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Setting? For same price, should I buy designer e-ring (A. Jaffe) or go with custom WF?

TotalNewbie

TotalNewbie

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Mar 24, 2010
Messages
176
WF has sourced a diamond for my e-ring -- yay! Images look great and it'll be in my eager hands soon.

I saw a setting that I loooove. It's not for everyone, but it's an A jaffe setting and I can get it locally in NYC at Michael C Fina OR I can have WF make one based on the design, with some modifications of course. After my corporate discount at Fina through my employer, it will be about the same price either way. And will take just as long (maybe slightly longer through WF but not much).

My reasons for wanting to use WF are
(1) amazing customer svce with helping me source the diamond (vs so-so service at Michael C Fina)
(2) they can customize the platinum alloy so that it's harder, more scratch-resistant than A Jaffe's 950 platinum/iridium. Maybe 900 Plat/Iridium
(3) they'll use their ACA melee vs whatever A Jaffe uses
(4) they can perhaps add some touches like surprise birthstones or something. Some sort of unique touch.

Would I be crazy to get a custom ring from WF if the designer ring costs the same? They're just so responsive, so great that it's hard not to want to do (more) business with them, although there's a tiny voice in my head that says "go local, go designer?". Opinions?

spral ring 0.jpg
 
with that design and if you love the original as is and you can get it for the same price, no question, go with the A Jaffe.
 
Also, if anyone has an A Jaffe ring and has comments about their workmanship, I''d love to hear. The good and the bad (if any). I know they''ve been around a long time.
 
I don''t have an A Jaffe but have seen and inspected many of their rings in person. they are of high quality and well made.
 
Thx mrssalvo, that's very helpful. The A Jaffe ring does look like good quality. I just wish I'd found WF earlier, it would be great to do a project with them.
 
Date: 4/22/2010 12:39:19 PM
Author: TotalNewbie
Thx mrssalvo, that''s very helpful. The A Jaffe ring does look like good quality. I just wish I''d found WF earlier, it would be great to do a project with them.
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there are always future birthdays and anniversaries
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Given that it sounds like you really like the original - I would go with the original.

You can see if A. Jaffe can set in surprise stones. Or, get something engraved inside the band for that special touch.
 
I would always choose the original rather than have someone else copy the design. While WF is a great company, it is Jaffe''s design.

Having them create a replica is, in my mind, similar to going to an unknown artist and asking them to re-create "Starry Night" when the original Van Gogh is available to you at the same price.

Cheers,

Dana
 
I agree with the other posters - while WF is a great company and has a lot of great reviews here on PS - if you adore the original design and it''s the same price, I would buy from the original designer
 
Well, not exactly like copying Starry Night, b/c the A Jaffe ring was inspired by Jennifer Anniston's ring design (see attached) -- which, ironically, makes the A Jaffe original itself a copy (of sorts) -- but I do see your point. Thanks for the feedback! Seems like so far all are in favor of the designer ring...anyone for WF?

anniston.jpg
 
No one votes for custom WF? I'll go to Michael C Fina today to have one look at the deigner version again. If there's really nothing I'd like to change, A Jaffe ring it is! Anyone for custom WF?
 
I vote for the AJ too. Its what you want. Dont go through the hassle/stress of having something custom made when someone
already makes it (and its a quality ring).
 
I think you guys are right.

It''s just hard because I feel like WF deserves the business more than Michael C Fina (in terms of customer responsiveness and satisfaction). But I know a lot of people are happy with Fina so I''ll give them another shot.
 
I was in a similar situation. James Allen gave me such good service during my diamond hunt that I vowed I''d be a customer of theirs in the future even though I ended up getting my diamond elsewhere.

That Jaffe is awesome. Go with it and use WF for upcoming projects.
 
HI:

I adore that ring style--but I thought J Anistons ring was made by Diamani. At any rate, I''d buy the original.

cheers--Sharon
 
Date: 4/22/2010 1:27:54 PM
Author: TotalNewbie
Well, not exactly like copying Starry Night, b/c the A Jaffe ring was inspired by Jennifer Anniston''s ring design (see attached) -- which, ironically, makes the A Jaffe original itself a copy (of sorts) -- but I do see your point. Thanks for the feedback! Seems like so far all are in favor of the designer ring...anyone for WF?
Click to expand...
I was thinking this too! Takes the whole "original" thing out of the equation to me.

A Jaffe is a very well respected brand. Do they offer awarranty on their rings? Will they do repairs for a reasonable cost? (you WILL lose pave and need repairs on a semi-regular basis most likely)? Will you have to deal with MCFina for these repairs? How will Fina handle that? Honestly, those things would matter to me a lot so find out the answers before making your decision. I know WF is a pleasure to work with on repairs and would handle things smoothly... so make sure you can get the same after care from MC Finca/A JAffe before making a final choice.
 
For what it''s worth, I also fell in love with an A. Jaffe design at a local store. And I''m weighing options as to whether I should go for that one or purchase a setting online.

But, my situation''s a little different. The setting I like is a bit more basic (it''s just a 2.5mm band with prong-set melee). And the A. Jaffe setting is on clearance, but only if you buy that particular setting. I''d have to take the one in the display and it would need to be resized (which is I guess trickier with a Euroshank). If we ordered that setting made for my size, they could do it, but it would be regular price...putting it out of our price range.

I''d go with the A. Jaffe design, unless there was a price difference or there were some minor changes that you wanted to make on the design. Let me know how you like it if you go for it!
 
I go against the crowd and choose the WF. If you intend to keep the ring, no one will know who the designer is, only for resale will it make a difference. I like the idea of the custom 1 of a kind ring with the surprise stones that makes it uniquely mine.
 
