My SNQueens Setting Journey

[Dreamer_D]

Yes, my comment was not meant as a critique, but just saying I see what you see as suggesting that you use their examples of completed rings as your guide There are also apparently different styles of pave that use more or less metal, so something to ask about.

 

[sixweekoldson]

The gallery reminds me of this brilliant SK ring.

 

[Mara]

It does look rather chunky, I would def just check on the finished product mm and make sure it's inline with what you expect (put this on your SOW!!!).

 

[TravelingGal]

It does look rather chunky, I would def just check on the finished product mm and make sure it's inline with what you expect (put this on your SOW!!!).

it will probably look less chunky and more streamlined when it's done - however it still may be more than you'd like. Definitely bring this up to them beforehand.

 

[Gypsy]

I don't think that what I see in those pictures is going to give you the look you wanted. Their work, generally, on their website is chunky, and I think this piece is looking that way as well. Particularly, I think that the halo is either going to have a LOT of metal. OR it's doing to have really big melee.

 

[TravelingGal]

I don't think that what I see in those pictures is going to give you the look you wanted. Their work, generally, on their website is chunky, and I think this piece is looking that way as well. Particularly, I think that the halo is either going to have a LOT of metal. OR it's doing to have really big melee.

I was curious as to their jewelry as I've never been to the site, and while it's pretty, it doesn't seem refined like the SK. Go to their yelp page too, as they have a couple of rings pics from real people. Pretty, but a little bit on the chunkier side.

 

[TravelingGal]

I've seen their pave and it's quite delicate. They had a super delicate HW-style in stock, plus a version of my current ring. Pictures always look so much chunkier, did it look that way in person? E.g. my e-ring is so much more delicate than the pictures, I just can't capture it correctly.

In my experience with the limited PS jewelry I've seen in pics and then seeing it in person (which counts jewelers like SS as well)...

Yes, macro pics can make stuff like prongs look chunkier than what you see in IRL. A ring can indeed look more delicate in person.

But a truly refined and delicate piece seems to come through as delicate in the photos as well.

It depends on what kind of "IRL delicate" one is looking for.

 

[Gypsy]

Yeah. I was worried with the CADs. But I thought, hey they are CADs and it's not a cast piece. It's hand forged so the CADs are just for design, not for delicacy. But nope, the real life has the same look as what I see in those CADs.

 

[madelise]

Whoa, wasn't expecting so many comments considering how bleak the responses were before this last post! Now, in order:

Dreamer - It's their "Grand Panier" pave. I took a pic of it the last time I was there in person. Armywife pointed out that it looks like a fishtail pave.. which I was disappointed to learn that Leon Mege calls the "cheap stuff". Comments?




Mara - thanks, yes, I need to get that SOW! I wanted the halo to be ~2.2mm, and the same visual width as the shank (also 2.2mm) top down, so factoring that it's closer to the eye from being higher up + it being tilted.. I thought 2.2mm would be a good width.

Gypsy - I think it will have bigger melee. Or I hope it will have bigger melee. I requested a minimal metal look.

TGal - bah. I'm hoping for a TRUE delicate.


Well.. You all seem to agree with my anxious thoughts. No way out now. I don't even know exactly where they are in production to date. They are closed this week. This is costing us quite a bit, so if it's not to my precise liking, I'll just have to deal. SO already made it clear that there's no way we're spending that much money again for resetting it, and I definitely agree. I took a gamble at a custom setting, and, well.. I knew there was risk.. I kinda feel sick.

 

[Dreamer_D]

I think you have to trust that you saw their work and liked what you saw, and ignore the peanut gallery to a degree, if you think this is "it". You chose them for a reason - presumably you liked the work you saw and the quality of it and the style, right? That is what matters.

What does your work order state about how things should look in the end?

What did they say they would do in the event that you were unhappy with the end product?

