CVB+LAD

[Niel]

CVB inspired designs and love affair diamonds both announced on their facie'b pages yesterday that they are working on a line together.

I think that's awesome. CVB has such a great eye for design and Erica has such a great eye for diamonds.

I know Etsy is a scary place for some so hopefully it'll get more people seeing her designs by being with a more established PS regular.

Anyways, exciting!

 

[Niel]

Some pics they posted so far.
I just love to see some new designers getting some love.

 

[artdecolover71]

oh wow, that is exciting!

 

[marymm]

Maybe it is just me, but every time I go to CVBInspiredDesigns' etsy website, I am struck by the fact that she has zero reviews and only 14 sales since Feb 2013.

I know other PSers have only positive things to say about this vendor, but this is my experience: based on PS reccies, a couple weeks ago I did reach out to her for a quote, which she quickly provided, but a day-and-a-half later when I went to finalize the order, I was informed the pricing had gone up $300+. I was astounded she would not stand by her quote, especially as there was nothing in the quote to indicate it was special pricing or would expire in 36 hours. As full disclosure, later she did say the increase was due to melee prices increasing and still later offered to make the project for the original price but with lower-colored melee. Regardless, in my own experience in requesting quotes over the years from various vendors (large and small), I've never had a quote not be honored by a vendor when I've responded timely.

 

[OECsareforLovers]

I can't wait to see what they come up with!!!

 

[Niel]

Maybe it is just me, but every time I go to CVBInspiredDesigns' etsy website, I am struck by the fact that she has zero reviews and only 14 sales since Feb 2013.

I know other PSers have only positive things to say about this vendor, but this is my experience: based on PS reccies, a couple weeks ago I did reach out to her for a quote, which she quickly provided, but a day-and-a-half later when I went to finalize the order, I was informed the pricing had gone up $300+. I was astounded she would not stand by her quote, especially as there was nothing in the quote to indicate it was special pricing or would expire in 36 hours. As full disclosure, later she did say the increase was due to melee prices increasing and still later offered to make the project for the original price but with lower-colored melee. Regardless, in my own experience in requesting quotes over the years from various vendors (large and small), I've never had a quote not be honored by a vendor when I've responded timely.

Thats a shame. Its good to hear all reviews, good and bad, so I'm glad you shared.

Your point about Etsy reviews is interesting. I just thought about it and I had two very happy purchases with her and had never put a review for her. So I think its good she's working though someone, as without a lot of reviews she won't get a lot of exposure on that site.

I know she is a very small business. Maybe she couldn't turn a profit if she had honored the original quote. Who knows. I'm sorry to hear that though.

 

[liaerfbv]

I also messaged CvB about a quote on a project, and she responded it would be a $450 design fee before I even received a quote for the whole project! I was a little taken aback by that. I'm still going back and forth on a few design options so I figured it wasn't worth a $450 fee before I even sure what I wanted to do. I'd like to work with her in the future based on what I've seen posted on PS, but I can imagine requiring a design fee before even providing a ballpark quote will scare quite a few people off.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think Caysie is getting a lot of business from PS because I have seen several people say they had projects underway! A lot of people don't even go to Etsy other than maybe to get her contact info. I don't think it means anything that people don't take the time to review on Etsy, because most of them will post here. The work I have seen posted here has been excellent, and she is working on a band for me now. I always review on PS, but I will try to remember to post on etsy since someone might be concerned about that. I'll post on her FB page, too.

I think Caysie will be very successful and will get these glitches fixed rapidly. She likely had current melee prices from a day or two ago and wasn't expecting a price increase of that magnitude. So I am willing to ride some glitches with her just because I think she is a gifted designer and has a very good bench. I think she is getting a lot of work right now so she is probably having to get used to the volume. I have heard of others charging a design fee as well. Doesn't WF require a deposit when you have them create a new CAD design? I can see why she would have to...what if she spends hours on the design emailing back and forth and the person decides against it? They have her design and some will use it later with another jeweler and she gets nothing? I believe I read just in the last few days that someone abandoned a project underway. I just think she is going to have to set some policies to deal with things like that. Also, there is no way to give a ballpark quote without a set design. I don't think VC or SK will give a quote without the definite specs, either.

I prefer working directly with Caysie and think that pricing is going to be better than when you add on another vendor. So my hope is that she primarily does custom work like VC or SK...just a different style with CAD options and better pricing.

 

[liaerfbv]

I think Caysie is getting a lot of business from PS because I have seen several people say they had projects underway! A lot of people don't even go to Etsy other than maybe to get her contact info. I don't think it means anything that people don't take the time to review on Etsy, because most of them will post here. The work I have seen posted here has been excellent, and she is working on a band for me now. I always review on PS, but I will try to remember to post on etsy since someone might be concerned about that. I'll post on her FB page, too.

I think Caysie will be very successful and will get these glitches fixed rapidly. She likely had current melee prices from a day or two ago and wasn't expecting a price increase of that magnitude. So I am willing to ride some glitches with her just because I think she is a gifted designer and has a very good bench. I think she is getting a lot of work right now so she is probably having to get used to the volume. I have heard of others charging a design fee as well. Doesn't WF require a deposit when you have them create a new CAD design? I can see why she would have to...what if she spends hours on the design emailing back and forth and the person decides against it? They have her design and some will use it later with another jeweler and she gets nothing? I believe I read just in the last few days that someone abandoned a project underway. I just think she is going to have to set some policies to deal with things like that. Also, there is no way to give a ballpark quote without a set design. I don't think VC or SK will give a quote without the definite specs, either.

