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PLEASE HELP - e-ring reset and vendor selection

J

JLFG

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 3, 2014
Messages
99
Hi All,

Per all the great feedback I received on PS I decided to move forward with ERD on a new setting for my e-ring. Overall I've been a bit disappointed and I'm debating if I should cancel the order now before it's too late (on 2nd round of CADS). My main frustration is the lack of response and creative input. I supplied a list of changes with questions after I received the first round of renderings and instead of getting any sort of feedback or input I just got an email with pictures. Everything I mentioned in my email (even with a question ) was applied verbatim. Maybe that's completely normal but I'd expect the artist to insert his or her feedback especially when asked. I recognize at the end of the day I'm the client and make the final decision but I'd like to feel like they're paying attention.

Has anyone else had a similar experience? Are my expectations too high? Should I consider someone else?

Thanks
 
Hi JLFG :wavey:

I'm also designing an e-ring with ERD so I thought I'd chime in. First, I think all vendors that work with PSers may be less likely to insert creative input because most of the time PSers know EXACTLY what they want, and it goes south for vendors when they don't follow the letter of the law.

In my experience when I've asked Chris for his advice, he has given it and explained his reasoning with a helpful explanation. Please keep in mind that when people read a novel of an email, most people will not adequately address all the issues. This isn't an excuse for ERD, just my impressions from working in an environment where email is frequently used. It's not unusual to have to follow up on one or two points if 20 are listed.

If I were you, I would email him again with the items in your previous email that involved ERD's input. Make it clear you want his advice and see what they do. Really, you should do this before you even address any issue you see with the new CADs. You don't have anything more to loose at this point so why not give it one more go??

Good luck!
 
They can't tell you what you will like. I think a lot of it at this point will be narrowing down details of what you like. I think all they can do is offer to show you images of pictures of what you're questioning. I would then pick and choose if you like that design element in the current CAD design or the one prior.

Creativity is all about perspective. Someone can hang a rope on a ceiling and call it "modern art". That is that person's creativity.

ERD is a greatly respected all-around designer, but I don't think that they should be inserting their opinions unless it's a matter of ring safety or unless it directly contradicts something you've stated (ie: I want this to sit flush). Their job is to make your vision come true.
 
Post the pics, let's see the progress!
 
All very fair statements and I agree beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I had approximately 8 comments on round one cads and a few questions among my comments. I guess I just expected to receive the second round of renderings with some context versus just the images. I used to work at a creative shop and I know my clients always expected my creative team to input their suggestions so maybe I'm just used to thinking this way!!!

Pictures are below. Right now I'm not loving the corners of the halo and I'm not sure if I should move forward with the gradual tapered shank (very minimal - 2.2mm to 1.8mm) or leave it as one width

I'm also considering removing the melee from the donut since I will be wearing a wedding band with it.

Would love to hear thoughts?

_18266.jpg

_18267.jpg

_18268.jpg
 
I do think the gradual taper will be a nice touch. Maybe you could increase it a little to 2.3-1.8.

I definitely would remove the pave from the donut if you want a wedding band next to it.

As for the corners. I like them. :wavey:
 
Erd is not the designer... They are the middle man - they use someone for the cads and a bench to execute. I recently had a custom ring done... It's not easy for a first timer. I did not have a great experience, and wished I canceled when my gut told me to. Good luck.
 
I don't like the gap I am seeing between the halo and the center stone. I would tell them to make that go away. They can make that whole round. Not square. To fit your stone.
 
Thanks Gypsy and I agree there's a gap that needs to be closed. I still think the corners need to be ever so slightly filed down so they aren't so pointy. As for the taper, I keep going back and forth and agree it would add a little a little something different between my ring and the million others that look somewhat the same. I guess I need to think on that part.

Jersey Girl, who we're you working with? What about your experience was bad? Are you not happy with the final outcome?
 
Is there a way to pm? I've been a long time lurker vs active participant. I'd love to send you a private message. People tend to get bombarded on these boards if you say anything negative about ps darlings.
 
