If a diamond is set crooked...& other woes

[MarionC]

I love the design elements of my setting and thought I could sort of fluff-off the fact that it's not perfect. It's "OK-good" and meets my needs for now, but I wish it were "better".
Compared to the ACA, everything else about the ring looks dull. I wonder if ACA melee would give more sparkle...or do melee just sort of "sit there"? The current melee are VS2 G/H, OK cut.
As for the crooked diamond, I called the B&M and they said they would make it right [why not first time around?! they got the arrows placement perfect. I'm afraid if they mess with it again, something else will be out of whack]. Am I being too OCD about the set of the stone?

Should I just live with this ring and have a setting made later that meets all my criteria or get this setting fixed?
[take it back to the local B&M or send it to WF to reset?]

I am not super-disappointed - but not exactly over-the-moon either.
except for the ACA
[ I have ordered a few "better" stacking rings to wear with it to make it more fun. The diamond is secure - and insured- the setting works well enough to hold it, and I can stack it with bands].

 

[yssie]

It's pretty clearly crooked, but I gotta say your B&M did a fantastic job setting the stone. The prong-seats look perfect to me - cleanly cut out and nicely shaped to cradle the edges of your stone. Many PS darlings can't do prong-seats so well!

That said... you're supposed to love your ring! And if you think you've isolated the "problem areas" I'd definitely recommend at least investigating your options for resolution

 

[chrono]

I have 2 rings with ACA melees and never for a moment regretted it. They are such eye dazzlers.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Just thinking about your process and the amount of time you've spent selecting the perfect stone. I think you just need to go for the ACA stones and a hand-forged setting.

 

[chrono]

I don't think it is possible to have both ACA melees and a handforged setting with the exception of the Leon Mege Lotus because WF will not sell their melees to anyone else.

 

[yssie]

I don't think it is possible to have both ACA melees and a handforged setting with the exception of the Leon Mege Lotus because WF will not sell their melees to anyone else.

Yes... having seen chunky arrows clear as day in one-pointers from WF, well, I'm spoilt for good!! They really do sparkle like mad. I had a hard time getting good pics of stones that small, but these are from my bangle:


I think GOG might be the PS only vendor that can manage both precision-cut melee and hand-forged settings?
Someone correct me if I am mistaken!

 

[MarionC]

...just sitting by and watching this conversation at this point & learning.
I want you all to know how much I appreciate your interest in helping me get this right.

 

[momma2boys]

Do you think the knife-edge design is contributing to how you feel about the ring? I can speak for that because I had that type of setting prior to finally figuring out what I really wanted. The diamonds would still sparkle nicely, but since they were angled, the top down view was very blah to me. The side view was nice and I liked that a lot, but it didn't enhance my center stone at all from the top view with the side-stones being angled. Just my opinion, and you may feel completely different, but I thought I'd throw it out there!!

 

[MarionC]

Do you think the knife-edge design is contributing to how you feel about the ring? I can speak for that because I had that type of setting prior to finally figuring out what I really wanted. The diamonds would still sparkle nicely, but since they were angled, the top down view was very blah to me. The side view was nice and I liked that a lot, but it didn't enhance my center stone at all from the top view with the side-stones being angled. Just my opinion, and you may feel completely different, but I thought I'd throw it out there!!

yes! I think that's exactly what's happening.

 

[MarionC]

It's pretty clearly crooked, but I gotta say your B&M did a fantastic job setting the stone. The prong-seats look perfect to me - cleanly cut out and nicely shaped to cradle the edges of your stone. Many PS darlings can't do prong-seats so well!

That said... you're supposed to love your ring! And if you think you've isolated the "problem areas" I'd definitely recommend at least investigating your options for resolution

Thank you - you've validated that I really do have a noticeably crooked stone, and still given me more confidence in the B&M setter.

I don't think it is possible to have both ACA melees and a handforged setting with the exception of the Leon Mege Lotus because WF will not sell their melees to anyone else.

