Has your favourite vendor raised their prices.....

[Maisie]

It's this one but in rose gold. I've asked that the sides are engraved too

I have wanted one of these for the longest. Regret not buying the preloved one that was posted last year are so. Anyway I saw in another thread that these were $650 for 14k. Was it much more for engraving on the sides? Are you doing 14k RG or 18k? Can't wait to see the final pics of this!

Just to clarify, this ring was $650 for a FULL eternity?? If so, that's one of the best prices I've seen!

Yes full eternity but I'm paying $750. I don't know if that's because it's rose gold. Still a really good price

That would make sense and it's worth it. His engraving is delicious! Yum!

 

[hathalove]

It's this one but in rose gold. I've asked that the sides are engraved too

I have wanted one of these for the longest. Regret not buying the preloved one that was posted last year are so. Anyway I saw in another thread that these were $650 for 14k. Was it much more for engraving on the sides? Are you doing 14k RG or 18k? Can't wait to see the final pics of this!

Just to clarify, this ring was $650 for a FULL eternity?? If so, that's one of the best prices I've seen!

Yes full eternity but I'm paying $750. I don't know if that's because it's rose gold. Still a really good price

That would make sense and it's worth it. His engraving is delicious! Yum!

And this ring is absolutely delicious!! For sure! Was it you who also send him an existing plain band to engrave? Can you give me an approx idea of cost if that was you? I may want to do that with a plain band that already own but just not sure if it makes more sense to have one made from scratch. What mm did you send? Of course, if it wasn't you then ignore. ha!

Who made your ER?

 

[Maisie]

Looks like vendors may be reading in Hangout...

When I started this thread I did worry that my favourite vendor would see what I had written and feel like I was being unkind about them. I'm definitely not. I would still work with them if my project was affordable with them.

Do you think VC reads PS? Maybe a customer pointed it out to him.

 

[Maisie]

It's this one but in rose gold. I've asked that the sides are engraved too

I have wanted one of these for the longest. Regret not buying the preloved one that was posted last year are so. Anyway I saw in another thread that these were $650 for 14k. Was it much more for engraving on the sides? Are you doing 14k RG or 18k? Can't wait to see the final pics of this!

Just to clarify, this ring was $650 for a FULL eternity?? If so, that's one of the best prices I've seen!

Yes full eternity but I'm paying $750. I don't know if that's because it's rose gold. Still a really good price

That would make sense and it's worth it. His engraving is delicious! Yum!

And this ring is absolutely delicious!! For sure! Was it you who also send him an existing plain band to engrave? Can you give me an approx idea of cost if that was you? I may want to do that with a plain band that already own but just not sure if it makes more sense to have one made from scratch. What mm did you send? Of course, if it wasn't you then ignore. ha!

Who made your ER?

David Klass made that setting for me. It should be here in a week or so. I didn't send him a band to have engraved but he has quoted me $900 for a matching platinum engraved band for my ering.

 

[hathalove]

It's this one but in rose gold. I've asked that the sides are engraved too

I have wanted one of these for the longest. Regret not buying the preloved one that was posted last year are so. Anyway I saw in another thread that these were $650 for 14k. Was it much more for engraving on the sides? Are you doing 14k RG or 18k? Can't wait to see the final pics of this!

Just to clarify, this ring was $650 for a FULL eternity?? If so, that's one of the best prices I've seen!

Yes full eternity but I'm paying $750. I don't know if that's because it's rose gold. Still a really good price

That would make sense and it's worth it. His engraving is delicious! Yum!

And this ring is absolutely delicious!! For sure! Was it you who also send him an existing plain band to engrave? Can you give me an approx idea of cost if that was you? I may want to do that with a plain band that already own but just not sure if it makes more sense to have one made from scratch. What mm did you send? Of course, if it wasn't you then ignore. ha!

Who made your ER?

David Klass made that setting for me. It should be here in a week or so. I didn't send him a band to have engraved but he has quoted me $900 for a matching platinum engraved band for my ering.

I meant the ER in your profile photo? with the sapphire

 

[Maisie]

Ah! Sorry! That was Brian Gavin Diamonds

 

[hathalove]

Looks like vendors may be reading in Hangout...

