Upgrading setting (not diamond)

[MrsDiamondHeart]

I recently introduced myself to this amazing forum as my husband recently upgraded my engagement ring and I had ordered the diamond before finding all if you experts. I’d had a bit of a wobble but I’ve been reassured that my diamond, whilst not ideal, is not a dud (more by luck than judgement!) and I am super happy with it. Thanks to everyone who chipped in including @Karl_K It was a great price and it’s fiery and I don’t want to change it - can’t find anything with a better cut for the price. I’m not planning on upgrading, this 0.82 size is perfect for me, I’ve got size 4 fingers and would rather spend money on a new eternity band!

In a perfect world, my husband wanted to buy the 6 prong classic T&Co ring, but no way was I prepared to spend that much. I’d looked at WF and the Vatche U113 which I LOVE but I couldn’t find a diamond in budget once UK VAT and duty was added on. So ordered from BN UK and got the classic 6 prong with platinum prongs and 18ct white gold shank.

It’s perfectly fine. But there’s no getting away from the fact that the prongs are very chunky. I’m not going to send it back, I’m wearing it, and prepared to write off the £450 setting.

Does anyone know if it’s possible to get the Vatche in the UK? I’ve googled and can’t find any. Or is there an alternative similar style available in the UK? WF won’t sell just the setting.

Alternatively, is there anything that can be done to the existing setting by a bench to make the BN more elegant? Or is that throwing good money after bad? Have attached photos.

Or a solution I have t thought of? I’m not in a rush to do anything immediately.

Thanks so much

 

[elizat]

Did BN set the stone? The prongs could probably be shaped and worked on a bit if you have a trusted jeweler. But ask for photos first of similar work. Will BN slightly alter and taper your prongs? Do you have photos of what you want v what you have? What specifically is not to your liking?

 

[mrs-b]

You can easily have the stone unset, the prongs tapered to claws, the band tapered if you want, then the stone reset. I had that done to a BN setting. (Photo attached) My only caveat tho - I had a jeweler I trusted (Good Old Gold).

 

[tyty333]

Are you still within the return period (for the setting only).

This one looks more like a Tiffany setting than the one you have. Of course, more money and still may not scratch that itch for you.

Petite Nouveau Six Claw Solitaire Engagement Ring in Platinum | Blue Nile UK

This petite version of our elegant Nouveau solitaire features an intricate six-claw platinum setting to beautifully showcase your choice of centre diamond.

www.bluenile.com

Edit
You might be able to get David Klass to make a Tiffany close to your specs and have it sent to you. You would need a trusted jeweler
to set your stone and work the prongs the way you want them. I'm not sure if DK will do this so you would need to ask.

David Klass

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHMKWkLlpto/

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https://www.instagram.com/p/CEiMfxChYDT/ huge stone!

 

[mrs-b]

Are you still within the return period (for the setting only).

This one looks more like a Tiffany setting than the one you have. Of course, more money and still may not scratch that itch for you.

Petite Nouveau Six Claw Solitaire Engagement Ring in Platinum | Blue Nile UK

This petite version of our elegant Nouveau solitaire features an intricate six-claw platinum setting to beautifully showcase your choice of centre diamond.

www.bluenile.com

Edit
You might be able to get David Klass to make a Tiffany close to your specs and have it sent to you. You would need a trusted jeweler
to set your stone and work the prongs the way you want them. I'm not sure if DK will do this so you would need to ask.

David Klass

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHMKWkLlpto/

Login • Instagram

Welcome back to Instagram. Sign in to check out what your friends, family & interests have been capturing & sharing around the world.

www.instagram.com

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEiMfxChYDT/ huge stone!

I believe they would. They can also replace the head with something that *can* be worked if it's an issue.

I believe the OP is in the UK tho, so will not want to ship.

 

[MrsDiamondHeart]

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply everyone.

Will BN slightly alter and taper your prongs?

I don’t want to return to BN - it’s £50 postage each way!

