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 » RockyTalky
»  » My Excellent Experience with GOG and Mark Morrell
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| Pages: 1 of 2: [1] 2 > |
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My Excellent Experience with GOG and Mark Morrell |
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| P: 2/21/2003 3:52:11 PM | |
DBLaJolla Rough Rock Total Posts: 26 Last Post: 2/28/2003 Member Since: 1/15/2003 |
SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOS OF MY RING After two months of long nights on the forums, I finally have my girl's ring in hand. I'd like to thank everyone for being so helpful/patient with my questions--you were all a huge help. The process began with the goal of creating a modern interpretation of my grandmother's ring, which my girlfriend is fond of. I wanted a platinum setting and about a 1ct stone; my grandmother's ring is gold and about 2ct. I decided that I would tackle the stone first, and then find someone to custom build the ring. My research, and your reviews, led me to Jonathan at Good Old Gold. I called him up and told him what I was looking for. Within a few hours he called me back with some options, and by that he night he had uploaded the specs on the stone that seemed to fit my needs perfectly. It looked like a winner and the price was fair so I had him ship it to Rockdoc to verify its quality. Everyone at Good Old Gold was extremely helpful and I had a great experience with them. Rockdoc received the stone without incident and ran extensive tests on it. He produced a ton of interesting documentation on the stone and told me that the price was on par for the quality. During this time was looking for someone to build the ring. I had some pretty specific ideas about the design, so my main priority was finding an excellent platinum craftsman. There are a number of superb jewelers on the board, but I was in love with the quality of Mark Morrell's pieces. A recommendation from Jonathan sealed the deal. To include relevant pictures, I'm going to break the rest up into a series of posts. |
| Posted: 2/21/2003 3:52:11 PM | |
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There are 32 replies to this message. There are 30 replies on this page. |
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| P: 2/21/2003 3:54:15 PM | |
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DBLaJolla Rough Rock Total Posts: 26 Last Post: 2/28/2003 Member Since: 1/15/2003 |
I emailed Mark with an overview of what I was trying to accomplish and some pictures of my grandmother's ring.
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| Posted: 2/21/2003 3:54:15 PM | |
| P: 2/21/2003 3:57:20 PM | |
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DBLaJolla Rough Rock Total Posts: 26 Last Post: 2/28/2003 Member Since: 1/15/2003 |
I had tried my best to guesstimate the scale of the setting for a 1ct. stone, but it was difficult without being able to actually see anything. Finally, I fired up photoshop and created some scale models at different widths. I printed them, cut them out, taped 'em up, and I had a pretty good idea of the size that I liked.
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| Posted: 2/21/2003 3:57:20 PM | |
| P: 2/21/2003 3:59:04 PM | |
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DBLaJolla Rough Rock Total Posts: 26 Last Post: 2/28/2003 Member Since: 1/15/2003 |
I emailed that photo to Mark, and by the next morning he had some CAD mockups made to my specs. This was a great starting point--very exciting!
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| Posted: 2/21/2003 3:59:04 PM | |
| P: 2/21/2003 4:01:19 PM | |
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DBLaJolla Rough Rock Total Posts: 26 Last Post: 2/28/2003 Member Since: 1/15/2003 |
Mark suggested that we might soften the piece and make it a little more dynamic by making the setting thinner and giving it a little more concavity. He marked the changes up in CAD and I was sold.
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| Posted: 2/21/2003 4:01:19 PM | |
| P: 2/21/2003 4:06:11 PM | |
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DBLaJolla Rough Rock Total Posts: 26 Last Post: 2/28/2003 Member Since: 1/15/2003 |
I was thrilled with the shape of the setting, but I thought the crown was a little too edgy. I wanted something that would cradle the diamond and continue the smooth, flowing shape of the setting. Mark made a few suggestions and ultimately recommended a 6 prong crown that he would custom cast and finish. I loved the look, but I was concerned that it was a little too beefy for my stone. He assured me that the CAD drawing made it look bulky, but it would be perfect in the final piece.
