OEC Eternity Ring -- Fair Price??

[MissGotRocks]

You have a good eye for pretty rings - I'm betting this one will be stunning!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Dem, I am sorry for my poor memory, but what color is your e-ring stone again?

My MRB is a G and my OEC is an EGL I, but according to Dave Atlas, it's a GIA J.

Okay, thanks! So in a way your situation is like my recent one, other than your diamonds being bigger! And you have no qualms at all about the color in the OEC, right?

 

[Demelza]

Dem, I am sorry for my poor memory, but what color is your e-ring stone again?

My MRB is a G and my OEC is an EGL I, but according to Dave Atlas, it's a GIA J.

Okay, thanks! So in a way your situation is like my recent one, other than your diamonds being bigger! And you have no qualms at all about the color in the OEC, right?

Nope, no qualms at all!! In fact, I don't wear my MRB anymore. I didn't want to continue to pay insurance on it, so it is now sitting in my safety deposit box. It's a beautiful stone, but the OEC won my heart hands down. I don't think about color ever, ever, ever. I once had an I color MRB and didn't like it, but J color in an OEC is a complete non-issue for me.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Dem, I am sorry for my poor memory, but what color is your e-ring stone again?

My MRB is a G and my OEC is an EGL I, but according to Dave Atlas, it's a GIA J.

Okay, thanks! So in a way your situation is like my recent one, other than your diamonds being bigger! And you have no qualms at all about the color in the OEC, right?

Nope, no qualms at all!! In fact, I don't wear my MRB anymore. I didn't want to continue to pay insurance on it, so it is now sitting in my safety deposit box. It's a beautiful stone, but the OEC won my heart hands down. I don't think about color ever, ever, ever. I once had an I color MRB and didn't like it, but J color in an OEC is a complete non-issue for me.

Yes, I do agree that antique stones with the larger facets can handle the color a little more. Every time I see your ring, Dreamer's, etc. I keep thinking about that stone I have deliberated over and over and over! And I do remember that you said you'd choose the OEC over your rb. I think if "my" stone had been in a setting, I might have felt differently.

Sorry to have derailed your thread...seeing your ring again made me think about it!

 

[Demelza]

Dem, I am sorry for my poor memory, but what color is your e-ring stone again?

My MRB is a G and my OEC is an EGL I, but according to Dave Atlas, it's a GIA J.

Okay, thanks! So in a way your situation is like my recent one, other than your diamonds being bigger! And you have no qualms at all about the color in the OEC, right?

Nope, no qualms at all!! In fact, I don't wear my MRB anymore. I didn't want to continue to pay insurance on it, so it is now sitting in my safety deposit box. It's a beautiful stone, but the OEC won my heart hands down. I don't think about color ever, ever, ever. I once had an I color MRB and didn't like it, but J color in an OEC is a complete non-issue for me.

Yes, I do agree that antique stones with the larger facets can handle the color a little more. Every time I see your ring, Dreamer's, etc. I keep thinking about that stone I have deliberated over and over and over! And I do remember that you said you'd choose the OEC over your rb. I think if "my" stone had been in a setting, I might have felt differently.

Sorry to have derailed your thread...seeing your ring again made me think about it!

Derail away! Are you still thinking about the 1.8 AVR? Why do you think a setting would have made you feel differently about it? Yes, I would chose the OEC over the RB -- I just find the cut more pleasing to my eye. I just wish I had spent the money I did on my MRB on an OEC way back when!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Yes, I guess I still think about it because I loved the cut and the size was exactly what I wanted. I feel like a magical stone that is exactly like it but higher in color but the same price will never materialize! They are now cutting the other style AVOEC, so there would be no guarantee that a higher color one would even have the cut I want. I think if the stone hadn't been set, I wouldn't have noticed the tint as much from the profile...or the stone would have looked at home in a setting and looked right with a little tint. I don't know...just guessing.

 

[Dreamer_D]

DS it is much harder to find a mind clean stone than a well cut stone

Demelza are you getting it?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

DS it is much harder to find a mind clean stone than a well cut stone

Isn't that the truth?!!! My choices are to keep a rb which is nice and white but not my dream stone or go with a cut I really love, and is larger, but lower color than I am used to. I know...same old song. Seeing Dem's ring just reminded me again how much I love chunky facets!

