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My WF ER Reset -- Need your honest opinions!!!

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Stone Hunter, I would say there is a lot of stone above the girdle...but if I had known they were going to bezel it that way I definitely wouldn''t have given the go-ahead, you know? Just because I don''t like how it looks. I do think that if the bezel was a lot more delicate the stone would look a lot larger.

4ever, it IS that pesky bezel!! I love the word ''pesky'' there! It kind of makes light of this situation, which in all honesty, I really need to be doing right now...my hubby keeps reminding me it''s ''just a ring'' and that eventually I will get what I want and all will be well in the world! Of course, he is a man who doesn''t really understand jewelry so I wouldn''t expect him to know the fully life-altering significance of this situation!!!
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Hmmm, yeah I think that bezel is way too thick. Like D&T said, the finished ring is bulkier than the CAD and it''s always the other way around. I also don''t like how tall the bezel is. If the height of the bezel was necessary to protect the girdle, I think they should have told you that before they did it.

And I am a big fan of WF-they made my custom e-ring and are making my custom wedding band right now...but I think they missed the mark this time. I would have them try to shave down the bezel, and if that isn''t possible, remake the whole thing. WF has great customer service, though, so I''m sure they''ll make it right for you.
 
thing2of2 (not sure how to shorten that...t2o2?), I''m glad to hear that. I know everyone raves about WF and I have only worked with them this once but they have been responsive to my concerns. I just have to wait until Tuesday I guess to hear what they can do for me...and of course I was never good at waiting to start with!
 
Date: 5/30/2009 10:56:05 PM
Author: thing2of2
Hmmm, yeah I think that bezel is way too thick. Like D&T said, the finished ring is bulkier than the CAD and it''s always the other way around. I also don''t like how tall the bezel is. If the height of the bezel was necessary to protect the girdle, I think they should have told you that before they did it.

And I am a big fan of WF-they made my custom e-ring and are making my custom wedding band right now...but I think they missed the mark this time. I would have them try to shave down the bezel, and if that isn''t possible, remake the whole thing. WF has great customer service, though, so I''m sure they''ll make it right for you.
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I COMPLETELY agree with everything thing2of2 said in her first paragraph...I have never worked with WF before, so I have no idea about their customer service, etc. But I agree that your bezel is way too think and way too tall. It takes away from the beauty of the design. It doesn''t look as "clean" as the CADS, if that makes sense. Good luck trying to get it all worked out. I feel for you.
 
OK, so firstly - that is a gorgeous ring!

But I totally understand. I've been studying your design and is it possible that the reason they made the metal bezel so high and big because you really really wanted the profile of the halo to sit super low? It looks like the girdle is ABOVE the halo. That protrusion tends to have the effect of making your center stone look smaller, especially from the side. The idea I think you might be looking for is to enhance your stone, like a frame would for artwork. I, too, find it strange that the end result is bulkier than the CAD.

Sometimes it helps to show them photos of what you're trying to achieve as well. Maybe if they set the diamond LOWER in the halo - so that the girdle is at the level of the halo itself, that would give you a thinner bezel and give you a smoother profile? So raise the halo or lower the center stone?

I had the same dilemma and I just asked that the halo be super blingy, but also enhance the center stone. It's tough with halos - you don't want to overwhelm the center stone, but you do want bling. It's a fine balance. You can go super bling or super subtle, but if you go over - you know it in your gut. It's different for everyone!

WhiteFlash is amazing. I've had custom pieces from them and they have always been so great to work with. I am sure you will both come to a great resolution. Maybe set the diamond a biiiiit lower or raise the halo? And thin out the bezel?

I hope this helps - maybe you can tuck the center stone deeper into the halo so it's smoother? Then you wouldn't see such a differential with the bezel, which will be hidden more?

In any case, it is a gorgeous ring... you can modify it even more if you'd like! It's very pretty.
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Hope these photos help you explain the bezel issue better...

