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My WF Micropave Oval Halo. Not quite what I expected (pics)

skwid

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 21, 2012
Messages
12
I will thank all of you in advance for your help. I'll try to make a long story short. I've been on the search for a Harry Winston Style Micropave Halo ring. A friend of mine recently had a great experience with WF so I ordered a center diamond from them and inquired about having the setting made. This was before reading that many jewelers who aren't specialized in making these rings (Steve Kirsch, Maytal Hannah, Leon Mege, etc) might not be able to replicate it with the fine details required. The WF rep said that they can custom make the setting, no problem. So I trusted them and put in my order. Unfortunately it isn't until after you purchase the ring do they actually start creating the CAD images. The first set of CAD wasn't right. I told them what needed to change and they sent the 2nd set, which looked better, but not quite like what I would imaging the finished product to look like. They ensured that the CAD images will look bulky and edgy, and that the finishing process will eliminate that. So after weeks of emailing back and forth, I trusted the design manager and approved the CAD for production. For two weeks I relaxed and trusted that everything was going to turn out fine. This wasn't so much the case when I got the final images of the ring yesterday.

I'll attach the images below. Please let me know your opinions, and what you would do in this situation.

Center Stone
.92 H VS2 Oval
7.36 x 5.42 x 3.35mm

Setting:
From invoice: "custom 14kt yellow gold ring with platinum claw prongs to hold the 0.92ct oval diamond and to include approximately 0.45ctw aca diamonds and to have the design of the ring in the attached pictures. The diamonds on the shank will extend half way down (half eternity). The shank will be 1.8mm wide."

Ring Size: 3.25

The shank looks perfect. Exactly what I expected. But I feel that the halo looks pretty bad. I specifically stated that I wanted smaller diamonds in the halo. Instead I got what looks like bigger ones. The bigger problem I have is the huge gaps behind the prongs. Looks like they forgot to put diamonds back there. It looks as if they purposely did that so the prong would take the place of the diamonds. I also counted only 12 diamonds vs. the 16 in the CAD renderings (although I do feel that there could be more). I'm not saying that I want a specific number, but that's just my observation



And here's the CAD:



Do I settle, or send it back so they can fix it? If I could I would return it and tell them to refund me for the setting. I'll keep the diamond. But unfortunately there's no returns on custom jewelry. At this point I'd pay the extra money to have Maytal Hannah do it. She's only about 2 hours north of me in LA area.

I'll be getting the ring tomorrow so I'll report back when I can critique it in person. The sad part is that I was planning on proposing to my girlfriend at the end of this month. Now I'm not sure if I'll have it back by then.

In the meantime I've emailed the production manager regarding the issues and he has yet to respond. Will keep this thread updated.

custom-yellow-gold-oval-diamond-enagement-ring-by-whiteflash-33372_1.jpg

custom-yellow-gold-oval-diamond-enagement-ring-by-whiteflash-33372_2.jpg
 
Re: My WF Micropave Oval Halo. Not quite what I expected (p

Another view. Maybe when the ring isn't magnified I won't be able to notice the gaps behind the prongs as much. But it's still not what I ordered :roll:

custom-yellow-gold-oval-diamond-enagement-ring-by-whiteflash-33372_3.jpg
 
Re: My WF Micropave Oval Halo. Not quite what I expected (p

I would say to evaluate it in person before you do anything. If you get it and it's not what you had pictured, pursue it with WF. They generally like to keep their customers happy. For what it's worth, it's a gorgeous ring. Those things that seem super obvious in photos might not be so in real life. But regardless, you should get what you wanted. Good luck!
 
Re: My WF Micropave Oval Halo. Not quite what I expected (p

Hi,

I'd wait until you see the ring in person before making any decisions or hasty moves. WF might be wanting you to see the ring, as well, before talking to about the transaction!

Best of luck.
 
Re: My WF Micropave Oval Halo. Not quite what I expected (p

WTF... why are the melee in the halo so big??????

I definitely would not be satisfied. That looks NOTHING like a HW micropave ring. Dude, try to get your money back. "No returns on custom" doesn't apply if they don't do it right. Personally, I would not even let them ship it to you. Seeing it in person will not fix the issues, and shipping it back and forth will cost them or you or both more money that could be saved.

