Choose vendor for the stones or the setting?

[Ice_newbie]

I think I have decided I want to do a three stone round ring, with about a 1.5 ct center and .5 sides. I really like the look of six prongs on the center and three on the sides. The only setting I have found that seems to fit the bill is WF butterflies. But I am not finding many stones of interest from WF - I see more options in my size/price range from JA, BGD, and Blue Nile.

So my question is, do people think the best approach is 1) to find the ideal diamonds and then work with that vendor's design team to do someting custom, if necessary (even though that usually means the ring becomes non-returnable); or 2) work with the vendor that makes the ideal setting to source good stones?

Thanks!

 

[04diamond<3]

I suggest getting the stones first then the setting. Below is a gorgeous setting from BGD who happens to have gorgeous diamonds. What's your budget?

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/open-gallery-accented-18k-white-gold-5448w18

 

[Ice_newbie]

Budget for the whole ring is $13-15k.

That BGD setting is nice, but not quite what I think I'm looking for (I don't really want the center stone to be set higher, and I think I would prefer 6 prongs/3prongs).

 

[yssie]

It sounds like you know what setting you want (as opposed to "I'm looking for a nice well-made ring in something like this sort of style") so I'd recommend sticking with that vendor.

Call WF and ask when they'll be getting more stones in, and tell them what you're looking for so they can keep an eye out for you specifically. Those are common sizes - if they don't have what you want right now they will soon.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I would do the whole thing at WhiteFlash. They get stones in periodically. Tell them what you are looking for and they can maybe check what is coming in.

(Okay, just posting this because I already had it written. But ditto Yssie!)

 

[04diamond<3]

Budget for the whole ring is $13-15k.

That BGD setting is nice, but not quite what I think I'm looking for (I don't really want the center stone to be set higher, and I think I would prefer 6 prongs/3prongs).

Sorry! Skipped the line that you found the butterflies setting at WF. It's gorgeous! I've drooled over that one for some time! As everyone else said - call them to help with the search...