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| Posted: 2/21/2003 4:06:11 PM | |
| P: 2/21/2003 4:07:51 PM | |
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DBLaJolla Rough Rock Total Posts: 26 Last Post: 2/28/2003 Member Since: 1/15/2003 |
I gave him the go ahead and he modelled the setting in wax. This was a thrill--we were making some headway.
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| Posted: 2/21/2003 4:07:51 PM | |
| P: 2/21/2003 4:10:13 PM | |
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DBLaJolla Rough Rock Total Posts: 26 Last Post: 2/28/2003 Member Since: 1/15/2003 |
Mark sent a picture of the wax crown. I got pretty nervous that it was going to dominate the diamond, but Mark sent me some before and after (wax model -> final platinum) photos that set my fears to rest.
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| Posted: 2/21/2003 4:10:13 PM | |
| P: 2/21/2003 4:11:55 PM | |
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DBLaJolla Rough Rock Total Posts: 26 Last Post: 2/28/2003 Member Since: 1/15/2003 |
Within a couple days this image arrived in my Inbox--now we're cookin'! Both parts of the ring cast and ready for finishing, assembly and setting.
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| Posted: 2/21/2003 4:11:55 PM | |
| P: 2/21/2003 4:14:50 PM | |
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DBLaJolla Rough Rock Total Posts: 26 Last Post: 2/28/2003 Member Since: 1/15/2003 |
A few days later my jaw dropped when Mark sent along photos of the final product. I was so thrilled! That night I couldn't fall asleep thinking about picking it up the next morning.
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| Posted: 2/21/2003 4:14:50 PM | |
| P: 2/21/2003 4:19:05 PM | |
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DBLaJolla Rough Rock Total Posts: 26 Last Post: 2/28/2003 Member Since: 1/15/2003 |
Yesterday morning it arrived--I am speechless!!! Mark did such an amazing job. The contours of the ring are so perfect and everything fits together as if it couldn't exist in any other way. It is amazing to finally hold something in my hands that had been in my head for so long.
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| Posted: 2/21/2003 4:19:05 PM | |
| P: 2/21/2003 4:21:22 PM | |
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DBLaJolla Rough Rock Total Posts: 26 Last Post: 2/28/2003 Member Since: 1/15/2003 |
Once again, thanks to everyone on the forums for your help. Jonathan, Rockdoc, and Mark--you are amazing! It was an excellent experience, I had a blast. Dave 
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| Posted: 2/21/2003 4:21:22 PM | |
| P: 2/21/2003 4:35:56 PM | |
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chas Rough Rock Total Posts: 59 Last Post: 9/20/2009 Member Since: 1/23/2003 |
equals25, What a beautiful ring! Your stone is so nice! Your experiences with Rockdoc and Mark Morrell ---- I echo them. They are the best! I have had work performed by the both of them. No one knows more about pet rocks than Rockdoc to say the least. He is the best!  Mark Morrell is probably the finest custom designer that there is. His work speaks for itself. Kind of like when someone says Rolles Royce or Rolex. I think you get my meaning. He is number 1. Enjoy, chas
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| Posted: 2/21/2003 4:35:56 PM | |
| P: 2/21/2003 5:39:06 PM | |
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DBLaJolla Rough Rock Total Posts: 26 Last Post: 2/28/2003 Member Since: 1/15/2003 |
Thanks for the kind words Chas!
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| Posted: 2/21/2003 5:39:06 PM | |
| P: 2/21/2003 5:47:38 PM | |
shurikt Rough Rock Total Posts: 51 Last Post: 12/6/2004 Member Since: 11/4/2002 |
Wow. That setting is incredible. Excellent job!
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| Posted: 2/21/2003 5:47:38 PM | |
| P: 2/21/2003 6:13:06 PM | |
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DBLaJolla Rough Rock Total Posts: 26 Last Post: 2/28/2003 Member Since: 1/15/2003 |
Thanks shurikt!