ETA: I also think that we all need to remember this is with a 10mm center stone, so the size of the mount can be larger and still look proportional. A 2.2mm halo, with that style of pave, means about 2.0mm diamonds, which are about 2-3 points each. That is a larger halo than many get and likely larger than some people looking at the ring are imagining. I think that look could be very nice with your stone. It is different than micropave with 0.5 point stones. But your stone can take it.

 

[TravelingGal]

Don't feel sick. When I had my ring made, they said they often hate showing customers the cads and pics of the ring in progress because it can look scary. As I said, it will look more delicate and streamlined once the diamonds are in. The metal has yet to be cut, as they noted.

 

[madelise]

I think you have to trust that you saw their work and liked what you saw, and ignore the peanut gallery to a degree, if you think this is "it". You chose them for a reason - presumably you liked the work you saw and the quality of it and the style, right? That is what matters.

What does your work order state about how things should look in the end?

What did they say they would do in the event that you were unhappy with the end product?

ETA: I also think that we all need to remember this is with a 10mm center stone, so the size of the mount can be larger and still look proportional. A 2.2mm halo, with that style of pave, means about 2.0mm diamonds, which are about 2-3 points each. That is a larger halo than many get and likely larger than some people looking at the ring are imagining. I think that look could be very nice with your stone. It is different than micropave with 0.5 point stones. But your stone can take it.

I chose them because we couldn't ship our stone out of state. We wanted to drop it off. My only PS option was VC, but VC didn't carry lower colored melee. I do like their work, but I was only doing the admiring from a distance.

I don't have a SOW/Work state order. I didn't know I was supposed to get one. I only have a receipt that says "custom platinum setting", and a few drawings and the original copy of that life-size drawing with notes sheet that I have attached in this thread, on the first page. I also did not address the "if I am unhappy" details. I didn't know I was supposed to and now I feel foolish.

I'm hoping that it is the case as your last additional paragraph. I don't mind it looking sort of cluster-y at all.. I'm just worried about the metal looking clunky. Even though it might look cluster-y, I still want the halo to "blend" with the ring like VC's halos do. I also pictured it with more of a tilt than what is shown here, so I'm kind of meh about that. Am I putting too much thought into this? The normal non-PS fiance-to-be has, what, no say in the engagement ring and just accepts it and is happy for what it represents..

 

[madelise]

Don't feel sick. When I had my ring made, they said they often hate showing customers the cads and pics of the ring in progress because it can look scary. As I said, it will look more delicate and streamlined once the diamonds are in. The metal has yet to be cut, as they noted.

haha, Sylva told me that too. I'd feel sick without the photos, too! I'm NEVER like this. I never have anxiety for purchases, and I never think twice about most material things. I'm just going nuts over this one! I think I made myself set the bar so high in my head, hoping for THE perfect ring, that no matter what I'll be anxious that it won't be perfect? I'm becoming Ring-Zilla.

 

[TravelingGal]

Don't feel sick. When I had my ring made, they said they often hate showing customers the cads and pics of the ring in progress because it can look scary. As I said, it will look more delicate and streamlined once the diamonds are in. The metal has yet to be cut, as they noted.

haha, Sylva told me that too. I'd feel sick without the photos, too! I'm NEVER like this. I never have anxiety for purchases, and I never think twice about most material things. I'm just going nuts over this one! I think I made myself set the bar so high in my head, hoping for THE perfect ring, that no matter what I'll be anxious that it won't be perfect? I'm becoming Ring-Zilla.

Well it's a big, emotional purchase, so that's understandable. My e-ring was before I really noticed settings on PS (it's just a stock Jeff Cooper) and still, I obsessed over the orientation of the stone (N/S vs E/W) and the curves and points of the prongs.

Looking back, I am glad my e-ring was before I knew about custom settings. Now I do custom projects with no issue or much stress, because...it's not my e-ring.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Madelise, the pave on that other sample ring you posted looks good to me. Wait and see the end product and go from there. I don't think it will look "clustery" at all, and I doubt the metal will look clunky since you are putting such large diamonds in the halo.

