Custom Men's Band - Vendor suggestions?

[AudiLover]

I am looking at having a custom men's band made for my husband for our two year wedding anniversary in November. I was hoping to get recommendations from PS users regarding who I should have do the work.

I have already contacted the following vendors:
BGD (received a quote, but would like to get a few more to see my options)
Whiteflash (wouldn't do it, as band doesn't feature stones)
Pearlman's (waiting to hear back)

Here is what I am looking for:
14k yellow gold band around 6-8mm wide. We LOVE to travel so I thought it would be cool to have the world map featured on the band. Not engraved on though. Instead, I would like contrasting finishes. Example: the "water" portion would be polished while the "land" has a satin finish. Something like that.

Any suggestions you can offer is greatly appreciated!

 

[liaerfbv]

What's your budget?

 

[AudiLover]

I'd say around the $1,500 mark would be preferred, but I haven't gotten enough quotes to come up with an educated budget. His fingers are size 11.75, so that is a lot of gold.

 

[baby monster]

Maisie just posted a ring with gorgeous engraving and finish on metal [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/david-klass-platinum-oec-ring-and-studs.202729/..']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/david-klass-platinum-oec-ring-and-studs.202729/....[/URL]. I'd ask that vendor for a quote and design suggestions.

 

[OoohShiny]

I'm not sure if it would be possible or even within budget, but I'm imagining something along the lines of a mokume gane -like finish, with different metals inlaid for the sea and the land... You could have yellow gold for the land and then inlay with silver for the sea - IIRC some rings are made by using acid to etch a finish into the surface of a metal, so if gold was unreactive but the silver was reactive, the gold would be shiny and the silver would end up matte, I think?

 

[teobdl]

Something like this? http://titaniumringco.com/world-map-wedding-rings-339.html --you might ask these people if they work with gold (probably not)

or this? http://www.polyvore.com/size_gold_world_map_ring/thing?id=51394750 (that seller isn't on etsy anymore I think)

It's probably going to be tough to find something in your budget, unless it's preloved.

 

[AudiLover]

I'm not sure if it would be possible or even within budget, but I'm imagining something along the lines of a mokume gane -like finish, with different metals inlaid for the sea and the land... You could have yellow gold for the land and then inlay with silver for the sea - IIRC some rings are made by using acid to etch a finish into the surface of a metal, so if gold was unreactive but the silver was reactive, the gold would be shiny and the silver would end up matte, I think?

I haven't thought about two toned metals! That may be really cool, especially since my wedding ring is two toned (yellow and white). Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[AudiLover]

Something like this? http://titaniumringco.com/world-map-wedding-rings-339.html --you might ask these people if they work with gold (probably not)

or this? http://www.polyvore.com/size_gold_world_map_ring/thing?id=51394750 (that seller isn't on etsy anymore I think)

It's probably going to be tough to find something in your budget, unless it's preloved.

The first one is almost exactly what I had in mind! Except I would prefer better craftsmanship. To be honest, the previously mentioned $1,500 is kind of a jumping off point right now. Like I said, I've only gotten one quote back and I am not sure what is considered a reasonable for the project yet. I've never had anything made from scratch before. For the right piece and the right vendor I would be willing to up the budget.

 

[AudiLover]

I'm not sure if it would be possible or even within budget, but I'm imagining something along the lines of a mokume gane -like finish, with different metals inlaid for the sea and the land... You could have yellow gold for the land and then inlay with silver for the sea - IIRC some rings are made by using acid to etch a finish into the surface of a metal, so if gold was unreactive but the silver was reactive, the gold would be shiny and the silver would end up matte, I think?

I just sent a quote request to Mokume Gane. Their rings are so beautiful! We'll see what they say!!

 

[OoohShiny]

Cool, I hope they come back with a positive response!