Is this setting fixable?

[natascha]

Continuing with my saga of discontentment with my setting. I just can't seem to let it go. I love the design of my setting but the execution bugs me and the way my OMC performs in it makes me want to cry. I know I have to do something with the bezel, will probably see if the bezel can be taken away and prongs put in instead. Does anyone know if this is possible?

Thing is there are more issues with this ring. There is a ton of extra metal blobs in the halo and some of the bezeled baguettes seem to be to small for the setting so they sit askew with space between the walls of the bezel and the diamond. Looking at the pictures do you think it is fixable?

Or maybe I am exaggerating. My mom thinks I should just be happy with my setting as it is. Am I making a mountain out of a molehill?






















Photos coming up.

 

[natascha]

What is you honest reaction to this setting? What would you do if this was your engagement ring?

I want honest answers, if you think I am a spoilt brat, that the setting is horrible, that I am imagining things... Whatever your reaction please post it. This is seriously driving me nuts, I think about it way to much and I need to hear others opinion about it. Thank you.

 

[Circe]

Natascha, could you post a pic of the back of your setting, so we can see the culet of the stone (and how thick the setting is at the back)?

Edit: and, taking a closer look at the profile pic ... you are NOT exaggerating at all! I don't think I'd ever seen your ring from that angle before. That bezel is ridiculously oversized for the stone. The stone is set too deep: at points, it looks like it isn't even touching it; and it's covering half the crown! Lemme attach a pic of what I think of as a "good" bezel below. Regardless of what it looks like from the back - jeez, no wonder your light performance has gone all to hell!

That part *might* be fixable with a good bench. A good bench could also smooth out the blobs. You'd probably have to live with the undersized baguettes - changing those out would be a right pain.

I think it depends on what a Swedish craftsman would charge to fix it, honestly. If it weren't for the pain of mailing it back and forth, I'd say you should send it to the original maker and ask them to redo it to professional standards ... but given the travails of international shipping, I think I'd eat the cost and either try to have it fixed locally, or replace it.

 

[natascha]

Natascha, could you post a pic of the back of your setting, so we can see the culet of the stone (and how thick the setting is at the back)?

Edit: and, taking a closer look at the profile pic ... you are NOT exaggerating at all! I don't think I'd ever seen your ring from that angle before. That bezel is ridiculously oversized for the stone. The stone is set too deep: at points, it looks like it isn't even touching it; and it's covering half the crown! Lemme attach a pic of what I think of as a "good" bezel below. Regardless of what it looks like from the back - jeez, no wonder your light performance has gone all to hell!

That part *might* be fixable with a good bench. A good bench could also smooth out the blobs. You'd probably have to live with the undersized baguettes - changing those out would be a right pain.

I think it depends on what a Swedish craftsman would charge to fix it, honestly. If it weren't for the pain of mailing it back and forth, I'd say you should send it to the original maker and ask them to redo it to professional standards ... but given the travails of international shipping, I think I'd eat the cost and either try to have it fixed locally, or replace it.

Taking photos underneath definitively tests my photo skills. I am a point, shot and hope you did not cut of any heads- kind a gal. Hopefully you will see something. IRL it looks like a wall of metal surrounds the stone underneath and covers quite a bit of it.


Regarding the baguettes, you have just confirmed my fear. It is more prominent IRL than in the pics since in most of lighting situations the space between stone and bezel looks like a stark black line. I just don't understand why you would put in too small stones. I mean he must have noticed that they were smaller than the rest and he went ahead anyway. I guess I just feel so sad because he has done a lot of nice work and I researched this thoroughly, even ordered a milgrained bezel necklace just to check in person that he could do bezels and milgrain up to my standard. If he had told me he could not do it then I would have gone with another design. The original design I wanted called for bezeled 1 pointers which he said he could not do so I scraped that idea.

If I win the pendant stone on Thursday then I will go in to my jeweler to order my pendant (just need to decide on a design first) and I will ask him what he thinks about my setting. He knows his stuff including old stones and settings. I mean how many jewelers can you find today that know how to do beautifully delicate hand made filigree.

