Tension Mounted Upgrade Question! Kinda long, sorry!

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jayhawkgirl

jayhawkgirl

O.G.
Feb 16, 2007
526
1
#1
I have been wearing by 1.25 ct round E-ring in a simple rounded cathedrial solitaire for 3 years now and we are finally able to afford the modern, tension mounting that I have been wanting ever since we got engaged.

My question is this, I have two jewelers that have quoted doing the custom work and they each have outstanding reputations but I got such a different vibe from each one that I don't know what to do!

The first's specialty IS tension mounted engagement rings. I worked in the jewelry industry a few years ago and any time we had someone want a tension mounting, we sent them to this guy. My gut is to go with him but his mounting is about 30% more expensive than the 2nd option. He is VERY comfortable using my stone in a true tension mounting.

The 2nd jeweler's reputation is more for super high-end custom pieces. They understood what I was looking for and seemed very open to working with us on price but I got the feeling that since this is a somewhat small project by their standards they were not super excited about taking it on. The other catch is that they want to put a support under the girdle of the diamond so it won't be a TRUE tension mounting and will take away from the cool side view of a tension mounting.

My gut is to go with the first jeweler but I don't know what to do! What would YOU do??
 
#5
I'd go with the first jeweler. Even if it's the more expensive option, it doesn't sound like the second jeweler can really give you what you want. If you end up sacrificing your vision over price now, it might end up costing you more in the long run.

This is your dream ring--make sure you get what you really want!
 
#6
1st one.
I have my tiny .50ct tension mounted. Love it. Had it made for me. Yellow and White gold mount. I love tension mounted diamonds they let the diamond be the focal point.
 
#8
i would go with the first guy as well. sounds like a 30% price difference, though significant, would be miniscule if the project doesn't turn out well or in the way you want it. sounds like you can't go wrong with the first guy. please update us when you get it done! good luck.
 
#13
There's another option that will save you an insane amount of money. I know a lot of people are wary of doing anything with their diamonds online, but there are great, reputable diamond jewelers online who can set your diamond into the setting you want. Yes, you would be mailing your diamond, but these guys have to be honest to keep their businesses afloat. Like Amazon, online jewelers can give you what you want for WAY less money because they don't have the overhead of brick-and-mortar stores and employees for them.

For the best images and customer service, I recommend JamesAllen.com. They can talk you through the whole process on the phone or by chat, and you'll get so much more for your money.

I know it's a scary thought at first, but these guys are true professionals. And they're all super-nice.
 
#14
I looked at a ring from James Allen but got a snippy answer back from the customer service department because I didn't want to buy a diamond from them.

I did decide to go with the first guy and I dropped my ring off to him tonight. I'm so excited but the next 2-3 weeks are going to seem like FOREVER!

Thank you all so much for helping to make this decision easier, it's so good to have a neutral opinion!
 
#15
Yay I CANNOT WAIT for photos!!!

I personally think this IKNOWDIAMONDS person is either a JA employee or a shill for them. She/He just joined and almost all of their posts are about JA and look like someone in PR wrote the comment.
 
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