I prefer working directly with Caysie and think that pricing is going to be better than when you add on another vendor. So my hope is that she primarily does custom work like VC or SK...just a different style with CAD options and better pricing.

Oh I totally agree you can't provide a quote without a set design - I had asked for a quote for one of the specific ideas I had, and then was prompted for the design fee. But I still hadn't decided if I was 100% set on that particular design, so I decided paying the fee wasn't worth it. I don't mind paying a design fee in general because I agree their time is worth something, but I would like to see a ballpark quote before paying that.

ETA: Just to be clear, I am not trying to be negative about my communication with Caysie. She was extremely friendly, prompt in her reply to me, and I love the work that I've seen from her. If I was more sure of what I wanted, I would probably have proceeded, and I do definitely want to work with her in the future. I'm just saying as a general review, I can imagine many people would be scared off by a design fee before they even know what the whole project might cost.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think Caysie is getting a lot of business from PS because I have seen several people say they had projects underway! A lot of people don't even go to Etsy other than maybe to get her contact info. I don't think it means anything that people don't take the time to review on Etsy, because most of them will post here. The work I have seen posted here has been excellent, and she is working on a band for me now. I always review on PS, but I will try to remember to post on etsy since someone might be concerned about that. I'll post on her FB page, too.

I think Caysie will be very successful and will get these glitches fixed rapidly. She likely had current melee prices from a day or two ago and wasn't expecting a price increase of that magnitude. So I am willing to ride some glitches with her just because I think she is a gifted designer and has a very good bench. I think she is getting a lot of work right now so she is probably having to get used to the volume. I have heard of others charging a design fee as well. Doesn't WF require a deposit when you have them create a new CAD design? I can see why she would have to...what if she spends hours on the design emailing back and forth and the person decides against it? They have her design and some will use it later with another jeweler and she gets nothing? I believe I read just in the last few days that someone abandoned a project underway. I just think she is going to have to set some policies to deal with things like that. Also, there is no way to give a ballpark quote without a set design. I don't think VC or SK will give a quote without the definite specs, either.

I prefer working directly with Caysie and think that pricing is going to be better than when you add on another vendor. So my hope is that she primarily does custom work like VC or SK...just a different style with CAD options and better pricing.

Oh I totally agree you can't provide a quote without a set design - I had asked for a quote for one of the specific ideas I had, and then was prompted for the design fee. But I still hadn't decided if I was 100% set on that particular design, so I decided paying the fee wasn't worth it. I don't mind paying a design fee in general because I agree their time is worth something, but I would like to see a ballpark quote before paying that.

ETA: Just to be clear, I am not trying to be negative about my communication with Caysie. She was extremely friendly, prompt in her reply to me, and I love the work that I've seen from her. If I was more sure of what I wanted, I would probably have proceeded, and I do definitely want to work with her in the future. I'm just saying as a general review, I can imagine many people would be scared off by a design fee before they even know what the whole project might cost.

I understand and think all constructive opinions will be helpful!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I'm really thrilled to have this opportunity to work with Erica...she is fabulous in every sense of the word!

Regarding my pricing etc; Niel, you are obviously correct...I am a very small business as I am all things provided that I design, manage & operate on my own. Things such as old cut diamond melee are particularly fickle because of the rarity and demand of the product...therefore, I rarely have any more than a couple of carats on hand at any time; so if an order is placed, and I'm required to source more, pricing is dictated by the availability. I wish never to cause anyone any ill feelings, as I really do put forth a huge effort for my clients in order to give them a finished item that exceeds their expectations. As well; most, if not all, of my PS clients choose to work directly through me which leaves me without the benefit of review on Etsy. I feel the trade off is worth it, however.

DS: thank you for providing that insight regarding the design fees, quotes, etc...it is very difficult to provide an estimate that I can stand by without first putting a good deal of time & effort into the design, being that nearly all are custom from the concept up. Since people can be guaranteed that it is me who will be corresponding directly with them, creating the design work ups; hands on CAD development, & direct and fluid involvement with my bench. Each project, from the very onset forth, requires my attention be acutely focused on my client & her/his vision.

So please; if I have approached a potential job in a way that some feel does not follow normal protocol; don't hesitate to question me...I am always happy to provide an explanation and a a fair remedy.

Again...I am feeling very blessed & excited for this opportunity to create with Erica! Thank you

It has been such a pleasure working with you, Caysie!

 

[ming]

I was pretty excited when I saw LADs FB post. I don't have vision when it comes to something like a setting so rely on seeing what jewelers have to offer or have made in the past. I've checked out CVB's etsy site a few times but since most work is custom there hasn't been much for me to lust after. Partnering with LAD will definitely be a boost to those like me who either want a set design or a jumping off point with minor tweaks.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I was pretty excited when I saw LADs FB post. I don't have vision when it comes to something like a setting so rely on seeing what jewelers have to offer or have made in the past. I've checked out CVB's etsy site a few times but since most work is custom there hasn't been much for me to lust after. Partnering with LAD will definitely be a boost to those like me who either want a set design or a jumping off point with minor tweaks.

CVB Inspired Design has a FB page, too, with more things pictured than on etsy.

 

[ericad]

I'm so excited to be working with Caysie! Her aesthetic and design abilities are just what I've been searching for, and I have so many new setting ideas that I can't wait for her to create. That being said, she is still a free agent and will continue working with retail buyers directly, just not for my designs, which she will be creating exclusively for order via LAD.

For buyers, the process of ordering a setting will remain the same - work order, deposit, CAD's, etc. No change to the process or policies currently in place with my existing setting lines.

Can't wait to see what Caysie and I cook up together - it will be a fun and rewarding adventure!