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Need advice on poorly made setting :(

M

MidwestGal

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 29, 2015
Messages
36
Hi all, my SO and I purchased an engagement ring online. The seller has an etsy shop with all 5 star reviews, her work is stunning, and she also has a website with tons of her work. We felt pretty comfortable. We opted to use antique diamonds in the setting, and rose gold as our metal. Again, all of her photos are stunning and her work looks impeccable. We picked up the ring today and needless to say, we are so incredibly disappointed and upset. I uploaded a photo of the ring from her website, and then several photos of the ring we received. The most glaring issue is the wonky center bezel. In addition, the ring we received has more of a square shape and the ring on her site (the one I fell in love with) has a round shape. I guess I am just looking for some opinions on the work we received and any tips on what to do next. Also, I know we shouldn't have put so much trust in an online seller who doesn't offer returns. We were just so excited that we found a ring we both loved that we were blinded by our excitement. I just want to cry!

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It's no where close! You should contact the seller... And demand to return and if they can't recreate the setting they should give you a full refund.
 
Yeah, I figured as much. I am glad to know that other people can see how obviously different the 2 are. We are really upset. $2,500 isn't pocket change and we certainly can't afford to lose that because I can tell you I won't be wearing that ring! We are trying to decide if we want to attempt to demand a refund or ask for it to be remade. My fear is that the remake still won't be what she advertises on her website. Is this because I chose antique diamonds? Would they cause the setting to be this misshapen? I feel like this is somehow my fault!
 
Woah... yeah... NO.

Can you maybe buy the ACTUAL ring that is in the photo on the site?

And I definitely wouldn't give her a second shot after seeing the thing that she sent you. If she COULD make it better she SHOULD have made it better in the first place.
 
Yeah that is worth asking. Honestly, she sent us a photo before she sent it and it didn't look right, but it was poorly taken in strange lighting and we just assumed it was light reflecting off metal and causing distortion. We then asked for more pictures, so she sent a video instead. It looked better on the video, but it was grainy. We both ignored the feeling in our gut saying it wasn't right because honestly neither one of us wanted to believe she would send out such an inferior product. Stupid, I know, but we didn't want to believe it! My biggest fear in asking her to fix/remake it is that I will still not receive the product I paid for and will then be even more stuck than we are now. I feel SO stupid for not thinking more about this, but I never wear jewelry and my SO is clueless and we just wanted to finally be engaged. We have been together for almost 6 years! Such a bad experience!
 
First, contact the seller.

Bad reviews are bad for business. Find out what they're willing to do. And good luck!!
 
Nope...that won't work...contact the seller right away. The baguettes look too big compared to her original picture and the
bezel does look wonky.
 
Thank you! I was wondering what made it look square instead of round. It would make sense that the baguettes are longer than the original setting. Seems like a bad idea to work the setting to fit a bigger stone rather than finding stones that fit the setting. We are requesting a full refund. Don't know if we will get it but I REALLY don't want to go through the stress of trying to have her rework it and still not having the results that we had hoped for.
 
Return it and do NOT have her remake it. That will make it even harder to get your money back.
 
The original setting is absolutely darling, and I can totally see why you'd fall for it. I wonder though if that illustration is a CAD rather than an actual photograph? Regardless, I agree with everyone else - return the ring and don't bother to try to work with this vendor again. To my mind, they should have communicated clearly with you to let you know that the diamond they would be using for your ring is not the same quality - i.e, not round - as the one shown in their illustration. Waiting for you to discover that after you'd completed the purchase is, to me, underhanded.
 
You guys are correct. We did email her with our concerns and she was VERY kind about it. Said the picture on her website is her personal ring and she would send that to me if we would like. She said she would do anything to make us happy whether that means a return or exchange. I am very fearful that if we did opt for the exchange that we still wouldn't get the product we paid for. We just emailed back and asked for a return. Honestly, confrontation is NOT something I enjoy so it is hard for me to stand up and say we aren't happy and want our money back but deep down I know it is the right decision. We were looking at the ring under a light and also noticed a couple marks on the side of the setting, tool marks maybe. Either way, we just aren't happy with the craftsmanship. $2500 is no small chunk of change for us and I will be wearing this for the rest of my life! I want to love it and feel I got a quality piece of jewelry.
 
MidwestGal|1430365562|3869939 said:
You guys are correct. We did email her with our concerns and she was VERY kind about it. Said the picture on her website is her personal ring and she would send that to me if we would like. She said she would do anything to make us happy whether that means a return or exchange..
Click to expand...