As to the "what if I'm nto happy" contingency thing, its something that most people dont' ask about so don't feel foolish. It is something to keep in mind in the future. Most reputable jewelers will want to make you happy. But it is good to ask.

As for a work order, some jewelers are more "paper trail" like than others. I guess its something to consider in future, on other projects. Its good to have a paper trail indicating features that are important to you. But people vary in howdetailed they want to be versus how much freedom they want to let the designer and jeweler have. There is nothing wrong with letting a jeweler create something for you. You chose them because you liked their work so you should trust their esthetic and not listen to anyone commenting from afar.

You should assume it won't look exactly like you imagine, I don't think custom ever really does. But that doesn't mean it won't be beautoful and amazing.

 

[TravelingGal]

Madelise, the pave on that other sample ring you posted looks good to me. Wait and see the end product and go from there. I don't think it will look "clustery" at all, and I doubt the metal will look clunky since you are putting such large diamonds in the halo.

As to the "what if I'm nto happy" contingency thing, its something that most people dont' ask about so don't feel foolish. It is something to keep in mind in the future. Most reputable jewelers will want to make you happy. But it is good to ask.

As for a work order, some jewelers are more "paper trail" like than others. I guess its something to consider in future, on other projects. Its good to have a paper trail indicating features that are important to you. But people vary in howdetailed they want to be versus how much freedom they want to let the designer and jeweler have. There is nothing wrong with letting a jeweler create something for you. You chose them because you liked their work so you should trust their esthetic and not listen to anyone commenting from afar.

You should assume it won't look exactly like you imagine, I don't think custom ever really does. But that doesn't mean it won't be beautoful and amazing.

Hey, I have been around PS for ages and should have known better, but didn't bother with a work order, or anything else for my 3 stone ring with 23rd street. And the bolded part above is why I didn't bother with the 2nd project I had with them. It's SMARTER to have all of down in writing for sure, but with my personality when it comes to custom work, and that at the end of the day I just figure it's a piece of jewelry (again, not talking ering) here, AND that I do trust that 23rd street will make it all right, I probably wouldn't bother.

However, it's all fun and games until someone gets poked in the eye, lol.

 

[junebug17]

Don't be upset Madelise, I was looking at their work and it is really beautiful...I really think your ring is going to look more refined when finished - we're looking at a half-completed ring here! There's a lot more to do on it. Look at it this way - even if it doesn't meet your idea of *perfection* there's no way this is going to be an ugly ring! I know that the natural inclination is to have everything "just so", and that this is an important and emotional purchase, but sometimes I think we can drive ourselves a little cray-cray stressing over details.

 

[Gypsy]

Ahh. The bigger melee explains it. In that case I think you are okay.

 

[Laila619]

I think it's going to look great when it's all done. Please try not to worry!

 

[armywife13]

Madelise, I do think it looks similar to VC's neo-French pave.

http://www.victorcanera.com/jewelry/bands/neo-french-pave-eternity-band.html

I think it is gorgeous and by no means cheap, I wouldn't worry so much about what Leon thinks about pave styles.

If you are worried about the ring looking a little chunky, express those concerns and see what they say. That way they are aware that you want the halo and shank to be delicate. In the end I think it will be a show stoppingly gorgous ring! I know it is stressful right now, but I think the end result will make everything worth it.

 

[madelise]

Alrighty, someone gimme a Xanax

I've totally been freaking out over EVERYTHING in the last few weeks, and I apologize. I go from wanting to get opinions and learning about the process… a simple thing, really.. to having meltdowns! I'm so sorry, guys! I did this on the FB group a few weeks ago, too. I've had a lot on my plate lately, and this is just one more thing. If I freak out for no logical reason, someone tell me to shut up (nicely!) please! Cus if I'm wasting my time freaking out over something, I'm forgetting to spend that time being a good girlfriend/granddaughter. Ya'll have permission to say, "Madelise. Shutup. Call grandma."

