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The Next Step in Our Journey....Replacing Her Lost Ring!

sledge

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 23, 2018
Messages
5,870
In some other posts, I have mentioned I am working with WF on a new project. I thought I would share some details about what is going on. Especially since many of you got so invested in my journey and walked it with me.

Before we get too deep, I really can’t thank everyone here enough for putting up with me, educating me and ultimately helping me bring to life a spectacular ring that has wooed Mrs. Sledge and countless others. When I discovered PS I certainly was not expecting the transformation I received and the friendships I have developed with so many of you. Sure, the site is amazing, and the diamonds may make us a little weak in the knees – but it’s the people, all you that participate in these forums, that make it a special place. Thank you so much for everything but mostly making me feel like this place is home!

With some regret I must come clean and announce the beloved ring so many of you helped breathe life into is now lost into neverland. We are completely heartbroken. The loss occurred back in early April. Mrs. Sledge remembers fiddling with her ring that morning before pulling into her parking garage and proceeding to the hospital where she works. She had a hectic day full of difficult patients and didn’t think much about her ring until she returned to her car that evening and realized it wasn’t on her finger! We have retraced the steps, turned things upside down, checked hospital security & the lost/found department – all with no luck.

Reluctant to admit defeat, we ended up filing a claim with JM. This is our first rodeo doing a jewelry claim so we are still learning as we go. Thankfully when insuring I provided lots of documentation to help identify stone quality in event of a loss. I updated those documents when the ER was completed and again when the wedding band got completed. We haven’t completed the claim yet, but I don’t anticipate any major issues with getting an equal replacement. It has been smooth sailing so far with JM.

Some of you may remember the original stone was a BGD Blue, 0.867 H/VS2 with MBF. And DK created both the ER setting & matching WB that was all soldered together and had a special engraving inside of it. Both companies treated us like VIP and had quality products, and I have zero qualms recommending them to friends & family.

So why change?

A few years back we had an opportunity to meet @Texas Leaguer (Bryan) and the WF team in Sugarland. Both Mrs. Sledge and I were really blown away by the product, process & people. While we wouldn’t choose to be in this situation, we knew instantly we wanted Bryan and his team to do this project for us. We are both excited to get her an ACA main stone, H&A melee and to work with a team that has earned our respect & trust.

For those that haven’t experienced the claim process, it is worth noting that JM only allows a SINGLE jeweler to be listed. Technically you can use 2 vendors, but it requires more coordination -- paying out of pocket, submitting more documentation, waiting on reimbursements, etc. Cash flowing the project isn’t an issue but adding an extra party in the mix & the additional hoops to jump through is a turn off. YMMV, just be advised if you originally used multiple vendors.

So ready or not, here we go with this next step in our journey -- replacing her ring!
 
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So sorry to hear that her ring was lost.
Can't wait to hear all the details and see the pics of the new one!
 
Thanks @Karl_K, it really does suck. She’s still on the fence about a replacement setting. In her heart redoing the ring isn’t the same so she’s unsure about recreating the same setting. The look was so unique I have a hard time not wanting to do another custom. Like last time, the setting will be the struggle.

We are using this opportunity to do a modest size upgrade and boost the color of the stone. She isn’t bothered by tint but sees it very easily and prefers less.

Here is a short list of stones we are considering. All ACA and proportions are very, very similar. The G is just a hair bigger. All VS2+. Intentionally limiting specifics until we make a final decision.

I know you’re trade but would value your input as a friend if that’s possible here. She’s leaning towards the D. I kind of like the G.

Left to right — D, F1, F2, G


1.078ct D VS2_1.087ct F VS2_1.098ct F VS1_1.23ct G VS1_1.jpeg

1.078ct D VS2_1.087ct F VS2_1.098ct F VS1_1.23ct G VS1_2.jpeg

The order is swapped slightly on these photos.

Left to right - D, G, F1, F2

SBS_1.078-1.23-1.087-1.098.jpeg

Tray_1.078-1.23-1.087-1.098.jpeg
 
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F2, for no good reason, they're all killer.
So sorry for Mrs. Sledge, I felt sick when I read she lost her ring. THE ring.
 
Oh I’m so sorry!

