PSers who've been through the custom process - what did you wish you knew before that you know now?

[hsc9]

Hi PS!

There seems like there's a lot of people going through their first custom project (myself included)! So more experienced PSers, could you please share some of the things you've learned along the way? Any advice/tips/general experiences that you can share that could help make the whole custom design experience go more smoothly?

Thank you in advance!

 

[Golden_bird]

Hi PS!

There seems like there's a lot of people going through their first custom project (myself included)! So more experienced PSers, could you please share some of the things you've learned along the way? Any advice/tips/general experiences that you can share that could help make the whole custom design experience go more smoothly?

Thank you in advance!

.

Hi PS!

There seems like there's a lot of people going through their first custom project (myself included)! So more experienced PSers, could you please share some of the things you've learned along the way? Any advice/tips/general experiences that you can share that could help make the whole custom design experience go more smoothly?

Thank you in advance!

The biggest advice is come back here with your cads and experts here will help you with some details I have never thought about like : proper hight of the ring/setting ,if that will sit flash with your wedding band or will rub and eventually damage the prongs ...be patient ! Don’t rush bcs in case you need to remake it ,it’s gonna cost you money again and frustration...have good examples what you like . Good luck

 

[Octo2005]

Research, research and do more research!! Just kidding, but not really. I think the more information you are armed with the better and if you can really narrow down your ideas and budget and then PS posters can help you walk through the pros and cons of the design/the process/who to work with.

There is just so much to think about I would focus on finding your inspiration setting or perhaps you will get lucky and fall in love with an existing design. Then post pics and posters can help recommend a bench to make your desired ring.

 

[Double E]

Hi PS!

There seems like there's a lot of people going through their first custom project (myself included)! So more experienced PSers, could you please share some of the things you've learned along the way? Any advice/tips/general experiences that you can share that could help make the whole custom design experience go more smoothly?

Thank you in advance!

I m also having my project at the moment, which is just started, I provided some pictures and key concepts to the vendor, while also sent my wife's wedding band to them so that they can match in style. Hope you have a nice experience!

 

[Double E]

I m also having my project at the moment, which is just started, I provided some pictures and key concepts to the vendor, while also sent my wife's wedding band to them so that they can match in style. Hope you have a nice experience!

I am custom making an anniversary ring for my project.

 

[Dee*Jay]

Don't pre-judge a piece based on the pics/video. Wait for the real thing. And then Give It A Chance. When the thing shows up and it's not One Millllllllllion Percent what you had envisioned, take a deep breath, have a drink (or three), and see if it grows on you. And the stuff that doesn't grow on you; does it really matter? Or can you live it with it without causing a bunch of trauma/drama -- to you, the vendor, and everyone else. Is this thing going to cause children to go to bed hungry? Are puppies and kittens going to the gas chamber because of it? If it does't get "fixed" (whatever that might mean), will it still matter in five years?

Custom is not for the faint of heart -- or for perfectionists. Know thyself before you go down this path.

 

[mrs-b]

Know what you want. The vendor can't guess what's inside your head.

 

[Rfisher]

If email/messaging between you and vendor is having vague answers or unanswered/unacknowledged items, or just a feeling of disconnect - pick up the phone and call.
Then maybe follow up that verbal convo with written documentation.

 

[bludiva]

Be prepared for it to not come out exactly as you imagined.

I'd venture to guess even if I had the skills to make something this intricate myself, it still wouldn't come out 100% as imagined in my mind. Turning something from an idea to 3-D reality is a challenge.

 

[yssie]

I've done a lot of custom work. Some ventures have been wonderfully successful, others were expensive learning lessons. All my custom project failures can be directly attributed to me not following my own advice regarding due diligence on the items enumerated below. My take-homes:

Buy off-the-shelf whenever possible. It really IS the easiest way to ensure that you know exactly what you're going to get, and to be confident that you're going to get exactly what you want!


If you must go custom, however,

1. Make sure you and your vendor are on exactly the same page regarding communication and information exchange: what information will be exchanged over what timelines through what media.
2. Ensure the vendor has done work like whatever you're looking for previously. Being the guinea pig, whilst exciting, is unlikely to end well.
3. Formulate your vision as completely as possible before proposing it to a vendor. This goes back to @mrs-b's point about mind-reading.
4. If your trusted vendor has recommendations, take them. You really don't know better... no matter how much you think you might. And... a vendor who issues a strong recommendation but backpedals on his own critique when you object is not a trustworthy vendor, in my opinion.
5. Make sure you have the conversation about "what happens if I don't like it?" up-front.