 

[Circe]

Demelza are you getting it?

I'm curious, too!

 

[Demelza]

DS it is much harder to find a mind clean stone than a well cut stone

Isn't that the truth?!!! My choices are to keep a rb which is nice and white but not my dream stone or go with a cut I really love, and is larger, but lower color than I am used to. I know...same old song. Seeing Dem's ring just reminded me again how much I love chunky facets!

Somehow I think it's harder to find a mind clean stone when you're buying one that is newly cut with a high premium like the AV line. For me, I have found buying authentic pieces to be a nice reprieve from my past jewelry perfectionism issues. My OEC isn't perfect -- it has little nicks on the girdle like most old cuts and the mounting has some idiosyncrasies, but they're 100 years old and truly handmade. Anyway, I hope you can find a mind clean stone that has the optics you want!

Demelza are you getting it?

I'm curious, too!

Yes, I paid for it late yesterday. I'm feeing a little badly about spending that much because of that niggling feeling that I could have gotten a better deal elsewhere. My new motto with jewelry has been not to buy anything I can't resell without losing money, but this one really called to me and the better priced Ebay ring had just one too many strikes against it. Fingers crossed I love it when I get it!

Thanks for you help everyone!

 

[Circe]

Yes, I paid for it late yesterday. I'm feeing a little badly about spending that much because of that niggling feeling that I could have gotten a better deal elsewhere. My new motto with jewelry has been not to buy anything I can't resell without losing money, but this one really called to me and the better priced Ebay ring had just one too many strikes against it. Fingers crossed I love it when I get it!

Thanks for you help everyone!

I don't think you should feel bad - it's a hard-to-find cut, well-matched, your size, and in beautiful condition. Definitely better than the eBay ring (and where you couldn't tell anything about the faceting - the highly coveted Mystery Cut). I actually think it's a good price - I don't know for sure if you could resell it off the bat, but given how your bargained them down, I *do* think you could resell it for what you paid. One thing I keep thinking when I watch DB and LT is how different the time frame is for private sellers vs. retailers. In my other thread, I mentioned how one guy had had a ring up for two years without budging on the price? I think he's the rule in the trade, and not the exception, and the thing is, I think he can afford to be, because after a hundred people pass him by, the hundred and first will fall madly in love and have to have it, and given that prices will have risen, that person is going to feel like they got a deal. It's no joke that jewelers tie their wealth up in stock, but playing the long game can pay off for them. So, let's hope that you adore it when you get it and don't want to sell it for a very, very long time, if ever?

 

[Demelza]

Yes, I paid for it late yesterday. I'm feeing a little badly about spending that much because of that niggling feeling that I could have gotten a better deal elsewhere. My new motto with jewelry has been not to buy anything I can't resell without losing money, but this one really called to me and the better priced Ebay ring had just one too many strikes against it. Fingers crossed I love it when I get it!

Thanks for you help everyone!

I don't think you should feel bad - it's a hard-to-find cut, well-matched, your size, and in beautiful condition. Definitely better than the eBay ring (and where you couldn't tell anything about the faceting - the highly coveted Mystery Cut). I actually think it's a good price - I don't know for sure if you could resell it off the bat, but given how your bargained them down, I *do* think you could resell it for what you paid. One thing I keep thinking when I watch DB and LT is how different the time frame is for private sellers vs. retailers. In my other thread, I mentioned how one guy had had a ring up for two years without budging on the price? I think he's the rule in the trade, and not the exception, and the thing is, I think he can afford to be, because after a hundred people pass him by, the hundred and first will fall madly in love and have to have it, and given that prices will have risen, that person is going to feel like they got a deal. It's no joke that jewelers tie their wealth up in stock, but playing the long game can pay off for them. So, let's hope that you adore it when you get it and don't want to sell it for a very, very long time, if ever?

Thanks, Circe! That's helpful. And I do find it interesting when sellers are completely unwilling to budge on their prices. I've always assumed that they were being foolish and stubborn (like the Ebay seller with whom I've been dealing who won't lower her price more than $150 and refuses to send additional photos), but it sounds like there might be more strategy involved if eventually they do get their price. Seems to me it would be better to move merchandise quickly even if that means a smaller profit, but I suppose there are all kinds of effective business models out there. One thing I've learned about myself is that I tend to like the buying process more than the experience of owning, so that means I tend to do a lot of shuffling of my pieces. But there are the few core pieces that I love and would never (well, I never say never) sell and I'm hoping this is one of those....at least for a few years or so.

