Custom Wedding Bands ?
Q.I would like some input about custom made wedding bands. I was thinking about something along the lines of a simple yellow and white gold or platnum band with some sort of simple design on it. Is it that much more expensive to have something like this made than it would be to order one from a jewelry store? I don't want anything out of this world, just simple and unique. What kind of experiance has anyone had with having one made? Opinions? Ideas?
A.My fiance had my engagement ring made, and we just went last week to talk to a jeweler about getting our wedding bands made. My engagement ring is white gold, yellow gold, and 3 small diamonds (more white gold than yellow). He paid $1000 for the ring. When we spoke to the jeweler (a different jeweler than the one who made the engagement ring) last week about the wedding bands, he quoted us a price of $175 for a custom yellow gold band to fit with my engagement ring, and $600 for a yellow and white gold band for my fiance. Price will change a little when the rings are finished, based on how much gold was actually used. My fiance originally chose white gold for my ring because platinum is way too expensive, and silver tarnishes, and wouldn't have looked as good with the yellow gold. The jeweler was actually the one to suggest it. Also, even though white gold is cheaper than platinum, it is still more expensive than yellow gold. Basically, your price will be determined by the type and amount of gold or silver or platinum that you choose. And, jeweler's, I'm sure have to include a fee for making the rings for you, but I wouldn't know how much, since we've always just gotten straight quotes on total ring price. As an aside, I've gotten many compliments on my ring. People have asked me where I got it, and it's always nice to tell them that my fiance had it made for me. My finance and I are having his wedding band made b/c my engagement ring /wedding band set is quite unique. The goldsmith we visited this weekend is willing to make a band that had one band of gold, one band of platnium and then another band of gold, 2mm. thick with a comfort fit for $575. I thought that was really reasonable considering Christian Bauer's similar design is being sold for $1040 in the jewelry store down the street. I also like the idea of having something done that was especially for you. We're getting our rings (all 3) made by a local jeweller and it also seems to be cheaper than ordering from one of the bigger companies (i.e. Christian Bauer). The engagement ring I liked is called a "Tulip" and done all in platinum. It would've cost about $1600 (w/out a diamond) to order it from Lazaare (sp?), but the jeweller is making it for $800... then we just had to buy the diamond. A companion wedding band in platinum will cost $400. For my fiance, he is making a platinum ring with a small diamond in a bezel setting for $1000 - a similar ring by Christian Bauer in yellow and white gold was priced higher than this platinum ring! I think we got a better deal having them made... even though they were not "custom designed".
Other Questions :
Crystal Helpful Jewelry Links
I'm new to all of this and am trying to learn how to Wire Wrap Seaglass and make earrings and necklaces. any online instructions out there?? I live in the Caribbean and not aware of any classes I can take locally. Any help would be...
Horizon H.S. Class Ring Found ?
Today, I went out detecting and I found a heavy Mens 10 kt Gold, H.S Class Ring buried 4" deep. It sure made my day, but I want to return it to its rightful owner. I was wondering how to go about returning it the owner? I would like to return...
Braided Jewelry Making Wire.
I'm a total novice when it comes to jewelry making, but I have long wanted to make an "ear cuff" for myself out of gold. Can someone recommend a good place to get gold wire and solder that is suitable for working with it? Also, will a regu...
Nj Ring Titanium, milling Titanium ?
Could you mill Titanium (Ti-15V-3Cr-3Al-3Sn) with TiN coated 4 fluted end mills? Or if not what is recommended?Cut it with what? Titanium requires a very rigid machine with a ton of power. A 4fl EM will work fine, however boatloads of coolant are...
Diamond Heart Necklace Jewelry.
What style of jewelry does everyone like? I seem to be drawn to necklaces and earrings that are heart shaped. I do own a few cross necklaces. And I love chiming harmony ball necklaces. But, I am mostly a heart person. Yesterday was my b...