Circe I just wanted to thank you so much for your help. Your advice has been invaluable .

 

[Dreamer_D]

Brutally honest, it looks terrible. I would be totally fumed at that and would absolutely want to burn it.

If it were me I would send it back and demand a refund. I would not trust them to make it right, the issues are too grave IMO.

So stop beating yourself up and start fresh. You are not imagining things, and are not a spoiled brat and shame on anyone for making you feel that way

If you keep it but the sapphire in it that came in your new ring. You deserve a better home for your diamond.

 

[ame]

First I am going to give you the proverbial hug. I feel your pain, every tiny ounce of it. I don't understand why someone would not do the best possible job available, or find someone who can, and instead produces unacceptable work.

I would want a refund and to start over. You are not a brat. It's not what you expected or wanted, and not what I suspect you told them you wanted or expected either.

I am kind of in your same boat right now. And have been many times before.

 

[mjertl]

I'm sorry... I think the idea is very beautiful, but the execution is sloppy. If it were me, I'd be upset, just like you are.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Is it horrible? I don't think so as I have seen much worse. However, I don't think it compares to the top custom ring vendors that are often mentioned. Starting over with a local unknown may or may not warrant better results. However, I am confident that going with Leon, Steven or Victor will net a better made ring. Try contacting them to see if they are willing to "fix" it.

 

[slg47]

you have a beautiful stone and i love the design of your ring...however...i have to agree with the others...the execution is just not acceptable. i would demand a refund.

i'm really sorry that such a sentimental piece of jewelry turned out so poorly and hope that you can get it fixed to your standards (which are NOT unreasonable)

 

[AnneinGA]

Natascha,
I went back and looked at the CADS from one of your original posts (here for anyone else that's interested: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cad-review-please-help.156265/).

I think the ring is not even in the same stratosphere as the cads. While the shape, etc. is generally similar, it's almost as if what you got would be something one might find after wear of 50 years. The baguettes on the side don't even look like they're properly set and the miligrain around the stone isn't even *even* from the side view.

For me personally, if a bench was proud enough to send that out as a final piece, I wouldn't trust them to fix it to my standards. It's one thing if you're being picky (which you're absolutely not being) and a difficult person to work with; it's quite another to have work that's so obviously not right go out as a "finished" piece.

Just want to stress again - it's NOT you. It's the piece. And I agree with someone above - you can definitely do better.

I'm so sorry. I can't imagine anything that would suck more than to open a box thinking it's your dream piece and to be so bitterly disappointed.

Hang in there.

 

[LGK]

Oh natascha. I would be furious if presented with that type of workmanship. Good lord, the random dude I had handmake a setting for a CZ in mexico did a way better job! Ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous to foist that sort of poor craftsmanship off onto a paying customer.

I'd try to get some $ out of the original jeweler, scrap it and start over. And be really upset at the whole thing. Do NOT feel guilty, or anything- you are absolutely not the bad guy here! Honestly I don't know that prongs would do much, there's way too much metal... well, everywhere. Might be worth trying if you cannot reset and can't get any $ back though.

 

[0-0-0]

Wow, at first I thought these were pictures of a vintage piece with heavy wear and simply re-polished over the years. Only after looking at the CAD do I realize that this is a newly made ring. The CAD looks great but the workmanship on the actual piece looks absolutely terrible. Frankly I think it's a waste of time and effort to try to get the setting fixed. I would not trust this jeweler to do any bench work after seeing this example.

 

[natascha]

I don't think a refund is possible since I accepted the ring nearly 5 months ago. When I first received it I was just so happy to have it back that I ignored my niggling doubt and wrote back enthusiastically and gave them positive feedback. The ring was first delayed in production, then they sent it but there was some type of problem so it was sent back and for a while we did not know how to send it then that was fixed but it got delayed in customs and none knew where the package was. Finally tracked it down sent in the paperwork stayed home to receive the package it left there holding facility only to be stopped because of some problem with the address and finally I received it nearly two weeks after it was first sent ( it was supposed to be 2 days).