When I started this thread I did worry that my favourite vendor would see what I had written and feel like I was being unkind about them. I'm definitely not. I would still work with them if my project was affordable with them.

Do you think VC reads PS? Maybe a customer pointed it out to him.

That was clear to me when you first created this thread. No one said that the art being created was not worth the price. Simply stating that some of the vendors are not as affordable as they use to be or fit within our own budgets. That is life! No one said they shouldn't be charging this and that...but the quote is the reality. If you can't afford that reality then you have to pick an alternative reality. There are many being discovered daily.

That being said, I think all PS vendors read PS. I have experienced this personally on positive notes and less positive notes. I have even had a vendor ask me to stop posting until an issue gets cleared up at a time I was asking PS for advice on a bracelet I ordered....

 

[Maisie]

I've often wondered how important PS is to vendors. Do you think it's a big part of their business or a small fraction? I suppose it's a lot of free advertising for them when people share their new sparklies here.

 

[hathalove]

I've often wondered how important PS is to vendors. Do you think it's a big part of their business or a small fraction? I suppose it's a lot of free advertising for them when people share their new sparklies here.

I think it is a big part of their business. They can correct me if I am wrong. People visit here daily. We see the rings that come out and there are many. Just think of all the lurkers who purchase but never create a thread. I mean I just emailed DK and I had no idea who he was or any of the other vendors were that I have purchased from. All this from being on PS. They make lots of money on the recommendations. Again, not saying it isn't worth it. They are artists creating. No one gets to tell them the price they should charge. Or the value of their work. They dictate that. BUT I do think PS and other websites bring business. I do think they care about what is being said on PS for sure.

Hope I am not breaking any rules... A popular designer went crazy on a customers instagram account. It was mentioned/exposed in a thread on another popular forum that discusses jewelry. The thread has grown like crazy and many are coming out of the woodworks claiming they will never purchase again. Anyway once that happened the designer personally called and apologized to the customer and offered a lunch and free piece (damage control). Customers matter...

 

[distracts]

I've often wondered how important PS is to vendors. Do you think it's a big part of their business or a small fraction? I suppose it's a lot of free advertising for them when people share their new sparklies here.

I think it depends on the particular vendor. I've definitely had vendors thank me for posting things as me posting what I bought from them lead directly to new sales.

 

[redwood66]

It's this one but in rose gold. I've asked that the sides are engraved too

I have wanted one of these for the longest. Regret not buying the preloved one that was posted last year are so. Anyway I saw in another thread that these were $650 for 14k. Was it much more for engraving on the sides? Are you doing 14k RG or 18k? Can't wait to see the final pics of this!

Just to clarify, this ring was $650 for a FULL eternity?? If so, that's one of the best prices I've seen!

Yes full eternity but I'm paying $750. I don't know if that's because it's rose gold. Still a really good price

That would make sense and it's worth it. His engraving is delicious! Yum!

And this ring is absolutely delicious!! For sure! Was it you who also send him an existing plain band to engrave? Can you give me an approx idea of cost if that was you? I may want to do that with a plain band that already own but just not sure if it makes more sense to have one made from scratch. What mm did you send? Of course, if it wasn't you then ignore. ha!

Who made your ER?

Hathalove that was actually me who sent in a plain 3.5mm 18k rose gold band and had him engrave it. I have been so happy with his work and would recommend him to anyone. He charged me $100 to do it but I had been having him do quite a bit of work so I think that was a deal. He did it for someone else and it was $150. He engraved my DH's 7mm platinum band for $300 and I sent a pic of the engraving style I wanted.

I was so disappointed in Singlestone's quote for the ring like yenny's. It was $8100+ for the setting in platinum and I do not feel bad about telling you that here in the hangout. That is just unreal. Erica's design she and I came up with is beautiful for my stone and did not break the bank. I got a quote last year from Victor for the french cut tapered setting for an 8mm stone and it wasn't even that much.

 

[kenny]

I've often wondered how important PS is to vendors. Do you think it's a big part of their business or a small fraction? I suppose it's a lot of free advertising for them when people share their new sparklies here.

Judging from Leon Mege not going bankrupt it must be a small fraction.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

kenny! I imagine it varies from vendor to vendor.