Just keep in mind a custom WF won''t look exactly like the A.Jaffe. So if you love the A.Jaffe get it. If you want the modifications then go with WF. A custom ring will have some subtle differences and those may or may not bother you, slight differences that you notice but nobody else does. When you go custom you have to be little flexible in case the ring is not exactly as you envisioned. But WF would do an excellent job on your custom ring.
 
Thanks for all the responses! My BF and I went to Michael C Fina this past Fri. It was a bit annoying because we were ready to buy, but our salesperson told us that it would be +$1000 more for the jaffe setting for my size stone (1.4ct RB) and that Jaffe has NEVER made this ring for that large a stone before, they've only made it for 0.75 cts (which surprised me).

Given that development, although the +$1000 is within our budget, I am REALLY annoyed that the salesperson told me about the pricing change at the last minute (we had been corresponding for 2 to 3 weeks with occasional e-mails and calls). She was aware all along in the past 3 weeks that we were talking about a 1.4ct or so stone size and merely said that the setting could accomodate such a size. It would have been appropriate when I mentioned the stone size for her to have mentioned the different price!

Anyhow, I am more likely to go with custom WF now. My BF still roots for the A Jaffe but will go with whoever I decide.

Plus...they're simply nicer, and much more knowledgeable and professional at WF. In my mind I think I am just wanting to work with them on this...

I will decid by tomorrow. If I do go with the A Jaffe, I may find another dealer. It has not been a wonderful experience w/ Michael C Fina.
 
and to dreamer_d, I was wondering about your comment that I WILL need semi-regular repairs on this ring probably. I wanted to ask you if this is a very common issue with pavé settings? I have had RHRs with pavé settings and no issues at all, but they were worn very, very lightly. Whereas I plan to wear the e-ring pretty frequently. pavé = high-maintenance?
 
Date: 4/25/2010 8:55:24 AM
Author: TotalNewbie
and to dreamer_d, I was wondering about your comment that I WILL need semi-regular repairs on this ring probably. I wanted to ask you if this is a very common issue with pavé settings? I have had RHRs with pavé settings and no issues at all, but they were worn very, very lightly. Whereas I plan to wear the e-ring pretty frequently. pavé = high-maintenance?
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I have posted threads asking about this in the past. There are people who have no issues ever with their pave, but a lot dependson how the pave is made. But it seems to me that the vast majority of people here on PS who have pave have had to do some maintenance and or they look after their rings with more care than do people who do not own pave. The concensus seems to be that you need to accept that you will need maintenance on a pave ring. I know that WF will do that for you very easily, and if I were buying a pave ring, that is something I would definitely take into consideration.
 
Ah! Got it, dreamer_d.

That's important to know about WF. A Jaffe has an excellent warranty too. So it seems both offer great warranties, and both would have to effectively customize the ring. The A Jaffe dealer(s) are local vs WF being in Houston so I'd have to ship it to Houston for repairs potentially.

Well, WF is the company that has been providing better service so far (with quotes, the diamond, etc) so that's a very positive sign!
 
Date: 4/25/2010 10:39:41 AM
Author: TotalNewbie
Ah! Got it, dreamer_d.

That''s important to know about WF. A Jaffe has an excellent warranty too. So it seems both offer great warranties, and both would have to effectively customize the ring. The A Jaffe dealer(s) are local vs WF being in Houston so I''d have to ship it to Houston for repairs potentially.

Well, WF is the company that has been providing better service so far (with quotes, the diamond, etc) so that''s a very positive sign!
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Yes, my thought was that you would have to work with Fina each time which may be a plus or a minus depending on how they treat you.
 
Thanks again, dreamer_d. I will go to one more A Jaffe dealer locally, then make a final decision by Tues.

I do have to admit if pave stones started falling out, I''d prefer to get repairs done locally instead of shipping my ring. I was not impressed by Fina but there''s a dealer in NJ not far from me, I''ve found (from the A Jaffe site). That''s the ONLY thing WF has going against them in terms of this ring, that they are not nearby.

Of course I could always get a job in Houston to be closer to WF, hehe! Really terrific company, so prefessional.
 
Have you tried contacting Pearlman's for the A. Jaffe? I am not sure if they still technically sell A. Jaffe as I don't see it in their "main list" but I often see them in their bridal closeout for screaming deals....so they may still have stock or ways to access A. Jaffe.

You get a PS discount through them, I think, too.
 
Thanks, Raikai! I did contact Pearlman''s earlier in the search process. No luck with this style of A Jaffe ring, but goodness they have some stunning settings on clearance. Was worth a shot!
 
TotalNewbie, have you made your decision yet? I''m in a very similar situation. There''s an AJ ring I really like, but I''d like to see a few very subtle changes made to it. I''ve been in contact with WF to find out whether they can make what I have in mind. I don''t know yet how cost will compare.
 
Hi pitviper33,

I've decided! I'm going with the A Jaffe. I found another A Jaffe dealer, so my initial argument of not liking the dealer no longer applies (since I can go to another dealer). That being said, I know WF would do a good job. My other reasoning is that I just made a custom necklace and I'm simply too tired too look at more CAD drawings, wax models, etc. I'd have been more inclined to go through WF if not for JUST having finished the custom necklace. For most other people who haven't just finished a jewelry project though, going through the design process would probably be a lot of fun. WF sourced the diamond for me and I'm very, very grateful to them for that.

**Edited by moderator. No contact information allowed on the forums for your own safety and security** . But otherwise, good luck and you'll have a great ring whether you choose A Jaffe or WF! Keep me posted as to how it works out if you feel like it.
 
I know this thread is a few days old, but I just wanted to mention that I have a 3 ring A. Jaffe wedding set and I love it. I have never had any issues with it.
 
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