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Bliss, yours is absolutely STUNNING, and a nice amount of metal in the bezel. Wish I would have seen yours before, in fact! What I am thinking is I probably should have sent them about 500 pics beforehand instead of assuming the final product would look exactly like the CAD.

I am thinking that my problem is that originally, I asked them to base some of the design off of their Isabella design (sort of a Tiffany Legacy knockoff). However, what I liked about that (as opposed to their other halos) were the bars beneath the stone, not the halo necessarily. Funny enough, since I did ask that they set the DIAMOND low--because I destroy things and would prefer to not mess up this stone/ring--they removed those bars entirely. At any rate, the CAD designer changed the design to allow the entire profile to sit lower, and I figured the halo would travel WITH the diamond! And, in the CAD, it did--that''s my biggest issue here. If the CAD had been problematic I would most certainly have had it changed. But in the CAD it all looks pretty even and seamless, at least to me; it''s the final product that is flawed.

So now here I am in this position! At this point I am kind of questioning everything and wishing I had just gone with stock and blatantly copied D&T''s set (which I seriously considered doing before going custom...of course I just HAD to have a halo, plus I was convinced full bezel would be best for the stone).

At any rate, I am really just waiting to see what WF says! Mostly, I am glad that others see what I see and that I''m not totally crazy!!
 
OK, here's the Isabella ring you based your design upon.

I totally get what you're saying now. Mine has those "bars" - there are four in all. I can see why they were eliminated if you wanted it to be as low as possible. It looks like your diamond is still sitting higher than the metal bezel around the stone. It's just that the metal bezel is very tall, like a bolt sticking out of the halo in the actual result. It is a GORGEOUS ring, made very very well but I can sense your frustration with the concept. I'd have them raise the halo and that'll probably bring it back more towards the original design. They can't lower the diamond because it looks like it's just skimming the surprise diamond on your ring.

Definitely thin out the bezel in the top profile - it'll make your stone look bigger and not as closed in. HUGS.

I can understand why they designed this ring for you after reading your comments. It's a very *functional* setting - they added more metal maybe because you expressed a desire for a more secure setting to protect it from all the "banging around" and lowered the entire profile because you asked for a super low setting. Even so, it's still different from the CAD, which is perfect!
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I feel like you'll get a really great end result if you thin out the bezel!

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Oh Bliss, you are SO sweet. At first I wasn''t sure I even wanted to post about this because I was so upset about it!! But I''m glad I did...it''s good to get support and ideas. I will wait and see what they offer to do, talk with them on Monday or Tuesday, and then figure this out. Most importantly, I know there are things I''m not happy with and after posting I believe that they should either be changed or I should start over and even though that will cause me GREAT pain (b/c I am NOT a patient person), it''s worth it in the long run!!!
 
I like your CADs a lot better than I like the ring.
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I hope WF fixes it!
 
Date: 5/31/2009 1:00:28 AM
Author: CBL
Oh Bliss, you are SO sweet. At first I wasn't sure I even wanted to post about this because I was so upset about it!! But I'm glad I did...it's good to get support and ideas. I will wait and see what they offer to do, talk with them on Monday or Tuesday, and then figure this out. Most importantly, I know there are things I'm not happy with and after posting I believe that they should either be changed or I should start over and even though that will cause me GREAT pain (b/c I am NOT a patient person), it's worth it in the long run!!!
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CBL, I totally understand. You know, when I first opened the box to my halo - I almost dropped it and ran. It just seemed a bit...MUCH. Too huge. Monster Diamond. "OMG, what have I done???" flashed thought my mind. LOL. I felt like a first time mom who when confronted with her first born baby - didn't feel the instant love -- and that was SOOO alarming. Because you dream about it and expect it to be love at first sight. (By the way, PSers, I have never had a baby so this is a false analogy!) Anyway, it took a few days for me to LOVE LOVE LOVE it. It's like a kid seeing her mom with a super short haircut for the first time or something. A big shock to see something so familiar so different! But this, I think, is a fundamental issue you won't be happy with so you should change it. I know I would, too. It's going to be soooooo pretty and look so much bigger and blingier once you take care of the bezel and bolt-thingie issues! If you picked a company to redesign with, WF is the company to do it with. They are so great in customer service.
 