You can say negative things as long as you are fair.

And no. There are no PMs.
 
As long as your comments are fair I don't see why writing them is an issue. This is probably my one opportunity to reset my ring and I want to be happy. The reason I wrote the post in the first place was simply to gauge whether or not my expectations are too high and the experience I'm having is totally normal. I guess what I'm trying to determine is if I should go with another artist like a VC or SK bc they would be more inclined to provide creative direction since they're the artist.

At the end of the day I just don't want to make a mistake and want to love my new ring.
 
I thought I posted this in another thread, but I also really dislike the pointed corners. That is not a cushion shape to me. I think I asked this before but did not see your response. Did you send them a picture of a cushion halo with the right shape? That is what you need to do if you haven't already. The picture below shows the cushion halo shape I personally prefer.

_18278.jpg
 
The problem with SK is he doesn't even do sketches. Now, I got my halo from him and had a good discussion to hash out all the details, and my ring was exactly as I wanted. But I had a fair amount of experience with jewelry custom work by then. r

Victor will at least give you a sketch, so that's something.

We usually see CAD being a good thing for first timers. But if you are having a problem, please call up the vendor and say "Look this process is frustrating me and I am not satisfied. Can we have a discussion about expectations and the process, because I don't feel that this is going well."

This is a business transaction.

You need to be direct and go right to the heart of the issue.

So please pick up the phone and call them.

If AFTER you've been direct and straight forward, there is still an issue. Then you need to think about moving on.

But you really need to first call, express your frustration (and don't dress it up. Just say "I'm frustrated and here is why..."). OK?
 
Your 100% right and make a valid point that CAD renderings are easier for first timers and those that don't know that much. I just need to call them. I've read so many glowing reviews and seen so many beautiful rings from them that I just need to be direct and I'm sure the outcome will be great.

Diamondseeker2006 I did send that picture with my initial round of feedback. I haven't sent feedback again because I wanted to make sure I had all my thoughts collected and consolidated. One of my major issues with the ring is the shape and the pointy corners and will not move forward until that is addressed because it will drive me absolutely crazy.

You guys are great and make me feel so much better about this whole process. Thank you
 
Gypsy.. With all due respect , some people can be very harsh with folks on the boards when saying negative but fair comments.

Op- I'm not sure my experience was the norm... Certainly not from the reviews. I did use erd, the whole process was long, frustrating and full of miscommunication. The final product looks beautiful.... Except they executed the first cad dimension for the split shank ( vs. the 3rd) the diamonds on the struts are crooked, the matching wedding band's bottom of the shank is different than the er and the pave snags on certain fabrics. Yes, I know why didn't I send it back? I had already done that for an issue with the halo melee. The setter used smaller diamonds in the halo near the prongs initially.


My net net- I'm a jackass for not using vc or sk or lm.
 
JLFG|1400288918|3674587 said:
Your 100% right and make a valid point that CAD renderings are easier for first timers and those that don't know that much. I just need to call them. I've read so many glowing reviews and seen so many beautiful rings from them that I just need to be direct and I'm sure the outcome will be great.

Diamondseeker2006 I did send that picture with my initial round of feedback. I haven't sent feedback again because I wanted to make sure I had all my thoughts collected and consolidated. One of my major issues with the ring is the shape and the pointy corners and will not move forward until that is addressed because it will drive me absolutely crazy.

You guys are great and make me feel so much better about this whole process. Thank you
Click to expand...

Okay, good. The advantage to CAD is that you CAN correct these kinds of things without having a bad surprise when you see the finished ring!

I don't want this to sound too negative, but after seeing a lot of their CADs, it seems like it takes a few tries before their designer gets it right. I say this in contrast to someone like Caysie of CvB Designs who has real artistic talent that is apparent even in her first set of CADs. The good news is, if you keep making them change it until they get it right, they usually produce a very nice ring in the end. Just don't allow it to be make until the CADs are perfect.
 