Yes... having seen chunky arrows clear as day in one-pointers from WF, well, I'm spoilt for good!! They really do sparkle like mad. I had a hard time getting good pics of stones that small, but these are from my bangle:


I think GOG might be the PS only vendor that can manage both precision-cut melee and hand-forged settings?
Someone correct me if I am mistaken!

now these are gorgeous. that's what I want!

Just thinking about your process and the amount of time you've spent selecting the perfect stone. I think you just need to go for the ACA stones and a hand-forged setting.

I appreciate you noticing that I've been down the rabbit-hole and back to find the perfect diamond. Now to figure out the perfect setting.

I don't think it is possible to have both ACA melees and a handforged setting with the exception of the Leon Mege Lotus because WF will not sell their melees to anyone else.

good to know! will be talking to WF.

Do you think the knife-edge design is contributing to how you feel about the ring? I can speak for that because I had that type of setting prior to finally figuring out what I really wanted. The diamonds would still sparkle nicely, but since they were angled, the top down view was very blah to me. The side view was nice and I liked that a lot, but it didn't enhance my center stone at all from the top view with the side-stones being angled. Just my opinion, and you may feel completely different, but I thought I'd throw it out there!!

that was something I could not have anticipated! now that the plating is wearing, the edge I see is fairly grey/dull. It helps to hear of your experience and means that ACA in the setting - even if WF would accommodated me-would not solve the problem. More reason to just be OK with this setting and look to a future, more blingy one.

 

[momma2boys]

Do you think the knife-edge design is contributing to how you feel about the ring? I can speak for that because I had that type of setting prior to finally figuring out what I really wanted. The diamonds would still sparkle nicely, but since they were angled, the top down view was very blah to me. The side view was nice and I liked that a lot, but it didn't enhance my center stone at all from the top view with the side-stones being angled. Just my opinion, and you may feel completely different, but I thought I'd throw it out there!!

that was something I could not have anticipated! now that the plating is wearing, the edge I see is fairly grey/dull. It helps to hear of your experience and means that ACA in the setting - even if WF would accommodated me-would not solve the problem. More reason to just be OK with this setting and look to a future, more blingy one.[/quote]

I do think it may help the diamonds look better if you have ACA in the setting, but if the setting isn't ideal for you, the quality of the diamonds won't matter ultimately. For me, when I got the knife-edge set, I immediately thought how I wish I could see a row of diamonds from the top, but I pushed it out of my head bc I was also very happy to be closer to what I wanted in a set. But, that thought never left my mind and it slowly bugged me more and more. So I give credit to you for being honest with yourself about how you feel. You do have a beautiful ring though - but I know - you need to love it.

 

[MarionC]

[/quote]
I do think it may help the diamonds look better if you have ACA in the setting, but if the setting isn't ideal for you, the quality of the diamonds won't matter ultimately. For me, when I got the knife-edge set, I immediately thought how I wish I could see a row of diamonds from the top, but I pushed it out of my head bc I was also very happy to be closer to what I wanted in a set. But, that thought never left my mind and it slowly bugged me more and more. So I give credit to you for being honest with yourself about how you feel. You do have a beautiful ring though - but I know - you need to love it.[/quote]

thanks, M2B. Like yours, this setting does get me headed in the right direction. I had never seen a round-bottom wire basket before and is exactly what I want, but probably with a flat band. That would be quite easy & not too expensive to make if I really get unhappy. If I still wanted diamonds on the sides, I could have WF build the ring. If I hadn't bought and lived with this setting I would still be floundering. Now if I have another setting made I can send this one as an example of design elements I want incorporated.

Another thing on the positive side - what if I had bought the Ritani floral for $3600 and was disappointed?! Like diamonds, I never know if I really like something until I've lived with it a while.

Anyway, this little setting looks good to me this morning.
I bought it a narrow open floral eternity on Etsy this week, upgrading the melee. This may give me the "from the top " band sparkle needed.

