Quality of the setting

[atlkid]

Hey guys,

This forum has been most helpful in my search of my E-ring. I recently purchased this E-ring from Union Diamond and am very happy with the diamond (round, 1.42, F, SI1, triple ex). However, I was looking at the setting today and I noticed that the platinum underneath/inside the cathedral was not polished. I wanted your opinion if this is standard or is this poor workmanship. Thanks again for your help!

Jim

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

I think the answer is dependant on the cost and level of product you paid for.

Was it custom hand made, in which case each part will be hand fabricated and polished before assembly. In this case you should expect to pay a few thousand for the mount? Or is it an of the rack casting for a small fraction of the cost?

 

[atlkid]

I was told it was custom made, but I only paid 1,250 for the setting. I am assuming that this would be the quality I should expect? In all honesty, you really can''t see it unless you stare closely at the setting.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Then it was probably custom assembled from cast compnents (which is not a problem - but the components can not always be polished in the nooks and crannies).

It is possible to get in and clean it up a bit, and if it worries you as it does, then i would call them and ask if they will do it. It should not be a big deal for them as I think they have a workshop.

 

[atlkid]

I''ll wait to see if my gf/fiance cares and then we''ll contact them. Thank you again for your help!

 

[Jonathan the Jeweler]

From what it sounds like, the ring could be finished by a decent bench jeweler with the right flex-shaft attachment. If you take it to the store that you bought it from, it would not be unreasonable for you to demand them to do it for free. A good B&M would do it while you wait, but I am interested to hear how well the e-store can deal with this particular issue.

 

[denverappraiser]

Yes it’s fairly typical.
Yes it’s poor craftsmanship.

It does look like a cast piece in the picture and how or even if it’s possible to fix it will depend on how it was put together in the first place. It’s not an easy job because it involves disassembling the whole top part of the ring in order to get access. Polishing with a flex shaft is likely to make it worse instead of better because it’ll round the edges and they still won’t be able to get in the middle of the space anyway.

I agree that you should take it back to see the jeweler and complain. It’s not your problem that it’s going to be hard. This is the busiest weekend of the year for most jewelers and it may not be the best time to rush through a difficult job.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[atlkid]

For the amount I paid (1,250), is this the quality I should expect? I''m trying to get a feel before I speak with him. Thank you again for your advice.

 

[denverappraiser]

Date: 12/22/2007 9:50:58 AM
Author: atlkid
For the amount I paid (1,250), is this the quality I should expect? I''m trying to get a feel before I speak with him. Thank you again for your advice.

$1,250 is not expensive for that mounting but you should expect to receive whatever was agreed to regardless of price. That’s a part of this deal that we don’t know. If you are not satisfied you should discuss it with them. The right price on the wrong thing is a bad deal. This problem is common and it’s done that way as a cost savings measure. Whether this tradeoff is worth it to you is a matter of negotiation at the time of sale. It’s up to them to clearly communicate to you what you will be getting for your money and it’s up to you to clearly communicate your requirements. When these don’t match, as it seems is the case here, you need to talk to them about what to do for the next step. It may be a repair, it may be an exchange for something else, it might be a refund or it may be that you decide you’re happy with what you’ve got. Union is a reputable outfit. I’ve got no way to tell if they will give you what or even if they’ve already done more than was agreed to but I’m confident that they will be happy to talk to you about it and that they are interested in your satisfaction.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Jewelry Appraisals in Denver