I live in a hole, need some help!

[whiteteddy]

Okay so I fell in love with a Cartier ring, you know which one I'm talking about right?

The 1895 4 prong solitaire Diamond ring . I live in a place where Cartier does not have a boutique! I was wondering if anyone out there has bought one in 0.85 - 1 carat diamond? And what the pricing is because unlike Tiffany and Co they don't tell me the price. I have e-mailed Cartier but they only estimated a ring if it had a 1.50 carat diamond.

My boyfriend lives in Melbourne and me in Perth, luckily there is a Cartier boutique there.

Also I am new to this site and am not sure where to post this question. Thank you guys so much!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Unless you just really want the Cartier name, you can get a similar setting and possibly better quality diamond for MUCH less money. We have had Cartier shoppers before and they found that all their diamonds were nice quality but certainly not top cut quality. For the same budget, you could get a larger and better quality diamond.

 

[whiteteddy]

heh I am aware.
The Cartier name is a bit sentimental for me so I would like a Cartier.

 

[JulieN]

Call the Cartier store.

 

[SMC]

I think you should call/email them your specifications and they'll get back to you with a price. I emailed Cartier in October of last year regarding their 1895 solitaire and got this response:

Dear Miss C,

We wish to congratulate you in this exciting time, and are delighted that you are considering Cartier as a symbol of your eternal love.

The Solitaire 1895 creation truly is a most beautiful jewel, a declaration of love and commitment through its simple yet elegant cut. Each ring is priced based on the individual characteristics of the diamond including carat, color, and clarity. As an example, a Solitaire 1895 setting with a 0.82 ct. diamond, F color and VVSI clarity would be approximately $12,575.00 USD.

I am also pleased to introduce you to our Set for You by Cartier feature where you may choose the 4 C's for select Cartier engagement rings and see approximate starting values for them in the following link http://www.bridal.cartier.us/#/bridal/the-collection/set-for-you-by-cartier/select-your-setting....

We realize that this is a breathtaking moment for you, and you must have many questions. To assist you further we invite you to speak with one of our Bridal Ambassadors at 1-800-Cartier, who will be pleased to answer any questions that you may have. If you prefer to be contacted directly, please kindly respond with your location and telephone number. We will also be delighted to send you a copy of our Bridal Catalogue; it features magnificent creations from our Bridal Collection. Should this be of interest to you, kindly provide me with your mailing address.

Thank you again for your inquiry and we hope to be of further assistance to you.

Yours Sincerely,

Cartier Ambassador
1(800)-Cartier / 1 (800) 227 8437
www.bridal.cartier.us

 

[Niel]

Haha most of us dont live by a cartier store. I cant fathom paying that much for a name but ill keep that to myself.
Email again with a reqest for the size you actually want. Download the iphone app that has sone build your own prices or call them.

 

[rubybeth]

Um, wow, more than $12k for a .8? I'd rather get a .8 in a very similar setting and then get a Cartier diamond wedding band. I think you'd be less likely to want to upgrade your wedding band, and it may be the only ring you end up wearing after being married for a while with a baby or two.

.837 AGS certified Expert Selection G VS2 from Whiteflash, PS price $4,300: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2792454.htm
cathedral solitaire basket setting, $1,275 in platinum ($875 in 18k gold): http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/legato-sleek-line-solitaire-engagement-ring-729.htm

That would leave you with over $6k for a super blinging diamond eternity band with the brand name.

 

[Niel]

Um, wow, more than $12k for a .8? I'd rather get a .8 in a very similar setting and then get a Cartier diamond wedding band. I think you'd be less likely to want to upgrade your wedding band, and it may be the only ring you end up wearing after being married for a while with a baby or two.

.837 AGS certified Expert Selection G VS2 from Whiteflash, PS price $4,300: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2792454.htm
cathedral solitaire basket setting, $1,275 in platinum ($875 in 18k gold): http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/legato-sleek-line-solitaire-engagement-ring-729.htm

That would leave you with over $6k for a super blinging diamond eternity band with the brand name.

Or engagement rings direct makes a similar one. They have a whole Cartier section.

Just a thought. I love the idea of a repica cartier setting eith a rolling real cartier w band.

 

[maccers]

I think you should call/email them your specifications and they'll get back to you with a price. I emailed Cartier in October of last year regarding their 1895 solitaire and got this response:

Dear Miss C,

We wish to congratulate you in this exciting time, and are delighted that you are considering Cartier as a symbol of your eternal love.