Jerseygirl7465|1400292439|3674619 said:
Gypsy.. With all due respect , some people can be very harsh with folks on the boards when saying negative but fair comments.

Op- I'm not sure my experience was the norm... Certainly not from the reviews. I did use erd, the whole process was long, frustrating and full of miscommunication. The final product looks beautiful.... Except they executed the first cad dimension for the split shank ( vs. the 3rd) the diamonds on the struts are crooked, the matching wedding band's bottom of the shank is different than the er and the pave snags on certain fabrics. Yes, I know why didn't I send it back? I had already done that for an issue with the halo melee. The setter used smaller diamonds in the halo near the prongs initially.


My net net- I'm a jackass for not using vc or sk or lm.
Click to expand...

Jerseygirl...we absolutely need these kinds of reviews as well as the good ones. I am so sorry for your experience. I certainly think you are justified in returning it if they didn't make the ring according to the final approved CADs. Plus, I could not handle pave that snags.

We can never really know who to choose to make a ring if we cannot weigh all the pros and cons. There has been someone not happy with all of them. But we have to weigh the good against the bad and decide who would be best to make our particular design.
 
for a newbie I need someone with an artistic expertise that can help me bring my vision to life. I kinda expected this type of assistance and I guess I'm just disappointed that I'm not getting it. I agree that CADs are better in some ways bc you get to see renderings and for me that definitely helps since I'm so new at this.

Just so I'm well informed are there any other vendors you'd recommend looking at for CAD rings that will advise from an artistic standpoint. Like I said, I want to get this right.
 
My personal experience is never have custom work done at this time of the year if you can avoid it. Too many weddings and anniversaries are going on, and the jewelers are so busy with all of that. That may be why you've just gotten CADs with no discussion: The designer simply doesn't have the time. I'd wait until Jul-Sept to try to get a ring made. I've gotten sloppy work whenever I've had a ring made or even a stone set during "wedding season." I learned my lesson.
 
I adore that SS halo, but I am betting it costs about double what ERD is charging! ;(

Gosh, I don't want to in any way encourage you to change vendors. But if I did want to have a CAD ring made right now, I would be inclined to try Caysie van Bebber. Several people have used her recently and she does beautiful CADs. I will try to link a few threads for you. But here is her site with a few pics:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CVBinspiredDesign?ref=pr_shop_more

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/post3671999.html#p3671999']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/post3671999.html#p3671999[/URL]

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/rockytalky/decision-time-new-cad-renders-t200968.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/rockytalky/decision-time-new-cad-renders-t200968.html[/URL]

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/sapphire-ring-w-floating-halo-from-cvb-inspired-design.197804/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/sapphire-ring-w-floating-halo-from-cvb-inspired-design.197804/[/URL]

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/rockytalky/sensibility-prevails-diamond-and-pearl-partial-eternity-t201426.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/rockytalky/sensibility-prevails-diamond-and-pearl-partial-eternity-t201426.html[/URL]

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/show-me-the-ring/show-me-your-cvb-t201715.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/show-me-the-ring/show-me-your-cvb-t201715.html[/URL]

Aren't these beautiful?! My personal preference is for a regular round shank, but other than that, I think she has done some beautiful work! (you can see more on her FB page: CVB Inspired Design)
 
Jerseygirl7465|1400292439|3674619 said:
Gypsy.. With all due respect , some people can be very harsh with folks on the boards when saying negative but fair comments.

Op- I'm not sure my experience was the norm... Certainly not from the reviews. I did use erd, the whole process was long, frustrating and full of miscommunication. The final product looks beautiful.... Except they executed the first cad dimension for the split shank ( vs. the 3rd) the diamonds on the struts are crooked, the matching wedding band's bottom of the shank is different than the er and the pave snags on certain fabrics. Yes, I know why didn't I send it back? I had already done that for an issue with the halo melee. The setter used smaller diamonds in the halo near the prongs initially.