If you want to stick with WF, you could see about getting it put in the Vatche Grace or another Vatche setting - http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/grace-diamond-engagement-ring-by-vatche-256.htm but honestly I'd see if they will straight-up refund the setting costs.

Ugh. What size are the halo stones? Did you send them any inspiration pictures? WHY DOES IT LOOK SO WRONG? I am pretty sure we've seen WF make rings like this before so I don't know why it turned out so terribly this time. So sorry for you! I really hope you'll be able to get everything worked out.
 
Re: My WF Micropave Oval Halo. Not quite what I expected (p

I would wiat to see it in person before doing anything
With that said i KNOW how you are feeling. getting something you didnt expect after spending so much is the worst :((
If you have correspondence with WF statin you wanted something and they did not deliver on their promises I bet they would do something to help you. Like stated they want to keep people happy.
Also if you stay with WF they may be more interested in helping than if you move to a different company, though i can understand why you would want to
 
Re: My WF Micropave Oval Halo. Not quite what I expected (p

distracts|1349194837|3278091 said:
WTF... why are the melee in the halo so big??????

I definitely would not be satisfied. That looks NOTHING like a HW micropave ring. Dude, try to get your money back. "No returns on custom" doesn't apply if they don't do it right. Personally, I would not even let them ship it to you. Seeing it in person will not fix the issues, and shipping it back and forth will cost them or you or both more money that could be saved.

Agree 100%
GET the VP Bryan on the phone. He's very nice and will make it right for you.
 
Re: My WF Micropave Oval Halo. Not quite what I expected (p

A CAM cast pave piece will NEVER be as delicate and perfectly finished all over - exterior, interior - as a fully handforged halo. There are two reasons for this:
1. When you cast a shape you don't have the option of pre-polishing each tiny little piece before assembling, and
2. Cast metal (metal that has been heated and poured into a pre-formed cast) is less dense and less strong than metal that has been hammered into shape, so the various elements - prongs, etc. *have* to be bigger and bulkier to keep the stones safe.

So I guess what your best options are going forward depends on your expectations. If you are expecting WF to produce a piece that is crafted as delicately and finely as an LM, then you need to either adjust your expectations or choose a different vendor that specializes in a different method of fabrication. If you're expecting more diamonds in the halo, or smaller melee, then definitely call in and talk details if you feel that those changes would make you happier once you're able to critique the ring in-person. They are a reputable establishment and like PPs have said they want to keep their customers happy.
 
Re: My WF Micropave Oval Halo. Not quite what I expected (p

Wow, thanks for the quick responses!

I've emailed WF only expressing my initial impressions. I did tell them that I would review the ring in person before contacting them again. I'd like to allow the production team to fix their problem before throwing them under the bus with the VP, but I think I might just take your advice, Gypsy, and contact him so we can get it right.

distracts: I'm not sure what size stones are in the halo. When I spoke to the designer I think he told me they were going to be around .014-.015. I don't remember if he was talking about the halo or the shank. What size would you guys recommend? I think I remember reading Gypsy's posts awhile back regarding what size pointers should go in the halo.

Unfortunately I couldn't stop them from shipping it because the did so shortly after I received the images. Since I'll be in Dallas next week I'm thinking about just driving down to Sugarland myself so I can speak to them in person, lol.
 
Re: My WF Micropave Oval Halo. Not quite what I expected (p

skwid|1349195849|3278104 said:
Wow, thanks for the quick responses!

I'd like to allow the production team to fix their problem before throwing them under the bus with the VP, but I think I might just take your advice, Gypsy, and contact him so we ca I don't remember if he was talking about the halo or the shank. What size would you guys recommend? I think I remember reading Gypsy's posts awhile back regarding what size pointers should go in the halo.

Production team deals with production. VP deals with customer service. You aren't throwing them under the bus, you are addressing your concern to the right person to help you with it.

As for what point melee for halo? For a 7x5 center I would do 1/2 pointers for a true HW look. Most CAD/CAST can don't that though, and I've never seen WF do it. So absolutely no larger than 1 pointers in the halo.
 
