So after ~5 months of back and forth, including going to Vatche directly...

[DiamondDense]

you'll remember my thread about the dilemma of the matching (or not...) band that i had ordered to go along with my wife's ER.

last weekend we headed to Vatche's offices in Manhattan and were promised it'd be taken care of. today we received the "matching" band...

 

[BlingBlingLova]

Congrats! It's beautiful! Wear it in good health

 

[lovedogs]

I might be missing something in pics, but I feel like it's matching. Am I wrong? I know you've had a long frustrating journey, and I hope it's coming to an end soon!

 

[msop04]

Looks to be a perfect match, no?

 

[SimoneDi]

I see the subtle differences, there is a bit more metal on the wedding band. Nonetheless, I prefer this version to the older band(s). How does your wife feel about it?

ETA: I think the difference is actually in the melee size. The meleè on the e-ring shank seem larger to me than that on the wedding band and therefore there is more metal showing on the wedding band which otherwise has the same width as the e-ring.

 

[DiamondDense]

I see the subtle differences, there is a bit more metal on the wedding band. Nonetheless, I prefer this version to the older band(s). How does your wife feel about it?

ETA: I think the difference is actually in the melee size. The meleè on the e-ring shank seem larger to me than that on the wedding band and therefore there is more metal showing on the wedding band which otherwise has the same width as the e-ring.

yea, kind of our thoughts too. wondering if it's worth pursuing a third time or not.

 

[AprilBaby]

Close but not quite. I like it.

 

[cflutist]

Here was my matching Vatche set, close enough for me. Both rings have been replaced now.

 

[rockhoundofficiando]

It's pretty but it doesn't quite match. How frustrating for you.

 

[motownmama]

I think it looks nice But ......Only you guys can decide if it bothers you. In real life hands are moving etc etc. I will say this though - vast experiences on PS indicate if it bothers you NOW, it will bother you MORE, not less in the future.

 

[Wewechew]

Although it’s not a 100% exact match, it’s head and shoulders above the previous ones. Unfortunately this may be the best they can do

 

[msop04]

Since it seems Vatche is unable to produce a band that matches perfectly, have you considered going for a band that "goes" with and will compliment the ering, instead of being so matchy-matchy? That way, you don't have the look of one big thick diamond band. Each ring would hold its own, while complimenting each other. Just a thought.

 

[Krisking]

Yep, TBH, I thought that was going to be another "before" pic. Although, to me, the ering/distal band looks darker/more metal showing.

 

[foxinsox]

From some angles it doesn’t look like it matches in width. What do you see if you measure with calipers?

 

[LLJsmom]

Definitely not worth doing it again. I think you’re very fortunate that Vatche was able to get it as close as they did. It’s an improvement from the last iteration. If you want an exact match you may have to do the whole thing, both rings, all over with a new vendor. I would say live with it. But you know your tolerance.

 

[kindred]

I'm so sorry that you're still not thrilled with it, but I agree with those who said that this seems to be the best they can do. Maybe not perfect, but I think it looks very nice.

 

[kmoro]

I'm so sorry that you're still not thrilled with it, but I agree with those who said that this seems to be the best they can do. Maybe not perfect, but I think it looks very nice.

This is what I think too.

Also, if you’re going to get an anniversary band for the other side, maybe you should get it done at the same time so that the outside rings are an exact exact match to each other. Otherwise, you may have a repeat experience in your future and end up with three minutely different bands.

 

[DiamondDense]

thank you all

 

[GliderPoss]

Looks like it matches to me...

 

[pearaffair]

Wabi sabi. Nothing is perfect
But can still be beautiful!

 

[peacechick]

At this point, I think just live with the rings... and then at some point custom-make new matching rings with another vendor.

The whole story is shocking, that Vatche cannot do a simple thing like match a band exactly. It seems like such a minimum thing to expect, especially from a higher end, more custom vendor.

 

[yssie]

The whole story is shocking, that Vatche cannot do a simple thing like match a band exactly. It seems like such a minimum thing to expect, especially from a higher end, more custom vendor.

Agree.

