setting not quite right (gap one side of halo)

[HoratioNelson]

After months of waiting, the engagement ring being made for my finacee was finally ready in early November (original thread with pictures is here: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/another-cushion-halo-split-shank.194942/

A couple of days after we received the ring, I started to notice what I think is a slight imperfection in the setting.

Basically, on one side (north/south) of the stone, there is a significantly larger gap between the edge of the stone and the inside lip of the halo than there is on the opposite side. This isn't entirely noticeable when viewing the ring perpendicularly face down; however, when you look from 45 degrees or tilt it somewhat, the gap is quite obvious to me.

As we didn't want a rub-over setting, I expect that there would be some gap (however small) so that the claws can come from underneath to secure the stone. But this just doesn't seem symmetrical or right to me.

I have raised this with the jeweller who said he got the setter to take a closer look at it to try and tweak it, but didn't have much luck. He admits that he probably made the halo bezel ever so slightly too large, but given the type of ring it is, there is no easy remedy other than effectively making it again from scratch.

Before delivery of the ring, I have paid the jeweller half of the price he quoted for making this ring (half of approx $3,300/£2,000) as a deposit; however, I'm reluctant to hand over the balance until this is sorted out. Am I being unreasonable here? Are there any experts on here who can think of a way to perhaps eliminate/minimise this gap? The stone in question is only graded "good" (GIA) on symmetry and he has previously said that the shape of the stone would not make setting easy, but I still don't think that's a justification for this gap being there.

Below are photos showing the top side and the bottom side of the stone - notice how one has a much greater gap.

 

[lknvrb4]

Nope, it is not right, he should fix it or make you a new setting.

 

[Acinom]

I agree. Wait with paying the last amount and make sure the jeweller fixes this at his expense. He shouldn't even have given you the ring like this.

 

[SB621]

It seems this was a stock setting and not a custom ring. With stock you can't expect a perfect fit all the time. They are meant to fit a range of diamond mm size. The gap should be expected.

 

[HoratioNelson]

This wasn't a stock ring - it was entirely custom made and I saw it every step of the way. It took at least 4-5 months for him to make it (primarily through laziness/holiday over the summer, but some of it was supposedly down to him being very obssessive about detail and taking time to get it right). Some pics below show the individual metal components at various stages along the way.

The picture with the stone mounted in a halo without pave was more to see how the ring fitted overall, rather than to make sure the stone fitted in the halo (with hindsight, I can see now that it wasn't 100% flush, but I thought that this would be tweaked or balanced out during the setting process).

The fact that we waited such a ridiculously long time for the ring to be ready makes it all the more disappointing that the setting isn't right. I worry that if we return the ring to him to adjust/remake, he will take again take weeks/months, but there isn't much we can do I suppose.

 

[msop04]

This wasn't a stock ring - it was entirely custom made and I saw it every step of the way. It took at least 4-5 months for him to make it (primarily through laziness/holiday over the summer, but some of it was supposedly down to him being very obssessive about detail and taking time to get it right). Some pics below show the individual metal components at various stages along the way.

I agree that it's not right. The fact that it's custom, the long wait time, and the lack of attention to detail would infuriate me... especially since the excuse was due to the jeweler's obsession with perfection or whatever. What good is shelling out big $$ for custom if the end product fits like a stock setting?? ...that doesn't really fit at all. I'd have him make it again, and draw up a contract for a reasonable wait time for the new setting. Make it clear to him that you expect a custom setting to be just that -- custom fit to your stone. I wouldn't settle. Good luck, OP.

 

[SB621]

Well then yes this should be custom fit to your stone.

I hate to say it but it sounds like it comes down to not all jewelers are created equal. Did you see any rings he had done in his portfiolo that you were impressed with? Just because every jeweler can make a halo doesn't mean they can do it well.

I would ask him to fix the airline. He may or maynot be able too. You could also ask for a refund but he may not give it to you. YOu will need to talk to him and figure it out.

 

[Abby12]

Don't pay until ot is fixed. They should remake it freee of charge if even they see the problem

 

[momhappy]

Yes, clearly, there is something wrong with it. The center stone doesn't fit properly (making it appear off-center). They need to fix it because something like that would really bug me (but I'm a bit extreme when it comes to symmetry). Best of luck to you.

 

[heididdl]

Yes you are absolutely and smart to hold back balance. This setting should fit your stone like a glove in the hoover dam. So just have him kake it right.

 

[Meezermom]

That would definitely bother me too. I agree with everyone else - hold back on the balance until they make it right. The way it is now is totally unacceptable. I wouldn't accept that in a stock setting, and certainly not in a custom setting such as yours.