#TBT Help finding a diamond/setting - budget ~5k

[smilligan]

OK. So, I've been going back and forth with Ritani trying to perfect the setting so I can get it ordered. I wanted to add some filigree to the gallery since the pave diamonds were removed. The first CADs they sent me weren't to my liking. The filigree was too thick and blob-like:





I asked them to redesign it with thinner lines, and this is what they sent me:





Overall, I like the new gallery design. I have a couple of small issues with it, though. First, the filigree looks like it's "attached" to the shank rather than being a part of it (could be the CAD). The other issue is that it seems a little out of place with the plain band. I sent them another e-mail to see if some engraving or something could be added to the shank down to the 7 and 9 o clock positions. I know that I'm being extremely nit-picky at this point, but I really only have one chance to get it right. What does everyone here think? Which design do you like best? For reference, here is the original CAD:

 

[woofmama]

Hi there- Personally I like the original under gallery. The ring already has a lot going on. Adding all of additional scroll work is overkill. Sometimes less is more, KWIM? Beautiful choice of setting, btw.

 

[smilligan]

Hi there- Personally I like the original under gallery. The ring already has a lot going on. Adding all of additional scroll work is overkill. Sometimes less is more, KWIM? Beautiful choice of setting, btw.

Thanks. I can definitely appreciate what you're saying, but my SO loves intricate details and filigree. She cares more about the setting than anything. I agree that the ring has a lot going on from the top and sides, but the profile view looks plain (for her, and my, taste).

Edit: I may agree that the original is better than the current choices (not sure, yet), but I would still like to see something a little different.

 

[Niel]

Oh I really far prefer the original look.

Like I said. Shell be wearing this alone, for what, a year.

I think the whole look would be better served if you leave the underbelly as is, then buy her 2 w bands. One regular diamond to match the setting, then one intricatly carved plain band to wear in between the two.


A little bit after you propose you could bring up the idea. Shows you were thinking of her love for intricate detail, plus then gives her a fun hunt for a band. As you already know what diamond band will go with it, this gives her a chance to look for a ring too.

 

[momma2boys]

Hi, smilligan! I actually prefer the option with the scroll work. I think once it's maybe refined a little more, it will be a beautiful ring combining all of the elements that your girlfriend wants. I am a huge fan of those same aspects, so the original design gallery is too modern and simple for my taste. I think the original is definitely a beautiful ring, but if you're after more of an antique feel, I think you're headed in the right direction with the option with the scroll work.

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[smilligan]

Hi, smilligan! I actually prefer the option with the scroll work. I think once it's maybe refined a little more, it will be a beautiful ring combining all of the elements that your girlfriend wants. I am a huge fan of those same aspects, so the original design gallery is too modern and simple for my taste. I think the original is definitely a beautiful ring, but if you're after more of an antique feel, I think you're headed in the right direction with the option with the scroll work.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Thanks. I agree. I think all rings are beautiful in their own way, but my SO and I prefer more intricate styles. Do you have any suggestions on how to refine the design? If anyone has an idea, please suggest it and/or draw/photoshop it for me. I'm by no means an artist, lol.

 

[momma2boys]

Hi, smilligan! I actually prefer the option with the scroll work. I think once it's maybe refined a little more, it will be a beautiful ring combining all of the elements that your girlfriend wants. I am a huge fan of those same aspects, so the original design gallery is too modern and simple for my taste. I think the original is definitely a beautiful ring, but if you're after more of an antique feel, I think you're headed in the right direction with the option with the scroll work.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Thanks. I agree. I think all rings are beautiful in their own way, but my SO and I prefer more intricate styles. Do you have any suggestions on how to refine the design? If anyone has an idea, please suggest it and/or draw/photoshop it for me. I'm by no means an artist, lol.

Hmmmm. Well, I think the scroll work will definitely look more refined in real life. But, you could potentially eliminate some of the scrolls and make 2 or 3 larger ones? You could add milgrain - not sure where though. I'm not sure you have too many options to alter the gallery but I definitely think you're on the right track. And I like what you've done with the scroll work thus far - just thought I would give you a couple of things to think about.

 

[smilligan]

OK. I've attempted to re-do the gallery to get a visual of what might look good. Keep in mind that this was done (poorly) in MS Paint. At work. What do y'all think? Other than my obvious artistic talent, lol.