I hope you have a flawless new process and final product with Whiteflash. I admire them.

An aside, I too have lost two special rings in or near the car. :(

I have been told to try a special tiny camera on a flexible wand that fits into the interior of the car seat. I haven’t looked for them yet but it’s worth considering. I’ll let you know if I find such a camera. Good luck with everything.
 
So sorry to hear of the diamond ring loss, sledge - hoping that the new diamond and ring satisfy your hearts and desires...and I have no doubts that you and yours will come up with a fantastic design.
 
I’m really sorry about this loss sledge!

All of the pictured ACAs are stunning. I also vote for getting her the stone she prefers or is drawn to.
 
I'm sorry for the loss! I had to go through a claim with JM in 2023 for a colored gemstone. It was quite stressful because of the added complications of replacing a rare gemstone that my local jeweler was unable to locate, but in the end JM delivered and I am satisfied with my experience. I hope you have a similarly smooth process.

I'd get the biggest diamond and consider a simpler setting this time around, just for a change. Consider choosing one of the stock settings from WF large inventory? Just to avoid the custom hassel.
 
Put the D on reserve this afternoon. She keeps coming back to it and I didn't want someone to get a trigger finger over the holiday. Sent a request for the detailed Sarine report so I can see all the actual values.


104119133042.png

hearts-and-arrows-round-diamond-ags-104119133042-idealscope-225848.jpg

hearts-and-arrows-round-diamond-ags-104119133042-aset-225843.jpg

hearts-and-arrows-round-diamond-ags-104119133042-hearts-225850.jpg
 
Put the D on reserve this afternoon. She keeps coming back to it and I didn't want someone to get a trigger finger over the holiday. Sent a request for the detailed Sarine report so I can see all the actual values.


104119133042.png

hearts-and-arrows-round-diamond-ags-104119133042-idealscope-225848.jpg

hearts-and-arrows-round-diamond-ags-104119133042-aset-225843.jpg

hearts-and-arrows-round-diamond-ags-104119133042-hearts-225850.jpg

Droooooool - what a stunning diamond...look at al that fire!
 
If the D draws her then you put the right one on hold.
 
I want to say sorry for the loss because the emotional tie is real, I truly do, but I'm too excited to actually do it.:lol: Lemonade out of this, all the way.
I mean, lookit, lookit, lookit!:love:
She's going to go crazy over it. She has eyes so she can't help it. I hope that this new ring will be the start of a new chapter of your adventure.
 
I too am very sorry that the ring was lost, but so happy that she had insurance!

Kind of a no brainer to get her the diamond that she loves, although the additional size of the G is compelling. Size is not always the determining factor for everyone. Upgrading any of the four C's is fun; multiples mean more fun!

For what it is worth, I would do a different setting. No matter what, recreating the first won't look exactly the same and the comparisons could drive you batty. It was very pretty, but my vote is for a new look. Can't wait to see what you all end up with this time!
 
Maybe source a boroscope/endoscope and make one last pass thru the car?
 
In some other posts, I have mentioned I am working with WF on a new project. I thought I would share some details about what is going on. Especially since many of you got so invested in my journey and walked it with me.

Before we get too deep, I really can’t thank everyone here enough for putting up with me, educating me and ultimately helping me bring to life a spectacular ring that has wooed Mrs. Sledge and countless others. When I discovered PS I certainly was not expecting the transformation I received and the friendships I have developed with so many of you. Sure, the site is amazing, and the diamonds may make us a little weak in the knees – but it’s the people, all you that participate in these forums, that make it a special place. Thank you so much for everything but mostly making me feel like this place is home!

With some regret I must come clean and announce the beloved ring so many of you helped breathe life into is now lost into neverland. We are completely heartbroken. The loss occurred back in early April. Mrs. Sledge remembers fiddling with her ring that morning before pulling into her parking garage and proceeding to the hospital where she works. She had a hectic day full of difficult patients and didn’t think much about her ring until she returned to her car that evening and realized it wasn’t on her finger! We have retraced the steps, turned things upside down, checked hospital security & the lost/found department – all with no luck.