My problem is, my taste leads me right to the ones that produce magnificent pieces such as Victor, Steven, and Singlestone.
I have to say that my sapphire earrings from Victor are little works of art and worth every penny. I think when money is no object, it is so easy just to choose one of those. But it is harder when money is not unlimited, and that includes me. I mean, $9k for a 2 ct eternity band (SS) sounds like a lot to me! I am going to be able to see Victor's french cut band that Mom2boys has soon, so I am hopeful that might be a better option!

 

[Maisie]

Why is Singlestone so expensive? I know expensive is relative to your budget but a few people are saying they are out of their price range. I remember getting a price quote from them a couple of years back and it was very reasonable. Now their prices have shot up. I was quoted around 7k for a 3 stone vintage style setting this year.

 

[Laila619]

I was so disappointed in Singlestone's quote for the ring like yenny's. It was $8100+ for the setting in platinum and I do not feel bad about telling you that here in the hangout. That is just unreal. Erica's design she and I came up with is beautiful for my stone and did not break the bank. I got a quote last year from Victor for the french cut tapered setting for an 8mm stone and it wasn't even that much.

Hahaha! That has to be a joke, right??! Insane.

 

[Harpertoo]

I'm not certain how prices are determined, but I do sometimes wonder what the effect is on the designer when a ring becomes sought after and copies start popping up. The first designer to introduce - or in many cases re-introduce - and help popularize a setting lose out to the mid-priced makers who copy the design.
I think the posts on the other forum regarding what constitutes a knock-off and how the designer responded to a customer definitely had me thinking about the designer's role as creator and PR front person.

 

[Maisie]

I'm not certain how prices are determined, but I do sometimes wonder what the effect is on the designer when a ring becomes sought after and copies start popping up. The first designer to introduce - or in many cases re-introduce - and help popularize a setting lose out to the mid-priced makers who copy the design.
I think the posts on the other forum regarding what constitutes a knock-off and how the designer responded to a customer definitely had me thinking about the designer's role as creator and PR front person.

Can you give me a clue to find this thread you speak of?

 

[redwood66]

If a designer prices their wares so high that only a select few can afford them, then they must realize that customers will find a way to get something similar, albeit not the same in manufacturing. This happens with just about everything clothing, home goods, etc. Knockoffs abound for anything. I would never judge anyone who chose either way.

 

[Harpertoo]

I'm not certain how prices are determined, but I do sometimes wonder what the effect is on the designer when a ring becomes sought after and copies start popping up. The first designer to introduce - or in many cases re-introduce - and help popularize a setting lose out to the mid-priced makers who copy the design.
I think the posts on the other forum regarding what constitutes a knock-off and how the designer responded to a customer definitely had me thinking about the designer's role as creator and PR front person.

Can you give me a clue to find this thread you speak of?

It's titled 'Anita Ko is....' Or something to that effect in the jewelry section of TPF.
I think the Instagram rant was deleted, but you'll get the gist if you find the thread.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

If a designer prices their wares so high that only a select few can afford them, then they must realize that customers will find a way to get something similar, albeit not the same in manufacturing. This happens with just about everything clothing, home goods, etc. Knockoffs abound for anything. I would never judge anyone who chose either way.

My guess is that once they are so popular that the select few can order enough to fill their workload, they can maintain the high prices. The rest of us then have to find other alternatives. I know I would not pay $7k for a SS three stone setting, or $8k for Yenny's halo and I adore both of her settings. Seriously, they are two of my all time favorites. But I am having to let go of the idea of having anything from them because of their prices.

 

[Maisie]

I read that thread Harper. Wow

I will never be in the position it buy a SS setting either DS. And that's ok. While their settings are beautiful I just couldn't justify spending that much. I'm glad there are designers that make lovely jewellery that I can afford

 

[msop04]

Looks like vendors may be reading in Hangout...

When I started this thread I did worry that my favourite vendor would see what I had written and feel like I was being unkind about them. I'm definitely not. I would still work with them if my project was affordable with them.

Do you think VC reads PS? Maybe a customer pointed it out to him.

