Please Help (PICS) - Not happy with new band

[D_Glory]

Hello everyone!

I have lurked here for a very long time and I am finally posting because I want to a) get some outside (non-emotional) opinions and b) have a better idea of what to say to the jeweler tomorrow.

I have a pear shaped engagement ring and I had a matching wedding band made to fit the fat side of my pear. I provided my own diamonds for the project and the created the band to match. It was beautiful and the jeweler did a great job. I was very happy with it.

I've gone back to this jeweler for other things and they created a nice pair of earrings for me.

There were extra diamonds left over and I've toyed with getting a band for the other side. My hubby said if I wanted to have one made as a Christmas gift, to go for it.

So I did. But I am not at all happy with it. I feel as if the band does not match at all and takes my sweet set into 80's cocktail ring territory.

Hubby picked it up for me yesterday or I would have said something at the jeweler. But it's probably for the best that I had some time to think on it before I started getting all emotional. It is not at all what I expected and while the craftsmanship is beautiful, it looks like they stuck a lightning bolt on the top of my ring.

I would have preferred a curved band to match the current band. I'm not sure WHY they went with the angle and have no clue why they didn't call me to discuss it before hand. They had told me they'd send me a CAD drawing but never did. Instead, it was just a phone call that they said "it's done!"

My problem is that I don't know if I can afford to have this fixed! This was a gift from my husband and he sold some of his hobby collection to pay for it. We are not super well off.

I just need someone to give me a script. Something I can say to the jeweler about why I'm disappointed and what they can do to fix it. The band cost $1200 to make. I can't afford to pay that again to remake it. Not at all.

What should I do?

 

[Laila619]

Oh I'm so sorry. I would calmly and politely ask to speak to the manager/owner, and tell him what you said here. Explain that the band is not what you asked for, and that you were never shown a CAD. They need to redo the band for you and make it right. If it's any consolation, your rings are gorgeous, and I think with the curved band on top it'll look amazing!

If you paid by CC and they won't remake the band on their dime, you could always dispute the charge. But hopefully it won't come down to that.

 

[D_Glory]

Thank you.

Do you think they will re-make it? Honestly, I'm fine with the channel that the diamonds are in now, I'm just not okay with the giant point. I would prefer it curved though.

I was hoping they could round it out, but I'm guessing they'll have to recast the whole thing.

We paid half in cash, half on credit. Ugh.

 

[TC1987]

If the goal was to match the other band, and they knew that, they should have taken at least detailed pictures if not a casting of it. If you told them a matching band, and they saw the round contour, I don't know why they'd make you a bypass-style band like that.

 

[D_Glory]

If the goal was to match the other band, and they knew that, they should have taken at least detailed pictures if not a casting of it. If you told them a matching band, and they saw the round contour, I don't know why they'd make you a bypass-style band like that.

Yes, the goal was always a matching band. They kept both bands with them the entire time so there is no reason (IMO) for it to be pointed like that when the other is round.

I mean, I understand completely why it COULD be pointed, but I'm not sure why they made it pointed without confirming that with me.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Looks like they were trying to emphasize the shape of your pear - lower band curved to accentuate the bottom of the pair and pointed band on top to accentuate the pointed part. ??? Or, that is my guess... Be sure and go in and talk to them and see what can be done.

 

[Laila619]

Looks like they were trying to emphasize the shape of your pear - lower band curved to accentuate the bottom of the pair and pointed band on top to accentuate the pointed part. ??? Or, that is my guess... Be sure and go in and talk to them and see what can be done.

Yes, looking at it, that's also my guess as to why they did that.

They still should have asked/confirmed though!

 

[sonnyjane]

As others said, they promised you a CAD, you didn't get one, so you're not on the hook for this. They HAVE to remake it. If they refuse, you need your money back through your credit card company. If you paid with cash, there is still recourse, just more complicated.

 

[Enerchi]

Going to echo much of what's already been said - the point was probably to mirror the shape of your pear centre stone, but if you don't like it and want to discuss it, go back and speak with the vendor about it. Odds are, it was a miscommunication and they would want to make you a happy customer. While it seems so intimidating to go in and complain, it may just result in the outcome you are hoping for - a rounded band, not the point.

Although - IMO - I do like the point! I love pears and this helps to emphasize the shape of it...

 

[D_Glory]

Thanks everyone. I think I was working myself up to nearly having an anxiety attack.

I felt HORRIBLE when hubby showed it to me and I just didn't like it. Then I started to get upset because he spent his hobby money on me (he didn't have to do that) and I felt ungrateful.

I did try wearing it for an hour today and just couldn't get into it. I'll go back tomorrow. I feel a little more... justified? Prepared?

I'll keep you all posted what they say.

In the meantime, my friend made a mock-up. I was going to take it with me tomorrow. Is this a good idea?

 

[Enerchi]

That does look nice, the photo shopped version. Is it what YOU want and what would make YOU happy? What we think is not as important as what you would prefer. That is so sweet your DH gave up his interests to treat you to this - what a wonderful man!!