My net net- I'm a jackass for not using vc or sk or lm.
Click to expand...


I'm so sorry. ERD has had some communication difficulties. And yours is not the first story. They DO seem to have fixed it recently.

And I actually posted a rant about their process a while back.

I really think that if you are that unhappy, you should just call them. Tell them the truth. Tell them that they've fixed it once and and you gave them a second chance but they STILL got it wrong. You aren't giving them a third one. You spent a lot of money. And you want a refund.

That's what I would do.

I do hope you get a ring you absolutely adore eventually.
 
I haven't paid anything yet and I'm sure I could cancel my order at this point bc I've only received two rounds of CADS. I wasn't involved in the initial selection of my e-ring and my husband (my wonderful husband) thought he was doing a good thing by having it made as surprise. We recently had a baby and as a gift he wants me to reset my ring so I'm totally happy which is why I really want to get it right. Every time I look at his ring it will not only remind me of the love I have for him but also my son.

I initially contacted SK and VC but I felt bad paying so much even though my husband didn't care. While VC work is probably the best I feel like everyone has his ring and it felt a little too modern for me. Plus I'm trying to also have a band made to match which adds to the cost.

While I don't like a ton details I do want to incorporate simple and understated design elements (ie Miligrain but no engraving) that introduce a vintage feel while still feeling a bit modern. I love the cushion shape but unfortunately I'm stuck with a RB center which is why I choose to move forward with the cushion halo.

In the end I just need to feel comfortable before moving forward.
 
I'll be honest...I don't have time to read all the previous posts JFLG. I can tell you that i hear where you're coming from. There were 1 or 2 times where I emailed some feedback as more of a question, and they just inserted it into the next CAD. I get the sense that Chris is mainly delegating and passing along to the design team, and they just incorporate your changes and move on. If you do however want feedback or to bounce ideas off of ERD, call Chris or email him to call you, and he can even set up a phone meeting with his designer. I did and it was very helpful.

I look at it from their perspective. THey have tons of emails coming in with tons of feedback and questions, and it's hard to deciper what's actually a requested change and what's an idea. It's faster for them to just incorporate everything into the CAD and send it over. THat's how they keep their relatively low-cost custom model.

Also from their perspective...you may be emailing all these ideas that may not even work together, and they end up incorporating it or modifying it...and you may be like what the heck?? But when I chatted with the designer for example and he said what I was asking for wasn't possible due to x reason...it made more sense. And they even sent me two waxes and I didn't get the point until I saw it in person!! So there is an overall negative with the approach of emailing as communication...it's somewhat one sided and not collaborative. They should have a chat program or something...

I will say however, that at least it's just in CAD form at that stage!! It's not an actual ring, just a drawing! So no harm done, and I get the sense you can keep making changes to it until you're satisifed.

I hope that helps.
 
I also wanted to add that when it comes to designers, sometimes it's about choosing a 'fit'. It may be that erd's working style may not fit with yours. In that case just cancel and try cvb!
 
Redroze all valid points and I'm sure they get a million and one emails a day and don't have the bandwidth to really digest all of them. Plus on the scale of importance I'm sure my job isn't at the top of the list since it's only a reset. For the tweaks I desire I agree it's best to setup a call. If I don't feel comfortable after that I will move on. I think that's fair.
 
JLFG|1400369919|3675149 said:
Redroze all valid points and I'm sure they get a million and one emails a day and don't have the bandwidth to really digest all of them. Plus on the scale of importance I'm sure my job isn't at the top of the list since it's only a reset. For the tweaks I desire I agree it's best to setup a call. If I don't feel comfortable after that I will move on. I think that's fair.
Click to expand...

You might call, but absolutely keep it ALL in writing. That is your evidence if the changes are not made that you request. Seriously, they make settings all the time without selling the center stone. Your job is as important as any other! I do think it is a possibility that this is a busy time for them, though.
 
You were able to order and get CAD's without paying anything? I had to pay 50% the cost of the ring before they would even start the CADS...
 
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