Custom Settings - Opinions please

[floridajen]

Thanks to the PSers, I now know that I have to custom design my 3 stone ring. I have researched the custom jewelery designers that many of you have used and/or recommended. I have received a few quotes already and I am not shocked by the estimates$$$ because I kind of knew what it would be.

My question is to those that have used Victor, ERD, Leon, Steve K etc ......do you think it was worth the extra $ for the custom work? Did you feel or experience that a local jewelry designer would not be able to create a quality custom setting too? I am really jsut curious about what is so different between what these guys do vs. what a nice local designer could do? I have received some quotes from some nice ones in town and they are about 35% less.

Thanks for any information you can provide

 

[Gypsy]

The setting you want has a lot of pave. Yes, for pave work I absolutely do think it's worth the money to go with the best. Anyone who has ever louped my pave, locally and otherwise, has been impressed with Steven's work. I have not had one stone even kinda loose, or had any other issues with my setting.

My original setting was done by Ocean Pearlman, a goldsmith whose work (including her pave) is showcased in museums. Well, museums pieces don't get worn every day. And thought she came highly recommended, I lost so many stones in my last setting I stopped wearing the ring altogether after 3 years. And I was hearbroken. She even offered to fix it for me, but I knew if she had been able to do it right, she would have done it the first time. So, the second time around I went for Steven, because I knew he had been working with Leon, and because others had work by him and I knew it was good quality PAVE, and because he is personable and has the customer service mentality the Leon lacks. Absolutely worth it.

You may still lose stones if you knock it about or whatnot, no matter who does it, but if to do it will be minimal and that designer will stand by their work.

 

[floridajen]

Thanks Gypsy. Yes there is a ton of pave so that's something to consider.