My feeling is you would be happier with the rounded version and you will probably feel more content that way. Good luck tomorrow - bring in the picture and let the shop correct it for you. Hopefully it can be done sooner than later but all jewellers are heading into a pretty hectic season! Fingers crossed they can correct it quickly!

 

[D_Glory]

Oh yes! I definitely like the rounded version better. It is exactly what I envisioned.

I meant is it okay to bring the picture into the jeweler. Or is that jerky?

I don't know why I'm so anxious about this. Emotional I think. It's my wedding set.

 

[Enerchi]

PERFECTLY fine to bring in the pic!! This way you and he both have a visual about what it is you are expecting. This is perfect!!!

And ya - the emotional thing is kind of hard to control - we "get" it, totally!! You'll be so happy you asked for the right design and when you get it back, you'll love it that much more!! Hooray to you!!!

 

[D_Glory]

Thank you, Enerchi!

It is so funny to actually be posting. I've been lurking here for YEARS!

Last year I made an account so I could keep track of one poster's ring project.

Thank you all for you advice.

 

[Enerchi]

No problem! Maybe you won't want to lurk as much, but want to come and play more often! Welcome to the playpen!

 

[LibbyLA]

It is not "jerky" to take that photoshopped image. A picture is worth a thousand words, and if that picture is what it takes to show them what you want, then that's what you need to do.

Good luck. It's horrible to anticipate something and then end up with something not what you wanted.

liz

 

[ChrisES]

I really like the way the stack looks on your finger as is, but when I saw the photoshop, MAN, visualizing what that would look like would be even better! Those are some great rings...good luck w/ getting them all the way to perfect!

 

[junebug17]

I don't have much to add, except to say I'm so sorry this has happened, I can imagine your disappointment in the ring not being how you envisioned. I feel a little angry for you, for the life of me I don't know why the store didn't run the design by you before going ahead. I think you are well within your right to have a talk with them about this, and I would absolutely take the pic so that they can see exactly what you had in mind.

I'm just curious - did you specify to the jeweler when you dropped your set off that you wanted a curved band to match the other one?

Best of luck to you on this. Hopefully this store cares about having a happy customer. I truly hope they will remake this for you.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I agree that the new ring is really not acceptable. But to be honest, I really like your set so much better without a top band! I feel like the center stone is lost when there are three fairly wide bands.

 

[yssie]

But to be honest, I really like your set so much better without a top band! I feel like the center stone is lost when there are three fairly wide bands.

Ditto.

To be honest though if you must do flanking bands I much prefer the current pointy iteration to the photoshopped version - the concave indent has to be sharply pointed to accommodate the end of the pear, and that right opposite the soft convex outer curve looks mismatched to me.

 

[GregS]

The inner portion of the top band needs to be pointed to match the pear. A little bit of metal removal on the exterior point should soften it considerably.

 

[D_Glory]

Hi everyone!

Just a mini-update. I went to the jeweler on Saturday and spoke to them (no tears! go me!). They completely understood and are fixing my band as we speak!

Thank you all so much for all of your help and suggestions. It's funny because while I had a very visceral reaction to not liking the point, my mother LOVES the point and didn't want me to change it.

I love having this resource to get all of your opinions as well!

I will be sure to post a picture as soon as the new band is ready.

P.S. I know that the third band brings my set kind of over the top into blingy category, but I LOVE the look of the three bands (just didn't like the point). Pricescope is definitely the place where folks can understand my need for a little extra bling! Haha!

 

[Enerchi]

Hey! Great news - and that you didn't have tears - woo hoo! Congratulations on your success to have a newly remade band -I'm happy for you!

Yes indeed, PS is an AMAZING resource! Glad you were able to get the details and support you needed -- stay and play a while

 

[junebug17]

Oh that's great! I'm glad for you, come back with pics of the new ring!

 

[D_Glory]

Re: Please Help (PICS) - Not happy with new band **UPDATE**

They fixed it!

They couldn't round it out completely, but they did soften the lightning bolt considerably and I am 100% more happy with it! Also? They didn't charge me at all!

 

[Enerchi]

Well that's fantastic customer service!!

Are you happy with it now? Do you love it or is there any lingering doubt of 'what if...'? To my eye, it is very pleasing because I like the slight point to accentuate the pear shape of your centre stone.

Hope you are happy and are loving it now!

 

[D_Glory]

Yes, it I really do like it.

I love the rounded point. I think it is flattering to the shape of the pear, but it is more pleasing to the eye!

 

[Enerchi]

Yes, it I really do like it.

I love the rounded point. I think it is flattering to the shape of the pear, but it is more pleasing to the eye!

YIPPEE!!! I am so glad that you are happy now!!! Woo Hoo!!!

 

[D_Glory]

Thank you to everyone for your kind words and opinions!

PS: my husband says I can wear it now and I don't have to wait until Christmas! He's a keeper!

 

[ChrisES]

Who was it who said you should keep it before? Was it your mom? I didn't realize they would soften it so slightly but it works...now you have the same bold angle but without the sharp point. I love it!