Design Help Request for Halo Setting

[chrono]

I am still in the initial stages of selecting the right vendor for my custom design and narrowed it down to 2. The problem is that they proposed slightly different proportions. The stone in question is a 10 x 8 mm oval set in an East West orientation.

Vendor 1: halo made up of 1.1 mm to 1.2 mm melees. Shank will have 1.25 mm to 1.3 mm melees.
Vendor 2: halo made up of slightly graduating melees from 1.1 mm to 1.4 mm. Shank will have finer melees of 1.1 mm to 1.2 mm.

Which do you think will look nicer?

 

[GoSounders]

In which direction are the melees graduating from vendor 2? Are they getting larger on the longer sides, making your oval look rounder? Or getting larger on the shorter sides, making your oval look longer?

Is there a reason the shank stones have to be different between the 2 choices? Is the shank itself thicker from Vendor 1?

 

[SB621]

For me I would prefer the suggestion by vendor #1 as this is a more uniform and classic look. I'm not a fan of tapering or graduating melee.

 

[chrono]

The melees are graduating towards the shorter sides, making the oval look longer. I don't know why vendor 1 choose larger shank melees. Vendor 2 informed me that smaller melees are used so that the two ends can be fused together better for strength.

 

[SB621]

Oh shoot I forgot you are doing a split shank which does change things. I have to think about this one. I'm not sure there is really a right answer. What do you think? Would you like the larger melee going outwards?

 

[chrono]

Does a split shank really change things? How so? The stone is so large that once done, I think the splint shank will not be noticeable; it's just a way to join the halo to the band portion seamlessly. All I know is that I want something fine (not necessarily delicate), classy and elegant.

 

[chrono]

Bumping because I need to make a decision today.

 

[Aoife]

This sounds like a fabulous project, Chrono, I love your inspiration ring.

My personal opinion is that Option #1 is a safer bet if you are wanting classic, timeless, etc. With Option #2, the devil is in the details. It might be wonderful, but with graduated melee (and 1.1mm to 1.4mm is quite a range, definitely noticeable if it isn't quite right)any miscalculation of proportion is going to look off. I guess the bottom line could be: which vendor do you trust the most? If Victor Canera or Steven Kirsch told me they would like to use graduated melee, I'd be inclined to trust their judgment. Almost anyone else, not so much.

What does your gut tell you?

 

[chrono]

Here's another wrench:
Vendor 1 - superb customer service for me personally but their pave isn't the nicest. Other than that, their settings are great.
Vendor 2 - new to me but others have used them before. To die for pave work.

Initially, I leaned towards Vendor 1 out of loyalty, quality work and classic design. However, I've been drooling over Vendor 2's pave settings forever and I think if done right, the graduating melee will end up looking very bespoke and one of a kind. Argh, such tough choices! How can I trust Vendor 2 if I've never used them before?

Come on, folks, in this situation, WWYD?

 

[Aoife]

Here's another wrench:
Vendor 1 - superb customer service for me personally but their pave isn't the nicest. Other than that, their settings are great.
Vendor 2 - new to me but others have used them before. To die for pave work.

Initially, I leaned towards Vendor 1 out of loyalty, quality work and classic design. However, I've been drooling over Vendor 2's pave settings forever and I think if done right, the graduating melee will end up looking very bespoke and one of a kind. Argh, such tough choices! How can I trust Vendor 2 if I've never used them before?

Come on, folks, in this situation, WWYD?

I'd go with Vendor #2, because of the bolded and because this design is all about the pave. As I recall, you have a very hands-on approach to custom work--would vendor #2 be someone who you felt comfortable collaborating with?

 

[smitcompton]

Hey Chrono,

I would go with vendor 2. However I would go with the same size stones around the stone. No graduating sizes. I think smaller melee on the shank is better because the stones will be smoother. I love the split shank.


Annette

 

[chrono]

I'd go with Vendor #2, because of the bolded and because this design is all about the pave. As I recall, you have a very hands-on approach to custom work--would vendor #2 be someone who you felt comfortable collaborating with?

I am very hands-on because I have a very clear and detailed idea of what I want the ring to look like. In this case, it's clear but not detailed so I am open to some minor modification. I've never worked with Vendor 2 so I don't know if I'll feel comfortable in leaving it all in their hands. By the same token, just thinking about the pave work by Vendor 2 is very exciting and gives me the chills in a good way. Sure looks like I'm leaning in their favour at the moment.

 

[chrono]

Hey Chrono,
I would go with vendor 2. However I would go with the same size stones around the stone. No graduating sizes. I think smaller melee on the shank is better because the stones will be smoother. I love the split shank.
Annette

Thanks for your input. Same size is classic and safe.

Hmmm....does anyone have pictures of a graduating halo?

 

[Aoife]

I'd go with Vendor #2, because of the bolded and because this design is all about the pave. As I recall, you have a very hands-on approach to custom work--would vendor #2 be someone who you felt comfortable collaborating with?

I am very hands-on because I have a very clear and detailed idea of what I want the ring to look like. In this case, it's clear but not detailed so I am open to some minor modification. I've never worked with Vendor 2 so I don't know if I'll feel comfortable in leaving it all in their hands. By the same token, just thinking about the pave work by Vendor 2 is very exciting and gives me the chills in a good way. Sure looks like I'm leaning in their favour at the moment.