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| Posted: 2/21/2003 6:13:06 PM | |
| P: 2/21/2003 8:39:08 PM | |
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gg Rough Rock Total Posts: 18 Last Post: 4/29/2003 Member Since: 5/25/2002 |
equals25, Beautiful ring! Love the nice thick band. I have a MWM custom setting too and I have to agree he is one of the best, if not the best out there. |
| Posted: 2/21/2003 8:39:08 PM | |
| P: 2/21/2003 9:27:12 PM | |
Jax172 Cut Rock Total Posts: 247 Last Post: 4/28/2008 Member Since: 3/11/2002 |
Wow, very pretty!!!!!!!!!!!! I bet your fiance is very happy!
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| Posted: 2/21/2003 9:27:12 PM | |
| P: 2/21/2003 11:27:42 PM | |
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DBLaJolla Rough Rock Total Posts: 26 Last Post: 2/28/2003 Member Since: 1/15/2003 |
GG and Jax, Thanks for the kind words!
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| Posted: 2/21/2003 11:27:42 PM | |
| P: 2/21/2003 11:42:36 PM | |
Rhino Ideal Rock Total Posts: 4,861 Last Post: 11/21/2009 Member Since: 3/29/2001 |
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Mark and I have worked alot together and as time moves on our own relationship has grown more and more. We share many things in common and one is that we both have a passion for what we do. equals... you have coupled the finest art in diamond cutting with your rock with the finest art in ring design with Mark Morrell. You have what could be nothing less than a timeless classic. Thanks for the kind words and also for sharing your pics. If you can, email one to Christen and we'll include that in our appraisal report which will include all the data. Peace, Rhino Rhino |
| Posted: 2/21/2003 11:42:36 PM | |
| P: 2/22/2003 1:27:07 AM | |
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DBLaJolla Rough Rock Total Posts: 26 Last Post: 2/28/2003 Member Since: 1/15/2003 |
Rhino, Thanks for the words. GOG and Mark are definitely a sweet combo--thanks for the help. Dave
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| Posted: 2/22/2003 1:27:07 AM | |
| P: 2/22/2003 1:54:16 PM | |
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DBLaJolla Rough Rock Total Posts: 26 Last Post: 2/28/2003 Member Since: 1/15/2003 |
I proposed this morning at Windansea beach in La Jolla, CA. It was simple and sweet, and my girl got the shock of her life. Thanks again to everyone for their help. Dave
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| Posted: 2/22/2003 1:54:16 PM | |
| P: 2/22/2003 2:55:03 PM | |
Mara Ideal Rock Total Posts: 27,893 Last Post: 11/20/2009 Member Since: 10/30/2002 |
Beautiful post and story along with an amazing ring! I love the process of creating and making the wax mold, etc. Now you have documentation to go along with a story for your future kids. How much fun. Congratulations! 
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| Posted: 2/22/2003 2:55:03 PM | |
| P: 2/22/2003 4:18:02 PM | |
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DBLaJolla Rough Rock Total Posts: 26 Last Post: 2/28/2003 Member Since: 1/15/2003 |
Thanks Mara! I was just telling my girlfr...um, fiance, that I would love to do custom designs for rich guys with unlimited budgets. The process was so much fun.
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| Posted: 2/22/2003 4:18:02 PM | |
| P: 2/22/2003 8:08:38 PM | |
Hest88 Ideal Rock Total Posts: 3,670 Last Post: 11/20/2009 Member Since: 1/22/2003 |
Wow! I'm usually not a fan of wide bands, but that looks really good on the hand!
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| Posted: 2/22/2003 8:08:38 PM | |
| P: 2/22/2003 8:49:42 PM | |
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Rhino Ideal Rock Total Posts: 4,861 Last Post: 11/21/2009 Member Since: 3/29/2001 |
That is funny. 