 

[Circe]

This is going to seem fairly circuitous, but hear me out ... the head of the Science Fiction Writers Association, John Scalzi, just had a post on his website about people asking writers to give them free product - articles, blurbs, op-eds, you name it, using arguments ranging from exposure to "fairness" and his response came down to (I'm not being crude, I'm quoting, and it seems to be becoming a meme) "F*ck you, pay me!"

Links: http://whatever.scalzi.com/2012/12/...nking-of-asking-me-to-write-for-you-for-free/ and the follow-up, http://whatever.scalzi.com/2012/12/10/a-little-more-re-writing-for-free/

I think the cycle of all writers being expected to write for free because some chose to - to get their foot in the door, because nobody would pay them in the first place, whatever - is actually pretty similar to what's happening in other quadrants of society, not least of all the jewelry industry. eBay et al. were initially great for giving private individuals a way to sell their goods, but they have sucked for the industry as a whole. Private sellers don't tend to have the same resources as businesses, and they don't really seem to have strategies, per se ... so a lot more of them are willing to bargain, just to get whatever it is out the door. Businesses, on the other hand, hate to lose money, and generally won't haggle. Or at least they didn't use to, until it became the standard - and now, one way or another, they seem to have to, because the private sellers are dictating market prices more directly than they used to, not by refusing to buy, but by undercutting prices when they sell. I think it might be leveling out some as private sellers realize what they have is in hot demand and refuse to sell low - I saw Yssie mention something similar on another thread, I think, and actually want to get a discussion going on how the market is changing, and why. So, uh ... maybe I'll go start that thread, and stop hijacking yours!!! Sorry, Demelza, once I get going ...

 

[Demelza]

This is going to seem fairly circuitous, but hear me out ... the head of the Science Fiction Writers Association, John Scalzi, just had a post on his website about people asking writers to give them free product - articles, blurbs, op-eds, you name it, using arguments ranging from exposure to "fairness" and his response came down to (I'm not being crude, I'm quoting, and it seems to be becoming a meme) "F*ck you, pay me!"

Links: http://whatever.scalzi.com/2012/12/...nking-of-asking-me-to-write-for-you-for-free/ and the follow-up, http://whatever.scalzi.com/2012/12/10/a-little-more-re-writing-for-free/

I think the cycle of all writers being expected to write for free because some chose to - to get their foot in the door, because nobody would pay them in the first place, whatever - is actually pretty similar to what's happening in other quadrants of society, not least of all the jewelry industry. eBay et al. were initially great for giving private individuals a way to sell their goods, but they have sucked for the industry as a whole. Private sellers don't tend to have the same resources as businesses, and they don't really seem to have strategies, per se ... so a lot more of them are willing to bargain, just to get whatever it is out the door. Businesses, on the other hand, hate to lose money, and generally won't haggle. Or at least they didn't use to, until it became the standard - and now, one way or another, they seem to have to, because the private sellers are dictating market prices more directly than they used to, not by refusing to buy, but by undercutting prices when they sell. I think it might be leveling out some as private sellers realize what they have is in hot demand and refuse to sell low - I saw Yssie mention something similar on another thread, I think, and actually want to get a discussion going on how the market is changing, and why. So, uh ... maybe I'll go start that thread, and stop hijacking yours!!! Sorry, Demelza, once I get going ...

This is really fascinating! Feel free to hijack away because I am very interested in this topic. You have put words to what I have been thinking about recently in regards to the recent trend (at least on PS) to find deals on Ebay. I can only speak for myself, of course, but the idea that one can get a treasure for next to nothing is very appealing and makes one feel foolish, stupid, impulsive, and a variety of other negative feelings when the decision is made to buy retail (even if it's a fair price, whatever that means). I have been beating myself up for paying more than I "should" or "need to" to get this ring I like and yet I have gotten excellent customer service from this jeweler, the ability to trade up should I ever want to, and the relative assurance that it is what they say it is. That is worth something, no? I have benefitted greatly from Ebay this past year and will continue to search for good deals, but I do wonder about its impact on the retail world and our feelings about ourselves when we decide to pay the premium to get what we want through a more conventional retailer. I like how you connected it to John Scalzi's blog -- as the spouse of an academic, I appreciate his perspective.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I have gotten a few incredible deals from ebay/second hand over the last year, too. But not everything I love is available as a bargain. The key for me is that it all balances out. I am fine with paying retail in the situations where the items can't readily be obtained second hand.