My most successful custom projects have been Butterflies with WF, my 5-stone trellis with DBL, my RDG, and my Grace-inspired earrings with Erika Winters. In all cases I was completely comfortable with the vendor, communication was excellent, and I felt that the vendor understood my aesthetic and trusted him/her/my rep to both make decisions in favour of that aesthetic and reach out to me as appropriate - without me micromanaging the process.

And even with all those stars in alignment, it took two iterations of Butterflies (both with WF) and two iterations of my 5-stone (the second with DBL, the first with another vendor) to achieve "perfection" of those pieces. To @bludiva's and @Dee*Jay's comments - sometimes the outcome will require tweaking despite good intentions and proactive workflows.

 

[CHRISTY-DANIELLE]

If you really have your heart set on a specific detail make sure they know. My last project had an element not turn out like I expected, but didn't see it til ring was finished. I should have been more clear. I'm in the midst of a new project and am probably driving then crazy about getting that element exactly right.

 

[Maisie]

So much good advice here!

I would say don’t rush. If you are on a time scale give yourself plenty of time.

Also, If you feel that you don’t get on well with the vendor you’ve chosen cut your losses and move on. It is usually apparent early on that you might not work well together.

 

[LLJsmom]

If email/messaging between you and vendor is having vague answers or unanswered/unacknowledged items, or just a feeling of disconnect - pick up the phone and call.
Then maybe follow up that verbal convo with written documentation.

100%. Follow up with email confirming discussion and that vendor agrees with your understanding.

 

[LLJsmom]

I've done a lot of custom work. Some ventures have been wonderfully successful, others were expensive learning lessons. All my custom project failures can be directly attributed to me not following my own advice regarding due diligence on the items enumerated below. My take-homes:

Buy off-the-shelf whenever possible. It really IS the easiest way to ensure that you know exactly what you're going to get, and to be confident that you're going to get exactly what you want!


If you must go custom, however,

1. Make sure you and your vendor are on exactly the same page regarding communication and information exchange: what information will be exchanged over what timelines through what media.
2. Ensure the vendor has done work like whatever you're looking for previously. Being the guinea pig, whilst exciting, is unlikely to end well.
3. Formulate your vision as completely as possible before proposing it to a vendor. This goes back to @mrs-b's point about mind-reading.
4. If your trusted vendor has recommendations, take them. You really don't know better... no matter how much you think you might. And... a vendor who issues a strong recommendation but backpedals on his own critique when you object is not a trustworthy vendor, in my opinion.
5. Make sure you have the conversation about "what happens if I don't like it?" up-front.

My most successful custom projects have been Butterflies with WF, my 5-stone trellis with DBL, my RDG, and my Grace-inspired earrings with Erika Winters. In all cases I was completely comfortable with the vendor, communication was excellent, and I felt that the vendor understood my aesthetic and trusted him/her/my rep to both make decisions in favour of that aesthetic and reach out to me as appropriate - without me micromanaging the process.

And even with all those stars in alignment, it took two iterations of Butterflies (both with WF) and two iterations of my 5-stone (the second with DBL, the first with another vendor) to achieve "perfection" of those pieces. To @bludiva's and @Dee*Jay's comments - sometimes the outcome will require tweaking despite good intentions and proactive workflows.

Totally agree with everything, especially as bolded.

 

[CHRISTY-DANIELLE]

Oh, and if you can get a plastic model, even better. I recently thought the cad was perfect, got the plastic model and was so glad I did.
"Um, ...no."

 

[whitewave]

Sit on a project until you know in your heart for sure that is what you want. My sapphire project has changed several times over a year. Now, I am certain what I want.

The same with my aquamarine. In my head, I’m on my 3rd or so idea of what I want and to be honest, I think I overdid this last design in my head and with a designer and a stone supplier, and I have that nagging feeling it’s going to be too big, too much, and too much of a dinner ring which I don’t want. So now I am sitting on it even more and thinking my first idea was best.

