Custom setting without rendering?!

[PhillyMcGee]

Hi there,
I'm currently working on a custom solitaire setting for my AVC with Steven Kirsch. We've gone back and forth a few times with some pictures and I asked to see a rendering to ensure we are on the same page, and have been informed he doesn't do this. To me this seems insane (I'm a graphic artist - I draw everything!!) and while I appreciate he will produce something beautiful I was expecting to be able to see it first...I can also admit I may be a slight control freak and the fact that the communication from him seems a little vague doesn't help. I get the feeling that you would just give an idea of what you want and he will go from there - more natural creativity I guess, which is great, but is making me feel very nervous. The main issue is that I already have my wedding band (a family heirloom) and want the e-ring to sit nicely alongside this, as it is a little 'built up' along the top of the ring. I did mention this to Steven and sent him some photos but all I really got back was that he doesn't really recommend wearing two rings together (which of course everyone says, but most people do, and there's no pave and both rings will be the same metal so I hope I am correct in thinking any damage caused by friction between metals is going to be minute and over a long period of time).

I am getting a bit stressed about the whole thing now - am I just being paranoid? Should I do a drawing myself? I am capable and happy to do this however I am not sure on the structural necessities of the setting, so what I draw may not be 100%. Or should I just leave him to it? It's not that I am worried the finished product is going to be rubbish at all - I just was expecting to get a rendering prior!

Would love to hear experiences about this scenario - those who have done the same were you happy with the result, was it what you were expecting?

 

[Gypsy]

Well, I've worked with Steven and I've had very close friends work with him.

Here's something that will set your mind at ease. One of my friends had a setting done by him. And there was one detail that ultimately deviated from what she had expected once he sent her the pictures (before mailing). She called him and all he did was ask that she see it, and if she didn't like it he would change it. When she saw it, she was uncertain, and he told her that even if she decided a year from then that she wasn't happy, he would remake it. Ultimately she decided it was perfect and kept it.

He's not warm and cuddly. But he REALLY wants his customer's to be happy. And he understands customer service.

If it makes YOU more comfortable, I think you should do a rendering. I highly encourage you to do so.

Why? Because you are not used to jewelry terms and what you have communicated verbally may not be exactly what is in your mind. And as a graphic designer you are probably a very visual person, and not as much a verbal one. And a rendering will allow you to show Steven what in your mind.

The first time I went custom I sent a 20 page power point to the designer. And she gave me a sketch. And then did not follow it. At least I know that Steven will do his best to make you happy even if it means tweaking things a little later down the line.

Do you want to share with us what you have asked for from him? And we can tell you what we think the result would be, visually?

Also if you can share images of other rings that would be helpful.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

This can lead to big problems if the design is not clarified. It certainly can be done without drawings, but you'd pretty much need to show him a picture of ring you like and give explicit instructions on the changes you'd want. Best case scenario is that it will be like a ring he has already made. I would make everything clear in writing, so that if it comes to you different than your specifications, then you can have a leg to stand on. Shank height and width, height of the stone (low, medium, high), pave details (if any), all need to be written out with the picture of your inspiration ring and any changes In an email).

I also know someone who had him make a ring and they did not go into detail about the setting at the outset, and it did not turn out with a particularly happy ending for her. So I urge you to get the communication done up front.

 

[MarionC]

As a visual artist, I understand your dilemma. When you have an eye for detail combined with a vision there are very narrow parameters for your satisfaction. You could get lucky here....or not. The suggestion that you communicate with drawings with exact measurements for heights, widths, etc. seems most likely to have a happy ending. Best of luck!

 

[CharmyPoo]

It doesn't sound like he is the right fit for you. Many handmade artist will not give you a rendering and Steven is probably the extreme of it. I have done many projects with Steven and it was the same each time. I got nothing at all with Maytal Hannah as well - no even a drawing. I got sketches with Leon Mege and a detailed worked order.

Steven is an artist and he works best when you let him do what he wants to do. I have heard numerous times when he deviates and does what he feels is best for the ring. This is not necessary a bad thing especially when it lines up with the customer - he usually gets me bang on and has worked out well for me. There were times when I am like "oh" for a decision he makes but then I ultimately liked it.

Since you are a graphic artist, you can sketch up what you have in mind and send it to him to make sure that is what he is making. Even with that there is no guarantee that he makes you exactly what you are asking for. I have a sense that you may feel more at ease if you take your project else where. Perhaps CAD/CAST is better for you because you get your CAD and in most cases the final product looks like it.