Are there any cons to going custom?

[jewelz617]

I just saw the pics of the wax cast of my engagement ring project. I''m really excited and I think I have picked the perfect center stone as well. I''m just curious about this, but is there any down side to getting a custom ring?

 

[Collee]

The only con that I perceive is that you aren''t able to see a sample of the finished product. I am a touch, see, analyze and scrutinize type of gal so it would be too nerve wracking for me to opt to go the full custom route.

 

[Liane]

It typically costs more than a premade setting, takes a lot longer, can be a little nerve-wracking because you have to give up your stone for a while, and can be devastating when it goes bad (which does happen once in a blue moon; even the best jewelers can have an off day, and miscommunications pop up from time to time). It might take a little more research to find a jeweler whose style meshes with yours and who has a good reputation for quality work.

BUT in exchange you get a truly unique piece of work that can capture your vision like nothing else could, and which is literally made just for you. So I am a huge fan of going custom whenever possible.

 

[swingirl]

Post your photos. Custom projects are exciting!

Do you like your experience so far?

 

[D&T]

The biggest cons I can think of is it is NOT RETURNABLE

I''ve done many custom pieces and bought stock pieces and I''m in between. I love to bring to life my ideas, but when there is something a miss it hurts my wallet

Otherwise I love custom one of kind pieces

 

[Collee]

Date: 12/5/2009 8:19:50 PM
Author: D&T
The biggest cons I can think of is it is NOT RETURNABLE

I''ve done many custom pieces and bought stock pieces and I''m in between. I love to bring to life my ideas, but when there is something a miss it hurts my wallet

Otherwise I love custom one of kind pieces

Doesn''t the non-returnable policy pretty much apply to all settings that aren''t stock? Meaning, head of designer settings (Tacori, Simon G, Vatche, Ritani, Jeff Cooper etc..) are customized to fit the stone measurements. From what I understand, these settings are also non-returnable. Am I wrong?

 

[jewelz617]

Date: 12/5/2009 7:38:14 PM
Author: swingirl
Post your photos. Custom projects are exciting!


Do you like your experience so far?

I will definitely post pics (once I get permission from the designer). But yes, I had a few tricky modifications I wanted on this fantastic setting and the lady making it for me has been fantastic, I haven''t heard the word "no" once

hehe

The ONLY dilemma I''m facing is finding the perfect center stone. She''s being so patient while I muddle through (literally thousands) of potentials, but I''ve really got my eye on this one special sapphire...

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 12/5/2009 6:06:14 PM
Author:jewelz617
I just saw the pics of the wax cast of my engagement ring project. I''m really excited and I think I have picked the perfect center stone as well. I''m just curious about this, but is there any down side to getting a custom ring?

Miscommunication can be a serious problem with custom, you really have to do your homework on choosing a designer and make sure they have a full and crystal clear description with diagrams of exactly what you want. If you are not clear to the finest details you run the risk of not getting what you want. This may be difficult for a someone who cannot describe precisely what they want or isn''t familiar with the proper terms.

I am an extremely detailed person(both projects had 8+ pages with diagrams) and both of my custom projects there were a few small details missed. I didn''t mind in one case on another it had to be shipped back to be redone.

Custom even with the best designers and with the strongest set of instructions can be tricky but its well worth it if you use the right jeweler. It is definitely worth working with someone who has a I''ll work on it until you are satisfied attitude and make sure you get references.