I mean, this latest iteration would be awesome, one for the ages, extravagant and expensive. It would be a ring TDF. But, I think for me, it would be too much ring.

Trust your instincts.

 

[rockysalamander]

Use photos and diagrams to show what you want, be clear if you want an "inspriation" or "duplication" of that detail, pair a diagram with a good description.

Real example based on helping a friend about a year ago using made-up design as hers was very unique. Friend called and was venting about the designer of a ring (I recommended the designer). They were not getting "her" vision. I asked her to send me the email chain and pics. She sent this picture and said she wanted her and FI wedding bands to be like this but more swirly and flatter.



After 3 CADs, she was still unhappy. I asked a lot of questions, made a sketch with added images and text description she shared with the designer. CAD #4 got her where she wanted which was similar to below where the deep valleys were the highlight not the points of the mountains. What happened? She failed to clearly communicate what she wanted and the designer failed to ask enough questions since they thought they "got it". I have "no skin in the game" and could listen as long as needed to get to her vision. Designers don't have infinite time to read the mind of the customer.


What did I ask...from that inspiration, what are you seeing, do you mean the width, the metal, the metal finish, the texture (overall texture or just one piece of it), do you want this scaled to your finger size so it looks like this when you look at the ring or do you want the scale of this piece to remain...so it might take more of your finger to cover, do you like that the texture's high-points are soften, do you like that the valleys are soft, do you want the valley so wide, etc.. She said the design was inspired by her and FI ice-diving trip looking up at the bottom of the ice. Knowing that and the location, it made me realize she wanted valleys not mountains to be the highlight as the valleys were the dark areas in the ice. Those valleys needed to be sharp based on her description and the geography of the dive.

So, be clear and specific about what elements you like.

 

[Wewechew]

Sit on a project until you know in your heart for sure that is what you want. My sapphire project has changed several times over a year. Now, I am certain what I want.

The same with my aquamarine. In my head, I’m on my 3rd or so idea of what I want and to be honest, I think I overdid this last design in my head and with a designer and a stone supplier, and I have that nagging feeling it’s going to be too big, too much, and too much of a dinner ring which I don’t want. So now I am sitting on it even more and thinking my first idea was best.

I mean, this latest iteration would be awesome, one for the ages, extravagant and expensive. It would be a ring TDF. But, I think for me, it would be too much ring.

Trust your instincts.

I know you said you are sure, but just incase you change your mind again, let me know if you decide you don’t need that .57ct F before you let it off hold

 

[whitewave]

I know you said you are sure, but just incase you change your mind again, let me know if you decide you don’t need that .57ct F before you let it off hold

Lol. That one is mine. I’m not giving it up. Sorry. Now, if someone gets that .81 J before I grab it......

(But if something happens, I’ll give you a heads up)

 

[Wewechew]

Lol. That one is mine. I’m not giving it up. Sorry. Now, if someone gets that .81 J before I grab it......

(But if something happens, I’ll give you a heads up)

That J.... if I had unlimited funds... I think it may have too much color to be next to my E/F wedding band

 

[whitewave]

That J.... if I had unlimited funds... I think it may have too much color to be next to my E/F wedding band

I’m willing to try it. If I get it, I’ll let you know lol.

I am wearing a band with pave I color, thin, with my F/G pave and G color asscher and if I stare at it I can tell but it’s also not that big of a deal. I still think it works.

But this J would be another engagement ring I would switch out with the asscher.

 

[Wewechew]

I’m willing to try it. If I get it, I’ll let you know lol.

I am wearing a band with pave I color, thin, with my F/G pave and G color asscher and if I stare at it I can tell but it’s also not that big of a deal. I still think it works.

But this J would be another engagement ring I would switch out with the asscher.

Pave is a lot harder to tell any difference. I think PSers are the only ones who would notice.

Sorry for the thread jack!

 

[LaylaR]

As a consumer I did several custom projects, **edited by moderator, trade members may not post about other vendors**. Pictures are hugely helpful. HUGELY.

I was the problem, though. I had to learn to get out of my own (and my vendor's way) and once I learned that each project was progressively easier as I got more comfortable letting go of my control freak tendencies.