What I see with your ring is the bezel sits high and elevates the stone. Typically bezels keep the stone sitting low. It does show it sitting high in the CAD although it''s a little more pronounced in the finished ring. If you see something questionable at the CAD stage you definitely should talk about it with the designer. I hope you resolve the issue so you can be in love with your ring.
 
I think your ring is lovely. The ring looks exactly like the CADs with the exception of the thickness of the bezel, which is defnitely a little thicker. See what WF says. I suspect this has something to do with protecting the girdle of the diamond, but if so, they should have mentioned that change to the design.

As a general note, I think it is best to mention immediately if you have issues when you see the pictures WF sends, rather than waiting to see. They are very accommodating and can often take additional images to allay any concerns, or they can explain things right away. Waiting to see can sometimes just prolong the situation, when simply speaking up can shorten it!
 
Dreamer, I actually did notify them immediately when I got the pictures--and I mean RIGHT away. However, they had already sent the ring by the time I got the pictures (this was the evening before I got the ring), and the consumer relations person I spoke with said that the ring would look very different IRL than in the pics, so they preferred that I saw it in person before making any decisions about it. Once I got it I continued to feel the same way so I called them back that very day to speak with them about it again.

So, I definitely tried to be in contact with them as soon as possible and it seems that they have a process for this that takes a few days, anyway. Like I said they have been very understanding and receptive to my concerns so hopefully it will all be resolved within a few days.
 
I really love the design of your ring, it is beautiful...but I see what you mean about the bezel being a bit thick.
Bottom line...as already stated, if you are not 100% happy then it should be fixed to where you ARE 100% happy!
 
So pretty!!! I love the surprise diamonds!
 
Date: 5/31/2009 11:35:38 AM
Author: CBL
Dreamer, I actually did notify them immediately when I got the pictures--and I mean RIGHT away. However, they had already sent the ring by the time I got the pictures (this was the evening before I got the ring), and the consumer relations person I spoke with said that the ring would look very different IRL than in the pics, so they preferred that I saw it in person before making any decisions about it. Once I got it I continued to feel the same way so I called them back that very day to speak with them about it again.

So, I definitely tried to be in contact with them as soon as possible and it seems that they have a process for this that takes a few days, anyway. Like I said they have been very understanding and receptive to my concerns so hopefully it will all be resolved within a few days.
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Then you did your best at catching something and questioning it. If you aren't happy with it send it back. WF wants happy customers and I think the final product is far enough off from the CAD (the thickness of the bezel) to warrant a fix.
 
Gorgeous center stone! Truly.

I do think the bezel is not as flattering to it as it could be; it''s just awfully thick and high. I think millgrain could be gorgeous on it, if they could thin it out some, too.

If you do want to scrap the bezel and keep the halo, just a halo with prongs does to a fabulous job keeping a super thin girdle safe even with lots of wear. You just need it set deep down into the halo, where the girdle is pretty much flush with the edge of the halo. I have an OEC I wear with an extremely thin girdle (and the chips on it to go with) and even though I wear it alllll the time, the halo keeps it safe from my flailing. I''ve whacked it (eeek!) on stuff a few times, and it always is the metal that takes the blow... which the dings around the edges prove. (However, I do understand the bezel to keep it safer- if/when I reset mine, it''s definitely getting bezeled.)
 
CBL, I want to reassure you that we are working on this, but we need the input of the production manager to help us know what can be done and he was out on Friday.

Vera''s spearheading the effort, and rest assured you will hear from her as soon as she can get all the input needed.
 
Everyone thanks again for your encouragement!

