4 replies to this topic

[pfq1982]

Hi all,

What is a good rule of thumb for pricing or cost of wedding bands? For sake of simplicity let's assume 14k white gold, ~ 4.5 ring size... so not a ton of metal involved here and price is largely driven by the diamonds. I'm really focused on ~ 3 pt diamonds (I assume all settings (channel set, 4 prong, 2 prong, share prong) are roughly the same cost), which is a nice size to complement her engagement ring. I've noticed that unlike loose stones, diamond district prices appear to be better than Blue Nile prices (espesc for men's bands)...

I'm getting quoted $125 - $200 pretty consistently for a simple men's 14ct white gold plan wedding band.

I'm getting quoted $550- $1200 (HUGE range) for women's wedding band, 14ct white gold between .35ct and 1.1 ct worth of stones. (some are eternity style, some not).

Any rough rule of thumb from the trade would be ideal. Any help appreciated!

[davidelevi]

The range you are seeing reflects the amount of stones (and the work in setting them): assuming F-G/VS 3 pointers retail for about $1000/ct set, the cost of the band is between the $100-200 you get quoted for the plain one (BTW - 125-200 is still a reasonably wide range of 60%, but it may be accounted for in quality and quantity of alloy and quality of finish).

BTW - not all settings are the same. Channel involves more metal and greater skill at casting, but less work in setting; shared prongs use less metal but require greater skill in setting...

[denverappraiser]

A rule of thumb is difficult to do here because what you describe isn't actually driven by either the cost of diamonds or gold. It's the cost of labor that's usually in the #1 slot (rather like most manufactured goods) and the cost of distribution is second. Not every craftsman charges the same for their skills and not every store charges the same for theirs. The range is actually quite a bit more than what you've come across. Setting costs alone can run the gambit from a few cents apiece in an overseas sweatshop working in a production type environment to $20 apiece or more in a top shelf US retail joint for custom type work. Where you fall on this continuum will depend on exactly what you want, where you buy it and what your quality standards are like. The cheapest craftsman is rarely the best but it may be acceptable. Similarly, the most expensive usually include nebulous things like 'free' coffee, financing, warranties, spacious and conveniently located showrooms, pretty sales girls and other benefits that are difficult to quantify.

Having said that, at the 'discount' kind of joints that are so available on 47th street selling mass produced rather generic sorts of goods on a cash and carry basis, a good place to start is about $350-700/ct for the diamonds depending on quality, $35/gram for the gold, $5-10 each for the setting labor (this also has a big quality component) and anywhere from $0 - a few hundred for the design and finishing work (again with a significant quality component)

Neil

Edited by denverappraiser, 18 October 2009 - 11:37 AM.

[pfq1982]

I purchased a 1.05 ct (or so they said.. looked like it... but how can you know, really?) eternity-type setting in the diamond district. 14k white gold. Stones look like about 3 pointers. Had a nice 2-prong setting where the prings where kind of shaved and "melted" inwards so it sits nice and low. $750. I looked at a lot of the dealers and nobody had anything quite like it. Also luckily was right in her size. Think I got a pretty decent deal.. any guesses how much they made on this ring?

[denverappraiser]

Sounds lovely. Congratulations. Sure, I could guess but it would be only that and it would in no way be helpful. What does it matter what the dealer made? If they're decent stones and it's reasonable craftsmanship, that's a fair price.

Neil