Custom Made Settings From James Allen ?

[StandbyMe]

Hello everyone,

I am a newcomer here , but have read wonderful things about you guys! I am looking to make an engagement ring and propose to my girlfriend in the next month or two. What I have in mind is something along these lines in 18K Gold (The Blue Sapphires were originally small diamonds, I played around with the picture a bit):



I am confident in getting a loose diamond from JA, and today talked to one of their representatives about making a custom ring similar to this one, and they assured me that it is possible.

Does any one know anything about their custom work? Quality, increase in price (If you have no idea on this, it is okay, I will find out when I get a quote). Also, what do you guys think of the design? Should I provide a more complete drawing, (don't have one at the moment)?

My budget for this ring including the diamond is $3000. Any suggestions on which diamond to pick? So far I have worked out that I won't need a very good rating in colour (because of the yellow setting), and I can sacrifice some clarity as well, but would require as good a cut as possible, and good proportions to avoid bow-tie effects. Anything else I should have in mind?

The selection for marquises from JA seemed rather limited. But I am more concerned about what to do about the setting.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I would not choose JA for a custom setting. But let me ask you, is this a style ring that she has shown you that she wants?

 

[stargurl78]

I would not choose JA for a custom setting. But let me ask you, is this a style ring that she has shown you that she wants?

That was my first thought. A lot of girls don't like the marquise shape and to be honest, the style of that ring seems a bit dated. I'm not trying to be harsh, I just don't want you to put money into something unless you know its exactly what she wants.

 

[Niel]

yes this ring is a very acquired taste. But im not going to hate on marquise, i think in the right setting they are fantastic! but this one seems dated for a handful of reasons.

BUT with that said get the gal what she likes!

What is your budget? because i wouldnt want to go with JA for a custom setting either. Id probably buy the stone from them if you found one you like, then contact brian gavin or Whiteflash to get a quote on a custom setting.

if you havent found a stone you like from them, i would contact Good Old Gold, they are great at picking fancy cut diamonds. they will also provide you with videos to help you choose which of their picks you like best



this is one of my top three rings ive ever seen, and i bet if you contacted a whiteflash or a brian gavin they could create a very nice one for you in yellow gold with sapphire pears.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I am fine with marquise if that is what she wants, but we can suggest many beautiful settings including the one nielseel just posted. But we need to know if she has asked for marquise, this particular setting style, yellow gold, etc. Because if she didn't pick it out, it is waaaay to risky for an engagement ring. That setting is really not current and I don't think it is a good idea for an e-ring unless she picked it out and really wants it. And even in that case, I'd encourage her to see some she hasn't seen before deciding.

 

[StandbyMe]

Alrighty, thanks for the advice guys. Nope, she hasn't seen it. I guess I am just old style .

nielseel: I have seen that type of setting before, it is rather common. I don't know why, but I find most e-rings really bland. I am more drawn to uniqueness and creativity.

With that said, you guys are correct in that the ring is for her, not for me, so it should be something that she likes, and will enjoy wearing. I guess I will pick out a few styles, like 10 or so, and tell her to pick her favorite 3-5. And then surprise her with one of those that I like, so it will still have some anticipation and level of surprise.

And thanks for the hint on not going with JA for the custom setting, I was also uneasy about that, but wanted some second hand opinion.

Thanks

 

[Polished]

I'm sure people here could come up with a few ideas for an engagement ring with a little twist of difference, that also might really appeal to your girlfriend. Perhaps throw it open for suggestions! Personally I like your sentiment of getting something just a bit different and it might be lovely to show her a selection of ring styles that have a little flair for her to consider. My brother is a novelist and he got his wife to be an engagement brooch; an attractive entwined style symbolising the coming of their lives together.

 

[Niel]

3 stones may be common but a 3 stone with a marquise center and pears sides is definitely not common. Especially in a rose gold or yellow gold, oh it would be fabulous!

but ok, you want something unique thats very doable in a more classic or updated design.

you could go with a sapphire or other colored stone, colored diamonds, ew settings for marquise or an oval, old cut diamonds like a old english cut. Low colored diamonds. you've got lots of options.

wanting something different is just too vague of a description. id have her look at lots and LOTS of rings. get what she likes, and we can help you create that. but DONT buy her something really differentjust because you like it, especially if its custom and non refundable, if she hasnt said she likes at least that style and diamond shape

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Okay, well I am glad we got that straight! Many of us like antique styles here, but the ring you showed was very "80's" and not a timeless style!

My strong recommendation to you is to let HER browse this thread and tell you several styles that SHE likes rather than you choosing 10:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/the-forum-engagement-ring-folder-eye-candy.5429/page-269']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/the-forum-engagement-ring-folder-eye-candy.5429/page-269[/URL] (start at the end and go backwards a few pages.)

Once you narrow down what she likes, then you can come back and we will tell you where you can get that style of setting and diamond.