I truly fail to see how matching width, depth, finger size, and cast pave style can possibly be this difficult for this company. Other vendors do it successfully en masse - why is Vatche incapable of what ought to be an easy “win” for any big, successful, brand-name outfit?

Unfortunately my disbelief with this saga doesn’t help at all! I suspect @peacechick is right about living with it and perhaps having the whole set remade one day in future if an exact match remains important.

 

[DiamondDense]

Agree.

I truly fail to see how matching width, depth, finger size, and cast pave style can possibly be this difficult for this company. Other vendors do it successfully en masse - why is Vatche incapable of what ought to be an easy “win” for any big, successful, brand-name outfit?

Unfortunately my disbelief with this saga doesn’t help at all! I suspect @peacechick is right about living with it and perhaps having the whole set remade one day in future if an exact match remains important.

are you saying that the difference is obvious enough that it's surprising?

it seems some in this thread think it's "close enough", others think it matches perfectly and others such as yourself are dumbfounded.

i am in between the "close enough" and "dumbfounded". seeing as i (the husband) paid for the rings, i would like to have it match perfectly - but my wife seems at least happier than she was.

 

[sledge]

I'm with @yssie in the fact I am perplexed that a big company like Vatche cannot get this right. Your first two pictures indicate a fairly obvious difference. The second two look closer so I do think it depends on the angles, etc.

Still, not perfect. And you paid for them to MATCH.

I'm not sure that I would try to have Vatche do it again, but if I were in your shoes I may request a refund and have someone else make your setting. Accepting it as-is and doing it later puts all the financial burden on you and delays fixing what you already bothers you now. Doing it now may get your money back (and forces Vatche/IDJ to take the financial burden) and actually resolves the problem so you don't look at the ring and feel disgust and/or anguish over a bad deal.

 

[yssie]

are you saying that the difference is obvious enough that it's surprising?

it seems some in this thread think it's "close enough", others think it matches perfectly and others such as yourself are dumbfounded.

i am in between the "close enough" and "dumbfounded". seeing as i (the husband) paid for the rings, i would like to have it match perfectly - but my wife seems at least happier than she was.

Photos are often big fat liars.

I think I see differences... in both shank depth and angle of engraving/prong plane (and therefore spacing of engraving details).

Had you told me the bands were identical IRL I would have believed you, as photographs can lie...

However, you yourself see two slightly-non-matching bands in-person, from which I infer that the differences that I see are actually there, and aren’t just artifacts of photography.

And given that... I am shocked that a well-reputed establishment cant seem to get “match two of our designs” right, even keeping other confounding variables the same - same finger size, one band isn’t significantly worn compared to the other...

It is MUCH, much better than their first attempt.
Is it good enough? For me personally... I’d be preparing for battle for a refund on both rings, because Ering setting was purchased on the promise of an exact band match being plausible.

If you go that route I’d recommend getting an independent third party’s (written) verification of concrete differences.

 

[sledge]

Photos are often big fat liars.

I think I see differences... in both shank depth and angle of engraving/prong plane (and therefore spacing of engraving details).

Had you told me the bands were identical IRL I would have believed you, as photographs can lie...

However, you yourself see two slightly-non-matching bands in-person, from which I infer that the differences that I see are actually there, and aren’t just artifacts of photography.

And given that... I am shocked that a well-reputed establishment cant seem to get “match two of our designs” right, even keeping other confounding variables the same - same finger size, one band isn’t significantly worn compared to the other...

It is MUCH, much better than their first attempt.
Is it good enough? For me personally... I’d be preparing for battle for a refund on both rings, because Ering setting was purchased on the promise of an exact band match being plausible.

If you go that route I’d recommend getting an independent third party’s (written) verification of concrete differences.

Bingo.

I'd just re-iterate the thought process to get a written third-party verification of the differences as it will remove the emotion and provide you better leverage in the negotiation process.

 

[DiamondDense]

Photos are often big fat liars.

I think I see differences... in both shank depth and angle of engraving/prong plane (and therefore spacing of engraving details).

Had you told me the bands were identical IRL I would have believed you, as photographs can lie...

However, you yourself see two slightly-non-matching bands in-person, from which I infer that the differences that I see are actually there, and aren’t just artifacts of photography.

