Custom Engagement Ring in NYC or LA?

[ringupthebling]

Hi everyone! New member here so apologies if I am posting this in the wrong forum. I recently started engagement ring shopping in NYC but will be headed to Los Angeles for a month to take care of family. My plan has been to pick out a loose diamond and then work with a jeweler to create a custom ring, as I've been told this is the most cost-efficient way to buy an engagement ring (if that is not true, would love to hear people's thoughts!).

I've made some progress in NYC but I'm wondering if I should put a hold on my efforts and continue my search in LA. Is it cheaper to buy a loose diamond/are the margins lower/is there more negotiating power for loose diamond purchases in one of these cities? I would think it is the same but curious whether there is a difference in the diamond markets of those two cities. Also, I want a cathedral setting (possibly with pave) and either a milgrain bezel or halo around my diamond - would it be better to have my setting hand forged or cast and what is typically the price difference? The jewelers I've spoken to in NYC all seem to cast their rings and I've been quoted $1-3K so far - is that the typical rate for custom cast jewelry? Is there a price difference in hand forged and/or cast rings in NYC vs LA? Any jeweler recommendations in either city would also be greatly appreciated!

Considering this will be a hefty purchase, I'm hoping to understand which costs can be lowered, no matter how small, without compromising quality dramatically. Looking forward to all the diamond wisdom this community has to share!

 

[Dancing Fire]

In LA?

Victor Canera

www.victorcanera.com

 

[molecule]

In NYC:
For handmade: Steven Kirsch
For handmade or cast: Brilliantly Engaged

Both vendors offer to handpick diamonds for you (but that may not be the budget option).

 

[WDWDiamond]

You could buy a super ideal diamond from Whiteflash and have is set by Maytal Hannah or David Klass (both LA based). I have not personally worked with either but they are highly recommended here. (I have worked with WF and they are awesome.)

Here are some threads to check out.

2.3 ct WhiteFlash + Maytal Hannah Review

Hi all – thought I’d share my experience after all the help I received and learned from this site. I purchased loose stone from White Flash with the help and recommendation from some folks here. Frankly I had no idea what I was looking for and felt some of the local vendors in person weren’t...

www.pricescope.com

The Maytal Hannah thread

Over the years, designer Maytal Hannah has made besutiful creations for PSers. I do not have one, but I like her work. Please post your Maytal Hannah creations here and share your experiences.

www.pricescope.com

Show us your David Klass bling!

At the request of Diamondseeker2006 I am starting this thread for all of those who have bling from the lovely David Klass. I have several and will start with my newest ring. https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/a-project-to-make-a-vintage-ring.196442/ Platinum .86ct medium blue...

www.pricescope.com

 

[Victor Canera]

I'm a little biased but IMPO Los Angeles consistently puts out a finer product than NYC There are a number of reasons for this including the concentration of manpower from old school ateliers of the past. Back in the late 80s or early 90s for example, LA was putting out very fine "invisible set" jewelry with princess cut diamonds and NY didn't catch on for years afterwards. This has been consistent over the decades. In terms of a middle of the road type of product or on the lower end, I don't think it would make much difference though.

Good luck!

 

[DejaWiz]

Have you looked at Distinctive Gem about 40 miles east of NYC?
Jon (Rhino) has a great selection of settings or can custom make just about anything you can dream up.
He also has some amazing takes on classic cuts, such as the Elyque oval.

In LA, I would recommend meeting with Victor Canera (he just posted above) and taking a look at his Bliss line of engagement rings...or go custom, as well.

Whiteflash would be another great option, as they have a vast selection of designer name brand settings to choose.

 

[ringupthebling]

Thank you everyone for all your help so far! Will definitely look into everyone’s suggestions

 

[Bruin Bling]

@ringupthebling - lots of good feedback already. As someone from LA who purchased a diamond and setting this year, I think you will be pretty much set with any of the options presented above. Best of luck!

 

[ringupthebling]

@ringupthebling - lots of good feedback already. As someone from LA who purchased a diamond and setting this year, I think you will be pretty much set with any of the options presented above. Best of luck!

Thank you so much!! I am definitely going to need all the luck I can get! Do you mind sharing where in LA you ended up purchasing your diamond and setting? If you have any advice or insights to share as someone who recently went through this process, I would love to hear them!

 

[Bruin Bling]

Thank you so much!! I am definitely going to need all the luck I can get! Do you mind sharing where in LA you ended up purchasing your diamond and setting? If you have any advice or insights to share as someone who recently went through this process, I would love to hear them!

So, I had used PS to vet a number of LA options, and the ones noted by others in this thread are all very, very popular for good reason. Not to mention the people on PS as well who were super helpful and supportive.

My future wife and I ultimately decided to head to TX to shop stones, and she found her setting there too. You should be able to search and read some threads from me from Spring of this year. It was worth the trip out there (to us), but think we would have done well in LA too. Hope that helps you somehow. Look forward to hearing how your search plays out!