Disappointed in my reset...but hopeful

[NOYFB]

So, you may have seen my post in SMTB regarding my asscher bezel reset. Initially I was thrilled with it, but after careful inspection, I am really disappointed in the craftmanship (or lack thereof) of my local jeweler. I decided to use my local jeweler because he made my eternity band and I trusted that he would put as much care into my reset as well. Well...I was wrong. Looking at it now, very critically, there is a LOT wrong with it It's obvious that the basket/bezel were hand forged and not made from a wax mold. The U-shape basket is not symmetrical, the way it is sitting between the shoulders is uneven - one shoulder is touching and the other is not, and the lengths of the cut corners are not symmetrical. Initially it was just the crooked basket that concerned me, which is the reason I didn't want to post profile pics...I was embarrassed. I had contacted the jeweler to let him know of my concern and they told me to bring it back on the 10th (they are on vacation until then) to look at it. I had originally just thought of having him "fix it" but then became very wary of his ability to do so.

So...I have contacted Brian Gavin to see if he can create a custom piece for me, based on what I had asked the original jeweler to do. This will be my first time sending my lovely ring in the mail, and the reason I didn't go this route before was because I was very nervous about doing so. I know, I know, it was silly of me to think this and I am kicking myself for not talking to Brian and Lesley about this first.

Keep your fingers crossed that Brian and Lesley can "repair" the damage and that I can get the ring sent to them and back on my finger in time for my 10 year anniversary (2/10/11)!

 

[geckodani]

Don't feel bad - I did the exact same thing about three years ago. Had my local jeweler make me a setting that at first blush I loved, and upon further scrutiny was a hot mess. I was nervous about mailing my diamond as well, but it all worked out in the end! I'm sorry you are not happy with your initial reset, and I'm sure BGD will make you a gorgeous setting!

 

[NOYFB]

Thanks! I appreciate the kind words, and it's nice to know I'm not the only one who's done this I got an email back from Jamie at BGD and have just sent pics of my current ring. Will keep you all posted!

 

[pixies]

I've been there too! I think initially you are just so excited initally to get the ring but once you have time for that to wear off you start to really look at/scrutinize the piece. Nothing wrong with that! I was excited when I got my last set... until I actually started examining it and realized how sloppy/unsymmetrical it was. I had them fix it twice before realizing they just weren't going to get it right. I took my time picking an excellent vendor this time. It was a very expensive learning experience for me lol. I'm sure BGD will do a great job!

 

[Lula]

Nope, you're not the only one. I used to work with several local jewelers on custom projects, but was always disappointed in the craftsmanship. I experienced some of the same issues you have -- uneven and unfinished looking work, problems with polish not being quite right, etc.

I, too, was really nervous about working long-distance on custom design jewelry projects and mailing my stone across country. But after hanging out on this site for a few years and seeing the quality work available to people from online vendors, I changed my mind. I've been working with Wink for a little over a year and a half now, and been so happy with the quality. PS vendors like Wink, BGD, GOG, WF, etc., know that there is a good chance that their finished pieces will be posted on PS in photos that show the piece magnified many times greater than actual size. So they are picky, too. Most local stores don't see their work scrutinized in that much detail!

I won't go back to the local stores for custom design, but I do still use my local jeweler for repairs, and I will buy more everyday pieces (e.g., gold hoop earrings) from them.

I think you will be much, much happier with the work BGD does. A simple, elegant design like a milgrain bezel really requires outstanding craftsmanship.

 

[kal2021]

As others have said, you are NOT alone! I went through 3 settings from 2 different jewelers in my local "diamond/jewelry district" before finally deciding to give up on them. Same thing happened - first couple of days I was floating on air with each setting, then when I really started looking more closely I was pi$$ed at the craftsmanship! I have yet to buy from a PS vendor, but am planning to use either BGD or WF for my wedding band and I cannot wait to see the difference in quality - I hope it's everything I am expecting it to be! So anyway, do not feel bad...what I've come to realize is that this is all a learning experience, and as someone mentioned, unfortunately a pricey one! But hopefully we will never have to make the same mistakes again (I think 3 times was enough for me! lol).

 

[D&T]

I'm so sorry about your experience. All of my custom settings had good craftsmanship but the end result was meehh to me, didn't look exactly or "felt" what I envisioned and well, got a bit discourage about going custom. So I now just look for either the designer or commercial parts to "make" the piece.

But looking at your ring form the top down looks beautiful and hope it can be reworked a bit.

 

[NOYFB]

Thanks everyone! I have been communicating with Jamie at BGD and am hoping to have my quote by tomorrow. I can't believe how prompt they have been in responding to my emails and many questions. Truly a class act to work with, and I am absolutely confident that they will make my ring look amazingly beautiful!

 

[NOYFB]

I got the quote today and am excited to say that I will have a BGD custom original on my hand in just a few short weeks! I am SO excited!!!!! And...I'm even having him add a surprise stone (an amethyst) to each side of the head. Our 10 year anniversary is next month, and since this will be a gift for our anniversary, I wanted something *extra* special to commemorate it! I will be sure to post the CADS when I get them.

Thank you all so much for all your help and kind words during this process. It has been an expensive learning experience, but this will be my "forever" ring, and I am excited to show it to all of you!

 

[geckodani]

Awesome! I can't wait to see it!

 

[Lula]

Yay! You must be very relieved!

 

[NOYFB]

Yay! You must be very relieved!

Relieved. And thrilled!!!