There are some projects where I am extremely detailed, and others where I'm willing to trust the vendor, so I understand what you're saying. If Vendor #2 is someone who has a track record on Pricescope, do posts about him/her lead you to believe that you'd be able to communicate easily with him/her? If not, you might be better off with Vendor #1, but having seen really spectacular pave work, it might be hard for you to settle, now!

Can Vendor #2 show you any examples of graduated pave similar to what is being proposed?

 

[chrono]

There are some projects where I am extremely detailed, and others where I'm willing to trust the vendor, so I understand what you're saying. If Vendor #2 is someone who has a track record on Pricescope, do posts about him/her lead you to believe that you'd be able to communicate easily with him/her? If not, you might be better off with Vendor #1, but having seen really spectacular pave work, it might be hard for you to settle, now!

Can Vendor #2 show you any examples of graduated pave similar to what is being proposed?

Aoife,
This is extremely helpful to sort through my muddled mind by writing all these out. Thank you. Yes, Vendor 2 has a very good track record but personally, it has not been so until this project. When I contacted them years ago, the response was non-existent. Emails were ignored and phone calls were never returned. This time seems to be different though. Calls are answered and emails are very prompt, giving me more confidence that this will work out. After all, they must be doing something right this time in the customer service department to be highly recommended on PS. You've also hit it on the nail with your observation that I'm having a difficult time settling for "regular" pave work now. Good idea to ask for example pictures but it may not be necessary after all. Vendor 2 has offered to waive the deposit, will send me a FedEx label to send the stone to them and they will create a CAD to make it easier to visualize the end result. No strings attached. If I don't like it, I can scrap the project. Frankly, I am stunned! The only downside is that I feel as though I'm using them and I don't like that feeling.

 

[smitcompton]

Hey Chrono again,

Definitely not the right attitude on your part. You say "Terrific!" Chrono, they believe you will love what they do, and they want your business. You may be a repeat customer for them. and it appears they have changed their customer service. You have been offered a try me out deal. and I think it a good deal for you both. Its quite nice of them, but, then, again ,you are also very helpful and nice to others.


Annette

 

[Aoife]

Aoife,
This is extremely helpful to sort through my muddled mind by writing all these out. Thank you. Yes, Vendor 2 has a very good track record but personally, it has not been so until this project. When I contacted them years ago, the response was non-existent. Emails were ignored and phone calls were never returned. This time seems to be different though. Calls are answered and emails are very prompt, giving me more confidence that this will work out. After all, they must be doing something right this time in the customer service department to be highly recommended on PS. You've also hit it on the nail with your observation that I'm having a difficult time settling for "regular" pave work now. Good idea to ask for example pictures but it may not be necessary after all. Vendor 2 has offered to waive the deposit, will send me a FedEx label to send the stone to them and they will create a CAD to make it easier to visualize the end result. No strings attached. If I don't like it, I can scrap the project. Frankly, I am stunned! The only downside is that I feel as though I'm using them and I don't like that feeling.

It's a bit concerning about the previous lack of response but at least this vendor is on top of things this round.

I have to take issue with the bolded. You are absolutely not using them. Your projects are always interesting, and in particular your colored stones are beautiful gems with top-notch color. Frankly, I can see why a vendor would be very intrigued, and would be eager to get an opportunity to create something extremely special. All you are doing is giving them a shot, and if it turns out, it will no doubt drive a lot of business their way. Plus, artists love a challenge! It sounds to me like a win/win situation. Please keep us all updated!

Edited to add: Is this for a colored stone?

 

[chrono]

Smitcompton,
It sounds nicer the way you worded it as a "try me out" deal.

Aoife,
The vendor's email did include wording about how excited he is to do the project, saying it is different and unique but I thought those were the usual kiss up excuses. And are you kidding, of course it's for a coloured stone.

Bmgdesign,
Come hangout more often in CS too. Your experience with designs will always be appreciated.

DBoF,
Where can I find pictures of these? Will it be on your website or that other unnamed forum?

To all,
I've decided to send the stone off to vendor 2 since it is essentially risk free. I'm hoping I'll love the resulting CAD. I'm not sure where to post the CADs for review, RT or CS. It's not a diamond so it belongs in CS but there are so many more experienced posters in RT.

 

[Aoife]

This is so exciting! I hope you'll post the CAD's here. I've found design-related posts here to be extremely helpful and educational, the nit-pickier the better.

Can't wait to see the design work begin!

 

[msop04]

I've decided to send the stone off to vendor 2 since it is essentially risk free.

I'm glad you went with your gut, Chrono!! I've been wondering which one you'd choose!! Can't wait to see the CADS/finished product!! Did you mention what stone will be going in it??

 

[chrono]

This is so exciting! I hope you'll post the CAD's here. I've found design-related posts here to be extremely helpful and educational, the nit-pickier the better.
Can't wait to see the design work begin!

The bolded portion is so true. It helps to have extra sets of eyes because often they see things that I don't or bring up points I have not considered.

 

[chrono]

Did you mention what stone will be going in it??

I've been purposefully skirting around it but since the hints for pictures of the stone is getting obvious, here's a sneak peak. Hope the mods will not mind this in the diamond section of the forum.

 

[Aoife]

Exquisite.

I can't wait to see how this project develops!