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HELP: Went from solitaire to halo. Does it look weird/bad?

SAN0331

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 18, 2013
Messages
5
Went from a solitaire pave that sat higher to a "cushion" shaped halo which unfortunately came out looking very square. Does this look weird? Is there anything I can do to have it made to truly look cushion or am I screwed? If I wanted to go back to solitare would that even be possible to reattached the old head?

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Re: HELP: Went from solitaire to halo. Does it look weird/ba

It does seem to look a little unusual with the flower-like edges at the corners.
Do you like that? Is it what you wanted, or perhaps not what you were expecting?
Was there a misunderstanding in regards to the style?

I guess from your thread perhaps you have you just picked it up from the jewellers following the reset?
If so, don't panic. You don't have to do anything about it in the next half hour.

Just spend a little time thinking about what you like and don't like, and then when you are sure which way to go, focus on communicating that patiently, directly and preferably with lots of photographic assistance. :)
 
Re: HELP: Went from solitaire to halo. Does it look weird/ba

Thanks - makes sense. Yes I picked it up yesterday expecting a cushion w rounded edges which is the setting I showed the jeweler, yet somehow ended up w pointy flower/snowflake edges and I hate it. I'm nervous that since I have no already paid, I'm going to have a hard time getting them to do anything else considering this addition of a halo took a month. Is that even normal? I was told 2 weeks n it took double that.
 
Re: HELP: Went from solitaire to halo. Does it look weird/ba

Oops meant to say I have now already paid*
 
Re: HELP: Went from solitaire to halo. Does it look weird/ba

I think your ring is pretty, but it sounds like it is clearly not what you asked for. The corner prongs are very prominent - I wonder if he could shave them down, it will soften the halo a bit. I would definitely speak to the jeweler about your concerns, and find out what your options are. IMO he should redo the ring if it truly doesn't look like the example you showed him. Another option might be to try to get a refund and start over if he isn't willing to work with you on this. But I'm jumping the gun a bit - first step is to talk to him about it. Do you know what his policies are with regard to custom work? Sorry this has happened - it's upsetting after waiting so long to be disappointed in a piece.
 
Re: HELP: Went from solitaire to halo. Does it look weird/ba

And do you have anything in writing - your inspiration picture you provided to him, a written estimate specifying a cushion shape halo? Are there any return/exchange policies printed on your receipt?

If nothing was in writing, and it is all "he said, she said," I hope you have a pre-existing relationship with your jeweler so that you know he is reputable and places a high premium on excellent customer service.

Regardless, I would gather your thoughts and make notes of your recollection of the fact sequence of this custom transaction, and then on Monday go speak with the jeweler about the situation and your requested fix (make the halo cushion-shaped; or restore to solitaire and receive refund).

Good luck! I know how disappointing it can be to have a custom project turn out "wrong."
 
Re: HELP: Went from solitaire to halo. Does it look weird/ba

It is not what we usually think of when we think halo but. . . it depends on what you told him/showed him. There are lots of and lots of haloed rings on this site to print pictures of and show him. I think most jewelers want you to be happy so I would definitely talk with him about alternatives if you are not happy with this one.
 
Re: HELP: Went from solitaire to halo. Does it look weird/ba

This is not a cushion halo that looks like a princess sort of.. I think maybe they could soften it a bit? it's a lovely ring.
 
Re: HELP: Went from solitaire to halo. Does it look weird/ba

SAN0331|1376836833|3505280 said:
Thanks - makes sense. Yes I picked it up yesterday expecting a cushion w rounded edges which is the setting I showed the jeweler, yet somehow ended up w pointy flower/snowflake edges and I hate it. I'm nervous that since I have no already paid, I'm going to have a hard time getting them to do anything else considering this addition of a halo took a month. Is that even normal? I was told 2 weeks n it took double that.

It sounds like this is not what you asked for/expected. It is pretty, but it does look like a snowflake. I would have them do it over again. The diamonds in the halo are spaced very far apart, and if you wanted a cushion-y halo, they would need to use smaller stones and not have a diamond as a corner -- that will make it look square. Did you sign off on anything stating that you "approved" the CAD or design? Don't panic... just talk to them and take photos with you. If they can't make it, then go to a more experienced bench. :))

I think a month is an acceptable time frame for the halo... but if they thought they could do it in half the time, but couldn't and didn't give you what you asked for, that makes me think they are not skilled or experienced enough to execute it again. They may not be the best choice. I agree with the other poster about it not looking like the halos we usually speak of...
 
Re: HELP: Went from solitaire to halo. Does it look weird/ba

If you aren't happy with it, they should refund your money. Most reputable jewelers will. It doesn't look like any halo I've ever seen? I hope it all works out and you can get it re-done the way you want!
 
Re: HELP: Went from solitaire to halo. Does it look weird/ba

I actually didn't see a CAD design or anything, but rather picked an existing setting he had made which he was going to create just the halo and attach to my ring. It looks completely different. Agreed that diamonds are way too spaced out and it is square. I'm so upset because I leave for a trip in two weeks to meet my fiance's extended family and I know there is no way this will be fixed in time. I am beyond upset especially since I waited double the time he originally said. He said he was a perfectionist and that's why it would take extra time, but this looks poorly crafted and like he cheaped out trying to use as few diamonds as possible. I paid $1200 for the addition of this halo. I am really not feeling like this is at all worth it. My center stone is 1.25 so I knew it would need to be bigger than the setting I had seen which was made to fit 1 ct. But this is not at all like what I saw. This is square. So glad it is not just me and now I feel like I can be extra confident asserting this to the jeweler.
 