It seriously went from "I wonder how ___" to "OMG ITS GOING BE TO HORRIBLE".
Seriously, Bling-Zilla, 4 realz.


I'm so sorry ladies, and I'm so thankful I have PS to teach me so much and to explain little things to me.. <3


I swear, some of these vendors need to offer a "build your own forged ring" workshop for people like me. Not necessarily throw me the tools and have me make it blindly, but have me in there watching over some details and working WITH them. Heck, a jeweler should totally do it just for the purpose of marketing it as "Make It for Her Yourself" sort of thing.. a "Labor of Love" engagement ring. Like.. "Here, stick this piece of metal in that squishing machine thing for me. Okay, here, use this Sharpie to mark here for me." sort of thing. And maybe do something else simple, like measuring, or cleaning I'm so obsessed and amused by how rings are made in general.. but I really just want to watch my ring get made from start to finish! Kind of like UnderCover999 did.. but with a jeweler supervision so no one burns the place down.


Okay, I'm going to get off PS and call my grandma now before I start freaking out over that idea.

 

[webdiva]

Shhhhhh.... <stroking Madelises' hair> It's gonna be ok. Take a deep breath.

Totally understand being nervous, I was even nervous modifying a stock setting! I have no doubt Sylva will make it right if you have any issues with the final design. I have only heard good things about them! Can't wait to see your ring!

 

[armywife13]

Shhhhhh.... <stroking Madelises' hair> It's gonna be ok. Take a deep breath.

HAHAHA. I just spit water out of my mouth when I ready this!

Madelise, I really do understand your nervousness. I am are everyone else on PS does too, we are a jewelry obsessed bunch. As Webdiva said, just take a deep breath, express your concerns to Sylva, and then.... take Xanax and relax.

 

[madelise]

HAHAHA. Thanks, loves. No, I don't actually take Xanax!! Although I must admit I feel like I might need to just for this journey

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think you need to step back and be less involved! You are causing yourself anxiety seeing the ring in the production! They are making it exactly like you asked. You wanted large melee for your halo so naturally the halo is larger than we usually see here. You saw their custom work and found it to be satisfactory. The tilt of the halo looks perfect. Stop worrying!

 

[webdiva]

Shhhhhh.... <stroking Madelises' hair> It's gonna be ok. Take a deep breath.

HAHAHA. I just spit water out of my mouth when I ready this!

How much longer Madelise? I recommend a fun night out on the town with very large martinis in the meantime! Darn it, no "cheers" emoticon!

 

[madelise]

I know, you guys are right. I got a chance to relax today, and spend some time away from stressful stuff. No martinis, WD! I'm a total lightweight and will get wasted with just one. I hate the taste of alcohol and can only get lighter stuff. lol

DS, do you think the tilt is "enough"? I was thinking more.. almost a 45 degree angle, since it's much bigger than the normal halo.

 

[sixweekoldson]

I know, you guys are right. I got a chance to relax today, and spend some time away from stressful stuff. No martinis, WD! I'm a total lightweight and will get wasted with just one. I hate the taste of alcohol and can only get lighter stuff. lol

DS, do you think the tilt is "enough"? I was thinking more.. almost a 45 degree angle, since it's much bigger than the normal halo.

I wrote a big long post about technical things you need to consider and how some of the detail requests that you made seem inconsistent with your vision of your ring from the original sketches but then I deleted it because your ring is almost finished and it won't affect the ring already in production and may only affect how you feel about the ring.

One thing I can tell you for certain you should not be the one managing technical details on your ring that is the job of your jeweler or designer or those much more experienced at translating your vision into a reality. I am sorry but unless you have seen what a 45 degree bezel looks like versus a 30 degree or 0 degree that is not something you should be exploring on your ring.

I hope you are happy with the finished product that you will be receiving, it has a good chance of being close to your dream vision but if not I really strongly suggest you go to a master like Victor Canera or Steven Kirsch and discuss the aesthetic you really want but let them decide on the fine details (like melee size). The best way for you to communicate with them is to show them pictures of elements from other rings that you would like copied (that way things don't get lost in translation). As for shipping out of state USPS insures up to $50,000 and is what many jewellers and appraisers use for shipping, this should not be a stumbling block for any future considerations.

