AboutLes Keller Expertise With over 28 years in the jewelry industry we can answer most any questions you may have regarding "fine" jewelry, we cannot answer questions regarding "costume" jewelry or antique value jewelry unless it is diamond or gemstone related. In addition I cannot answer questions regarding Hallmarks or which jeweler made your item of jewelry. Please do not ask these questions as I am a diamond expert and jewelry designer.
Experience I am a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America since August 1982, and have sold diamonds wholesale, custom mfg. and designed quality high end jewelry. I have appraised jewelry for government agencies and continue to deal with Insurance co. for replacement of lost jewelry.
Education/Credentials Gemological Institute of America, 28 years experience in the Gem and Diamond Industry.
Expert: Les Keller Date: 6/28/2008 Subject: Wedding Band
Question Hi Les,
I recently had the privilege of becoming engaged and have attached a link to view the ring that I now so proudly wear. http://www.callacut.com/viewitem.asp?idProduct=146&priceRange=0x999999&curPage=1 . My fiance and I are searching for wedding bands prior to the 'big day' but I'm having an issue. I have seen bridal sets where the engagement ring has a pinched shank (as mine is) and the wedding band forms to the ring to make them sit flush. Do you think that's a realistic possibility in my case? I have yet to consult with the retailer but I read a past answer you gave in which you mentioned you had designed jewelry in the past. Is this something that can be done. If so, how expensive and would it have to be custom made. Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Mr. Keller!
Sherley
Answer Sherley-
congratulations on your engagement and soon to be your wedding day!!! its exciting.
to answer your question: Yes it is possible to mfg a wedding band which conforms to your engagement perfectly, the issue would be what type of diamonds if any you would want in the wedding band, Im assuming you would want rounds to match the 8 rounds you have in the engagement ring? the wedding band would have to match the style of setting you have in the eng ring which is shared prong beaded, The wedding band could have diamonds along the entire band or you could have a section where the center diamond and Calla cut diamonds have nothing just a very thin gold wire and continue with the diamonds on the other side......
My suggestion would be to make a band with all diamonds which would fit perfectly into your eng. ring. To do this we need your engagement ring so we could fit a wax model perfectly and then cast and set the diamonds. I would need your eng. ring for 8 days to fit the wax, cast, finish and set all the diamonds. The cost depends on the total diamond weight to match your ring which I'm assuming is .25cts total weight for just the round diamonds, the wedding bands diamonds would be approx. .40cts and would have approx. 18 diamonds including the small area where your engagement rings shank "pinches" into the center section.
Cost would be approx. 900.00 using VS-1 G-color diamonds, in 18kt white gold we can add additional 150.00
all the best
Les
ARK Jewelers Inc
13880 Cedar Rd
University Hts., Ohio 44118
888.293.8881
www.arkinc.com
over 28 years in the jewelry industry
GIA Graduates and designers on premises