Oh, I know you weren't being unkind, Maisie -- not at all!! I took it for what it was... an observation/general question. I have no idea if VC reads PS, but it's certainly possible that it was mentioned to him. And honestly, I don't know if his FB post has anything to do with this thread -- it may have just been a coincidence.

 

[msop04]

I'm not certain how prices are determined, but I do sometimes wonder what the effect is on the designer when a ring becomes sought after and copies start popping up. The first designer to introduce - or in many cases re-introduce - and help popularize a setting lose out to the mid-priced makers who copy the design.
I think the posts on the other forum regarding what constitutes a knock-off and how the designer responded to a customer definitely had me thinking about the designer's role as creator and PR front person.

Can you give me a clue to find this thread you speak of?

It's titled 'Anita Ko is....' Or something to that effect in the jewelry section of TPF.
I think the Instagram rant was deleted, but you'll get the gist if you find the thread.

Whoa!!

This looks like it was taken from an episode of "Snapped"...

 

[yennyfire]

I was so disappointed in Singlestone's quote for the ring like yenny's. It was $8100+ for the setting in platinum and I do not feel bad about telling you that here in the hangout. That is just unreal. Erica's design she and I came up with is beautiful for my stone and did not break the bank. I got a quote last year from Victor for the french cut tapered setting for an 8mm stone and it wasn't even that much.

Hahaha! That has to be a joke, right??! Insane.

I can tell you I paid $5600 for platinum in 2011. That's quite a price hike. Their settings ARE works of art, but I had a really hard time stomaching $5600. If the quote had been $8k, I wouldn't be wearing it right now! I don't remember the exact price on my 3 stone, but it was less than the oval halo. I'm feeling really lucky that I bought when I did!!! Yikes!!

 

[pyramid]

Is die-struck which SS does not more expensive than cast though and as only they and Van Craenest do it, it is more
unique too so warranting a higher price?

 

[mr_kroshka]

Setting prices are crazy. My thinking was instead of setting 3 FCD's into rings the money is better spent on buying the 4th one. The cycle continued and poor Kroshka didn't get to set some of the stones since last 10 years!

Another thing I noticed - most of the ladies who met me in Vegas last year are not going there this year. Is that just a coincidence or was it me

 

[Dancing Fire]

I've often wondered how important PS is to vendors. Do you think it's a big part of their business or a small fraction? I suppose it's a lot of free advertising for them when people share their new sparklies here.

Judging from Leon Mege not going bankrupt it must be a small fraction.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Setting prices are crazy. My thinking was instead of setting 3 FCD's into rings the money is better spent on buying the 4th one. The cycle continued and poor Kroshka didn't get to set some of the stones since last 10 years!

Another thing I noticed - most of the ladies who met me in Vegas last year are not going there this year. Is that just a coincidence or was it me

Did you say something "obscene" to the ladies?...

 

[justginger]

Setting prices are crazy. My thinking was instead of setting 3 FCD's into rings the money is better spent on buying the 4th one. The cycle continued and poor Kroshka didn't get to set some of the stones since last 10 years!

Another thing I noticed - most of the ladies who met me in Vegas last year are not going there this year. Is that just a coincidence or was it me

This is exactly what happens to me. I've purchased FCDs intending to set them, but can't stomach the setting prices these days, and don't want to risk going with a 'cheap' quote for fear of my FCD being smashed into tiny(er) pieces.

 

[kroshka]

Setting prices are crazy. My thinking was instead of setting 3 FCD's into rings the money is better spent on buying the 4th one. The cycle continued and poor Kroshka didn't get to set some of the stones since last 10 years!

Another thing I noticed - most of the ladies who met me in Vegas last year are not going there this year. Is that just a coincidence or was it me

This is exactly what happens to me. I've purchased FCDs intending to set them, but can't stomach the setting prices these days, and don't want to risk going with a 'cheap' quote for fear of my FCD being smashed into tiny(er) pieces.

Not to mention, I find it hard to come up with a design for smaller fcd's in general that would do the stone justice. Sometimes I think it might be easier to group multiple stones together in a ring. And then sometimes I think, but if I set the stone, then I can't have fun just playing with it alone or with its siblings with tweezers. And the thought of which vendor is right for the project.....sometimes it's too hard to decide or commit!

Kroshka