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Harry Winston Micropave Replica...HELP!

T

Trojan98Bruin

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 5, 2012
Messages
6
I'm in the search for an engagement ring that is an exact replica to the HArry Winston Micropave. I've been to HW and their rings are amazing but our of my price range? Where is the best place to go in the los Angeles area? I've been to the jewelry district a few times and thats the way that i'm leaning but i wanted some advice and i cant ask the person i would usually because i will be proposing to her soon. My ideal ring would be a center stone for the 2.5-3 range and i would love it to be 3. Can anyone give me a ball park number on how much you think that would be? Im not really into the high grade or color or any of that i just want it to look beautiful and amazing. Everyones advice would be deeply appreciated!!!
Thank you!1
 
Easy answer on the setting, and it will be equal in quality to HW. Lucky you to be near him. Most here work with him over a long distance. Victor Canera:

http://www.victorcanera.com/

As to the diamond, what shape? Round? We can help you find a stone from vendors we have all personally used. The color and clarity can be lower as long as you go for excellent cut (which is what makes the stone sparkle and look beautiful). You need to tell us how much you can spend because a 2.5 ct. diamond is going to be very expensive. Set the budget and then we can show you diamonds that fit the budget.
 
Thank you for responding. I want the diamond to be a cushion cut. I want it to be every similar to the HW micropave. As far the budget I would like to keep it around 15,000 but if I have to go up a little bit it is doable. Is that reasonable? Can I get it for cheaper too? This process is completely new to me so I'm learning as I go. Input is appreciated!
 
Trojan98Bruin|1339004840|3210508 said:
Thank you for responding. I want the diamond to be a cushion cut. I want it to be every similar to the HW micropave. As far the budget I would like to keep it around 15,000 but if I have to go up a little bit it is doable. Is that reasonable? Can I get it for cheaper too? This process is completely new to me so I'm learning as I go. Input is appreciated!
Click to expand...
TOTAL budget? Not likely to get that large of a stone AND a VC setting, pretty unreasonable unfortunately. Correct me if I am wrong, folks, but the stone alone will likely be at that total amount in that size range, the setting will be anywhere from 3-5K easily on its own.
 
ame said:
Trojan98Bruin|1339004840|3210508 said:
Thank you for responding. I want the diamond to be a cushion cut. I want it to be every similar to the HW micropave. As far the budget I would like to keep it around 15,000 but if I have to go up a little bit it is doable. Is that reasonable? Can I get it for cheaper too? This process is completely new to me so I'm learning as I go. Input is appreciated!
Click to expand...
TOTAL budget? Not likely to get that large of a stone AND a VC setting, pretty unreasonable unfortunately. Correct me if I am wrong, folks, but the stone alone will likely be at that total amount in that size range, the setting will be anywhere from 3-5K easily on its own.
Click to expand...

I estimate $15k would buy a VC setting ($6k -$7k) and 1.2 - 1.3 carat stone. OP, have you considered going the online route? I purchased mine from Engagement Rings Direct and am very happy with it.
 
I would HIGHLY recommend you check with ERD, as mentioned. He knows cushions well, AND can make a fantastic setting. He is in NYC.
 
Like I said this process is completely new to me so this great input. I have no idea what to gage as far as prices and carrats etc etc. I appreciate your input even though it wasn't what i wanted to hear! I don't know if this is the way to go but i went to the jewelry district in LA and they said the could do it for around 20-15gs, stone and setting. They were talking about GIA and EGL certs and that was all "greek" to me. Is that not the way to go?

The places I went to at the JD was INTA gems and diamonds and Mark Broumand. Anyone ever hear of them?
I have no idea where to start but i know what she wants. Is it better to sacrific size for clarity or color? Or is bigger better with a lesser grade? I just want it to look gorgeous!
EVERYONE PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!! I NEED HELP!
 
I think Victor charges around $4000 for that setting. Let's see what we can find for a cushion. I do not trust going to random places in a jewelry district. There are SO many bad cushion diamonds out there, you wouldn't believe it. I am going to look and see what is available for $10-11,000.
 
Okay, here is a 1.7 H SI1 cushion from Good Old Gold that is $12,316. You'd have to ask them if it is eyeclean. But it looks very nicely cut.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9045/ ($12,316)

another possibility...

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8890/ ($12,253)

GOG is in NY, so another option for the HW setting is Steven Kirsch who is also a pave master. You could get quotes from him and Victor Canera and see who is less once you choose the stone.

http://www.stevenkirsch.com/showroom/engagement-wedding-bands/halo/ref-0103.html

http://www.victorcanera.com/the-emilya-with-outward-stems.html


Engagement Rings Direct is also in NYC, and they also sell nice cushions and make settings there.

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.72-carat-i-vs2-x-factor-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-84304.html

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/modern-x-factor-cushion-gid-81841.html

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.74-carat-i-vs1-x-factor-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-89204.html (I really like the shape of this one)

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/ada-a-classic-micropave-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-bpid-79-15.html
 
I want to add that I have personally bought from Good Old Gold, but you will find many, many posts by buyers from GOG, ERD, Victor, and Steven on this forum and you can see examples of their work. There is some safety buying from a vendor where you can see examples of their work and know they are trustworthy. People here do post when they have bad experiences, but the customer service and quality is really very good for all of these.
 
I think the Victor setting is about 5000. I would also recommend Steven Kirsch at Timelessluxury.net. He did my halo and it's awesome quality and hand forged as well, and I think his prices are more reasonable.
 
Look for some place that does cad cam. I'm sure there are alot in LA. Nice size center. :) She is very lucky.
 