The Solitaire 1895 creation truly is a most beautiful jewel, a declaration of love and commitment through its simple yet elegant cut. Each ring is priced based on the individual characteristics of the diamond including carat, color, and clarity. As an example, a Solitaire 1895 setting with a 0.82 ct. diamond, F color and VVSI clarity would be approximately $12,575.00 USD.

I am also pleased to introduce you to our Set for You by Cartier feature where you may choose the 4 C's for select Cartier engagement rings and see approximate starting values for them in the following link http://www.bridal.cartier.us/#/bridal/the-collection/set-for-you-by-cartier/select-your-setting.....

We realize that this is a breathtaking moment for you, and you must have many questions. To assist you further we invite you to speak with one of our Bridal Ambassadors at 1-800-Cartier, who will be pleased to answer any questions that you may have. If you prefer to be contacted directly, please kindly respond with your location and telephone number. We will also be delighted to send you a copy of our Bridal Catalogue; it features magnificent creations from our Bridal Collection. Should this be of interest to you, kindly provide me with your mailing address.

Thank you again for your inquiry and we hope to be of further assistance to you.

Yours Sincerely,

Cartier Ambassador
1(800)-Cartier / 1 (800) 227 8437
www.bridal.cartier.us

Umm breathtaking because of the price? Is that what they mean?

Joking aside, as others have stated, you can find something very very similar with a better diamond elsewhere. However you did say that Cartier has sentimental value to you and I can appreciate that too. Contact them and see if they can work with your budget.

 

[Enerchi]

I think Rubybeth came up with a brilliant and affordable solution!! Way to go Rubybeth!! - get a Cartier wedding band - even the trinity rolling band for "past /present/ future" - and then purchase via a PS vendor a look alike to the setting you enjoy. You will get a far better 'bang for your buck' that way, and I like Rubybeth's idea that when children arrive, you will still always have your sentimental Cartier ring with you all the time.

Oh... I like that plan!

 

[VRBeauty]

Just so you know what we're talking about - $10,000 could probably buy you a 1.25 carat, F round brilliant and still leave plenty for a nice setting... so you'd be getting 50% more diamond for the same money that you're likely to spend on the Cartier branded engagement ring.

If you're set on going the Cartier route, however, do ask them to search for the diamonds in your size range so you can check the specs here. We've seen some Cartier (and Tiffany and WInston) diamonds come through here that were graded ideal-cut but still left something to be desired.

 

[TC1987]

As an example, a Solitaire 1895 setting with a 0.82 ct. diamond, F color and VVSI clarity would be approximately $12,575.00 USD.

Holy guacamole! LOL

 

[rubybeth]

I'm glad I got the Enerchi seal of approval for my idea!

But, yes, nielseel is correct, I was just looking at ERD's Cartier-style settings, and there are a few that are '1895-ish.' They are here: http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/cartier-inspired-pcid-17.html Really, a cathedral setting of that style has been replicated so many times, I don't even think of it as a Cartier knock-off anymore. Any PS vendor could get or make a similar setting for a small fraction of the original price; I believe Gabriel & Co. has one that's under $600. And, with that budget, you'd be looking at an ideal cut 1.10-1.20 stone, with F-G, VS2-SI1 clarity, maybe even larger if you are willing to go lower in color.

I guess the real question is: what is the actual budget? If it must be Cartier and retail is out of reach for the size you want, would second-hand be okay?

I just keep thinking of regular, longtime poster DiamondSeeker2006's set that she had in her avatar (now her lovely Asscher/Beaudry combo), which was her cathedral, basket setting from Leon Megé with her Tiffany wedding band. Just so classic, and the best of both worlds--lovely, handcrafted setting made especially for her diamond with her exact specs, sourced from a PS vendor, plus a gorgeous Tiffany piece that she can wear with anything.

 

[Enerchi]

You do indeed get the Enerchi seal of approval

If it were me, I'd purchase one of the settings that Rubybeth linked to on ERD, have them find you an amazing stone and then go for the Cartier band --- Man, Rubybeth--- you are just ON FIRE today!!! We all want the best for our money, but when it comes to making your money go farther - why not start with the best diamond you can afford in your budget, and a "cartier-like" setting, then perhaps later on, for an anniversary, get an upgrade from Cartier? Just a thought!

I hope you find what you are looking for whiteteddy.

 

[Laila619]

Cartier inspired, without the Cartier price:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/fine-line-solitaire-engagement-ring-480.htm

 

[motownmama]

BUT, this person WANTS the Cartier - here's one vote - GO FOR IT - YOU only live once and this is what YOU want to spend your money on. (btw - there are TWO stores w/i 30-40 minutes of me - not that I've gone in though) - maybe if I get a chance I'll go in for YOU!