**edited by moderator, trade members may not post about other vendors**

So my advice is this. Pick your vendor VERY CAREFULLY. Make sure your project is in their wheelhouse and style. AND research the cost of what you want. And what quality you want. The vendor selection process is where you should concentrate your control freak tendencies. Also talk to the vendor and make sure your personalities are compatible. This is more important than you'd think. Be honest about your budget and the quality it will buy.

If you have 'budget' project' go to a 'budget vendor.' But don't expect them to be able to match the heirloom quality of a piece by another vendor/designer. Also, don't go to a vendor who specializes in heirloom quality pieces and try to browbeat them to give you a huge discount or tell them to make something that doesn't meet their quality standards. They won't do it.

Make sure you understand the vendor's return polices (with most you can't return a custom piece) and warranties. If you are providing the stones for the project, and not the vendor make sure you understand whose duty it is to insure the stones while setting (it will usually be you.)

Be armed with good pictures that show what you want. Label them (picture 1, picture 2) using MS paint (you can write right on the photo). Using bullet points explain the photos and what you want. Make sure your vendor understands the details of the design.

If they do CADs, ask them before you pay how many iterations of the CAD your money pays for. If you are working with a vendor that doesn't offer a CAD, then you are going on faith. Make sure you ask them upfront that if the product doesn't match your expectations if they will re-make one that does. Some vendors will agree to this (if they do not provide a CAD they might do this, but if you are working with a CAD-- no remake except for manufacturing defects is standard).

Then after you have carefully vetted your vendor and laid out your project: TRUST THEM. If you are working with a vendor that gives you a CAD, make sure you examine it carefully, ask questions, and ask for adjustments if you need them. If you aren't working with a CAD, don't stalk the vendor. Ask for a timeline, and then if they do not meet it, call and speak to them about it.

 

[lovedogs]

@LaylaR I miss your wise posts so much! This needs to be a sticky!

 

[Queenie60]

As a consumer I did several custom projects, **edited by moderator, trade members may not post about other vendors**. Pictures are hugely helpful. HUGELY.

I was the problem, though. I had to learn to get out of my own (and my vendor's way) and once I learned that each project was progressively easier as I got more comfortable letting go of my control freak tendencies.

**edited by moderator, trade members may not post about other vendors**

So my advice is this. Pick your vendor VERY CAREFULLY. Make sure your project is in their wheelhouse and style. AND research the cost of what you want. And what quality you want. The vendor selection process is where you should concentrate your control freak tendencies. Also talk to the vendor and make sure your personalities are compatible. This is more important than you'd think. Be honest about your budget and the quality it will buy.

If you have 'budget' project' go to a 'budget vendor.' But don't expect them to be able to match the heirloom quality of a piece by another vendor/designer. Also, don't go to a vendor who specializes in heirloom quality pieces and try to browbeat them to give you a huge discount or tell them to make something that doesn't meet their quality standards. They won't do it.

Make sure you understand the vendor's return polices (with most you can't return a custom piece) and warranties. If you are providing the stones for the project, and not the vendor make sure you understand whose duty it is to insure the stones while setting (it will usually be you.)

Be armed with good pictures that show what you want. Label them (picture 1, picture 2) using MS paint (you can write right on the photo). Using bullet points explain the photos and what you want. Make sure your vendor understands the details of the design.

If they do CADs, ask them before you pay how many iterations of the CAD your money pays for. If you are working with a vendor that doesn't offer a CAD, then you are going on faith. Make sure you ask them upfront that if the product doesn't match your expectations if they will re-make one that does. Some vendors will agree to this (if they do not provide a CAD they might do this, but if you are working with a CAD-- no remake except for manufacturing defects is standard).

Then after you have carefully vetted your vendor and laid out your project: TRUST THEM. If you are working with a vendor that gives you a CAD, make sure you examine it carefully, ask questions, and ask for adjustments if you need them. If you aren't working with a CAD, don't stalk the vendor. Ask for a timeline, and then if they do not meet it, call and speak to them about it.

Great advise!!

 

[LaylaR]

Thank you @lovedogs and @Queenie60
Blatent thread jack.
Queenie, I had a trio of kittens dumped on me. I adopted out one. But the other two are bonded and I can't find anyone who wants two wonderful 8 month olds. My resident cats are revolting and frankly 9 cats in 1100 square feet is not working for anyone. If you know anyone who might be able to help me I would owe you big. They are well socialized and adorable.




