David Klass vs. more “regular” jeweler for custom halo setting?

[PrinceGeorge48]

I’m considering what jewelery designer to use for a custom engagement ring setting. I have a very specific idea in mind for the design (ring on the left in the picture below). I am currently in contact with David Klass, Ritani, and Forever Diamonds. DK quoted me around $2.5k for this design, whereas Ritani quoted me around $2k, which would be further discounted by 25% (student discount), so $1.5k total. Forever is somewhere in between these two.

Do these prices seem fair (for a design with lab diamonds)? How different would you expect the quality of the ring setting to be with DK vs Ritani? If the differences are subtle and unnoticeable, I’d be inclined to save $1k and go with Ritani, but if not then I’d consider splurging on the better quality. Or, is there another jeweler you’d recommend? Thanks!

https://imgur.com/a/xx9O28M

 

[Rfisher]

-is there any difference in the lab melee sourced by the three places? Color or cut quality?
- CAD procedures / tweaking/ who is ’designing’ it you or them/ costs involved ( included in quoted price or not?)
- have you seen examples of finished rings from these three places that are somewhat similar design elements - real pictures not computer renderings? To judge finished project look or ‘quality’.
- have you been given estimated metal weights to compare?
if you are thinking of millgrain, engraving, beading - the same applies to seeing real pictures of their examples

i don’t think there’s an easily answer of who has better quality without more info being asked. Or by someone who hasn’t had personal experience of multiple custom work done by all three vendors you mentioned. I don’t think it’s a given anyways. Jewelers can and do utilize multiple benches- at different skill levels and strengths. Whether the customer is charged differently or not.

there are times when I would have gladly paid 1k for ‘quality’ things to be done that were ‘subtle and unnoticeable ‘ to someone else. YMMV.

Pretty project idea! Hope you keep us updated on the process as you go along - it’s fun!

 

[bludiva]

that seems like a great deal from Ritani, are you satisfied with the examples you've seen of their work?

 

[Diamondbug]

I have never worked with Ritani on a bespoke design so I don't know the quality of their workmanship on a bespoke piece. I do know they have nice good quality beautiful settings that are carried by a lot of jewelry stores.
I have used a few jewelers and have worked with DK. He is my go to guy. To me it is worth the extra $1K because I know that when DK is done, I will have a piece that I will love. He will work on the design with me till I am happy. For example, the ruby band in my avatar is a DK piece, I first wanted it with sapphire stones but when I got it, the sapphires were too dark and just bleh for me. DK did not hesitate to remake it with rubies. And after all that, he still answers my emails!!

 

[PrinceGeorge48]

I mistakenly wrote "Forever Diamonds" in my original post, whereas I meant to say "Forever Artisans". Forever Artisans is associated with 1215 Diamonds, where I purchased my center stone.

-is there any difference in the lab melee sourced by the three places? Color or cut quality?

DK is able to source H-I color melee stones for my J diamond, whereas Ritani is unable to go below G color for those stones.

- CAD procedures / tweaking/ who is ’designing’ it you or them/ costs involved ( included in quoted price or not?)

I designed the ring as seen in the picture above, both have offered to provide a CAD although DK is the only one to have actually followed through (Ritani communication is mediocre and I'm still waiting for promised images from them).

- have you seen examples of finished rings from these three places that are somewhat similar design elements - real pictures not computer renderings? To judge finished project look or ‘quality’.

I have seen all three, although I have trouble distinguishing between them based on pictures alone. I'm also not sure how many of Ritani's posts are custom work vs. their standard settings. Here's David Klass vs. Forever Artisans vs. Ritani.

- have you been given estimated metal weights to compare?

No. It will be a 14k white gold ring.

there are times when I would have gladly paid 1k for ‘quality’ things to be done that were ‘subtle and unnoticeable ‘ to someone else. YMMV.

I might agree with you!

I might be leaning towards DK based on the responses here, he is a custom jewelry designer by trade whereas Ritani is a diamond retail company with a custom design wing on the side... still not sure about Forever Artisans (I can't find any history or reviews of their work online).

 

[luckygreen317]

My only 100% positive custom experience has been with David Klass and I highly recommend him. The high level of attention to detail along with excellent service at a reasonable price.

 

[yssie]

Just a friendly reminder here:
If your vendor does not charge you sales tax up front, you are legally obligated to pay use tax to your home state.
Tax evasion is a federal offense.