 

[madelise]

I know, you guys are right. I got a chance to relax today, and spend some time away from stressful stuff. No martinis, WD! I'm a total lightweight and will get wasted with just one. I hate the taste of alcohol and can only get lighter stuff. lol

DS, do you think the tilt is "enough"? I was thinking more.. almost a 45 degree angle, since it's much bigger than the normal halo.

I wrote a big long post about technical things you need to consider and how some of the detail requests that you made seem inconsistent with your vision of your ring from the original sketches but then I deleted it because your ring is almost finished and it won't affect the ring already in production and may only affect how you feel about the ring.

One thing I can tell you for certain you should not be the one managing technical details on your ring that is the job of your jeweler or designer or those much more experienced at translating your vision into a reality. I am sorry but unless you have seen what a 45 degree bezel looks like versus a 30 degree or 0 degree that is not something you should be exploring on your ring.

I hope you are happy with the finished product that you will be receiving, it has a good chance of being close to your dream vision but if not I really strongly suggest you go to a master like Victor Canera or Steven Kirsch and discuss the aesthetic you really want but let them decide on the fine details (like melee size). The best way for you to communicate with them is to show them pictures of elements from other rings that you would like copied (that way things don't get lost in translation). As for shipping out of state USPS insures up to $50,000 and is what many jewellers and appraisers use for shipping, this should not be a stumbling block for any future considerations.

I'm sorry, but, are you a jeweler? You don't have "Trade" marked anywhere on your profile. You've never introduced yourself and only have 10 posts, so I am just wondering where your comments are coming from.

It's not for a 45 degree bezel, it's for a tilt of a halo. There is no bezel. I never mentioned bezel anywhere. 45 degrees is not a lot. That angle would make it look more like an in-between halo (usually at a flat plane of 0 or 180 degrees), and a wrap around gallery design that would be at 90 degrees. Considering how large my halo melee is, I thought 45 degrees would be good. It is in production, and nothing can be done.

Thanks for your well intended advice, but that is absurd that I shouldn't be concerned with technical details. This is Pricescope. Welcome. We ALL obsess over technical details. Again, it's not a bezel, it's a halo, and YES, I have seen halos at 30 degrees and at no tilt at all. If you were around PS more often, you would see those varying angles of halos as well. If I am getting something custom made, and am forking over the big big $$$$ to do it, I better have ALOT of say in the technical details.

If you read this whole thread, you already know that I cannot redo this ring. I have already stated in my posts about why I didn't go to VC. He can't make my ring, so I can't go to him. If he could, by golly, you know I would have been there to begin with. I didn't take elements from other rings, I drew it out from my imagination years ago. And again, shipping was out of the question. I am not going to risk losing this diamond, no matter how much $ insurance can make up for it. I won't risk losing it, even if there was a $1 million dollar payout. It's not a H&A where I can find a replacement in days. This is an absolute one of a kind diamond that took me forever to find, and 10 pages of assistance in RT, so I'm not about to put any risk to it at all. It is now emotionally tied for me, and is extremely priceless in all sense. I was sh*tting bricks when it was getting shipped out to me. I even paid an extra $175 to have my appraiser pick it up and hold on to it for me. It will never fly in a box again. It will only travel when it is in my hands. If I need it to get any servicing or whatnot at GOG, I will fly out there with the diamond. I won't even allow my jeweler to take it outside of her building. Her bench is within the same building as her store front, and that is the way I like it. I'm nuts about this diamond, just like I am nuts about my setting. But heavens, I am not alone. There are a bunch of PS-ers that are just as micromanaging and obsessive as I am.

 

[MsP]

This is Pricescope. Welcome. We ALL obsess over technical details.

Madelise... I can't wait to see the finished product and I hope it blows you away with its beauty!