Question for single cut melee owners - particularly VC rings

[diamond_twinkletoes]

So, I've just received a new wedding band that I ordered from a very well known and long standing PS vendor. I will not disclose the name at this point pending the outcome of this, I am also posting under a new account for the same reason.

I ordered the ring with single cut melee but having received it, I'm feeling very under whelmed with the diamonds and wanted to sound out some opinions.

The order was based on F/G VS excellent cut, single melee. When I opened the box, I immediately noticed a variation in the appearance of the stones with some appearing brighter than others and one or two looking very dull. This prompted me to get my loupe out and I found:
1 melee with a noticeable black inclusion
At least two with a large number of crystals - to the point of looking cloudy
A significant variation in table sizes with some tables off-centre
A significant variation in facet pattern

The ring appears better in day light but under spotlight, it reminds me very much of the dull sparkle you get from a low quality jewellery store ring.

Now, this is my first experience with single cuts and I know they are a different "look" but this isn't what I was expecting. I'm seeing my appraiser in the coming days so will hopefully get a more informed opinion then but I was just wondering if anyone else had a similar experience with single cuts - and I'm really interested in those who have purchased "new" rings with modern cut single cuts rather than vintage pieces (where I would expect more variation).

Am I expecting too much? Is this the norm for single cuts?

To me, these types of inclusions should not be visible in VS stones and I would expect appearance to be consistent from stone to stone - this was a hand forged setting and the melee apparently hand picked (so this should be a premium product - as was the price paid).

Welcome any and all thoughts......................

 

[emmebee]

Re: Question for single cut melee owners - particularly VC r

I'm sorry you're disappointed with your new ring I don't have any experience with single cut melee, so unfortunately I'm no help in that area and I'll let someone else comment on those questions. However, I agree that I would expect VS melee to NOT have visible inclusions (especially VS2 melee "hand-picked" from one of our PS vendors - maybe not so from some overseas ebay vendors).

Also.. if you don't want to disclose the vendor yet.. not sure you're accomplishing that with your thread title.

 

[WillyDiamond]

Re: Question for single cut melee owners - particularly VC r

Pictures would be helpful

 

[diamond_twinkletoes]

Re: Question for single cut melee owners - particularly VC r

Thanks both - I'll try and capture the effect in a few pictures tonight.

And just for clarification (as I now see how this thread could be read), this ring was NOT made by Victor. My reference to VC was due to the fact that he uses single cuts regularly and I associate him with using very high quality products - which is rather what I was expecting to receive. I was interested to see if anyone who owned a single cut ring from him had similar reservations when they first saw single cuts in person.

 

[canuk-gal]

Re: Question for single cut melee owners - particularly VC r

HI:

I have a CS ring--halo with split shank all single cut diamonds--non designer/brand. Although small, they are the most beautiful bright stones imaginable. They pack a punch--so much so I was very surprised to learn they were single cuts.

That is my experience--FWIW.

cheers--Sharon

 

[nala]

Re: Question for single cut melee owners - particularly VC r

I adore...adore..single cuts! But, not all single cuts are created equal. I can only speak from my experience, so I will say that my favorite single cut ring twinkles, is absolutely clean, and has character. They don't bling or shimmer like modern cut melee, but rather twinkle and are by no means dull!

 

[Acinom]

Re: Question for single cut melee owners - particularly VC r

Like Nala I love love love single cuts. Especially for settings with a vintage look.

Single cut melee was used for my dipped in sugar ring and I am mesmerized by the lively twinkle.

The cuffs of my blue-green Afghan tourmaline have single cuts as well. They are really small though. And yet it creates a very lively accent.

Both rings are from VC.
Single cuts should indeed not be dull!!

 

[chrono]

Re: Question for single cut melee owners - particularly VC r

I have several rings with single cuts and they are very bright and flashy; none have any visible inclusions. They are true antiques though, not custom nor made by VC.

 

[Missy]

Re: Question for single cut melee owners - particularly VC r

I own several single cut pieces of jewelry and one piece is a platinum wedding band eternity and it is very bright and lively. Different than modern cut diamonds but bright and lively nonetheless.

What you received sounds like bad quality (and poor clarity/cut) single cut melee and I would start a discussion with the vendor ASAP.

Good luck and hoping to hear you love your next round of single cut melee in your wedding band.

 

[arkieb1]

Re: Question for single cut melee owners - particularly VC r

I don't think it matters if you use single or full cuts if you use crappy badly cut melee stones full of inclusions neither will give you a bright sparkling effect.

 

[m-2-b]

Re: Question for single cut melee owners - particularly VC r

I have had several single cut rings made by VC--the melee are very bright and sparkly from all angles. I don't see any inclusions in them w/ my loupe.

As others have said, I would discuss your options with the vendor that made your piece immediately!

 

[emmebee]

Re: Question for single cut melee owners - particularly VC r

Thanks both - I'll try and capture the effect in a few pictures tonight.