So when I finally received it I was just so happy to have it and since I knew I would not be able to send it back I tried to ignore all the issues and not look at my e-ring. I even consigned my OEC largely because when comparing it to my e-ring I just wanted to cry.

Dreamer- Thank you so much. I really needed to hear those words. Because of the above I think I will be forced to just eat the cost. I think it is a good idea to put the sapphire or some other gemstone in it. I might sell it if it still hurts to see it only thing is I am very sentimental.

Ame- Thanks for the hug. I am pretty shocked that they let this one go, I have seen so many pretty examples of their work I just don't understand it. I was not expecting perfection but I did expect it to look like the rest of their pieces. I hope that your problems with your setting are solved soon.

mjertl- Thank you for the compliment of my design. That is one of the things that makes it feel worse, I just love my design but I don't love this ring.

CharmyPoo- I did think about Victor but I can't send insured from Sweden, last time I sent my ring from Spain. I am not really a fan of Leon's style when it comes to halos although his five stones are amazing. The bench I am thinking of using now is a handmade only, no casting that I have seen several lovely examples of. They even make lovely filigree and bezel and milgrain 1 pointers perfectly. I just ordered a pair of studs from them so we will see how that comes out.

slg47- Thank you for your kind words. Can I say that I love your e-ring.

anne- The funny thing is that I did not even get the CAD that I approved, I got an other iteration that we had decide not to use because it was too much metal. The cad I approved ( and is included in their presentation of the completed ring) was supposed to have three diamonds on top and mine has two and a lot of metal instead. Thank you for taking the time to even go back and find my old thread.

Lgk- i am afraid that you are right. I need to talk to my jeweler but it does not look like this is fixable without reworking the entire ring. Thanks you for your help.

thbmok- Usch your words make me feel good that I am not being overly picky and they are so true which is very sad. Thank you for complementing the cads.

 

[kenny]

Looks like the work of a beginning student...who tried hard but didn't get his certificate.

Sorry.

 

[Circe]

Taking photos underneath definitively tests my photo skills. I am a point, shot and hope you did not cut of any heads- kind a gal. Hopefully you will see something. IRL it looks like a wall of metal surrounds the stone underneath and covers quite a bit of it.


Regarding the baguettes, you have just confirmed my fear. It is more prominent IRL than in the pics since in most of lighting situations the space between stone and bezel looks like a stark black line. I just don't understand why you would put in too small stones. I mean he must have noticed that they were smaller than the rest and he went ahead anyway. I guess I just feel so sad because he has done a lot of nice work and I researched this thoroughly, even ordered a milgrained bezel necklace just to check in person that he could do bezels and milgrain up to my standard. If he had told me he could not do it then I would have gone with another design. The original design I wanted called for bezeled 1 pointers which he said he could not do so I scraped that idea.

If I win the pendant stone on Thursday then I will go in to my jeweler to order my pendant (just need to decide on a design first) and I will ask him what he thinks about my setting. He knows his stuff including old stones and settings. I mean how many jewelers can you find today that know how to do beautifully delicate hand made filigree.

Circe I just wanted to thank you so much for your help. Your advice has been invaluable .

Ooooh, yeah - way too much metal both fore and aft.

Honestly, if I wanted to rescue this setting? Here's what I'd do.

A) File away or cut away the top of the bezel: there's plenty there to play with. It's loose enough that I suspect a skilled jeweler could just take a bezel pusher and loosen the setting enough to get the stone out, though I wouldn't want to risk it myself.

B) Once the stone is out, cut back the completely unnecessary base metal and, if you want to reset your current stone and need light for the pavilion, pierce out the gallery.

C) File the current milgrain down - again, you have metal to spare! - and have the milgrain redone by someone on-site who actually knows how to do it properly. I have the sneaking suspicion that once the metal is thinned out, you might be able to push it down to conceal the gaps around the baguettes.

D) Have the stone of your choice reset in a new, thin bezel (or prongs, as the spirit moves you).

