This Edwardian ring? Buy or build?

[vladib2b]

Hello, everyone. I am planning to pop the question soon, and after a looooooooong search (not NEARLY enough "o's" in that word!), I've finally settled on what I believe will be the ring. This is it: an Edwardian ring. She loves it, I love it. Problem is, do I just buy it from Fay Cullen without the center stone, or I take pictures of it and have someone create it? (Their center stones are terribly cut which is why I'd order without one.)

Fay Cullen has beautiful stuff, but I hear their craftsmanship is sometimes shoddy and their return policy is horrendous.

But does anyone have any experience with going to a jeweler and having them make a ring from pics and putting them into a clay formation, and then producing it? Was the final product what it should have been? Cuz once they make it, there are no returns...

OR...does anyone know where else I can get an Edwardian ring that looks just like that? I saw one on eBay, but the center stone had an enhanced diamond, something I didn't want. Isn't that ring gorgeous?

 

[MariMeow]

Why do you say the stone is terribly cut? You do know one of the best things about having an antique is having an old cut diamond, right?

Either get this one, and don't change it, or create another from zero. No point having a piece you can't appreciate.

Sorry, it gets on my nerves whenever someone refers to an old cut as a "terribly cut" or "low quality" stone.

 

[vladib2b]

I'm very grateful for your response. Keep in mind that I'm a newbie and this was my first post. So please help me understand...

I don't know whether or not you followed the link, but I don't believe the ring is an actual antique, but a replica. And there is nothing on the GIA report to indicate that it is "old (European) cut"...the report simply says that the cut quality is "fair." The Gia report is also included in the link. Please let me know if I'm off track...

 

[meely]

I'm very grateful for your response. Keep in mind that I'm a newbie and this was my first post. So please help me understand...

I don't know whether or not you followed the link, but I don't believe the ring is an actual antique, but a replica. And there is nothing on the GIA report to indicate that it is "old (European) cut"...the report simply says that the cut quality is "fair." The Gia report is also included in the link. Please let me know if I'm off track...

The link doesn't work for me so perhaps not for others either. Maybe how could identify the name of the ring.

 

[Austina]

It says 'Edwardian style' which does suggest that it's not actually from that era. The GIA report is from 2011, and you're right, the centre diamond isn't great.

I'd suggest posting in Rocky Talk, you'll get more people responding who'll be able to help you source a fantastic stone and will probably be able to help you find a similar setting.

 

[valeria101]

I was typing roughly the same as Austina just wrote.

There have been a few very similar rings done around here lately. Perhaps none identical, but very close. Simplifying the design a bit would do no harm, IHMO. The Edwardians are no longer around to cry foul ...

 

[kgizo]

Fay Cullen gets some of their settings from JC Blackburn, www.jcblackburn.com. If your ring is one of those settings you could get it and a center diamond from a jeweler you are more comfortable with. Good luck.

 

[Katesimone]

Why do you say the stone is terribly cut? You do know one of the best things about having an antique is having an old cut diamond, right?

Either get this one, and don't change it, or create another from zero. No point having a piece you can't appreciate.

Sorry, it gets on my nerves whenever someone refers to an old cut as a "terribly cut" or "low quality" stone.

The ring is not actually Edwardian, but an Edwardian style and brand new.

If you love the setting, definitely pick your own diamond that you prefer. I personally think you could find a similar setting that is better quality if you're looking for a brand new ring, or you could look for a genuine Edwardian ring which would be much more well made than the ring you're looking at. Perhaps have a look on etsy for Edwardian diamond rings and see if you like any of those, otherwise you've been given some great recommendations on the thread you posted in RockyTalky for alternative settings.

 

[foxinsox]

@vladib2b I saw this ring today and thought it looked quite similar
https://www.etsy.com/listing/266663446/215ct-estate-diamond-engagement-ring - not sure of your budget tho and if you're after vintage or new

 

[vladib2b]

I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has chimed in. I followed every single lead! I've got a lot thinking to do, I'll be posting here later....

 

[vladib2b]

The ring is not actually Edwardian, but an Edwardian style and brand new.

If you love the setting, definitely pick your own diamond that you prefer. I personally think you could find a similar setting that is better quality if you're looking for a brand new ring, or you could look for a genuine Edwardian ring which would be much more well made than the ring you're looking at. Perhaps have a look on etsy for Edwardian diamond rings and see if you like any of those, otherwise you've been given some great recommendations on the thread you posted in RockyTalky for alternative settings.

Where can I find a genuine Edwardian ring?

Oh, and I did move discussion to the RockyTalky section here.

 

[kgizo]

I suggest prioritizing your shopping wishlist: OEC or MRB diamond, diamond size /color preference, how soon do you need the ring, does it need to be an exact replica of FC setting or true antique or a new setting with an antique vibe, metal preference, etc.
Did you check the JC Blackburn site? It looks like it may be the one in the pic below. Does your local jeweler carry this manufacturer's settings?