@mrs-b thanks very much for sharing your modified BN, it’s amazing! I’d definitely need to find someone I can trust (after lockdown). And you’re right, I’m in London but have never had any significant work done anywhere so not sure where I’d start. But that would be a great option.

@tyty333 the other BN setting is platinum. I’ve been married a long time and my other bands are all 18ct white gold and this is only available in 14ct so I
ruled it out at the time, I’ve also been wearing my ring so wouldn’t be able to return it.

David Klass’s rings are beautiful but I imagine I’d have to ship my diamond to him and that feels like a massive deal to me.

Why don’t we have the choice in the UK that you guys have in the US!

Ideally I’d find a London jeweller who can get me the Vatche but I simply can’t find a UK stockist.

 

[mrs-b]

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply everyone.

I don’t want to return to BN - it’s £50 postage each way!

@mrs-b thanks very much for sharing your modified BN, it’s amazing! I’d definitely need to find someone I can trust (after lockdown). And you’re right, I’m in London but have never had any significant work done anywhere so not sure where I’d start. But that would be a great option.

@tyty333 the other BN setting is platinum. I’ve been married a long time and my other bands are all 18ct white gold and this is only available in 14ct so I
ruled it out at the time, I’ve also been wearing my ring so wouldn’t be able to return it.

David Klass’s rings are beautiful but I imagine I’d have to ship my diamond to him and that feels like a massive deal to me.

Why don’t we have the choice in the UK that you guys have in the US!

Ideally I’d find a London jeweller who can get me the Vatche but I simply can’t find a UK stockist.

I don't think you need to find a UK stockist.

Contact any vendor (Good Old Gold carries Vatche or perhaps it's possible to work with vatche direct) and have the setting made to your specifics, then shipped to you. Then all your local jeweler needs to do is set the diamond.

 

[MrsDiamondHeart]

Oh! Wow! Thanks @mrs-b that’s really helpful. I looked at WF and they wouldn’t shop just the setting, so I assumed it would be the same elsewhere.

I’ll contact Good Old Gold and see what they say.

Thanks again!

If anyone knows of a great jeweller in London who could do this, I’d love a recommendation.

 

[RockFox]

Oh! Wow! Thanks @mrs-b that’s really helpful. I looked at WF and they wouldn’t shop just the setting, so I assumed it would be the same elsewhere.

I’ll contact Good Old Gold and see what they say.

Thanks again!

If anyone knows of a great jeweller in London who could do this, I’d love a recommendation.

Hi there - I have worked with Bespoke Goldsmith (you can look them up on Instagram) and have only had great experiences there. They also hand fabricate settings if you can’t get the Vatche setting easily.

 

[mrs-b]

Oh! Wow! Thanks @mrs-b that’s really helpful. I looked at WF and they wouldn’t shop just the setting, so I assumed it would be the same elsewhere.

I’ll contact Good Old Gold and see what they say.

Thanks again!

If anyone knows of a great jeweller in London who could do this, I’d love a recommendation.

Also check out Vatche directly.

 

[lovedogs]

I agree with others about having someone make a setting for your stones' exact measurements and then having a local jeweler set your stone. That way you dont need to send your diamond back and forth.

Imho the setting you got wont ever satisfy your desire for the tiffany style bc it's pretty different from that style overall. I think contacting vatche directly or DK is your best bet to get the style you really love.

 

[Bfelix]

Hi there - I have worked with Bespoke Goldsmith (you can look them up on Instagram) and have only had great experiences there. They also hand fabricate settings if you can’t get the Vatche setting easily.

I just went onto bespoke goldsmith on ig and wow! The work looks amazing and they are in London. I would reach out to them and get a price.

 

[MrsDiamondHeart]

Great advice everyone, thank you, and thanks @DiamondLizzy for the tip, off to check them out.

I’ve already emailed Vatche so I’ll see whether they come back to me.