 

[motownmama]

there's a .92 VS1 E for $9950 or Best Offer now on eBay - I guess keep looking for your size and that's another route.

 

[justginger]

BUT, this person WANTS the Cartier - here's one vote - GO FOR IT - YOU only live once and this is what YOU want to spend your money on. (btw - there are TWO stores w/i 30-40 minutes of me - not that I've gone in though) - maybe if I get a chance I'll go in for YOU!

We're a forum full of educated, discriminating, value-seeking individuals: of course we're going to try to dissuade her! That price is flat out ROBBERY and she needs to be well-informed of that fact so she can make an educated decision before commuting to it. I live in Perth as well, so I know the crap quality jewels she's been seeing in other windows. There's no doubt she thinks it would be impossible to have another, equally beautiful, ring created for her by a PS vendor. I think rubybeth's idea is brilliant! Sentimentality for the wedding band and financially savvy for the expensive engagement ring.

OP - a PS vendor ring would be either a) bigger or b) cheaper. And JUST AS LOVELY.

 

[whiteteddy]

Hey guys I wonder if this is still active haha.

Yeah I've been wanting a Cartier for a very long time since I grew up with Cartier things all around me. But those days are over.
Haha well just a bit of more information I'm from another country so we don't have "weddings bands" so I'm just getting this one ring! So I wanted it to be special and Cartier.
But now I'm thinking about other options too.
Thank you so much for the amazing responses! My heart is still set on Cartier but it may not be the case in the end since we all aren't Kim Kardashians. Hehe

 

[Niel]

Hey guys I wonder if this is still active haha.

Yeah I've been wanting a Cartier for a very long time since I grew up with Cartier things all around me. But those days are over.
Haha well just a bit of more information I'm from another country so we don't have "weddings bands" so I'm just getting this one ring! So I wanted it to be special and Cartier.
But now I'm thinking about other options too.
Thank you so much for the amazing responses! My heart is still set on Cartier but it may not be the case in the end since we all aren't Kim Kardashians. Hehe

my problem with the idea of a cartier ring isnt that its overpriced, though it is. But because its over prices for often times lower quality. Many of the stone are over priced and wouldnt even be considered by anyone looking for a quality stone if they werent under the "cartier" label. So you pay 50%+ MORE for a stone thats of LESS quality.


With that said. I completely understand you want for one. And though i do think their e rings are a waste of money, some of the things they have I would pay the premium for. The rolling rings being one of them.


I hear you say in your country people dont wear wedding band. But i say, do it anyways . A lot of woman here wear stacks or multiple wedding bands, and that isnt the cultural norm. Wear them together and call them both your "engagement rings"
Because i agree, once you have kids, you wont always want to wear your diamond rings, so itll be be nice to always have a ring to wear. Plus a well performing classic style cartier esc diamonds ring that performs beautifully is going to be more impressive than a smaller cartier ring that doesnt perform as well. Sure wedding bands arent the norm for you, but id seriously consider it anyways. Seems like its the best of both worlds

 

[rubybeth]

BUT, this person WANTS the Cartier - here's one vote - GO FOR IT - YOU only live once and this is what YOU want to spend your money on. (btw - there are TWO stores w/i 30-40 minutes of me - not that I've gone in though) - maybe if I get a chance I'll go in for YOU!

Well, since she hasn't shared her actual, real-life budget with us, I was suggesting a different option. In my world, $12k is a lot of money. My car cost less than that! However, based on sortmon's helpful quote direct from Cartier, we know the low end of the carat weight she asked about is $12,575. If she's got $12k to spend on a .80 and wants to do that, she should go right ahead and do that. But as justginger said, she should go in with full knowledge that there are other options (either same carat weight and equal or better quality for less money, or much MUCH larger stone for the same price), and we can help her find something lovely with ANY budget. I've seen awesome $1k rings on PS, and there's the under $5k ring thread over in Show Me the Bling right now that has some amazing things in it, too. I just don't want people to come to PS asking about a brand name (Cartier, Tiffany, Harry Winston, etc.) without understanding that brand name does not necessarily equal top quality. And that top quality can be had for fair prices with Pricescope vendors, and that most are willing to ship a ring to you anywhere in the world.

whiteteddy, if you do find some Cartier stone options, please come back and start a new thread to have folks help you analyze the cut quality of the stones. If you decide to go a different direction, post a new thread saying you want a Cartier look-alike and your budget, and people will help you find the best bang for your buck. Good luck!