Reluctant to admit defeat, we ended up filing a claim with JM. This is our first rodeo doing a jewelry claim so we are still learning as we go. Thankfully when insuring I provided lots of documentation to help identify stone quality in event of a loss. I updated those documents when the ER was completed and again when the wedding band got completed. We haven’t completed the claim yet, but I don’t anticipate any major issues with getting an equal replacement. It has been smooth sailing so far with JM.

Some of you may remember the original stone was a BGD Blue, 0.867 H/VS2 with MBF. And DK created both the ER setting & matching WB that was all soldered together and had a special engraving inside of it. Both companies treated us like VIP and had quality products, and I have zero qualms recommending them to friends & family.

So why change?

A few years back we had an opportunity to meet @Texas Leaguer (Bryan) and the WF team in Sugarland. Both Mrs. Sledge and I were really blown away by the product, process & people. While we wouldn’t choose to be in this situation, we knew instantly we wanted Bryan and his team to do this project for us. We are both excited to get her an ACA main stone, H&A melee and to work with a team that has earned our respect & trust.

For those that haven’t experienced the claim process, it is worth noting that JM only allows a SINGLE jeweler to be listed. Technically you can use 2 vendors, but it requires more coordination -- paying out of pocket, submitting more documentation, waiting on reimbursements, etc. Cash flowing the project isn’t an issue but adding an extra party in the mix & the additional hoops to jump through is a turn off. YMMV, just be advised if you originally used multiple vendors.

So ready or not, here we go with this next step in our journey -- replacing her ring!

So WF will be doing the whole project including the setting? Looking forward to seeing the final product, as WF is local for me. I would most likely have to go the Precesion Lab diamond route though.
 
This past week was a little chaotic and I got behind on responses here. Thank you guys for all the kind words of encouragement, they are greatly appreciated.

I'd get the biggest diamond and consider a simpler setting this time around, just for a change. Consider choosing one of the stock settings from WF large inventory? Just to avoid the custom hassel.

If it was all my choice I would choose the G and a nice Vatche solitaire. I love simple & eloquent that is a timeless classic. However, that is just not her. I’ve tried so many times and the one thing I know is she doesn’t like a normal solitaire.

This is the closest she’s gotten. Plain solitaire but a ring guard to bring in the kapow, lol.

IMG_0006.jpeg

I want to say sorry for the loss because the emotional tie is real, I truly do, but I'm too excited to actually do it.:lol: Lemonade out of this, all the way.

LOL, I hear you! As heartbroken as we are to lose the original we are indeed trying to make a little lemonade out of the lemons we were dealt.

I too am very sorry that the ring was lost, but so happy that she had insurance!

Kind of a no brainer to get her the diamond that she loves, although the additional size of the G is compelling. Size is not always the determining factor for everyone. Upgrading any of the four C's is fun; multiples mean more fun!

For what it is worth, I would do a different setting. No matter what, recreating the first won't look exactly the same and the comparisons could drive you batty. It was very pretty, but my vote is for a new look. Can't wait to see what you all end up with this time!

If you recall, I originally wanted to get her a 2 carat stone and she was not having it. I had to talk her up to her original stone. I find it bizarre beyond belief. The G isn’t crazy bigger and I’ve even offered to go to a D/E color in the same size but she is very happy & content with the 1.08ct.

Right now she is considering a modified version of the original. I’m a little apprehensive. She has come to the realization the stone needs lowered. Also she wants the prongs to extend up from the ring more naturally instead of a head that is “plucked on” like the original design. That will change a lot of the elements. I have advised this will likely be more major than she realizes and she seems okay with it transforming into its own unique piece, which I think is a good thing if we can nail the design & she’s really okay with it once we get there.

Here’s the examples she likes of how the prongs more naturally extend up.

IMG_2230.jpeg

IMG_2592.jpeg

Maybe source a boroscope/endoscope and make one last pass thru the car?

Short of ripping the seats & carpet out of the car we have done a very thorough search. We honestly believe it was lost on her walk to/from the parking garage & her office in the hospital. Our best guess is an underground tunnel where she briskly walks. It would also explain why she didn’t feel it slip off. But that’s all speculation on our part.

So WF will be doing the whole project including the setting? Looking forward to seeing the final product, as WF is local for me. I would most likely have to go the Precesion Lab diamond route though.