Rhino |
| Posted: 2/22/2003 8:49:42 PM | |
| P: 2/23/2003 4:41:16 PM | |
justme Cut Rock Total Posts: 184 Last Post: 10/28/2003 Member Since: 12/5/2002 |
equals25, Great ring! What were your grandmothers thought's? I love the construction paper mock ups that you made - a man with a true mission. Did you post the stone specs anywhere? Justme
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| Posted: 2/23/2003 4:41:16 PM | |
| P: 2/23/2003 7:18:07 PM | |
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DBLaJolla Rough Rock Total Posts: 26 Last Post: 2/28/2003 Member Since: 1/15/2003 |
My grandmother just found out that I used her ring as the inspiration. She was very flattered, but she hasn't seen any pics yet. I've attached the Hearts & Arrows pic and here are the specs: GIA Cert Round Brilliant 6.28 x 3.82 mm .914, G, VS1 Depth: 60.8% Table: 55.7% Pavillion Angle: 40.9 Crown Angle: 34.2 Girdle: Medium faceted Culet: None Polish: Excellent Symmetry: Excellent Fluorescence: None The proportions qualify as AGS000 and it comes out to a 1.2 on the Holloway Cut Adviser. The Brillianscope results are: White Light Return: Very High Colored Light Return: Very High Scintillation: Very High 
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| Posted: 2/23/2003 7:18:07 PM | |
| P: 2/26/2003 10:16:58 AM | |
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RockDoc Ideal Rock Total Posts: 2,509 Last Post: 6/17/2007 Member Since: 8/16/2000 |
Hi Dave... Yet another success story of making someone very happy ( not to mention the joy of being presented with such a well planned and executed purchase). For those of us who really have a mission in creating the best we can, whether it be getting the right diamond, analyzing its quality and value, or designing and setting the stone in well made jewelry item is really our joy. I get lots of emails from fiances saying how surprised that their fiances took so much time, research and devotion to "getting it perfect". This of course, makes it even better for all. It is truly and sincerely a very reqarding part of my career to be able to see the happiness and joy doing it right is. I know that many are just taken back with the size and details involved in this as well. Dave, I certainly understand how you could become addicted to our business, and not to put a damper on your aspirations to design and make jewelry. But..Mark has a ton more knowledge and experience than just the art part. He has to have metalurgical knowledge, and have the talent in his hands and eyes to be able to execute the designs made in the superior way that he does. I can tell you that many jewelers produce finished products that are are sloppy, and made with profit being foremost in the way they finish and construct the jewelry. Back when I started, I used to deal with casting companies. Most sent me such slop that I decided to learn and cast myself back in the days when I did have a retail store. But those who do make high quality items are truly appreciated by me. I know high quality work, and the small savings usually imparted by the "hackers" far exceed the life and future problems encountered by consumers, which is almost always the result of rushed and careless finishing and manufacture. Yes... Mark is an exception to the jewelry discount areas that make fast, cheap and poor excuses for the art that he obviously loves so much. Rockdoc
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| Posted: 2/26/2003 10:16:58 AM | |
| P: 2/28/2003 9:33:30 AM | |
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DBLaJolla Rough Rock Total Posts: 26 Last Post: 2/28/2003 Member Since: 1/15/2003 |
Rockdoc, I'm actually pretty surprised about the reaction of friends and family to the amount of time that I put into this. It seems obvious that you'd want to be pretty thorough when you are making a decision about spending a good chunk of money on a ring that will be around for years. Alright, alright. I guess I'll skip the metalurgical training and stick to web design.
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| Posted: 2/28/2003 9:33:30 AM | |
| P: 2/15/2006 1:30:11 PM | |
Trillion-Tension Rough Rock Total Posts: 8 Last Post: 4/16/2006 Member Since: 2/11/2006 |
Wow! Seeing that process was great! Nice ring. I Photoshopped a ring together, it's a helix tension but with a trillion instead of a round. I realized that I would really like to see other views and possibly hold it. My ring size is a 4 and it's hard to try to visualize these rings that are so big and how they will feel. I work in CAD too but use Rhino software. Anyone know what Mark used? Would Mark send out rapid protoypes to a customer of a ring before casting it? How about an stl file that I could build myself? 
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| Posted: 2/15/2006 1:30:11 PM | |
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2 PM equals25 wrote: 