Question about custom made rings

[elrohwen]

So theorectical question here: What if I receive my custom made e-ring and it''s not exactly what I had hoped for? The setting is basically the Vatche x-prong/Lucida with some side stones that a jeweler is replicating for me. I went to a local jeweler with a wonderful reputation and stunning custom pieces and if I don''t like the ring, they will work with me until I do. Question is, if I don''t like it would they have to completely remake it? Or would they be able to make tweaks to the setting?

I guess I''m just really nervous about getting exactly what I want (it''s a lot of money and I''ll have it for the rest of my life) and I''m thinking way ahead about my options.

 

[oldminer]

So many "custom made" rings are not anything except fairly stock designs which are made at the time you order and modified a bit here and there per your requirements. It is always risky to order a custom made anything, not just a ring mounting. You need to know about the skills and reputation of the maker. You should have seen some things they have already made whichyou find very acceptable. Customers should recommend such a maker to you. Without referrals and knowledge of what this person can make, you have no way to know what sort of job they can do for you.

One must assume that when wanting "custom" work, that the cost will be higher than for production of a standard item. You will spend time with the maker to inspect, alter and modify the first drawings or waxes in many cases. You may need to make several trips to the jeweler to get your very special item. It depends on your skill, your patience and how much time the maker has to spend on the project. The more time spent, the more it should cost. A good maker will require less time wasted than the village idiot, but time is a key element. Efficient use of time will reduce the cost, of course.

I think many "custom rings" are really nothing more then slightly modified stock styles which should not command much, if any, premium price. Communication is the main element to reduce the risky nature of the final product.

 

[elrohwen]

I did actually see a ton of their custom made stuff and it was gorgeous. The store specializes in artistic custom pieces and I''m sure that they have the skill to make something amazing, I just hope that they made something amazing for me.

I see what you mean that they could be using a stock form for my ring ... I never thought of that before. If they were, I certainly would''ve appreciated seeing the design since they didn''t have any in the store to see.

During the design they actually didn''t share the drawings and wax models with me which, in retrospect, I wish I had seen. I did give them a picture with about 6 views of the ring and they said that they would be able to make it. So, I know they know what I want, but what if they mess up on some of the details? Looking back I realize it would''ve been a much better idea to get more involved during the design phase, but they didn''t offer and I didn''t think to ask. They have said that they are willing to work with me to get exactly what I want, even if the ring is already made. So I''m not out in the cold, but I would hate to have to go back with a finished ring and ask them to remake it.

I wish I had found this website before ordering the ring! I could''ve used advice from someone like you going into the whole process. Thanks for the great advice.