Well, that is some excellent customer service.

Were your only issues with the craftsmanship the difference in design, and the wonky bezel (which seems to contour to the shape of the stone)? Does the craftsmanship on the ring you received seem like high quality work?

If so, it might be worth taking a look at the ring in the picture in person, if it's actually that one being offered. It does seem like an interesting, unique design and the one glamour shot looks great!

Maybe you could make a deal that if she shipped you the ring in the photo and you were still unhappy that you could pursue a refund at that point? It seems like she is trying to make this right for you.

Food for thought!
 
We also found some marks on the outer edge of the head of the setting, tool marks we figure. Honestly, the bezel doesn't just contour to the shape of the stone, it is also bent unevenly. It really is excellent customer service but we are going to pursue a refund. She is trying to make it right and it is greatly appreciated but we felt like the process was a little dishonest. When I asked her why the setting was wonky and asymmetrical, she said that is because of the nature of antique cuts and that is how it works. I don't know if that is the truth, but pursuing this ring doesn't feel right. Many people said to seek a refund and find another ring and that is the advice we felt we needed to follow!
 
MidwestGal said:
We also found some marks on the outer edge of the head of the setting, tool marks we figure. Honestly, the bezel doesn't just contour to the shape of the stone, it is also bent unevenly. It really is excellent customer service but we are going to pursue a refund. She is trying to make it right and it is greatly appreciated but we felt like the process was a little dishonest. When I asked her why the setting was wonky and asymmetrical, she said that is because of the nature of antique cuts and that is how it works. I don't know if that is the truth, but pursuing this ring doesn't feel right. Many people said to seek a refund and find another ring and that is the advice we felt we needed to follow!
Click to expand...

I'm really glad that this is going to be resolved :)

On another note, don't let it take the shine off your engagement. Life is full of the unexpected, and being able to tackle things as a couple and be there for each other is a really beautiful thing! A ring is a symbol, and a lovely one at that. But what it represents is the real value!! Many congratulations and wishing you a happy future together. Feel free to start a new thread looking for ring ideas. I love looking in your price range, because it's my own price range ;)

Let me know I can help you hunt!
 
You are so right and I SO appreciate your sweet words. We have just finalized the return, and she has even agreed to return our deposit. Truly fabulous customer service. Now, let the ring hunt begin. I would LOVE some help hunting!
 
MidwestGal said:
You are so right and I SO appreciate your sweet words. We have just finalized the return, and she has even agreed to return our deposit. Truly fabulous customer service. Now, let the ring hunt begin. I would LOVE some help hunting!
Click to expand...

Whew, that part is over and done with! Good job!

Also, when it comes to weddings, there is no story so boring as: "Everything was perfect and nothing went wrong!" Lol, we all want that to be the case, but it's no fun to listen to as your story ;) Now you've already got your story, I would expect smooth sailing from here on out. :) :)

So, the ring! What aspects are you looking for? Rose gold, halo, diamond, and under $2500? Low profile? Single centre stone? Tell me which aspects you're tied to, and I'll go hunting from there. Yay, a mission! And one that won't cost me money, haha ;)
 
You might try Gabriel perfect match. You can pick the head and shank of the ring. Does not include your center stone so
that would have to be purchased separate. ID Jewelry handles Gabriel & CO. and will work in your budget. They have some
halos with a similar feel.

https://www.gabrielny.com/perfectmatch
 
As far as the metal, I am open! I have seen tons of settings that looked best in a certain metal so to me it all depends on the look and feel of the setting, I'm sure that doesn't help. Unfortunately, I tend to fall for the expensive settings which leave no room for an expensive stone which is why we have considered and are still open to stones other than diamond. I REALLY love bezels but haven't found many that aren't super chunky and masculine looking. I prefer a low profile, love migraine, and love antique/art deco with some simplicity. I don't love the modern rings with tons of bling. But yep, $2500 is around where we want to be.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/2-7c-cushion-in-rose-gold-milgrain-bezel-setting-from-erd.176615/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/2-7c-cushion-in-rose-gold-milgrain-bezel-setting-from-erd.176615/[/URL]

And this

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/got-me-a-fianc%C3%A9-my-oec-in-an-18k-rose-gold-bezel-by-erd.194098/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/got-me-a-fianc%C3%A9-my-oec-in-an-18k-rose-gold-bezel-by-erd.194098/[/URL]

I fell in LOVE with these custom rings, but know they are likely out of our budget since we don't have a stone.
 