 

[MrsDiamondHeart]

Hi there - I have worked with Bespoke Goldsmith (you can look them up on Instagram) and have only had great experiences there. They also hand fabricate settings if you can’t get the Vatche setting easily.

You are a wonder, I’ve just spent the last hour scrolling through their beautiful work.

This is stunning https://www.instagram.com/p/BwuZgqhBAN4/?igshid=1q3978gkeh5n2

I’m going to contact them in the morning. Thank you again for the tip.

 

[RockFox]

You are a wonder, I’ve just spent the last hour scrolling through their beautiful work.

This is stunning https://www.instagram.com/p/BwuZgqhBAN4/?igshid=1q3978gkeh5n2

I’m going to contact them in the morning. Thank you again for the tip.

Only a pleasure. They were really lovely to deal with and very reasonably priced.

 

[MillieLou]

Noah James Jewellery in Manchester is very good, I have had two lovely rings from them previously - one custom, one off the shelf. Beautiful workmanship on both. Have a look at their website. They make all their settings and will do video consultations and could do a setting even during lockdown (if you were prepared to mail it, via insured special delivery obviously). I know this because I asked about setting a diamond I've just got from BN UK! In the end I decided to stick with my cheapy BN setting for now as I quite like it. But they quoted me 3 weeks and the price for a simple, nicely designed solitaire in platinum was £725. I think it was only about £100 less for 18k gold.

I don't think they would set a stone in someone else's setting though. To be honest I don't know any UK jewellers who would - there would be little incentive to take the risk. If you do find someone willing to do this and who does it well, let me know...

I think you'd be best finding a jeweller who has made a setting you like and you can see the finished product, either in person or via detailed close up photos. Then ask them to make the same for you. At least you would know they have the skills to do it, and are working with a familiar alloy and design etc.

Edit: I see you're in London - I'm sure there are similar jewellers nearer to you. I only know the ones in Manchester as I live here, but there are 3 within driving distance of me who I would be happy to trust to make a good quality custom setting, so it's not rare by any means.

 

[MrsDiamondHeart]

Thank you @MillieLou you're absolutely right, there will be loads of great crafts people in the UK, it’s just that I’m not sure where to start but I’ve already had some brilliant suggestions. The jeweller who made my original engagement ring and load of my jewellery is no longer in business so it’s all a bit new.

Noah James looks fab, I’d prefer to be able to drop my diamond in person (once lockdown is over) but posting within the UK is not out of the question.

This forum really is I’m extremely glad I found it!

 

[MillieLou]

Definitely try and find someone local if you can. It will make things easier for future maintenance and so on. Personal recommendation is always the best way and it sounds like you have some good suggestions.

I noticed your other thread with your original rings - they are beautiful! Just a thought - if you are having a new setting made, would you consider getting the new ring in unplated white gold to match (rather than re-rhodiuming your old ones)? I think the colour is gorgeous on you. I wanted unplated myself but BN don't do it, so I'm just waiting patiently for my plating to wear off in a year or two

Your BN ring is actually my original e-ring setting. I remember the giant prongs with nostalgia. They aren't so bad on my emerald cut new ring, but yeah, delicate prongs are definitely not BN's strong suit! If you are sure you don't want to keep it, and you're within your return window, do speak to them and explain this situation - their customer service is amazing and they may well be willing to take it back if it's just a few days of surface wear that would easily buff out (assuming you haven't been gardening in it...)

 

[MrsDiamondHeart]

Thank you for the comment on my old rings, they’ve definitely ‘lived’! I never take them off because there’s nothing delicate about them, although I have chipped one of the tiny diamonds in the eternity. I do love that natural white gold and considering unplated. I did toy with going for platinum but it’s nice to have the option of two colours.

It is a perfectly nice setting and very secure! But as noted by others, I think that having waiting this long for a ‘proper’ engagement ring I want it to be exactly what I always wanted.