Trojan98Bruin|1339035297|3210872 said:
Like I said this process is completely new to me so this great input. I have no idea what to gage as far as prices and carrats etc etc. I appreciate your input even though it wasn't what i wanted to hear! I don't know if this is the way to go but i went to the jewelry district in LA and they said the could do it for around 20-15gs, stone and setting. They were talking about GIA and EGL certs and that was all "greek" to me. Is that not the way to go?

The places I went to at the JD was INTA gems and diamonds and Mark Broumand. Anyone ever hear of them?
I have no idea where to start but i know what she wants. Is it better to sacrific size for clarity or color? Or is bigger better with a lesser grade? I just want it to look gorgeous!
EVERYONE PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!! I NEED HELP!
Click to expand...

Ok - I'm in LA too and bought online for the best quality and selection. :)

You have 2 choices : 1. Do extensive 6 month research and look at hundreds of stones or 2. Choose a PS approved vendor that you can trust to maximize your budget.

You can certainly get a setting and diamond in LA. However, you will need to be an EXPERT in cushions to identify which one to buy out of all of the ones presented to you, and I don't think you want to spend the months and dozens of jewelry visits to become one. :) (click on my username to find my LA jeweler reviews thread). Both Inta and Mark Broumand are not cheap, so if you see any diamonds you think are a deal, they are most likely worth the price. Research here before purchasing anything. In addition, insist on getting your final choices appraised by Charles Carmona, an appraiser downtown, who can do ASET images for you.

Please know that the stones they are showing you may not be ideal performers. While they may appear beautiful in the store, they may not appear 100% sparkliest in all lighting conditions. In addition, any EGL stones shown to you are not equal in color or clarity to the GIA graded stones - you will most likely be shown EGL stones that appear to be a bargain when compared to the GIA because EGL grades are softer.

Mark at ERD is a great choice since they have a Harry replica. Plus, his stones are stunning. I bought my stone at Good Old Gold in NY and saved the tax, and they also have stunning stones. You will not get a 3 carat cushion stone anywhere for 15-20k, btw. If you prefer do purchase the diamond online and then do the setting locally, we can help you too. Best of luck - this forum is a great resource and can find you something beautiful within your budget!
 
Thank you for the help everyone! I really appreciate it. I got a quote from VC on 2 settings and one was 4,800, the other was around 6. On Saturday I have an appointment with INTA gems and Diamonds and on Monday i will be meeting with Russell Fogarty. Any advice for when I go and meet with them? What should I look for when viewing the diamonds?
 
Trojan98Bruin|1339180767|3211963 said:
Thank you for the help everyone! I really appreciate it. I got a quote from VC on 2 settings and one was 4,800, the other was around 6. On Saturday I have an appointment with INTA gems and Diamonds and on Monday i will be meeting with Russell Fogarty. Any advice for when I go and meet with them? What should I look for when viewing the diamonds?
Click to expand...

I would also call Mark at Engagement Rings Direct and get a quote.

As for diamonds, I would ask for ASET images to see the light performance. You, as a consumer, won't be able to gauge it in the limited lighting environments and comparable diamonds you'll have on hand. Study up on ASETs before you go. Search on Cushion ASET on here.
 
Most of all, make sure you take your time to train your eyes to the patterning and performance of a good cushion (and the type of cushion you like - there are multiple types of cushion patterning). AND do not buy anything with you a written refund policy. Not quite sure why you're headed out to Rodeo Drive since all downtown jewelers can pull diamonds from wholesalers.
 
Trojan98Bruin|1339180767|3211963 said:
Thank you for the help everyone! I really appreciate it. I got a quote from VC on 2 settings and one was 4,800, the other was around 6. On Saturday I have an appointment with INTA gems and Diamonds and on Monday i will be meeting with Russell Fogarty. Any advice for when I go and meet with them? What should I look for when viewing the diamonds?
Click to expand...

You are venturing into unchartered territory because I don't think you are going to find many, if any reviews on those jewelers as to quality or pricing on diamonds and especially not their custom work. I'd try Engagement Rings Direct and Steven Kirsch if Victor's pricing doesn't work for you for the setting. I'd never, ever do a custom project, and especially not pave without a LOT of recommedations.
 
I read through this thread and my issues could not resemble Trojan98Bruin's any closer (in LA area, HW replica, +/-$15k budget, etc). Trojan98Bruin, it appears you may have already bought the ring and popped the question but I was wondering if you could let me know where you ended up purchasing your ring and whether you were satisfied or would have done something differently.
 
kyjbrown|1349967189|3283266 said:
I read through this thread and my issues could not resemble Trojan98Bruin's any closer (in LA area, HW replica, +/-$15k budget, etc). Trojan98Bruin, it appears you may have already bought the ring and popped the question but I was wondering if you could let me know where you ended up purchasing your ring and whether you were satisfied or would have done something differently.
Click to expand...

KYJBrown - I live in LA and will give the same advice - go online for stones. For settings, you can use Victor Canera locally for the setting or one of the other PS approved vendors. Doing a $5k setting leaves you about $10k for a stone.

At GOG - this ASET doesn't look fantastic but the megascope does. GOG can do a video of the stone for you. Give them your budget and get them to video 2 other comparable stones. http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/9813/ They also have a setting they make called the "perfect halo".

Engagement Rings Direct in NY has done some awesome rings, too.
 
Some of the PSers here can also recommend some stones on James Allen for you to get ASETs of.
 
Gypsy! That is stunning!

You can get an ASET and order it to see prior to being set - there is a 60 day refund policy and JA has excellent shipping (free) both ways! Super duper easy to return!
 
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