Chris at ERD ( now BE) did my bezel too. Maybe not a bad idea to reach out to him and check the price for 14 kt gold. I had the exact same inspiration ring/post saved as you did.

Grace is also doing an affordable bezel.. She might be able to do a single stone in your budget but here's a three stone just below your budget. She's had a number of bezel set rings lately that were affordable.


http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/rings/vintage-inspired/91ctw-cushion-and-old-european-cut-diamond-3-stone-ring#.VUJOdIb3aK0

Also slightly over budget but a beautiful ring pre loved. Engraving, bezel beautiful! This is a PSer.

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/reduced-1-ct-s-slash-t-oec-in-van-craeynest-plat-setting-sz-4

_29753.jpg
 
You could look into JA...they have this setting in rose gold. Ask if they could milgrain the inside edge next to the stone.
Put a beautiful J or K colored stone in the rose gold and it would be lovely (not sure how you feel about lowered colored stones).
Setting is $730+milgrain leaves about $1600 for stone?

The bezel looks really wide but if you look at the white gold examples and picture the inner edge milgrained I think it would take
it down a lot.
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-bezel-solitaire-engagement-ring-round-center-item-41278

Gold version with a lower color stone in it (no milgrain though)
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-bezel-solitaire-engagement-ring-round-center-item-41499

White gold version with more examples...
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-bezel-solitaire-engagement-ring-round-center-item-3251


Stone example
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.62-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-468198
 
Oh, I'm sorry to hear about your ring, OP. I had a similar situation on Etsy and unfortunately, it turned ugly pretty quickly. The seller became defensive and unprofessional and it just fell apart from there. It sounds like your seller is much more accommodating, so I'll be crossing my fingers that this all works out for you. I wish you lots of luck on your new ring - keep us posted:)
 
Mayk|1430409033|3870089 said:
Chris at ERD ( now BE) did my bezel too. Maybe not a bad idea to reach out to him and check the price for 14 kt gold. I had the exact same inspiration ring/post saved as you did.

Grace is also doing an affordable bezel.. She might be able to do a single stone in your budget but here's a three stone just below your budget. She's had a number of bezel set rings lately that were affordable.


http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/rings/vintage-inspired/91ctw-cushion-and-old-european-cut-diamond-3-stone-ring#.VUJOdIb3aK0

Also slightly over budget but a beautiful ring pre loved. Engraving, bezel beautiful! This is a PSer.

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/reduced-1-ct-s-slash-t-oec-in-van-craeynest-plat-setting-sz-4
Click to expand...

I do think I will contact him just to see what my options are. I pined over Erika Winters line that she is selling over at JBG for a long time but she is over our budget. I always forget to check out the rings they have listed on the JBG site, I will need to start doing that. That ring on loupetroop is pretty stunning...
 
I was also looking over at http://www.diamondintherough.com/ but they seem a bit overpriced to me. I really love rough cuts and rose cuts. I love an unusual ring but I always find myself over at etsy and now I am REALLY leery of buying from there. I just don't know if the quality is the same and though we won't be spending a fortune, I do want to buy a ring that will last.
 
MidwestGal|1430422281|3870225 said:
http://www.erikawinters.com/Engagement-Rings-Jin-Solitaire.html#.VUKCn2RViko

I also love love love this ring. I wonder what it would look like scaled down to hold a smaller stone? I have pretty small fingers and don't want something overpowering but I just adore the bold but soft nature of this bezel and I know that Erika Winters makes impeccable jewelry.
Click to expand...


You should ask... That costs nothing!
 
Mayk|1430425233|3870240 said:
MidwestGal|1430422281|3870225 said:
http://www.erikawinters.com/Engagement-Rings-Jin-Solitaire.html#.VUKCn2RViko

I also love love love this ring. I wonder what it would look like scaled down to hold a smaller stone? I have pretty small fingers and don't want something overpowering but I just adore the bold but soft nature of this bezel and I know that Erika Winters makes impeccable jewelry.
Click to expand...


You should ask... That costs nothing!
Click to expand...

You're right, I sent an inquiry! I know it isn't necessarily a "traditional" engagement ring but I think it's pretty stunning and would look fabulous in a smaller version. Over our budget but we have already waited this long it might not hurt to save a bit more and get something I know will have excellent craftsmanship and quality. I don't want to get burned again. I also adore the color of the 18K rose gold and the brushed finish.
 
Midwest gal, you've got great taste!
 
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