Poor Communication

[Sizzle]

I sent my ring back almost a month ago. For those who don''t remember, it was a custom made three stone princess setting made from Juan at Van-Graff in Mexico. I sent the ring back at the end of May. I am sad to say my last correspondence received was June 9th. He said it had to be completely rebuilt, which I expected, and that my diamond had to be set vertically (it''s slightly rectangular), fine, but since that e-mail, I''ve heard nothing. I was told i would receive photos. I am really not trying to be obnoxious, but I thought I''d have this ring in hand by the holiday! I asked for a time frame, so I coudl relax about it, but I heard nothing. I asked if it needed more platinum for an additional fee, I heard nothing. My southern friends told me that down south and in Mexico things work at a different pace then up North and I''m just impatient. I just want my ring, in all its sparkly glory, or at least an estimated time frame. Maybe I''m just here for pity today.... Is it reasonable to want answers to my inquiries? I''ve only sent two e-mails..this has been the way it has gone the whole process and it''s NON REFUNDABLE.

 

[purrfectpear]

When you choose to continue to deal with a vendor with whom you''ve had nothing BUT problems, you can expect them to continue

You needed to make up your mind whether your priority was a perfect ring (choose a different vendor), or trying to recoup some of your original investment (continue to be at the mercy of sloppy, slacker jeweler).

For your sake I truly hope it all works out in the end, but I don''t think I''m alone when I say nothing would have prompted me to continue with that vendor given the issues you''ve already had. I think all you can do is try to contact them, and hope that the ring shows up eventually, and that it will be done correctly. If for some reason it''s still not right, for heaven''s sake - go somewhere else

 

[luvmyhalo]

I'm sorry you have to deal with this.

Hopefully, your jeweler will come through and your ring will be exactly as you dreamed it to be from the beginning.

I think that your friends are right.
In my experience, Mexico does operate on a different pace than the U.S. I'm an interior designer and I have numerous instances with vedors from Mexico that will not communicate for weeks! No returned phone calls, emails, etc...... Then, out of the blue, they'll show up with the product (which is always impeccable). It didn't matter what they were providing- carved marble columns, carpentry work, furniture, etc..... I've learned that it is the norm.

Hopefully this is what's happening with your jeweler. I know that doesn't really ease your mind since he's got your diamonds!!!!! I'll keep my fingers crossed that you hear something from him soon!

 

[Sizzle]

Date: 6/24/2008 4:25:29 PM
Author: purrfectpear
When you choose to continue to deal with a vendor with whom you''ve had nothing BUT problems, you can expect them to continue

You needed to make up your mind whether your priority was a perfect ring (choose a different vendor), or trying to recoup some of your original investment (continue to be at the mercy of sloppy, slacker jeweler).

For your sake I truly hope it all works out in the end, but I don''t think I''m alone when I say nothing would have prompted me to continue with that vendor given the issues you''ve already had. I think all you can do is try to contact them, and hope that the ring shows up eventually, and that it will be done correctly. If for some reason it''s still not right, for heaven''s sake - go somewhere else

Well it''s not that easy. I cannot just walk away from my money and it''s completel non- refundable as I have statated every time you have commented so I am not quite sure how your commentary of what you would do is dealing with me. Juan is known for doing beautiful work or I would not have gone to him in the first place. At this point, I have no choice but to walk away from my money completely. Maybe you have it like that, but we certainly do not.

 

[Sizzle]

Date: 6/24/2008 5:10:33 PM
Author: luvmyhalo
I''m sorry you have to deal with this.

Hopefully, your jeweler will come through and your ring will be exactly as you dreamed it to be from the beginning.

I think that your friends are right.
In my experience, Mexico does operate on a different pace than the U.S. I''m an interior designer and I have numerous instances with vedors from Mexico that will not communicate for weeks! No returned phone calls, emails, etc...... Then, out of the blue, they''ll show up with the product (which is always impeccable). It didn''t matter what they were providing- carved marble columns, carpentry work, furniture, etc..... I''ve learned that it is the norm.

Hopefully this is what''s happening with your jeweler. I know that doesn''t really ease your mind since he''s got your diamonds!!!!! I''ll keep my fingers crossed that you hear something from him soon!

Thanks for the support. Lucky for me he does not have my diamonds, just the mount. No way in hell I''d send diamonds internationally.

I would like to point out to all, that my ONLY complaint about the mount was the gaps. The workmanship was beautiful and I know many who have beautiful pieces from Juan. I was just not aware of the cultural differences in business, which I have come to find out this is typical and not an intentional slight. If it was any other piece of jewerly, I guess I wouldn''t be as anxious!

Anyway, I returned to this thread to say I received a response from him late last night (perhaps he reads the boards). He said the ring would be done by the end of the week and he''d send photos. He generally overnights the package and my jeweler has same day turn around on mounting so I just might make my anniverary after all. I will definately post an update. I don''t want to discourage people from working with him AT ALL, but it wouln''t be as nerve wracking if you know that the communication isn''t going to be "typical". I don''t think many people post about this online because the quality has been superior.

 

[Sizzle]

Date: 6/24/2008 4:25:29 PM
Author: purrfectpear
When you choose to continue to deal with a vendor with whom you''ve had nothing BUT problems, you can expect them to continue

You needed to make up your mind whether your priority was a perfect ring (choose a different vendor), or trying to recoup some of your original investment (continue to be at the mercy of sloppy, slacker jeweler).