Yes, we are having WF do the entire project. If you stop by and see it in progress be sure to share photos!

Interesting enough, when I bought her original stone the market hadn’t shifted to the lab grown explosion yet. Money to size ratio this probably seems bananas knowing what you can get much less money. But I’m also a sucker for a natural. Nothing against lab growns of course. Shiny rocks are cool regardless.
 
Got the Sarine report today on the D today.

AGS-104119133042-Sarin.jpeg
 
@sledge I'm so very sorry about the loss of Mrs S's original set, but also can't wait to see what you guys end up with next! I'm also moved by the amount of time and emotion you invest into all of this, your lovely wife is such a lucky lady ❤️
 
This past week was a little chaotic and I got behind on responses here. Thank you guys for all the kind words of encouragement, they are greatly appreciated.



If it was all my choice I would choose the G and a nice Vatche solitaire. I love simple & eloquent that is a timeless classic. However, that is just not her. I’ve tried so many times and the one thing I know is she doesn’t like a normal solitaire.

This is the closest she’s gotten. Plain solitaire but a ring guard to bring in the kapow, lol.

IMG_0006.jpeg



LOL, I hear you! As heartbroken as we are to lose the original we are indeed trying to make a little lemonade out of the lemons we were dealt.



If you recall, I originally wanted to get her a 2 carat stone and she was not having it. I had to talk her up to her original stone. I find it bizarre beyond belief. The G isn’t crazy bigger and I’ve even offered to go to a D/E color in the same size but she is very happy & content with the 1.08ct.

Right now she is considering a modified version of the original. I’m a little apprehensive. She has come to the realization the stone needs lowered. Also she wants the prongs to extend up from the ring more naturally instead of a head that is “plucked on” like the original design. That will change a lot of the elements. I have advised this will likely be more major than she realizes and she seems okay with it transforming into its own unique piece, which I think is a good thing if we can nail the design & she’s really okay with it once we get there.

Here’s the examples she likes of how the prongs more naturally extend up.

IMG_2230.jpeg

IMG_2592.jpeg



Short of ripping the seats & carpet out of the car we have done a very thorough search. We honestly believe it was lost on her walk to/from the parking garage & her office in the hospital. Our best guess is an underground tunnel where she briskly walks. It would also explain why she didn’t feel it slip off. But that’s all speculation on our part.



Yes, we are having WF do the entire project. If you stop by and see it in progress be sure to share photos!

Interesting enough, when I bought her original stone the market hadn’t shifted to the lab grown explosion yet. Money to size ratio this probably seems bananas knowing what you can get much less money. But I’m also a sucker for a natural. Nothing against lab growns of course. Shiny rocks are cool regardless.
I used to be opposed to ring guards but my daughter got one for her solitaire, and it really adds some umph as opposed to a plain solitaire and wedding band. They do not seem to be as gaudy as they were back in the day.

Sometimes diamonds on the smaller size - although a carat is not necessarily small - create a beautiful look. She may be on to something by going smaller diamond enhanced by other twinkling diamonds. It doesn’t require the center stone to be the whole show. I really like the specs of the D - should be a real sparkle bomb!

Designing can be a real challenge and I wish you all the best in this endeavor. I have tried on so many rings that I liked from a distance, but hated on me. I always went with something I could try and see on my hand, but being creative makes it special and yours alone. Can’t wait to see how the ring turns out - hopefully the CADs will give you some good insight. Sad situation with the loss, but exciting possibilities with a new creation!!
 
I'm so sorry she lost her original set. That can be heartbreaking!

You're in good hands with Bryan and WF. I'm sure you will create a ring just
as beautiful as the first one!
 
This past week was a little chaotic and I got behind on responses here. Thank you guys for all the kind words of encouragement, they are greatly appreciated.



If it was all my choice I would choose the G and a nice Vatche solitaire. I love simple & eloquent that is a timeless classic. However, that is just not her. I’ve tried so many times and the one thing I know is she doesn’t like a normal solitaire.

This is the closest she’s gotten. Plain solitaire but a ring guard to bring in the kapow, lol.

IMG_0006.jpeg



LOL, I hear you! As heartbroken as we are to lose the original we are indeed trying to make a little lemonade out of the lemons we were dealt.



