Prong not covering corner of ring...

[Beegrl]

My fiancee & I had a custom setting made by a small jewelry store in downtown Chicago for my .80 Emerald cut diamond approx. 2 months ago.
The ring is pretty, but by no means perfect. I was slightly disappointed when we got it back to find that some of the design is not even/symmetrical on each side; but the jeweler explained to me because it is custom made & hand-cut, it might not by symmetrical like a ring made by a machine would be.
Anyway, I am learning to not let some of the minor flaws bother me, but today I noticed that two of the prongs (4-prong) are not sitting over the exact corners of the diamond. These two prongs cover the middle to one-side of each corner, leaving a bit of the other side of the corner exposed. I know this part of the ring was also custom molded & cut by hand. I feel that this is more than just a "slight imperfection" to live with....
Because two of these corners are exposed on one side, will they be more likely to chip or wear down? (I should note that I noticed this because the ring is constantly snagging on my clothes/fabrics) Will the diamond be more likely to loosen or fall out over time? So, should I bring the ring back to the jeweler to fix? Or is this no biggie? I am also worried that he will tell me that the only way to fix this is to re-do the ring...which I actually wouldn''t mind, but I am worried that the jeweler will charge us more money.

Help!

 

[valeria101]

One can just wander why wasn't the ring done right in the first place? I thought "custom" work was supposed to be better, not worse.

It may take some remodeling to get things right rather than changing the setting entirely but even if someone comes online with one possible idea out of 1000 versions feasible, it still is up to the jeweler doing the job to decide what to do and for how much. However, this sounds like repair work and should not cost a fortune even at another shop...

 

[Beegrl]

Thanks - I probably do need to go back to the jeweler & express my displeasure again...although I really don't want to go back to him.

I am also concerned if it matters if the prong is not totally covering a corner. I think I read somewhere that this could be bad due to metal & diamond rubbing against each other, which could cause the diamond to chip.

Does anyone know if this is true? If it is not a big deal then I think I might just try to live with it.

Thanks!!

 

[Beegrl]

**********
One can just wander why wasn't the ring done right in the first place? I thought "custom" work was supposed to be better, not worse.
**********

Also, I have a another question about this statement- is that the general consensus? My jeweler told me that the setting might be imperfect due to the fact it is made by hand & not by a machine. It's hard for me to then see how hand-made would be better, as it probably would never be symmetrical?

Also, what does anyone know about milgraining? I had milgrained edges put on my setting & they are completely uneven. The lines look all squiggly, kind of like this: ~ instead of like this: - .

Again my jeweler told me milgraining is done by hand & very difficult to get even.

Is he just scamming me?

Thanks!!

 

[limey]

My custom jeweler said the same thing, but then he produced a piece that is so remarkable and even it blows my mind that he made it by hand. I think your jeweler is right, that there are tolerances of accuracy that one has to accept. Custom looks custom, you can tell, it has a certain charm but it should not be to the point of uneven or unattractive.

 

[Beegrl]

Thanks for sharing limey.

I guess it is just hard for me to know what to do. This is the first time I've dealt with an engagment ring & custom made jewelry. I honestly don't know if I'm just being picky & not tolerant enough, or if the ring would be considered shoddy by other jewelers.

Does anyone else have any comments about milgraining? Or my prong issues?
(see above)

 

[Daniela]

This absolutely shouldn't happen. It sounds like shoddy workmanship, and is definitely beyond the "tolerances" of custom design. Honestly, taking it back to the same jeweller (unless it is to flat out get your money back) is probably not the best idea since he messed up so badly in the first place. On the other hand, it may be a real challenge to find another good, honest bench jeweller in your area.

I don't envy you at all. Suffice to say that no, this isn't acceptable. I'm so sorry that it didn't work out the way you wanted. And you shouldn't have to stare at these imperfections every day, either.

Daniela