For your sake I truly hope it all works out in the end, but I don''t think I''m alone when I say nothing would have prompted me to continue with that vendor given the issues you''ve already had. I think all you can do is try to contact them, and hope that the ring shows up eventually, and that it will be done correctly. If for some reason it''s still not right, for heaven''s sake - go somewhere else

I have NEVER stated that Juan was "sloppy" or a "slacker"

 

[Diamond*Dana]

Sizzle, I hope that your ring comes home soon, hang in there!

 

[luvmyhalo]

That''s great news that you heard from him!!!!!

Hopefully you''ll have the new setting soon!

 

[purrfectpear]

Date: 6/25/2008 8:47:32 AM
Author: Sizzle

Date: 6/24/2008 4:25:29 PM
Author: purrfectpear
When you choose to continue to deal with a vendor with whom you''ve had nothing BUT problems, you can expect them to continue

You needed to make up your mind whether your priority was a perfect ring (choose a different vendor), or trying to recoup some of your original investment (continue to be at the mercy of sloppy, slacker jeweler).

For your sake I truly hope it all works out in the end, but I don''t think I''m alone when I say nothing would have prompted me to continue with that vendor given the issues you''ve already had. I think all you can do is try to contact them, and hope that the ring shows up eventually, and that it will be done correctly. If for some reason it''s still not right, for heaven''s sake - go somewhere else

I have NEVER stated that Juan was ''sloppy'' or a ''slacker''

No, nor did I say you did.

I did. I saw the pics you posted. It was sloppy work in that the gaps were enormous. Every post you have made has been to express your unhappiness about communication (or the serious lack of) with Juan. So I''ll say it again, sloppy, slacker IMO. That''s what the net is about. Opinions. You have yours. I have mine. You seem to get a little testy when any opinion differs from yours?

 

[Sizzle]

Date: 6/25/2008 2:41:26 PM
Author: purrfectpear

Date: 6/25/2008 8:47:32 AM
Author: Sizzle

Date: 6/24/2008 4:25:29 PM
Author: purrfectpear
When you choose to continue to deal with a vendor with whom you've had nothing BUT problems, you can expect them to continue

You needed to make up your mind whether your priority was a perfect ring (choose a different vendor), or trying to recoup some of your original investment (continue to be at the mercy of sloppy, slacker jeweler).

For your sake I truly hope it all works out in the end, but I don't think I'm alone when I say nothing would have prompted me to continue with that vendor given the issues you've already had. I think all you can do is try to contact them, and hope that the ring shows up eventually, and that it will be done correctly. If for some reason it's still not right, for heaven's sake - go somewhere else

I have NEVER stated that Juan was 'sloppy' or a 'slacker'

No, nor did I say you did.

I did. I saw the pics you posted. It was sloppy work in that the gaps were enormous. Every post you have made has been to express your unhappiness about communication (or the serious lack of) with Juan. So I'll say it again, sloppy, slacker IMO. That's what the net is about. Opinions. You have yours. I have mine. You seem to get a little testy when any opinion differs from yours?

I'm not sure what you are talking about. I was upset about poor communication, hence the title of the thread. I had the ring in hand, so yes, I am more qualified to testify on the quality of the craftmanship then you are. Gaps are not a sign of "bad quality", but simply a design aspect that I personally did not want. My statement about lack of communication was to let people know not to expect immediate correspondence or ongoing communication when dealing with this company. I was not aware of this aspect of the Mexican culture so I thought pershaps others might appreciate the information.

I made the statement above because I wanted to make sure that readers know the person actually dealing with the company was not giving a review that "Juan is a sloppy slacker". I'm not sure why you have chosen to slander someone you haven't reported working with, but yes, its your opinion and you are entitled to it.

That being said, if you got that opinion from half reading my posts, then that is a testiment to your own ignorance. It was obvious to me that you did not throughly read because if you did, you would stop telling me how I should get a refund, when I made it known on numerous occaisions how that is not an option. I am done discussing it with you, because it is MY ring, and MY investment and MY emotional experience and you are some random person on the net with very little manners. I don't need the added stress of you.


He has some beautiful work and has glowing reviews around the web, which is why I went to him in the first place. It is unfortunate that I did not get exactly what I want, exactly when I wanted it, but that's life. I do look forwared to receiving my ring and pray that it is everything I hoped for. For those who are interested, I will post photos of the mounting when I receive it and of the finished product when it is available.

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 6/25/2008 2:41:26 PM
Author: purrfectpear
No, nor did I say you did.

I did. I saw the pics you posted. It was sloppy work in that the gaps were enormous. Every post you have made has been to express your unhappiness about communication (or the serious lack of) with Juan. So I'll say it again, sloppy, slacker IMO. That's what the net is about. Opinions. You have yours. I have mine. You seem to get a little testy when any opinion differs from yours?

PP, I think Rocky talk is to help people not belittle them; we are all in this together to help each other.

Sizzle, I am glad things worked out for you; you love his work and that is all that matters.

 

[luvmyhalo]

PurrfectPear, I don''t think the OP is "testy" when opinions are different from hers. I think the manner in which you have given your opinion comes across as rude. I agree with Skippy, people come to Rocky Talky (and this website for that matter) for HELPFUL opinions and advice. Definitely NOT to feel worse about the situation.