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Should I even consider this reset or just go with VC???

J

JLFG

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 3, 2014
Messages
99
My husband had my e-ring created over 3 years ago and there's always been aspects of it that I didn't love. While I love the halo look I don't like the way my halo looks. I feel like it always looks dirty and from the side it's not straight.

We recently had a baby and my husband had a ring created for me that we both agreed we didn't like. Unfortunately I can only get a credit versus full refund which is why I'm trying my hardest to find something I love at that same store. Long story short I finally told my husband that I'd really like to reset my ring. He worked hard on it so naturally he was a little disappointed but understood. With that, I had a new setting mocked up by the same place. I've posted pics of my current ring and new setting. I'm not loving the new setting and for a fully cast ring it seems expensive ($5k+). I'd love to hear what everyone thinks and whether or not that seems high for a cast setting.

In the end I know I should go forward with someone like VC but I'm nervous bc I've never seen his work in person.

New setting

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Current ring:

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What is it you don't like? It's not straight? What do you mean?
 
Am I understanding that they have now made two rings that you didn't really like? I don't think I'd even consider a third!

Victor's pave work is as close to perfection as it gets. His designs are far better than the CAD you posted, too. Plus his are hand forged and not cast. You could get someone like ERD to do a cast version in the $3k range. I would not let this jeweler do another setting considering they have done two you didn't like (plus it sounds like they are overpriced).
 
5k is a lot for a cast setting.
 
Thanks for the input and happy to hear I'm right about this place being overpriced.

My main concern with my current ring is the actual halo. There are an uneven numbers of stones and I don't like the way the halo and center diamond flow. In the right light and well cleaned it looks great but most of the time I feel like there's too much space between each chip.also when you view the ring from the side it's clearly not level.

I love the idea of this ring and want something similar. The new setting just feels too generic and not worth $5k.

Would love to hear what you think about the new design and if you agree with my thoughts.


Thanks for all the help.
 
It's this side not level thing I'm wondering about.

Most properly made halos are tilted 20 degrees or so. they aren't perfectly perpendicular to the shank. Victor's will be tilted as well.

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Good piece of info as I didn't realize that. He's another pic of my ring to help so you what I mean. However, like I mentioned the part I really don't like is the actual halo.

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With a VC ring do you think I'd notice a huge difference is the actual halo? Can you tell by my pics of this ring was cast or a mix of cast and hand?
 
Gosh, seeing your last picture, that ring should have been redone. I am betting they are doing cast rather than handforged, but it is hard to explain the crooked head!!! You will just get a totally different quality ring from Victor.

Here is Frankie's experience and photos of halo rings from Victor, Steven Kirsch, and Leon Mege.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/comparison-photos-of-my-victor-canera-sk-leon-ring-setting.166496/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/comparison-photos-of-my-victor-canera-sk-leon-ring-setting.166496/[/URL]

Here is her final setting from Victor after she upgraded her diamond:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/3-075ct-h-vs1-rb-diamond-in-victor-canera-emilya-halo-ring.181019/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/3-075ct-h-vs1-rb-diamond-in-victor-canera-emilya-halo-ring.181019/[/URL]

Almost none of us have a local jeweler who can do this level of work. Most people don't know the difference because they have never seen work of this caliber. But once you have, you don't want to waste money on settings of lesser quality. You'd get a heck of a lot more for $5k with Victor.
 
Yeah, where you located in the US? Maybe we can get you over to someone local that's better.

But I agree with DS. That level of workmanship is rare in my areas. I suggest you look really closely at Victor's halo's posted on here and see if you really like them.
 
Thanks and I'm happy to hear I'm not going crazy regarding my current ring. I should've spoke up when I got it but I didn't unfortunately spending another $5k on a setting that's cast with nothing unique about it feels like a total waste when I could be getting something unique and that I will love for a long time.

My only issue now is I have a credit with this other store that I need to use. Maybe VC could reset my ring and they could make a band to go with it. I know that's not ideal but I hate to lose $$.

To top it off the owner of that store is a pain to deal with and won't do anything unless he likes it. I would never recommend them.

Other than VC do you have any recommendations? I know someone mentioned EDR (I know it's not the same but might be cheaper) but wasn't sure if they only sold settings.

If only i was part of the process from the start and didn't let my husband (wonderful husband) design the ring.
 
ERD will do settings only.

What is the amount of credit? Do you want a pendant or earrings or something in their stock case? That's your best bet... just go and browse and see what they have... that is already made, that you like.
 
The credit is for $2500. The issue with that store is everything is overpriced and it's nearly impossible to find something for that amount. You're right my best bet is to pick something already made versus attempting to do something custom. I don't even want to go back there bc the gentleman that runs it is so annoying.

