noobie
Brilliant_Rock
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2004
- Messages
- 1,318
Here’s some feedback on my experience with Quest manufacturing along with a few pictures that I have been advised by others are “mandatory”.
I had first set out to create a three stone anniversary ring for my wife.I thought picking the diamonds would be the hard part.I was wrong.Picking the setting is definitely more challenging.It’s tough enough when you have a selection of pre-made ones, but when you go custom, and have virtually unlimited possibilities, it’s almost too much.We had originally settled on a Vatche truffle setting, which we had the opportunity to view at a local store that is a dealer.After getting some price quotes, I learned that the setting is fairly pricey and was not worth the premium to us.So we started to look at Ritani and others.One thing that my wife wanted to change from the Vatche and Ritani was the width of the band.We found a little too narrow for us.So after a recommendation from Martin Fuller, we headed off to Quest Manufacturing.
Quest is run by three brothers who started out as bench jewelers and then contractors for a high end mall store.They now do a very good business with local jewelers.The office is very low key and the brothers are very friendly.They will make you what you want.They have a large collection of pictures and catalogues for ideas.After discussing some ideas and options with Pete Tain, we decided on an adaptation of a trellis style with modifications to the prongs and band.The ring would be mostly hand worked and not cast from a mould.
After about a week and a half, we went to Quest to take a look.It looked very nice expect for one thing.Since this was an anniversary and not an e-ring, I wanted the stones in more of an arch as opposed to the center being set up higher.Even though it looked good, I felt it was more of an e-ring look.After talking to Pete, he understood and would make the changes.I would like to say that at no time did Pete ever hint that the ring was good enough.We felt like Quest was extremely customer focused and would do what it took to make us happy.All of my questions and suggestions were always met with “no problem” and “we want to make you happy”.They would rather remake a ring than have an unhappy customer.So, main diamond was lowered and reset in one day.The finished ring was ready the next day for pick up.It was perfect for us, exactly what we had asked for.Total cost for the custom setting was less than half of the Vatche one.
Some of my thoughts on Quest and the experience:
An honest family owned business with a priority on customer service.They were so accommodating on every request.I never had to push for anything.
Excellent value.Fuller and Associates commented on the value they deliver in terms of quality and workmanship.I think their words were “I don’t know how they do it for the price”.
I don’t know if I would go custom made unless it was local.I know others have done it very successfully, I just feel more comfortable being able to visit and see work in progress rather than through e-mails and pictures, but that’s just me.
I would definitely return to Quest and have no hesitation recommending them to anyone.People that know me would generally classify me as a demanding customer, but my experience with them including overall value for the money was very good.
I’m glad to found a good local custom jeweler.Thanks to Martin Fuller for recommending them.
Here some amateur pictures.Center stone is 1.36 VS2 H from DI and side stones are 60 point each SI1 G from DCD.
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