Rio Grande findings.........

[digdeep]

I realize most people have their jewelry worked on by professional benches.......but if there is anyone who has bought ring mountings from Rio Grande and set their own stones could you please comment on what you received? Some of them say 'needs finishing' so I assume it's slight buffing. If anyone has any experience with rings in particular please chime in........thx!

 

[Michael_E]

When a manufacturer says, "needs finishing", they mean that you will receive a rough casting. It might be tumbled in a magnetic tumbler to knock off investment and shine it up a bit, but it will probably be quite rough. Got a picture?

 

[digdeep]

I was told that the picture is one of the rings that goes out to customers and is indicative of where it's at in the scheme of 'finishing'.........I see some small burr's, but overall it looks pretty good. On the description it says "requires finishing". Any thoughts??

http://www.riogrande.com/Product/Sterling-Silver-8-x-6mm-Oval-Ring-Mounting/9209187?Pos=9

 

[Lady_Disdain]

My guess is that the picture shows how the ring will look after finishing, not what you are getting. The catalog picture shows similar rings that have also been oxidized or set with a stone, clearly finished despite being sold unfinished. Since most buyers are interested in how the rings will look in the end, that makes more sense than show pictures of unfinished pieces.

Also, have you any experience in setting stones? This is not a pre-notched setting and it does require more tools and know-how.

 

[digdeep]

Actually they don't just sell settings so it's possible what you saw were accurate pictures of their merchandise. They have all kinds of settings and jewelry related items.....including tools, etc. All the other settings I looked at don't have the words 'require's finishing' on the description. I, of course, found the exception for my first venture with them. That's why I wonder if anyone has experience with Rio Grande and could 'see' more than a quick finish on possible burr's and a buffing........Yes, I noticed that the prongs need notching too.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

Isn't that always the case? I also seem to fall in love with the most expensive, most difficult, out of print, etc possible item. Why can't we like the easy setting, the less expensive dress or want the poster that is still in print and easy to get?

*sigh*

 

[digdeep]

I'm glad I'm not the only one that has this happen! It does set the stage for adventures.........sometimes!

 

[innerkitten]

Yes I have bought their settings. I bought a pair of earring mounts from them and my jeweler used them for me. I also bought a pendant mounting for another stone but haven't gotten around to using it yet.

 

[innerkitten]

Mine were shiny when they arrived.

 

[minousbijoux]

I'm like IK - I've bought many findings and settings from them (years ago) but never any where it stated "needs finishing," which surely would've scared me off

 

[digdeep]

Thanks for the replies........I feel like I'm between a rock (8X6 oval) and a hard place (wanting an east west setting that is low and sturdy.) I still may go through RG.....maybe. This is the closest to what I want that I've seen, as most are less 'sturdy'...and more dainty for lack of a better description.

 

[TheGeckoLady]

Are the prongs pre-notched? I can't remember if I've ever bought anything that needs finishing from them. Unfinished settings I've bought from other manufacturers were cut off the casting "tree" and tumbled so they required a bit of filing and a complete polish. Maybe you could ask a local jeweler about finishing it for you if you're not comfortable trying it yourself.

 

[CrystalMomentsGems]

I have had great experiences with them for the past 3 years. Some of the pieces do need a final polish, however this was only needed for one or two pieces. The rings are good quality for the price and I have not had any trouble setting stones in their settings.

 

[digdeep]

BINGO! This is what I was looking for! Thanks everyone for your contributions......I figure this will be an adventure but at least I know that PS people have used their products and it has been satisfactory for them!!

 

[gsellis]

I have bought chains (and I like them) and snap mounts from them. I always assume that a mount will have a little something on it. I usually tumble in steel shot (depending on the stone) to anneal them and that cleans up most stuff.

 

[digdeep]

So nice to head into this with tips!

 

[Ella]

Just a reminder that trade members cannot recommend or send consumers to vendors. I know this is a unique situation so I will let it slide this one time, but please remember that for the future to keep recommendations as bias-free as possible.

 

[gsellis]

Ella, if what I said was too much, I guess I will have to refrain from posting here. I thought I was helping members here. I am an IT engineer by trade. I try to solve problems and let folks know what works. If that is too much, please email me (as you have my email).