In the case of this band, assuming it is in great condition and quality, then the price is a good one compared to buying new. My favorite band at the moment is a half french cut one by Victor Canera at $4500, and who knows how much it would be for full eternity?! So I think the ring you bought is cheap!!!

 

[Circe]

This is really fascinating! Feel free to hijack away because I am very interested in this topic. You have put words to what I have been thinking about recently in regards to the recent trend (at least on PS) to find deals on Ebay. I can only speak for myself, of course, but the idea that one can get a treasure for next to nothing is very appealing and makes one feel foolish, stupid, impulsive, and a variety of other negative feelings when the decision is made to buy retail (even if it's a fair price, whatever that means). I have been beating myself up for paying more than I "should" or "need to" to get this ring I like and yet I have gotten excellent customer service from this jeweler, the ability to trade up should I ever want to, and the relative assurance that it is what they say it is. That is worth something, no? I have benefitted greatly from Ebay this past year and will continue to search for good deals, but I do wonder about its impact on the retail world and our feelings about ourselves when we decide to pay the premium to get what we want through a more conventional retailer. I like how you connected it to John Scalzi's blog -- as the spouse of an academic, I appreciate his perspective.

I totally started the other thread, but it's slow to get going (possibly, probably, because I neglected to limit the conversation to second-hand/vintage dealers - I'm in no way claiming the likes of Tiffany's are affected by all this!). So I appreciate your forbearance!

I think I'm especially interested in it because I've always been a bargain shopper - and I grew up in the industry to boot, so I'm used to both rock-BOTTOM prices, and to a certain lack of, ah, shall we say ... ceremony? But since coming to PS, I've come to really appreciate the extra care you get from regular sellers. Sure, the deals aren't AS good as the random ones you pick up, but it's nice to have a relationship with somebody who is willing to help you hunt down the thing you don't necessarily have the resources to find, and who'll provide service, and patience, and commiseration along the way. I found IDJ and Leigh Jay Nacht through PS, and I'm so grateful for it, because they are both incredibly fabulous.

I do feel like there can be a compulsive element to deal-hunting - I totally go into panic mode at times and search AFTER I've made a purchase to make sure there's no potential better deal out there. I bought my 2.5 carre band two years ago, and I still kicked myself when I saw an already-sold similar 1.5 band on RubyLane for $750. Crazytalk! I am not technically in the biz myself! I have little interest in buying to resell directly! I did not need another band like that! And ... yet ....

I think the bolded in your post is especially incisive - it's an exterior feedback cycle, and an interior feedback cycle. I don't think I could ever walk into, say, Cartier for the experience and feel completely good about it: it's like knowing how blood sausage is made, or working at Baskin Robbins. You just sort of lose your taste for the experience once you know all the ingredients. KNOWING what the markup is steals something from the full-fledged luxury experience. On the other hand, even when you love a deal, buying out of a sack in somebody's back room isn't necessarily the experience you want every time. Sometimes, it's very pleasant to feel luxurious - particularly when you're spending mucho dinero! There's something so weird about making a huge luxury purchase when you've stretched your budget as far as it will go (not in terms of overspending, just in terms of getting absolutely the best price possible). You don't feel poor, exactly ... but it's a feeling that might be a distant relative, and it's at odds with the initial motivation.

Bottom line? Enjoy your incredibly glorious purchase of a rare and wonderful piece of jewelry, along with the security of knowing it's vetted and that you can trade up if needed (which, wow, talk about a bonus - if you'd mentioned that up front I would have pulled out my pom-poms for the cheerleading). I know I am, when it comes to recent finds! The diamond band was lucky, but the ruby one was full retail - and je regret rien, to quote a favorite philosopher!

 

[Circe]

I have gotten a few incredible deals from ebay/second hand over the last year, too. But not everything I love is available as a bargain. The key for me is that it all balances out. I am fine with paying retail in the situations where the items can't readily be obtained second hand.