I know ERD won't compare to VC but it's another option.
 
 
Maybe you can use the credit at the store for some earrings or maybe a pendant. Find something other than a ring that you might enjoy and the look else where for you ring.

Good luck

:bigsmile:
 
Definitely just get a diamond to set in a pendant, a bracelet, or earrings, a watch, but nothing custom!

You can go with Victor or Steven for somewhere near $5k or my understanding is that ERD is maybe under $4k. So you do have options for a better setting outcome.
 
Do you guys agree that the new setting I posted is expensive for what it is? Does anyone like the new setting or should I totally scratch it. I'm pretty sure all the jewelry he has in stick he made.

My husband is actually considering calling him again and trying to get refunded but I doubt that will happen.
 
Definitely overpriced.
 
Sorry I just needed to hear that again. My husband feels so band that he went to this guy in the first place but paying more for something doesn't make sense.

What do you think of the quality of WF settings? I'm looking at the vatche Grace but not sure if it's too heavy looking.

I really appreciate all the help. I know I won't be able to change my setting for a very long time so I want to make sure I do it right.
 
I second Gypsy's suggestion to just get a diamond there and put it into a simple pendant setting. Don't throw good money after bad by topping up $2.5 k for their custom setting. I love the Vatche Grace. But since you love halo, you should really get your first love.
 
I'm currently located in texas outside Dallas. I moved here in August with my husband from NYC. I'm traveling back east next week for a week and could meet with some local vendors if there's more options.

Right now I'm thinking VC, ERD or Gabriel and Co. Not sure about the last option but they look to have a ton of halos.

Also, do you think it might be worth exploring whether or not the current store would buy by center stone and apply my credit towards a new larger stone???? Is that a crazy idea or even a good one???

I'm also thinking I should contact the original designer of my ring and see if they will agree to make changes at a discount. It's been over 3 years so I highly doubt it but can't hurt to ask.

I'm so new to all of this and didn't pay much attention when I got engaged bc I was so in love and just happy to get married. However, I realize now its a ton of money to spend and something g you look at everyday so you need to be 100% happy.

Thanks you all your I put and help. I finally feel like I'm getting somewhere.
 
Hmm it sounds overpriced to me. A VC Emilya halo which is hand forged is $4k.

At the $5k they're charging you, you could get the $4k VC halo, and buy something using your $2,500, as long as it's actually worth more than $1,500 you're still better off.

$2.5k in credit is a fair amount but not massive. You could get some smaller items and use that up if it's valid for a while (and you trust the store). Or if a friend or anyone is looking for items, have them use your credit and give you cash. You could also buy presents for any upcoming events.

I think even if the third ring they make you is amazing, you'll still psychologically fault it.
 
I'm thinking just maybe I could use it to get a simple band to go with victors ring bc my eternity band I wear now wouldn't go but I will just move that to my right hand.

If I keep it simple he might be able to do it.
 
Looking at your pictures of your current ring I have pretty severe issues with it but I'm picky about settings. My biggest issue is not the tilt that Gypsy already pointed out but the overall bulk of the setting. It just looks thick! Im guessing it is uncomfortable to wear too?

If price is a factor then definitely look into Gabriel and Co. I think they have pretty halos that are affordable. If you want something custom but still affordable then go with ERD and have them CAD/ CAST you a HW inspired halo. They do amazing! If you want to spend more and really get a hand forged piece then go with SK or VC. If you haven't already I would check out Charmy's guide to creatinga HW inspired halo! it will explain the different vendor options, pricing and everything else. Definitely do your homework. You don't have to spend 4-5k on a great setting. To be honest Daniel KLass just reset my 2ct MRB into a GORGEOUS SETTING that I like better then some of my hand forged stuff and it was 1/3 the price. Do your homework and go with someone who you feel comfortable with. All of the PS vendors are amazing!
 
Gabriel is a budget brand, IMO. I don't recommend you go with them.

If you want a halo there are much better choices.
 
I have a meeting with ERD in two weeks!!! Going to start there and also get a quote from VC and then decide. Thanks for everyone help. Definitely feel like I'm moving in the right direction.
 
Both do beautiful work. Are you getting a quote for hand forged from ERD or just CAST/CAD? They offer both. I just want to be clear b/c you will see a larger price gap in quotes for ERD CAST (typically around 2.5-3k) to VC (typically around 4.5k+). If you go with ERD hand forged I heard they are closer in price to VC.

If you visit with ERD ask to see both kinds if they happen to have. Some people see the differences between the two styles while others don't. I think this will give you an idea of what you prefer.
 
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