,925 USD too much to pay for a custom claw set micropave half band? Should I be looking elsewhere online? I am happy to pay for quality I just don't want to pay more than necessary.

 

[TXwidow]

re new band: not enough info to help. Give us details about the new band.

 

[Lookinagain]

Is there a reason you are going custom for the band? It seems to me that you should be able to find one without going the custom route, which is probably going to cost more. Do you have photos of what you are looking for?

 

[maryjane04]

I'm so sorry about your engagement ring. I remember you from your previous thread and it sounds as if it's just not your luck. A jeweller that specialises in antiques and they messed it up that badly. You should let us know who they are so we can avoid them!

In terms of a custom band, I agree with other responses that we need to see pictures and stats to know what we're comparing with. In terms of quality and price you'll probably be better off ordering a ring from someone like David Klass in the US.

Jewellery in Australia is expensive and the craftsmanship isn't as good as in the US.

 

[HappyChappy]

Hi @TXwidow , that makes sense. I don't know much beyond it's going to be an 18ct yellow gold band, with tiny diamonds that are between H-J colour. The claws will be plated in white gold to match the ring.

@Lookinagain I decided to go custom because the straight bands looked really really odd with the ring. It has a slight bulge in the middle of the band so it's probably because of that. Maybe something to do with the size too? I will try to find photos of the ring that I have somewhere and a photo of the kind of band I am looking at.

Thanks @maryjane04! It definitely is not my luck. I really don't want to name and shame because they are a small family business that has been going since like 1964 and I suspect have just started outsourcing their work because of the age of the gentleman who works as the jeweller there. He had an accident at the end of last year and I think it's really impacted his health. They are genuinely lovely people so I really don't want to damage their business but I also would hate for other people to have their jewellery ruined! Catch-22 I guess. I thought about going international but because Australia has crap GST and import laws you end up spending just as much anyway. But I guess if it's better quality that might make it worth it?

 

[HappyChappy]

 

[HappyChappy]

Here are photos from the day I bought it. Because I am having the band made to the ring the jeweller kept the ring so I can't take any more photos until I have it back unfortunately.

 

[HappyChappy]

 

[HappyChappy]

I orderd something like this but smaller to match the tiny side diamonds on the ring. Anything this size or up also looked odd.

 

[maryjane04]

Ah so you want something to sit flush to your engagement ring. That makes sense then. And I guess from your disappointment in the past, it's best you go to someone you know and trust. And that they have your ring they can make something that fits like a glove. Also I see your dilemma about the thickness, you want a really thin band that doesn't compete with your engagement ring.

I think for that amount you could probably buy a really nice ring from someone like Victor Canera but you're right it doesn't include taxes lol.
https://victorcanera.com/product/10953/chevron-shaped-diamond-eternity-band

It might be on the higher end of what I would pay but sounds like you just need something perfect from this experience so you can move forward. I think this is too thick for you but this is so much cheaper.

https://www.jamesallen.com/wedding-...ved-diamond-matching-wedding-ring-item-135012

 

[maryjane04]

Also I thought you got a three stone ring? Did you end up getting a different ring than the one you showed us?

 

[Lookinagain]

Also I thought you got a three stone ring? Did you end up getting a different ring than the one you showed us?

she said this in her original post

A bit of an update on my original engagement ring in case you saw my first thread. Despite the issues surrounding the ring I decided to use it but first wanted to fix up some worn prongs and make sure the diamonds were secure. I found a jeweler with a good reputation who specialises in vintage rings (mine is from 1910) so I put it in with them. When it came back the prongs between two diamonds were squished and the other prongs were uneven and catching on things. They are still working on it but I saw their first attempt at fixing it the other day and it wasn't much improved . Because of all the issues I have had with this ring I have given up and am just settling with another ring I have as I'm too occupied with my new baby to look for another lol.

 

[maryjane04]

she said this in her original post

They look completely different that's why I asked.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/help-deciding-on-an-engagement-ring.280938/post-5304963