Good suggestion but I don’t think I can face returning the setting, it’s probably going to end up costing £100 in FedEx- plus I want to wear this diamond and it could be ages before I can get a new setting depending on how long businesses stay closed. I would not have been brave enough or educated enough to have ordered the diamond unset so I’m writing it off, I might be able to get something for it as scrap or as a lightly used setting.

I will let you know where I end up!

 

[MrsDiamondHeart]

Hi all

You’ve all been so helpful so I wanted to update you and let you know that I am now wearing my most perfect ER.

I worked with Simon (Bespoke Goldsmith) who hand forged my new platinum 6 prong knife edge solitaire and I absolutely love it. He’s an amazing artist and he now has a customer for life. I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.

Thanks for all the fantastic advice, particularly to @RockFox for Simon’s Instagram link. And to @lovedogs, who I can’t seem to tag, but who was kind enough to look at my shoddy home made ideal scope image and give me the thumbs up on my diamond.

I can now enjoy my perfect ring, and my diamond, which is definitely a keeper. This forum is amazing.

 

[foxinsox]

Hi all

You’ve all been so helpful so I wanted to update you and let you know that I am now wearing my most perfect ER.

I worked with Simon (Bespoke Goldsmith) who hand forged my new platinum 6 prong knife edge solitaire and I absolutely love it. He’s an amazing artist and he now has a customer for life. I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.

Thanks for all the fantastic advice, particularly to @RockFox for Simon’s Instagram link. And to @lovedogs, who I can’t seem to tag, but who was kind enough to look at my shoddy home made ideal scope image and give me the thumbs up on my diamond.

I can now enjoy my perfect ring, and my diamond, which is definitely a keeper. This forum is amazing.

I feel like you need to post a few pictures for us! It sounds totally gorgeous and we need to see!

 

[RockFox]

Hi all

You’ve all been so helpful so I wanted to update you and let you know that I am now wearing my most perfect ER.

I worked with Simon (Bespoke Goldsmith) who hand forged my new platinum 6 prong knife edge solitaire and I absolutely love it. He’s an amazing artist and he now has a customer for life. I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.

Thanks for all the fantastic advice, particularly to @RockFox for Simon’s Instagram link. And to @lovedogs, who I can’t seem to tag, but who was kind enough to look at my shoddy home made ideal scope image and give me the thumbs up on my diamond.

I can now enjoy my perfect ring, and my diamond, which is definitely a keeper. This forum is amazing.

Amazing would love to see a photo . And so glad it worked out with Simon he is fantastic.

 

[MjK1]

Pictures please!!

 

[tyty333]

 

[MrsDiamondHeart]

Oh! I wasn’t sure if people would be interested! I’m rubbish at photos but here’s a few, the one with the blue background is one that Simon took for me. I love it. It has everything I was looking for, including a very subtle taper into the head.

 

[MrsDiamondHeart]

Last photo isn’t the diamond colour, it’s a reflection!

 

[TwinkleStar]

Beautiful!!!!! Love the journey of people here helping you get your dream ring! Enjoy in good health!

 

[RockFox]

@MrsDiamondHeart That is stunning - congratulations. I'm so glad you are thrilled with the end result. Love how the prongs are clearly sturdy and yet delicate at the same time. Top marks for Simon

 

[MillieLou]

It's beautiful!!

If you don't mind sharing, how did the cost (ballpark) compare to BN? I am planning to re-set my EC in a plain plat solitaire at some point in the future...

 

[MrsDiamondHeart]

It's beautiful!!

If you don't mind sharing, how did the cost (ballpark) compare to BN? I am planning to re-set my EC in a plain plat solitaire at some point in the future...

It was a fair bit more than BN because he hand forges and the setting is made for the diamond. This design was based on drawings, there was no CAD. But it was a lot cheaper than buying the Vatche U113 and getting that set which had been my plan until I met Simon.

He’s really responsive to emails, I’m sure he’d give you a ballpark quote. I was able to visit him as he’s got a workshop (which is amazing) but he also has a mail option. Shout if you want his website details, he has two, one for the bespoke work, and another for jewellery repairs.