Custom diamond pendant (price question)

[melowely]

Hi everyone, I hope this is the right section, I’m still a bit new here.

I have a loose .41 carat Marquise diamond from my original wedding ring that I’ve been considering putting into a simple pendant. I saw one for sale from a vendor that was exactly what I want, so I inquired about making one like it with my own diamond. They quoted me twice as much as what they were selling it for ($400 vs $800+). I was surprised because I thought with the diamond provided it would maybe be around the same, given the labor. The diamond in the ready made pendant is much better quality than mine too, albeit a bit smaller.

My diamond is sentimental but for me I’m not sure it’s worth spending that much on. I’m a little tempted to buy a ready made pendant.

Is this a typical rate for a custom pendant setting? I am sincerely curious and want to understand the quote, I definitely don’t want to minimize the craft and what all goes into it. Thank you.

 

[ringo865]

Yah, seems kinda high since you have the diamond. And it would hardly be custom if they already produce these. Unless the vendor just buys them ready made and sells them, but doesn’t make them? Anyway, most jewelers on here could put it into a stock setting (you can browse settings on Stuller.com). Save $ from custom, and still nice quality.

 

[AnastasiaBeaverhausen]

Maybe the in-stock pendant was made before the price of gold went up?

 

[oncrutchesrightnow]

Yes, $800 is steep. I recently set a diamond in a new gold bezel and it was $350.

 

[mrsctobe]

It's not super surprising that they make up for the price when you dont buy the diamond - you cant, for example, purchase a james allen setting without buying a diamond from them - except with the more expensive settings (like 18k, fancier)

 

[maisie2]

That sounds pretty steep. I paid about $300 for a 14K YG 3 prong pendant, and my stone was a similar size - .45ct round.

Could you have someone else make the pendant for you?

 

[tyty333]

Can you post a picture of the setting/pendant?

It's not super surprising that they make up for the price when you dont buy the diamond - you cant, for example, purchase a james allen setting without buying a diamond from them - except with the more expensive settings (like 18k, fancier)

FYI, unless this has changed recently...James Allen will set your stone in one of their settings. You don't have to purchase one of
their stones. They will not just sell you a setting without a stone in it though. I'm speaking of rings. Not sure if they are willing
to do a pendant or not. You would have to ask.

 

[mrsctobe]

Can you post a picture of the setting/pendant?



FYI, unless this has changed recently...James Allen will set your stone in one of their settings. You don't have to purchase one of
their stones. They will not just sell you a setting without a stone in it though. I'm speaking of rings. Not sure if they are willing
to do a pendant or not. You would have to ask.

They wont set your stone in most of their settings- only the more expensive ones like 18ct or their more expensive designs. But for most of the rings they wouldnt do it for me, and this was a month ago

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Yes, $800 is steep. I recently set a diamond in a new gold bezel and it was $350.

Was that including the chain? If so, $350 was quite a deal!

To the OP, I think you need to get more quotes. Can you show us the setting you were interested in?

 

[oncrutchesrightnow]

Was that including the chain? If so, $350 was quite a deal!

To the OP, I think you need to get more quotes. Can you show us the setting you were interested in?

Yes, but it was a bracelet not a necklace.