In the case of this band, assuming it is in great condition and quality, then the price is a good one compared to buying new. My favorite band at the moment is a half french cut one by Victor Canera at $4500, and who knows how much it would be for full eternity?! So I think the ring you bought is cheap!!!

Ooo, I had the first post open on my browser for ages and didn't see this 'till I posted - so very, very true. I know there are ladies out there - on here? - who don't have to choose between the lunches and the charities and the bling and the etc. (consciously exaggerated details), but for the most of us, I think you hit it on the head.

And, oh, man, would I love to see a full band from VC. I imagine it would be fabulous.

 

[Demelza]

This is really fascinating! Feel free to hijack away because I am very interested in this topic. You have put words to what I have been thinking about recently in regards to the recent trend (at least on PS) to find deals on Ebay. I can only speak for myself, of course, but the idea that one can get a treasure for next to nothing is very appealing and makes one feel foolish, stupid, impulsive, and a variety of other negative feelings when the decision is made to buy retail (even if it's a fair price, whatever that means). I have been beating myself up for paying more than I "should" or "need to" to get this ring I like and yet I have gotten excellent customer service from this jeweler, the ability to trade up should I ever want to, and the relative assurance that it is what they say it is. That is worth something, no? I have benefitted greatly from Ebay this past year and will continue to search for good deals, but I do wonder about its impact on the retail world and our feelings about ourselves when we decide to pay the premium to get what we want through a more conventional retailer. I like how you connected it to John Scalzi's blog -- as the spouse of an academic, I appreciate his perspective.

I totally started the other thread, but it's slow to get going (possibly, probably, because I neglected to limit the conversation to second-hand/vintage dealers - I'm in no way claiming the likes of Tiffany's are affected by all this!). So I appreciate your forbearance!

I think I'm especially interested in it because I've always been a bargain shopper - and I grew up in the industry to boot, so I'm used to both rock-BOTTOM prices, and to a certain lack of, ah, shall we say ... ceremony? But since coming to PS, I've come to really appreciate the extra care you get from regular sellers. Sure, the deals aren't AS good as the random ones you pick up, but it's nice to have a relationship with somebody who is willing to help you hunt down the thing you don't necessarily have the resources to find, and who'll provide service, and patience, and commiseration along the way. I found IDJ and Leigh Jay Nacht through PS, and I'm so grateful for it, because they are both incredibly fabulous.

I do feel like there can be a compulsive element to deal-hunting - I totally go into panic mode at times and search AFTER I've made a purchase to make sure there's no potential better deal out there. I bought my 2.5 carre band two years ago, and I still kicked myself when I saw an already-sold similar 1.5 band on RubyLane for $750. Crazytalk! I am not technically in the biz myself! I have little interest in buying to resell directly! I did not need another band like that! And ... yet ....

I think the bolded in your post is especially incisive - it's an exterior feedback cycle, and an interior feedback cycle. I don't think I could ever walk into, say, Cartier for the experience and feel completely good about it: it's like knowing how blood sausage is made, or working at Baskin Robbins. You just sort of lose your taste for the experience once you know all the ingredients. KNOWING what the markup is steals something from the full-fledged luxury experience. On the other hand, even when you love a deal, buying out of a sack in somebody's back room isn't necessarily the experience you want every time. Sometimes, it's very pleasant to feel luxurious - particularly when you're spending mucho dinero! There's something so weird about making a huge luxury purchase when you've stretched your budget as far as it will go (not in terms of overspending, just in terms of getting absolutely the best price possible). You don't feel poor, exactly ... but it's a feeling that might be a distant relative, and it's at odds with the initial motivation.

Bottom line? Enjoy your incredibly glorious purchase of a rare and wonderful piece of jewelry, along with the security of knowing it's vetted and that you can trade up if needed (which, wow, talk about a bonus - if you'd mentioned that up front I would have pulled out my pom-poms for the cheerleading). I know I am, when it comes to recent finds! The diamond band was lucky, but the ruby one was full retail - and je regret rien, to quote a favorite philosopher!

Off to check out your thread, but wanted to respond to this here.

Yes to everything! I absolutely understand the compulsive element to deal-hunting. And I also know exactly that band you're referring to and kick myself on a regular basis for not snatching it up when I saw that it was going on that insane sale!! In fact, I think I was looking at it the other day and kicking, kicking, kicking! Ouch!