Re: My WF Micropave Oval Halo. Not quite what I expected (p

It's a beautiful ring, although it is not what you asked for. WF has done less bulky micropave in the past. I think they can fix it and create the ring you want.

If it makes you feel better, WF customer service has been excellent with me. A local jeweler damaged my WF ring, and WF fixed it for free. Then I changed my mind about the size, and they resized it for free. I think they will do everything they can. I hope they can meet your expectations.

Good luck!
 
Re: My WF Micropave Oval Halo. Not quite what I expected (p

If you're going to drive there and talk to them in person, bring some pictures of inspirational rings & styles. I say this because I did have a custom piece made locally and brought in a TON of photos and it really helped with the creation of the piece. Another time, I had a really basic reset and just told a jeweler what I wanted (another local one, different from the first) and assumed he knew the terms, but the diamonds were set in the wrong kind of setting (and we're talking a stock setting - he put it in an outdated setting and now I cannot wear it....having brought in a photo would have saved major disapointment.)
 
Re: My WF Micropave Oval Halo. Not quite what I expected (p

GirlyGirl|1349196696|3278116 said:
It's a beautiful ring, although it is not what you asked for. WF has done less bulky micropave in the past. I think they can fix it and create the ring you want.

If it makes you feel better, WF customer service has been excellent with me. A local jeweler damaged my WF ring, and WF fixed it for free. Then I changed my mind about the size, and they resized it for free. I think they will do everything they can. I hope they can meet your expectations.

Good luck!

Thank you! Initially I liked white gold/platinum better but she prefers yellow gold. After seeing her try one on I changed my mind. The YG compliments her skin tone nicely. And I haven't seen many Yellow Gold Halo's so here's to something a little different!

Glad to hear you've had a positive experience with them. I've heard nothing but good things. They've contacted me back and it sounds like they're going to do what they can to make me happy.

MC|1349196837|3278120 said:
If you're going to drive there and talk to them in person, bring some pictures of inspirational rings & styles. I say this because I did have a custom piece made locally and brought in a TON of photos and it really helped with the creation of the piece. Another time, I had a really basic reset and just told a jeweler what I wanted (another local one, different from the first) and assumed he knew the terms, but the diamonds were set in the wrong kind of setting (and we're talking a stock setting - he put it in an outdated setting and now I cannot wear it....having brought in a photo would have saved major disapointment.)

I work in the IT Department, so at times things get slow (like right now) Since the end of July up until I purchased, I don't think there was a day that I wasn't reading and looking at pictures of diamonds :wacko: From when I initially contacted WF I think I've sent them about 20-30 various links and photos (often times many compiled into one document) explaining what I wanted to the T. Unfortunately, like Yssie said, WF just might not be able to meet my expectations.
 
Re: My WF Micropave Oval Halo. Not quite what I expected (p

skwid|1349195849|3278104 said:
Since I'll be in Dallas next week I'm thinking about just driving down to Sugarland myself so I can speak to them in person, lol.

That is quite an ambitious drive! It's about 3 1/2 hours to get from North Dallas to the Woodlands, I'm guessing another hour, 90 minutes to get to Sugarland.
 
Re: My WF Micropave Oval Halo. Not quite what I expected (p

I personally like bigger melee stones -but regarding the lack of diamond at the prongs is an issue. I think that the yellow gold makes it more noticeable. 3 1/2 hours drive is nothing comapred to a lifetime. However, maybe she will love it and the ring will not have to be modified.
 
Re: My WF Micropave Oval Halo. Not quite what I expected (p

I agree that part of the problem is doing the halo in yg. That makes the metal show up sooo much more prominently than it would if the halo was white gold or platinum. You could still do the shank in yellow gold, but if you consider a remake, do the halo in white metal.
 
Re: My WF Micropave Oval Halo. Not quite what I expected (p

It looks significantly different from the CAD; huge melees which is a totally different look. I own a halo ring from WF so I know they can do a much better job than this. It has nothing to do with handforged versus cast.

wf_red_spinel.jpg
 
Re: My WF Micropave Oval Halo. Not quite what I expected (p

I don't think it is an issue of yellow gold or white gold, in your ring it looks like the melee is too large to fit behind the prongs. In the link that Chrono supplied (sapphire in yellow gold), the melee is a continuous halo, in your it looks like it is interrupted by the prongs.
 