I think with the above, the whole thing should look a lot less bulky, and, if you have too much negative emotion associated with it, be more saleable. It is a lovely design, after all.

While the designer might not give you a full refund, it would annoy me to pay for the same work twice. I understand your not wanting to risk sending your stone internationally, but ... perhaps if your local jeweler would charge too much for the above you could ask him to pop the stone out, and ship just the setting back to DM to fix it up? He's a skilled craftsman with a decent reputation: I can't imagine him knowing a customer was unhappy, and not doing anything about it. I mean, I went back to my guy to fix my bezel - twice! - first 6 months after I took possession, and then a year and a half later. Did he mind? Not a jot.

And - my pleasure.

 

[motownmama]

I do see the issues you point out; however, I also see people raving about the ring back when you got it!

 

[Cehrabehra]

I've had a ring made by that designer and I like it - but they don't have enough expertise to pull off a high end diamond ring IMO. They're great for gemstones, casual rings... nice to work with and good prices... but I want EXQUISITE for my diamond and they just aren't there yet - and your photos show it. I hate to suggest turning this one into yet *another* gemstone ring and going for third (okay fourth?) time's the charm... but that's what I would do.

 

[maplefemme]

You are not making a mountain out of this issue, that setting is devouring your pretty diamond and it's terribly made.
I don't know if it's fixable, it's just so much metal, you might be throwing money after it and still not happy, I'd start over.
Don't be hard on yourself, your feelings about it matter, hopefully this new bench can create something to show off that lovely stone.

 

[AndGabe]

I agree with Cehrabehra. I think the unmentioned designer does simple pieces really well. I have a gemstone solitaire made by them and have no complaints.

However with your ring, I can see why you're doubting the design. I would want my halo to be with absolutely no airline, and almost no metal showing. Yours has a lot metal and I don't know if it's worth sinking in more money to try and fix it. Is it possible to reset the ring with a gemstone, and consign the piece at your local jeweler's?

 

[Frenchcut]

What happened to you is a nightmare! I would have been infuriated with the designer had this happened to me. Unless you are 200% certain your local jeweller can do a better job you should maybe opt for a simple design...

Can you ask your local jeweller to show you some pictures of his custom work?

 

[natascha]

Kenny- Thanks for the commiseration. Wish I would have fallen in love with titanium tension settings like you. Just pop em in and enjoy the view.

Circe- Great step by step, it really helps to get my thoughts in line. Should I be worried that the stone could pop out on it's own if it gets hit at the right angle?

motownmama- Thank you for putting it all in an other light.

Cehrabehra- Thing is I believed that they could pull it off. They showed me a portfolio of more high spec diamond rings including halos, milgrain, bezels, etc and I blew those pics up like crazy. The only thing I can think of is that they were stressed since it was delayed and my ring fell through the cracks. Oh and I never expected perfection, I have a couple of antique handmade pieces that are not perfect and I am fine with that. But this was not what I expected. On a tangent- where does your screen name come from? I love it.

Maplefemme- You are quite possibly right. I really need to just go down and talk to my bench. Thing is they are really busy so if you want to talk you need an appointment. Thanks for the pep talk.

AndGabe- I am considering doing just that, thing is I am kinda emotionally attached to the ring and the design so I don't really know what I feel. I am a slow thinker that needs all the options on the table and lots of time before making a decision.

FrenchCut- I have seen several of my benchs pieces. He has one tiny ( Like 4m2 of floor space) shop with a big workshop underneath and then a big two floor showroom at an other location. The thing that worries me a bit is that he does not do CAD, he only does handmade (you should see his face when you say cast, he does not consider that to be on par with handmade) so you don't get drawings and since my designs tend to be a bit different that feels scary. One of his designs was the one I originally wanted but I was worried about how it would look scaled down to my diamonds size.


All this reset talk has me thinking about a graduated individually bezeled halo. A 1.7mm at N and S followed by 1.5mm then 1.3mm. surrounding the stone to create the halo. Does that sound too wacky?

Might have to start looking at more victorian settings since my diamond is from that period, or do you think art deco is ok?