Allison, I have no doubt that it will work out just fine--thanks for reassuring me! Since it was the weekend I didn''t expect to hear anything and I just wanted to know peoples'' opinions...it seems everyone unanimously agrees that WF will take care of it, which is all I could ask for. :)
 
I''m glad they are working on it for you and I''m sure something good will come of that. I''m trying to send you relaxing vibes...I would be so uptight right now. Please try to relax, you have real issues and they are going to address them.

HTH
 
Stone hunter, relaxing vibes are MUCH appreciated!! I''m less worried than impatient at this point, I want that thing back on my finger once and for all!!

I think I have come to the conclusion, though, that it''s worth the wait to have it be exactly what I want. :)
 
Two things come to mind. You have to be happy as you are the one wearing it. Second, the bezel is way off from the cad. Well they are in the same `family` but you got the distant cousin not the twin brother iykwIm. LOL

I can see why you would not be loving it as the design is a bit bulky to me. As a (bulky) halo owner (past) I can relate to the extra sparkle you get at night, and that does do alot to sway one regardless of the look of the ring. In the day though you are back to just seeing the ring for what it is.


Good luck, you will get there eventually, sometimes the path is not as straight as we might want.....but you will work it out.
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ETA- I am wondering if the actual halo has too much metal, or too tiny diamonds. The cad seems more sparkly in this regard?
 
Sharon I agree with your take as well. I was so shocked at how tiny the diamonds seemed when I first took it out of the box...even now I can''t decide why that is. Long and short of it is, it just doesn''t look as good as the CAD. Am still working on figuring this out. I will keep you updated!!
 
I do like your ring but I do like it better in the cad. I think the bezel setting is too thick and sets up too high above the halo. The cad looks like the ring is all together, I don''t like the gap between the halo and the bezel. I would get it fixed if you don''t 100% love it now.
 
Date: 6/1/2009 10:07:32 PM
Author: CBL
Sharon I agree with your take as well. I was so shocked at how tiny the diamonds seemed when I first took it out of the box...even now I can''t decide why that is. Long and short of it is, it just doesn''t look as good as the CAD. Am still working on figuring this out. I will keep you updated!!
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Well to be honest I think thats a good half of the problem. The halo looks like its from a really old setting that is more bead than diamond due to financial restraints. I have seen better results from my h`s suppliers from Hong Kong who actually use sparkly diamonds in their precast settings. This halo looks worse than the budget settings you can buy from LOTR in the coloured ring section.

I think WF have accidentally used too small diamonds over and above the other design issues.
 
You have gotten some wonderful advice, and I just wanted to chime in and say that no, you''re not crazy, and yes I can see what you mean! I hope WF is able to get it sorted out for you!
 
My first thought was that if you did not like the CAD, then you may not like the ring. Your first impression should have made your heart skip a beat. I agree with others in saying that you will be wearing this ring for a lifetime and you want to wear it in a manner to which you are not talking yourself into "liking" it. I would definately send it back. Show pictures to WF of other settings to get your point across as to what you like/dislike about your current setting. It is lovely, however, I see what you mean about the bezel being a bit too overpowering/thick. WF has great customer service and I am sure they will accomadate you in a manner that you will just ADORE it! ....and so you should!!!
 
Just want to add that the cad shows a very simple and single elegant centre bezel. But the actual ring shows a bezel with 2 `bits`...one lower ring, and then a protruding tall bezel from within that. It reminds me of a large press stud that you find on jackets.

ps. Im only pointing this out because I know the OP is wanting honest opinions and that it might help to get it changed as its brand new. I wouldnt say this if it wasnt able to be fixed.
 
CBL - the most important factor in all this is your happiness with your ring. It is too important of a piece of jewelry for you to have even an iota of doubt or unhappiness about it. Have it fixed until it is the ring that makes you smile every time you look at it.
 
Thanks Shopaholic. :) I''m working on that. At this point not too sure what will happen but I know it will work out.
 
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