G'day,
I am in the same situation (soon to buy a rock!) so congratulations to you also.
What I want is a princess cut around 1ct D,E or F certified (lasor ingraved ID) Stone for under $5000 & I plan to supply a scratched up 1oz gold maple (they will melt & alloy your fine gold & you keep the remainder) alloyed to around 10grams of 18ct Au with an option of adding platinum face for setting. You start getting picky on particulars etc so take some time to nut it all out. Most advice I've been given is diamonds are a rip off with 2000% markup, don't care because it's not like I'm going to hock it one day (crosses fingers).
After asking SS, family, friends, google etc I can't find anywhere better than:
Diamonds By Design
Shop 8 Morley Mkts Shopping Centre 238 Walter Rd
Morley WA 6062
They have a Fremantle store also.
I'm only 2 weeks into this project & will be in Diamondsbydesign Wednesday. He offers great services with 3D modeling for casts etc & an excellent smith to file polish & custom mount. They can do most service onsite but use external facilties for casting moulds or melting Pt, in other words they do everything for you like source any cut/carot/clarity stone you desire, import it, design your "vision" on paper, print it 3D, cast the mould, inscribe, polish & plate (rhodium etc) & assay your shank & setting, register, ID & mount your stone then professionally value, photo/describe & create an appraisal of the finished masterpiece. Morley is a small shop with a Smith & his wife is the Gem lady & graphic designer.
Do not go to the shopping center jewelers (angus & coot are the best in that league if you have to) unless you would rather buy 2 beers for $6, go to a smith & get 6 beers for $2. Picking ready made rock n ring is for sheep!
Ive done the research, please pm me if you can find a better service!