And just for clarification (as I now see how this thread could be read), this ring was NOT made by Victor. My reference to VC was due to the fact that he uses single cuts regularly and I associate him with using very high quality products - which is rather what I was expecting to receive. I was interested to see if anyone who owned a single cut ring from him had similar reservations when they first saw single cuts in person.

Thanks for clarifying.. I had definitely assumed that VC made the ring. I hope you can get this resolved to your satisfaction!

 

[diamond_twinkletoes]

Re: Question for single cut melee owners - particularly VC r

Thanks guys!

Yes, that reaffirms what I thought - that while the look is different, there is something else going on here. It's very difficult to capture the effect in photos (and I don;t have the equipment to take pictures of the included stones) but the attached image sort of shows what I see and what I mean by the variation in appearance. I'm aware there are some reflections at play here too but I think the very large tables on some of the stones exaggerates the effect.

I raised it with the vendor last week and am seeing my appraiser tomorrow. All credit to the vendor - they have been very open to my comments (not defensive as I've sometimes seen).

Thanks again for the feedback....

 

[diamond_twinkletoes]

Re: Question for single cut melee owners - particularly VC r

So a quick update, I saw the appraiser yesterday and he fully agreed with my initial thoughts. Specifically he noted:

- The cut of the diamonds are Very Good to Fair make
- F to I colour
- VVS to I1 clarity

He also noted that the cutting is not consistent with some stones over-deep, others shallow, or with very thick girdles, and the facet arrangements are uneven.

I forwarded this to the vendor and to their credit, they agreed to fully refund the cost of the ring. They also seemed genuinely shocked by the appraiser's comments - which I do believe. They have a strong reputation here and I can't believe they would risk that reputation by knowingly sending out something that differs from what was quoted for by such a large degree.

While I think it's disappointing the ring made it to me with these melee in the first place, I can't fault the vendor for the way they responded. They were open to hearing my thoughts and offered to remake the ring if I wasn't happy even before I had visited the appraiser.

On balance I still feel it's not appropriate to name them - although it's a great case study in how to deal with a customers concerns with a product.

The other lesson here is even if it's a trusted vendor, mistakes do happen - especially when they use other benches and, in this case, where they are not the ones sourcing the melee. And a good appraiser is worth their weight in gold!

INow off to place an order with Victor .......

 

[Missy]

Re: Question for single cut melee owners - particularly VC r

Glad you got it sorted out and best of luck with Victor. He will not disappoint.

Question if you don't mind. Was the vendor you first dealt with one who deals in vintage stones or was this more of a change for them and they generally deal with modern cuts?

 

[diamond_twinkletoes]

Re: Question for single cut melee owners - particularly VC r

Hi Missy

They work with both modern and vintage. They say they have used single cuts a number of times before and each time their setter has sourced them and they've never had a complaint before - but they certainly aren't a regular user of single cuts in the way that VC is.

 

[Missy]

Re: Question for single cut melee owners - particularly VC r

Thanks Diamond Twinkletoes. It annoys me that they said they never had any complaints before with the quality of their single cuts because they sent that out to you without either 1. inspecting it or 2. hoping you wouldn't notice ?

I mean they let that ring through to you and are blaming their source ? Either they don't have a clue (which I find hard to believe) or they are knowingly sending out poor quality. Either way leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Glad you are going with Victor.

 

[Acinom]

Re: Question for single cut melee owners - particularly VC r

Glad the vendor was willing to solve this matter. It's actually quite annoying in the first place that they shipped the band to you. I completely agree with Missy's post. Victor will create a gorgeous band for you. Please keep us posted.

 

[diamond_twinkletoes]

Re: Question for single cut melee owners - particularly VC r

Thanks Acinom - and let me just say your collection is incredible .

Yes, it's a bit frustrating, I personally would have expected a loupe to have been run over the whole ring before shipping just as a quality control check but maybe it went to someone less experienced or fell through the net.

Either way, I'm relieved with the final outcome and other than the small fee the appraiser charged (he just wrote me an email, no point doing a full report as I said I would be sending it back if he agreed with me) and a customs processing fee, I shouldn't be out of pocket. Given the experiences some folk on here go through when they have quality issues with a vendor, I'm feeling pretty OK with the whole thing.

Just waiting for my work order from Paige for the VC band - I'm sure all will be forgotten when that arrives

 

[diamond_twinkletoes]

Re: Question for single cut melee owners - particularly VC r

Hi Missy

Yes, I do think it should have been checked before shipping.

The whole thing is a bit unbelievable given who the vendor is though - but they knew I posted here when I first approached them and they are very familiar with PS so that makes me lean back towards this being a genuine cock up somewhere in the process rather than a deliberate attempt to get one over.

All very odd really - just glad I've got a sensible outcome from them.

 

[LLJsmom]

Re: Question for single cut melee owners - particularly VC r

My single cut melee on my ering by Victor are amazing bright sparkly and so much more than I hoped for. Good luck with your order.