 

[Gypsy]

IT's too high. YOu need it to be lower. A ring that high will be unwieldy and will bang around.

I've shown what I mean in the (admittedly poorly drawn) image below.

 

[smilligan]

I've seen the original version of the ring in person and it was very low profile. I don't like rings that sit up too high. Maybe it's just the CAD? I'll ask them how tall it'll be.

Here's a pic of the original ring. Granted, it's been modified to fit flush against a wedding band, which may have made it higher.

 

[Niel]

I think it ight just seem high because its such a small finger. Its a size 4.5 right?

If it needs scroll work. I'd do the undercarriage like it it now, just a bit more scrolled.

 

[smilligan]

I think it ight just seem high because its such a small finger. Its a size 4.5 right?

If it needs scroll work. I'd do the undercarriage like it it now, just a bit more scrolled.

Yeah, it's a 4.5. I'll see what they can come up with. Either way, I think this will be my last try. I want to get it ordered.

 

[Niel]

I think it ight just seem high because its such a small finger. Its a size 4.5 right?

If it needs scroll work. I'd do the undercarriage like it it now, just a bit more scrolled.

Yeah, it's a 4.5. I'll see what they can come up with. Either way, I think this will be my last try. I want to get it ordered.

Yeah. I think its just the small size that's making it look like that. I can't wait to see this finished.

 

[momma2boys]

I think it's going to turn out great!

 

[smilligan]

Thanks, everyone. I can't wait, either. At the rate I'm going, it should be done by 2015.

 

[smilligan]

Alright, here is the final CAD. I love it. Any last minute suggestions before I submit the order?

Gypsy - they said that the ring sits about 2-3 mm off the finger and that they couldn't lower it and keep the design.

 

[Niel]

Love it. Finish it.

 

[momma2boys]

I love it!!! This is your best design yet! The only thing, and I don't want this to be viewed negatively, because I don't mean it to be at all, but my only hesitation is the middle scroll - it doesn't connect to anything...I'm wondering if it would look even better than it already does if it connected to the bottom scroll? Do you know what I mean? I'd also worry about it snagging on something and being ripped out of the setting. JUST things to think about. It really is beautiful and I'm impressed with what you've done.

Edit: if you absolutely love it, please don't think twice about my comments! Like I said, it's truly lovely!

 

[smilligan]

Thanks, ladies.

Meganmomma - I see what you're saying, but I designed it that way because it looks the most balanced in my eyes. It might work and look even better by implementing your idea, but I'm not sure that I want to push back the design again at this point. I appreciate the suggestion, though. I think that both ways would probably look great to my SO. hmm. The snagging concerns me a little. It's a very tight area, but the pointed ends might cause problems? Does anyone have experience with scroll work like this?

 

[momma2boys]

Definitely go with what you want, I agree that your SO will love it! And you made me also remember just how large the CAD looks, but in real life those details that I mentioned will hardly be noticeable, if at all. So, therefore, I'm not sure the snagging will be a big deal at all either. There is potential for it, but there is a potential for snagging in many areas, for many rings. I wouldn't worry about it and I'd go ahead with the design!

 

[smilligan]

So does everyone approve of the design? Please let me know if you see any problems or have any suggestions that need to be addressed. If nobody comments by tomorrow morning, I will go ahead and order it. I'm a little blinded with excitement, ATM, so I can't really see any issues.

 

[Gypsy]

Looks great! Pull the trigger!

 

[pandabee]

Briefly looked through your old iterations of your design, and I really like this last one! Go for it.

 

[smilligan]

Thanks for the replies. I put the order in a little earlier. now comes the real wait.

 

[momma2boys]

Hi! I am just so excited for you! How long until you get the ring?!

 

[smilligan]

Hi! I am just so excited for you! How long until you get the ring?!

Thanks. Me, too. they said that it should take 2-3 weeks, but I've heard up to 6 from others. Hopefully it's sooner than later. Also, the total height from finger to diamond table is 6.8 mm, which is pretty reasonable, right? And Ritani said that they aren't concerned with the durability of the gallery, but if it were to break, it would be covered under the manufacturer warranty. I also got word that the diamond arrived today. Yay!