Threadjack over.

 

[LLJsmom]

As a consumer I did several custom projects, **edited by moderator, trade members may not post about other vendors**. Pictures are hugely helpful. HUGELY.

I was the problem, though. I had to learn to get out of my own (and my vendor's way) and once I learned that each project was progressively easier as I got more comfortable letting go of my control freak tendencies.

**edited by moderator, trade members may not post about other vendors**

So my advice is this. Pick your vendor VERY CAREFULLY. Make sure your project is in their wheelhouse and style. AND research the cost of what you want. And what quality you want. The vendor selection process is where you should concentrate your control freak tendencies. Also talk to the vendor and make sure your personalities are compatible. This is more important than you'd think. Be honest about your budget and the quality it will buy.

If you have 'budget' project' go to a 'budget vendor.' But don't expect them to be able to match the heirloom quality of a piece by another vendor/designer. Also, don't go to a vendor who specializes in heirloom quality pieces and try to browbeat them to give you a huge discount or tell them to make something that doesn't meet their quality standards. They won't do it.

Make sure you understand the vendor's return polices (with most you can't return a custom piece) and warranties. If you are providing the stones for the project, and not the vendor make sure you understand whose duty it is to insure the stones while setting (it will usually be you.)

Be armed with good pictures that show what you want. Label them (picture 1, picture 2) using MS paint (you can write right on the photo). Using bullet points explain the photos and what you want. Make sure your vendor understands the details of the design.

If they do CADs, ask them before you pay how many iterations of the CAD your money pays for. If you are working with a vendor that doesn't offer a CAD, then you are going on faith. Make sure you ask them upfront that if the product doesn't match your expectations if they will re-make one that does. Some vendors will agree to this (if they do not provide a CAD they might do this, but if you are working with a CAD-- no remake except for manufacturing defects is standard).

Then after you have carefully vetted your vendor and laid out your project: TRUST THEM. If you are working with a vendor that gives you a CAD, make sure you examine it carefully, ask questions, and ask for adjustments if you need them. If you aren't working with a CAD, don't stalk the vendor. Ask for a timeline, and then if they do not meet it, call and speak to them about it.

PREACH IT SISTER!!

YES: You said it way better than I could.
1. Also talk to the vendor and make sure your personalities are compatible. This is more important than you'd think. Be honest about your budget and the quality it will buy. AMEN
2. If you have 'budget' project' go to a 'budget vendor.' But don't expect them to be able to match the heirloom quality of a piece by another vendor/designer. Also, don't go to a vendor who specializes in heirloom quality pieces and try to browbeat them to give you a huge discount or tell them to make something that doesn't meet their quality standards. They won't do it. AMEN

 

[hsc9]

Wow. Thank you so much everyone for taking the time to respond! I'll keep everything everyone said in mind going forward. Hopefully this will be helpful to others as it has been to me!

 

[david b]

First thing is to find an experienced CAD designer, think of how would you like thee engagement ring to fit with the wedding band, flash?
Do both at the same time since after the engagement ring is set with the diamonds and finished it will be very hard to match a flash wedding band to it.
Another tip is, ask what Cut and color/clarity will be the side diamonds/.

 

[cokitty]

1)Know what you want, be certain you have a solid idea of what you want. Scale, details, things you absolutely would not want to see.

2)Determine your budget.

3)Put together a solid packet of information with 1&2 along with any details about any portion of the project you may have already purchased (ie center stones etc) Be as detailed a possible. Send photos indicating what you like and don’t like. PS can be very helpful in refining your ideas. This includes your timeline, if you have a date you need the project to be completed by or prior to bring that up at the beginning. BE PRECISE, there is nothing worse than being vague.

4)Submit for quotes from your vendor (or vendors of choice).

5)When reviewing the quotes make sure it is apples to apples. It is perfectly okay to ask for clarification and to refine things. This is also the time to set up expectations about the level of communication you desire during the process.

6)Patience is a virtue. Once you have agreed upon the project parameters; design, cost, communication style, etc let the vendor work. You’ve chosen this person and this route for a reason. Sit back and be patient.

7)Wait to see the piece before you decide you need adjustments to be made. Wear it for a few days, look at it in various lighting types and situations. In the end a good vendor will want you to be happy.