And given that... I am shocked that a well-reputed establishment cant seem to get “match two of our designs” right, even keeping other confounding variables the same - same finger size, one band isn’t significantly worn compared to the other...

It is MUCH, much better than their first attempt.
Is it good enough? For me personally... I’d be preparing for battle for a refund on both rings, because Ering setting was purchased on the promise of an exact band match being plausible.

If you go that route I’d recommend getting an independent third party’s (written) verification of concrete differences.

so since this is obviously uncharted waters for me, what should my very first step be? should i contact Vatche again (i haven't spoken to IDJ in weeks)?

should i go to a reputable jeweler in my area to get that written 3rd party verification?

what now?

 

[LLJsmom]

I am disappointed for you but I’m not surprised. That’s probably just me being cynical. I feel like bigger vendors aren’t as adept at custom orders. They do things in bulk and specific custom items are risky because small one off orders are just not that important to a big vendor. I agree that they should be able to but I am not surprised that aren’t able to. I would more readily trust well reputed small vendors to execute custom orders.

Are you sure you want to the headache of dealing with them? Just asking. I know this varies for everyone. @yssie ‘s suggestion if getting a third party evaluation is good if you proceed. Good luck with everything.

 

[DiamondDense]

I am disappointed for you but I’m not surprised. That’s probably just me being cynical. I feel like bigger vendors aren’t as adept at custom orders. They do things in bulk and specific custom items are risky because small one off orders are just not that important to a big vendor. I agree that they should be able to but I am not surprised that aren’t able to. I would more readily trust well reputed small vendors to execute custom orders.

Are you sure you want to the headache of dealing with them? Just asking. I know this varies for everyone. @yssie ‘s suggestion if getting a third party evaluation is good if you proceed. Good luck with everything.

i think at this point we've been so frustrated that it's almost worth a bit more frustration to make it right. if this was a cheap and/or disposable item it'd be one thing - obviously that's not the case.

they've now gotten it (varying degrees of) wrong three times which included a trip by us DIRECTLY to Vatche's offices/workshop. i do agree that this is the last time we try to have them make it right, but i am certainly pondering the refund route and then going to someone else reputable such as Brian Gavin or others.

 

[sledge]

so since this is obviously uncharted waters for me, what should my very first step be? should i contact Vatche again (i haven't spoken to IDJ in weeks)?

should i go to a reputable jeweler in my area to get that written 3rd party verification?

what now?

Remember, you paid your money to IDJ, so any refunds will likely have to be processed through IDJ as well. Not only that, but I think it's just good manners to make IDJ aware of the issues going on.

From what I recall, IDJ was aware you weren't happy with the initial wedding band. Are they also aware you went directly to Vatche to resolve? If not, bring them up to speed on the whole matter.

IDJ has a good reputation for treating people right, so I think they will try to resolve this with you in a respectful manner. FYI, IDJ does have a refund policy; however, I am not certain you are within their limitations (30 days, unworn, etc).

Return Policy

We take great pride in the quality and workmanship of our merchandise and want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase from idjewelry.com. If, however, for any reason you wish to return your purchase, we will gladly refund, replace, or exchange any unworn item(s) within 30* days of delivery date.

The return carrier to use is at the sole discretion of the customer; however recommended shipping carriers are UPS, Federal Express and USPS.
The customer will be solely responsible for any loss or theft during transit to our return center if failing to adhere to the above guidelines
If you require assistance, please feel free to contact the sales department on 212-921-9372 , Monday through Friday 10 AM - 5:30 PM

Because the ring has been unwearable for so long and at Vatche, I would personally argue the 30 day limitation if that becomes an issue. Also, I think it's good insurance to have a 3rd party written opinion before you go talk to IDJ. I would use an appraiser, not another jeweler. Using a jeweler could be misconstrued as having bias to earn your business when the deal with IDJ fails.

If IDJ agrees the rings don't match and offers a refund, game over. The next question becomes do you want to keep the stone and have it set by someone else, or start all over? If happy with the stone, just get a refund on the settings.

If IDJ gives you flack, I'd present the letter and just request a full refund so you can do business elsewhere.