 

[MarionC]

ps. I lost a melee in my solitaire already! the tiniest one near the basket [[[[sigh]]].
I guess that means I've joined the pave club

edit: me bad. I forgot about what I had read and put the ring in the ultrasonic cleaner - just found the diamond, which is amazing because it's smaller than a pinhead!

 

[MarionC]

ps. I lost a melee in my solitaire already! the tiniest one near the basket [[[[sigh]]].
I guess that means I've joined the pave club

edit: me bad. I forgot about what I had read and put the ring in the ultrasonic cleaner - just found the diamond, which is amazing because it's smaller than a pinhead!

It's not me - it's the ring. I ran my thumbnail over the melee and another stone fell out. It was only held in with 2 prongs.
and I've only been wearing the ring for a week and the finish has worn down to the gold underneath - not a little, but a lot.
Guess I'm test-driving Diadori for PS.

 

[momma2boys]

ps. I lost a melee in my solitaire already! the tiniest one near the basket [[[[sigh]]].
I guess that means I've joined the pave club

edit: me bad. I forgot about what I had read and put the ring in the ultrasonic cleaner - just found the diamond, which is amazing because it's smaller than a pinhead!

It's not me - it's the ring. I ran my thumbnail over the melee and another stone fell out. It was only held in with 2 prongs.
and I've only been wearing the ring for a week and the finish has worn down to the gold underneath - not a little, but a lot.
Guess I'm test-driving Diadori for PS.

OH NO!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Andelain]

Yikes, time to end that test drive!!!

 

[hathalove]

ps. I lost a melee in my solitaire already! the tiniest one near the basket [[[[sigh]]].
I guess that means I've joined the pave club

edit: me bad. I forgot about what I had read and put the ring in the ultrasonic cleaner - just found the diamond, which is amazing because it's smaller than a pinhead!

It's not me - it's the ring. I ran my thumbnail over the melee and another stone fell out. It was only held in with 2 prongs.
and I've only been wearing the ring for a week and the finish has worn down to the gold underneath - not a little, but a lot.
Guess I'm test-driving Diadori for PS.

What?! No it's time to return. No bueno.

 

[braga123]

Most brick and mortar jewelers will stand by their product....I would try to return this setting. Maybe you can just trade it for a temporary tiffany style setting--it would look great with the new band you ordered!

 

[Roxy]

ps. I lost a melee in my solitaire already! the tiniest one near the basket [[[[sigh]]].
I guess that means I've joined the pave club

edit: me bad. I forgot about what I had read and put the ring in the ultrasonic cleaner - just found the diamond, which is amazing because it's smaller than a pinhead!

It's not me - it's the ring. I ran my thumbnail over the melee and another stone fell out. It was only held in with 2 prongs.
and I've only been wearing the ring for a week and the finish has worn down to the gold underneath - not a little, but a lot.
Guess I'm test-driving Diadori for PS.

What?! No it's time to return. No bueno.

Wow, no, that's not okay on any level. Melee just falling out of the setting? Surely you can return this one because that's just not right.

 

[MarionC]

Most brick and mortar jewelers will stand by their product....I would try to return this setting. Maybe you can just trade it for a temporary tiffany style setting--it would look great with the new band you ordered!

Got in my car, dirty clothes, barn boots & all and drove the 30 minutes to town. I insisted that they take the ring back and they would not. They said that by setting it with my stone it was now custom and unreturnable since they would have to scrap it [I know that's not true]. I was not happy, but also I have compassion for them - small store, need any profits they can get.

Anyway, the master designer was back from vacation and we had a long talk. He just shook his head when he saw how crooked the stone was. He is going to rebuild the ring - maybe that's not the right word, but he is going to reset the melee, secure the rest, rebuild the basket & make everything level & perfect then re-plate.
It became clear to me that he is just as picky as I am, so I'm relieved & have confidence that he "gets it".