 

[Rhino]

kb1gra - Thanks for the reply. I've actually thought about having a ring custom made, but I was unsure of the pricing. That sounds very reasonable, however, and I will definitely look into the pricing/time frame for custom work. Any recommendations for quality custom work?
Gypsy - Thanks. I got a response from Lynda at GOG and she informed me that they no longer carry Ritani. Fortunately, she did find 2 settings that are similar in style and are a much more manageable price. I'll give more details after I speak with her again. Anyway, the first is $2500 and the second is $2000 - both are platinum settings. The first fits a 1 ct center, but I asked if the head has any wiggle room (even if the diamond was slightly shallow to compensate). The second fits a 0.75-0.80 ct center, which would likely fit my budget well. One thing I've noticed is that the diamonds at GOG seem to sell at a higher price point as compared to WF and BGD. Am I imagining this? Would it be better to purchase a center diamond elsewhere? I'm still waiting on a response from GOG regarding what type of diamond they can offer me at what price.

Edit: Good suggestion about how to approach the B&M stores. I can imagine that most wouldn't be too happy to hear about my intentions, lol.

Regarding Custom: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/custom-jewelry-work-cad-and-cast-psa.175834/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/custom-jewelry-work-cad-and-cast-psa.175834/[/URL] I would recommend ERD, Engagement Rings Direct.

Regarding prices. Well, no, you are not crazy. GOG is not the lowest priced vendor out there. They provide a ton of information that other vendors do not offer up front (or at all), offer good upgrade and buy back policies on their top line diamonds, are a brick and mortar vendor in New York State, and therefore have more overhead than many other vendors. And that impacts their pricing. BGD and WF has offices in TX, but are by appointment only and do not have a store front, just offices. Their business model is very much an online dealer that is full service, IN THE ONLINE WORLD but they still do not have the cost and expense of a brick and mortar storefront. And TX is cheaper than Long Island, NY. So that also impacts some of the pricing you see.

To answer your question, you can buy the stone elsewhere and have it sent to them for setting. They will charge you a setting fee, and you will want to insure your diamond while it is being set through Jewelers Mutual. Another option is to find a diamond at a drop shipping site and ask them if they can call it in and get close the the pricing of that site (they may not be able to exactly match that pricing as again, there is different overhead, but they will do their best for you) and you can purchase the stone from them, this would mean that they would insure the diamond while it is being set and no setting fee.

The settings that they have in house sound promising. My fingers are crossed for a good fit!

Just an FYI Gypsy. Even though we have what seems like so many odds stacked against us with regards to the quality and amount of gemological services we provide up front, our overhead being a genuine bricks and mortar store, employing people and supporting families in our local area, we will still go toe to toe with any online vendor when we are matching apples for apples and service for service. In the long run, yes ... we hurt as we make much less profit but we do what we can to give our clients what they want. If we don't have to jump through the hoops our competitors do we are happy to match any online price.

Kind regards,
Jonathan

 

[momma2boys]

Hi! I am just so excited for you! How long until you get the ring?!

Thanks. Me, too. they said that it should take 2-3 weeks, but I've heard up to 6 from others. Hopefully it's sooner than later. Also, the total height from finger to diamond table is 6.8 mm, which is pretty reasonable, right? And Ritani said that they aren't concerned with the durability of the gallery, but if it were to break, it would be covered under the manufacturer warranty. I also got word that the diamond arrived today. Yay!

It's so hard to wait! But at least you can rest assured that you did your research and took the time to make it perfect! I hope it arrives sooner than later!

 

[smilligan]

kb1gra - Thanks for the reply. I've actually thought about having a ring custom made, but I was unsure of the pricing. That sounds very reasonable, however, and I will definitely look into the pricing/time frame for custom work. Any recommendations for quality custom work?
Gypsy - Thanks. I got a response from Lynda at GOG and she informed me that they no longer carry Ritani. Fortunately, she did find 2 settings that are similar in style and are a much more manageable price. I'll give more details after I speak with her again. Anyway, the first is $2500 and the second is $2000 - both are platinum settings. The first fits a 1 ct center, but I asked if the head has any wiggle room (even if the diamond was slightly shallow to compensate). The second fits a 0.75-0.80 ct center, which would likely fit my budget well. One thing I've noticed is that the diamonds at GOG seem to sell at a higher price point as compared to WF and BGD. Am I imagining this? Would it be better to purchase a center diamond elsewhere? I'm still waiting on a response from GOG regarding what type of diamond they can offer me at what price.