I think there is something to the idea of balance, which is probably why I started this thread. I knew the ring wasn't an Ebay bargain (even the Ebay ring wasn't an Ebay bargain), but I know I wouldn't enjoy the purchase had it been marked up like a Cartier or a Tiffany's -- or a Singlestone ring which is a more apt comparison here. There is something to feeling that I paid a reasonable amount and the seller made a reasonable amount. Now that I have tasted the sweetness that is a rock-bottom bargain-basement price, I would not choose to pay retail all the time, but I think there are times when a fair retail price is just fine as long as the piece is not easily found elsewhere and the customer service perks are plentiful. And like DS said, it does balance out in the end -- you got a steal on your french-cut diamond band, but paid retail on the ruby one. In the end, you have two bands you adore and that's what really matters! Thanks for all the cheerleading and for starting this interesting discussion!

 

[Demelza]

I wanted to update this thread by telling you all that I got the band today! I plan to do a proper SMTB thread once I get better pictures (if the sun ever comes out!!), but here are a few I snapped today before it got dark. It's a beautiful band in amazing condition -- the engraving is still so crisp! I louped the stones and was so pleased to see that indeed they are all little OEC's with tiny culets! I love that it has such a low profile, although I'm not sure I like it stacked with any of my other bands nor do I know if I like it with my OEC. I will get those pics another day, but here is the band on its own! Thanks again for all your help!

 

[Demelza]

A few more....

 

[Mara]

Beautiful!!! What size are the diamonds again? I love smaller OEC's in bands!

Wonder if the engraving was touched up or if the sides were rhodium plated, I've seen some vintage pieces from jewelers where things look very 'bright' or crisp and they were rhodium-over-platinum.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

So gorgeous!!! Bands like this do not come along often. I think this one is such fine quality! I am so glad you got it!

 

[Rosebloom]

That really is stunning. Great decision!

 

[Laila619]

Sweet!!

 

[junebug17]

Oh it's gorgeous!!! Love it, it's in such great condition, what a beautiful piece...I'm a little jelly! ha!

 

[Demelza]

Beautiful!!! What size are the diamonds again? I love smaller OEC's in bands!

Wonder if the engraving was touched up or if the sides were rhodium plated, I've seen some vintage pieces from jewelers where things look very 'bright' or crisp and they were rhodium-over-platinum.

I believe the stones are around 10 points each. They're big enough to appreciate the little OEC facets. They're really lively and sparkly!

So gorgeous!!! Bands like this do not come along often. I think this one is such fine quality! I am so glad you got it!

Thank you! I agree that bands like this aren't commonplace -- especially ones in mint condition like this.

Rosebloom, Laila, and Junebug -- Thanks!!!!!

So, what do you guys think of it paired with my OEC? Proportions off?

 

[SB621]

Oh I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! but really nothing is more amazing that the engraving on that ring. it is stunning. When you take more pictures can you get a few more close ups? I would love to see more (and save to my favorites folder ).

 

[Circe]

Ooo, I missed the initial update! I love it! It looks to be in wonderful condition, and it looks ginormous! One thing I love about those sorts of settings is how much *presence* they give the stones - that looks way bigger than two carats.

I like it with your solitaire - it's a different look from a thin band, more *oomph,* if you know what I mean?

 

[plummiecat]

I love it! Where did you find such a beauty?

 

[Demelza]

Oh I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! but really nothing is more amazing that the engraving on that ring. it is stunning. When you take more pictures can you get a few more close ups? I would love to see more (and save to my favorites folder ).

Sure thing -- I'll try to get a few more pics of the engraving this weekend! Thanks!

Ooo, I missed the initial update! I love it! It looks to be in wonderful condition, and it looks ginormous! One thing I love about those sorts of settings is how much *presence* they give the stones - that looks way bigger than two carats.

I like it with your solitaire - it's a different look from a thin band, more *oomph,* if you know what I mean?

I agree that it looks more than 2 carats. Mara and I were wondering if maybe it is? I doubt the jeweler would make a mistake like that, but the stones look bigger than a mere 10 points each. When you say "these sorts of settings," do you mean bead set?

I love it! Where did you find such a beauty?

Thanks, Plummiecat! I got the ring at Excalibur in LA. Website here: http://www.excaliburjewelry.com/