So I went from being upset to feeling like it's going to be OK. I could have had a fit & made everyone miserable, but I felt as though everyone was trying - and they are contacting Diadori with the complaint.

[When I think how easy it was to set my Little D - bought the cheapest thing on JA - a $230 wire twist setting - love it, love it. ]

Probably not the end of the story for this ACA, but for now All is Well.

 

[MarionC]

ps. I lost a melee in my solitaire already! the tiniest one near the basket [[[[sigh]]].
I guess that means I've joined the pave club

edit: me bad. I forgot about what I had read and put the ring in the ultrasonic cleaner - just found the diamond, which is amazing because it's smaller than a pinhead!

It's not me - it's the ring. I ran my thumbnail over the melee and another stone fell out. It was only held in with 2 prongs.
and I've only been wearing the ring for a week and the finish has worn down to the gold underneath - not a little, but a lot.
Guess I'm test-driving Diadori for PS.

What?! No it's time to return. No bueno.

I hear you The only reason I'm in this hassle is because I didn't think I could wait 2 weeks to get it set at WF

 

[CharmyPoo]

Maybe I need to see WF melee in real life but I am of the opinion that you can't really tell a difference between good quality melee. My SK/LM ring melees are so sparkly .. I can't imagine any more sparkly.

 

[MarionC]

this puts things in perspective......the melee next to a pin head and a mm ruler.

FWIW, this got me curious about melee and I found a good article: http://www.melee.pro/whatismelee.htm

 

[LoversKites]

Whoa, impressive that you found something so tiny!

 

[MarionC]

Whoa, impressive that you found something so tiny!

I have such trouble finding keys & glasses, but this is a diamond!

 

[momma2boys]

Really glad to hear that you're ring is fixable and you have trust in the jeweler to make it perfect for you!

 

[yssie]

Whoa, impressive that you found something so tiny!

I have such trouble finding keys & glasses, but this is a diamond!

Here's a fun oldie - H&A melee!
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/h-a-melee.156263/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/h-a-melee.156263/[/URL]

 

[MarionC]

Whoa, impressive that you found something so tiny!

I have such trouble finding keys & glasses, but this is a diamond!

Here's a fun oldie - H&A melee!
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/h-a-melee.156263/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/h-a-melee.156263/[/URL]

Wonderful! Love this!! they are so darned cute!

I got my ring fixed & am very pleased - posted a new thread with photos here --->
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/in-love-again-end-of-the-crooked-diamond-tale-of-woe.200731/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/in-love-again-end-of-the-crooked-diamond-tale-of-woe.200731/[/URL]

 

[MarionC]

Really glad to hear that your ring is fixable and you have trust in the jeweler to make it perfect for you!

yea!!!! thanks!

 

[Sunstorm]

Well, I do think it is very possible to acquire precision cut melee, they are not common and not easily found but they are out there, WF is not the only one carrying top melee, it is just that most vendors and cutters really do not like dealing with them since there is so much work involved and the profits are small, same thing for the jewelers. In my opinion it is definitely worth it to get top melee as there is a very noticeable difference, I do notice it in my own pieces out of which the last one was made with top melee, they stand out big time. One thing you have to look out for is that depening on what center you are using they can almost overshadow the center but not with your ACA stone. Handmade pieces as well as old pieces can be very fragile and susceptible to being damaged more easily, not all are meant for everyday wear, however, in your case when you are having a ring made for everyday wear it should be very sturdy. If the stones fall out right after it was made, something is very wrong and definitely nothing should be crooked at all. You can definitely have things changed to suit you, people can make mistakes as they are humans too though it does not really happen to the very best in my opinion. This is why I use the jeweler I do, after 40 years of experience and his motivation and scrutiny for quality I know he will always do top work but very few work 70 -80 hours a week at his age living for and loving their work. Trust is what this all comes down to, use those you can always trust that they will not disappoint.