Edit: Good suggestion about how to approach the B&M stores. I can imagine that most wouldn't be too happy to hear about my intentions, lol.

Regarding Custom: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/custom-jewelry-work-cad-and-cast-psa.175834/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/custom-jewelry-work-cad-and-cast-psa.175834/[/URL] I would recommend ERD, Engagement Rings Direct.

Regarding prices. Well, no, you are not crazy. GOG is not the lowest priced vendor out there. They provide a ton of information that other vendors do not offer up front (or at all), offer good upgrade and buy back policies on their top line diamonds, are a brick and mortar vendor in New York State, and therefore have more overhead than many other vendors. And that impacts their pricing. BGD and WF has offices in TX, but are by appointment only and do not have a store front, just offices. Their business model is very much an online dealer that is full service, IN THE ONLINE WORLD but they still do not have the cost and expense of a brick and mortar storefront. And TX is cheaper than Long Island, NY. So that also impacts some of the pricing you see.

To answer your question, you can buy the stone elsewhere and have it sent to them for setting. They will charge you a setting fee, and you will want to insure your diamond while it is being set through Jewelers Mutual. Another option is to find a diamond at a drop shipping site and ask them if they can call it in and get close the the pricing of that site (they may not be able to exactly match that pricing as again, there is different overhead, but they will do their best for you) and you can purchase the stone from them, this would mean that they would insure the diamond while it is being set and no setting fee.

The settings that they have in house sound promising. My fingers are crossed for a good fit!

Just an FYI Gypsy. Even though we have what seems like so many odds stacked against us with regards to the quality and amount of gemological services we provide up front, our overhead being a genuine bricks and mortar store, employing people and supporting families in our local area, we will still go toe to toe with any online vendor when we are matching apples for apples and service for service. In the long run, yes ... we hurt as we make much less profit but we do what we can to give our clients what they want. If we don't have to jump through the hoops our competitors do we are happy to match any online price.

Kind regards,
Jonathan

Just for clarification, I've actually found that the prices at GOG are NOT more expensive than WF or BGD. You pay a slight premium for higher quality cuts, just like any other place. Frankly, if GOG still carried Ritani, I probably would've gone with them. It was more a matter of convenience than anything else. It may seem like a better deal to go with the cheapest price, but knowledge is a valuable commodity. It takes time to realize that. I was very pleased with GOG's customer service and I've also been pleased with Pearlman's and Ritani. Like I said, it's more a matter of convenience at this point.

Momma2boys - thank you. I tried to incorporate everything that I know she loves and I wanted to give her something that no one else would have. I'm beyond excited to see the final product.

 

[Texas Leaguer]

BGD and WF has offices in TX, but are by appointment only and do not have a store front, just offices. Their business model is very much an online dealer that is full service, IN THE ONLINE WORLD but they still do not have the cost and expense of a brick and mortar storefront. And TX is cheaper than Long Island, NY. So that also impacts some of the pricing you see.

I just thought I would pop in to make a small correction. This past summer Whiteflash celebrated the first anniversary of our retail showroom. It’s very much a boutique style store where we can give customers very personal attention, but it is open to the public and no appointment is necessary. It is located in Sugar Land, an upscale community just on the southwest side of Houston.

After 12 successful years of operating primarily as an e-commerce business, our local visibility had grown to the point where we had more and more customers wanting to visit. In the Spring of 2012 we made the decision to relocate our operations and build a store where we could properly attend to our local clients. Since opening the store we have also become distributors for some very fine designer brands including Tacori, Verragio, and Ritani too!

The showroom is relatively small, and is upstairs for security and privacy purposes. It is also dual purpose so when we are not entertaining clients in the store our staff are serving internet customers. Therefore the incremental cost to our overhead has not affected our pricing.

If you are interested in taking a peek at our store, the link below is to a page that contains more info and a video done inside the store by one of our talented diamond consultants!

http://www.whiteflash.com/whiteflash-showroom.aspx