Is this a good deal for a custom "tiffany grace" setting??

[OnlyOncePlease]

DIAMOND INFORMATION

Shape Princess
Carat 0.893
Color F
Clarity VS1
Cut Ideal

DIAMOND SPECIFICATIONS
Depth % 75.2
Table % 61.6
Crown Angle 35.7
Star 0.0
Pavilion Angle 40.0
Crown % 12.7
Lower Girdle % 0.0
Measurements 5.25x5.21x3.92
Culet Pointed
Fluorescence Negligible
Girdle Thin to Medium

I got a quote today from a local jeweler in Toronto, to replicate the attached "tiffany grace" setting design with the following specs:

.25 total ct, 16 diamonds, 14k white gold, SI, F, VG Cut, width is 1.8mm (I want it a little slimmer) for $1150 tax included.

He said upgrading the clarity to VS would be an extra $50, but wasn't worth it due to the size of the diamonds.

I haven't be able to find an equal deal online yet... I purchased the centre stone online.

Thoughts????

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Is this a good deal for a custom "tiffany grace" setting

I would absolutely pay the extra $50 for the VS stones, I'd want excellent cut, and I'd do either 18k palladium white gold or platinum if you can raise the budget a bit. But my first question to you is, have you seen much of this jeweler's custom work? Because honestly, we see poor work here often, and it is very much worth paying for a ring to be done right! Will he be doing CAD images for you before beginning the work?

 

[AprilBaby]

Re: Is this a good deal for a custom "tiffany grace" setting

For a price difference of $50 I would upgrade the diamonds too!

 

[OnlyOncePlease]

Re: Is this a good deal for a custom "tiffany grace" setting

If I had a huge budget I would go for the Platinum also.... but looks wise and with my budget that is not a top priority as 14k looks pretty identical to 18k, etc...

I would also pay the extra $50 (it's pennies in the big scheme of things) for the VS upgrade, but since these "mini band" or melee diamonds are not "certified", I'm not sure if I would really be getting the VS upgrade or just giving an extra $50 for the stones I would get anyways

I have seen some of his work; first through his "sketch book" then the resulting band and they look good. And out of the local dealers I went to, he seemed the most honest.... most others seemed uninterested after I told them I already had the centre stone, as this is where most of them make the most profit I suppose. At first he said $800 then I told him I already had the centre stone and he said, $800 was his cost and that he would have charge extra to make a profit, bringing it to $1150.. because $800 was the price if I bought the stone from him.

I would definitely ask about seeing a CAD drawing before production would begin (everyone else before him said they would show me one so I didn't think to ask), though he has the exact picture and said he's done it before. If I were to go with him for the setting... I would have the actual diamond set in it at a "name brand" store, just in case the princess corners were chipped, "name brand" stores I assume would be easier to deal with in getting it replaced free of charge if it were to happen.

All things considered... I suppose it is a "good deal" if the final product was to exact specification and the F coloured, VS clarity band diamonds were shinning like crazy!

I bought my stone from WF.... So, WF is my first pick for the setting.... waiting to hear back from them regarding quotes/options.

 

[OnlyOncePlease]

Re: Is this a good deal for a custom "tiffany grace" setting

Decided I'm getting the whole ring from WF.... Much smarter option.

All the diamonds will match, just have to deal with 1 company, no issues for possible damage during setting, return policy and my experience with them has been great so far. I have more confidence in a company who I found only a few days ago and communicated with only through email and phone than I do in the actual in person companies/jewelers I've met in Toronto.