Re: My WF Micropave Oval Halo. Not quite what I expected (p

I don't think it's a problem with the yellow gold. That is likely a magnification issue that won't be as visible in person. But I agree that the melee is too big, and spaced oddly, and there absolutely should be some behind the prongs. There should be a complete ring of melee around the halo, with the prongs attached inside the rim of that halo ring. The prongs should not seem to come from the top surface of the halo like that. I think WF can do better, though, so it's worth working with them. I'm not sure if driving there is necessary - more pics of what it should look like, plus use Paint to draw on the pics you have to show the problems. But you almost certainly need smaller melees.

This link from PP is spot-on - send them this picture, the halo should look like this. http://www.whiteflash.com/gallery/diamond-engagement-rings/sapphire-split-shank-diamond-ring-10801.htm
 
Re: My WF Micropave Oval Halo. Not quite what I expected (p

Chrono, both yours and the example you showed are for pretty big rocks. While the halo on the OPs ring doesn't look up to par, wouldn't the scale change the perception of the look?
 
Re: My WF Micropave Oval Halo. Not quite what I expected (p

0.78 ct RB
http://www.whiteflash.com/gallery/diamond-engagement-rings/custom-platinum-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-29701.htm

0.8 ct cushion
http://www.whiteflash.com/gallery/diamond-engagement-rings/custom-split-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-28801.htm

0.9 ct cushion in double halo
http://www.whiteflash.com/gallery/diamond-engagement-rings/custom-double-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-27001.htm

And there's plenty more in their gallery. What is listed is only on the first page, if you do a search under Halo. As you can see, the melees are sized proportionately and there's no gaps at the prongs. The halo goes all around the stone smoothly.
 
Re: My WF Micropave Oval Halo. Not quite what I expected (p

Chrono|1349378862|3279434 said:
0.78 ct RB
http://www.whiteflash.com/gallery/diamond-engagement-rings/custom-platinum-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-29701.htm

0.8 ct cushion
http://www.whiteflash.com/gallery/diamond-engagement-rings/custom-split-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-28801.htm

0.9 ct cushion is double halo
http://www.whiteflash.com/gallery/diamond-engagement-rings/custom-double-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-27001.htm

And there's plenty more in their gallery. What is listed is only on the first page, if you do a search under Halo. As you can see, the melees are sized proportionately and there's go gaps at the prongs. The halo goes all around the stone smoothly.

yeah, definitely night and day. Yikes.
 
Re: My WF Micropave Oval Halo. Not quite what I expected (p

correct me if im wrong but i was looking at your CAD and the pics and doesnt the CAD have 16 stones in the actual ring have 12? :confused:
 
Re: My WF Micropave Oval Halo. Not quite what I expected (p

TravelingGal|1349377785|3279421 said:
Chrono, both yours and the example you showed are for pretty big rocks. While the halo on the OPs ring doesn't look up to par, wouldn't the scale change the perception of the look?


I have a .93ct FLY in a WF double pave halo and mine is pretty much prefection for a cast. It looks nothing like the OP's ring....I wonder if someone at WF misunderstood exactly what look they were going for as this is nothing like the HW inspire ring and I know WF has done several that were beautiful.
 
Re: My WF Micropave Oval Halo. Not quite what I expected (p

Have you contacted Bryan yet?

It's all well and good to discuss what went wrong and how "odd" this particular endeavor was in terms of WF's past work but, to me, at this point it's about getting it fixed. Did it arrive in person? Are you driving out?

What's the update on the steps toward fixing the funky setting?
 
Re: My WF Micropave Oval Halo. Not quite what I expected (p

I am very detail oriented and appreciate the fine details of settings, micro pave etc.. This is wrong.
 
Re: My WF Micropave Oval Halo. Not quite what I expected (p

Have you contacted Whiteflash? As you can see from the gallery links provided, they can do a good job but obviously fell very short on yours. I am confident they will fix it once they are aware of your dissatisfaction.
 
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