Re: HELP: Went from solitaire to halo. Does it look weird/ba

From looking at the photos you posted it isn't a halo in the traditional sense that we talk about her on PS. I would put it into the category of a flower ring where the melee are larger and spaced further apart.

I would go back and talk with your jeweler. There might have been miscommunication. If you don't feel they are compent enough to do the design you want then just get your money back and find someone else. FWIW I like your diamond better in a halo vs. solitare setting but I'm not a fan of the flower style.
 
Re: HELP: Went from solitaire to halo. Does it look weird/ba

Do you absolutely hate it? It is very unique...not necessarily a bad thing. Can you post more pictures--close-up's? I only suggest this because maybe then you can wear it on the trip and return it after you get back, provided that you tell him about it first.
 
Re: HELP: Went from solitaire to halo. Does it look weird/ba

True - maybe that will be an option to wear it on the trip and return to fix it. I will be calling Tuesday when they reopen to voice all of these issues. Sure I have some additional pics here.

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Re: HELP: Went from solitaire to halo. Does it look weird/ba

Great advice and suggestions above. I'd add if you don't like it now, it won't "grow" on you. Gather your thoughts and specifics and I'm sure your jeweler will want to make you happy. It may be a further delay but it will be worth it in the end if you get the ring that makes you happiest.

I think the halo stones may be too large to give the halo effect we are more used to. Perhaps he used 2 or 3 pointers and the effect you'd prefer was the smaller stones in the .5 or 1 point range.

Good luck! I hope you get it resolved to your satisfaction. :))
 
Re: HELP: Went from solitaire to halo. Does it look weird/ba

It just looks like the corner prongs are too big. Ask him to soften and round them.
 
Re: HELP: Went from solitaire to halo. Does it look weird/ba

AprilBaby|1376852018|3505457 said:
It just looks like the corner prongs are too big. Ask him to soften and round them.

Regarding the corner prongs... I wouldn't have that jeweler do anything else. Just get your money back.

The diamonds shouldn't be pronged in that way... you shouldn't have four ginormo prongs poking out as if you were wearing a huge princess cut solitaire. The prongs should be on the four corners of each pave set stone in the halo. Honestly, it looks like he had no idea how to make it and just started experimenting?? :confused: You can see big holes and air space in between the solitaire and the "halo."

If it were me, I'd get my money back and start over with a more experienced bench. $1200 for the halo portion alone is a crazy amount of money for the workmanship you received. I would contact the jeweler as soon as possible. Good luck, OP! :))
 
Re: HELP: Went from solitaire to halo. Does it look weird/ba

If you don't like it and it's not what you asked for I would certainly go back and discuss your options. I would either allow them to redo it but with your approval along the way or ask for a refund. I think the way the corners are done it makes it pointed instead of rounded. Good luck!
 
Re: HELP: Went from solitaire to halo. Does it look weird/ba

i agree with the comments - it is a pretty ring but definitely not a "halo' in the most traditional sense. A family member had her 1.5 round made into a cushion halo and I must admit that it really does look great so it is possible!! i do think that you need to express your concerns as soon as you can - hope everything works out well!!
 
Re: HELP: Went from solitaire to halo. Does it look weird/ba

msop04|1376853324|3505471 said:
AprilBaby|1376852018|3505457 said:
It just looks like the corner prongs are too big. Ask him to soften and round them.

Regarding the corner prongs... I wouldn't have that jeweler do anything else. Just get your money back.

The diamonds shouldn't be pronged in that way... you shouldn't have four ginormo prongs poking out as if you were wearing a huge princess cut solitaire. The prongs should be on the four corners of each pave set stone in the halo. Honestly, it looks like he had no idea how to make it and just started experimenting?? :confused: You can see big holes and air space in between the solitaire and the "halo."

If it were me, I'd get my money back and start over with a more experienced bench. $1200 for the halo portion alone is a crazy amount of money for the workmanship you received. I would contact the jeweler as soon as possible. Good luck, OP! :))

+1

If you are going to rework it, you'd better let the jeweler know that he/she has made a completely wrong ring asap. If you wait till you are back from your trip, he/she may argue that you had accepted it only to regret your own design after showing it to family and friends.
 
Re: HELP: Went from solitaire to halo. Does it look weird/ba

It's definitely the corner prongs that are doing it... I don't know why he didn't put two prongs on each of those stones to create a more rounded look.
 
Re: HELP: Went from solitaire to halo. Does it look weird/ba

I love your ring because it is so unique, but if you don't you should take it back and have them make what you like.
 
Re: HELP: Went from solitaire to halo. Does it look weird/ba

msop04|1376853324|3505471 said:
AprilBaby|1376852018|3505457 said:
It just looks like the corner prongs are too big. Ask him to soften and round them.

Regarding the corner prongs... I wouldn't have that jeweler do anything else. Just get your money back.

The diamonds shouldn't be pronged in that way... you shouldn't have four ginormo prongs poking out as if you were wearing a huge princess cut solitaire. The prongs should be on the four corners of each pave set stone in the halo. Honestly, it looks like he had no idea how to make it and just started experimenting??
:confused: You can see big holes and air space in between the solitaire and the "halo."

If it were me, I'd get my money back and start over with a more experienced bench. $1200 for the halo portion alone is a crazy amount of money for the workmanship you received. I would contact the jeweler as soon as possible. Good luck, OP! :))

Yes, I hate to say it, but I agree. I'm sorry. :(( I hope they will give you your money back. Lots of luck!
 
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