If you recall, I originally wanted to get her a 2 carat stone and she was not having it. I had to talk her up to her original stone. I find it bizarre beyond belief. The G isn’t crazy bigger and I’ve even offered to go to a D/E color in the same size but she is very happy & content with the 1.08ct.

Right now she is considering a modified version of the original. I’m a little apprehensive. She has come to the realization the stone needs lowered. Also she wants the prongs to extend up from the ring more naturally instead of a head that is “plucked on” like the original design. That will change a lot of the elements. I have advised this will likely be more major than she realizes and she seems okay with it transforming into its own unique piece, which I think is a good thing if we can nail the design & she’s really okay with it once we get there.

Here’s the examples she likes of how the prongs more naturally extend up.

IMG_2230.jpeg

IMG_2592.jpeg



Short of ripping the seats & carpet out of the car we have done a very thorough search. We honestly believe it was lost on her walk to/from the parking garage & her office in the hospital. Our best guess is an underground tunnel where she briskly walks. It would also explain why she didn’t feel it slip off. But that’s all speculation on our part.



Yes, we are having WF do the entire project. If you stop by and see it in progress be sure to share photos!

Interesting enough, when I bought her original stone the market hadn’t shifted to the lab grown explosion yet. Money to size ratio this probably seems bananas knowing what you can get much less money. But I’m also a sucker for a natural. Nothing against lab growns of course. Shiny rocks are cool regardless.

This past week was a little chaotic and I got behind on responses here. Thank you guys for all the kind words of encouragement, they are greatly appreciated.



If it was all my choice I would choose the G and a nice Vatche solitaire. I love simple & eloquent that is a timeless classic. However, that is just not her. I’ve tried so many times and the one thing I know is she doesn’t like a normal solitaire.

This is the closest she’s gotten. Plain solitaire but a ring guard to bring in the kapow, lol.

IMG_0006.jpeg



LOL, I hear you! As heartbroken as we are to lose the original we are indeed trying to make a little lemonade out of the lemons we were dealt.



If you recall, I originally wanted to get her a 2 carat stone and she was not having it. I had to talk her up to her original stone. I find it bizarre beyond belief. The G isn’t crazy bigger and I’ve even offered to go to a D/E color in the same size but she is very happy & content with the 1.08ct.

Right now she is considering a modified version of the original. I’m a little apprehensive. She has come to the realization the stone needs lowered. Also she wants the prongs to extend up from the ring more naturally instead of a head that is “plucked on” like the original design. That will change a lot of the elements. I have advised this will likely be more major than she realizes and she seems okay with it transforming into its own unique piece, which I think is a good thing if we can nail the design & she’s really okay with it once we get there.

Here’s the examples she likes of how the prongs more naturally extend up.

IMG_2230.jpeg

IMG_2592.jpeg



Short of ripping the seats & carpet out of the car we have done a very thorough search. We honestly believe it was lost on her walk to/from the parking garage & her office in the hospital. Our best guess is an underground tunnel where she briskly walks. It would also explain why she didn’t feel it slip off. But that’s all speculation on our part.



Yes, we are having WF do the entire project. If you stop by and see it in progress be sure to share photos!

Interesting enough, when I bought her original stone the market hadn’t shifted to the lab grown explosion yet. Money to size ratio this probably seems bananas knowing what you can get much less money. But I’m also a sucker for a natural. Nothing against lab growns of course. Shiny rocks are cool regardless.

Sorry the original ring was lost, but happy and positive about the creation of the new ring. This time, Mrs. Sledge knows better what's more secured and comfortable to wear the ring regularly.

The Vatche design works very well for a more natural built of the basket. Wanna share that my wife owns a very similar ring, the only difference is it's a 3-stone with pear sides instead of solitaire. This design style easily transforms between 3-stone and solitaire, and could adapt to sit the stone really low, by carefully adjusting the curve of the prongs, which we did. A very practical and nice direction that worth exploring.

The reserved diamond is perfect!
 
@sledge

Yes, we are having WF do the entire project. If you stop by and see it in progress be sure to share photos!

I'm bored, and the weather is killing my work this week. So I may pop by WF today or tomorrow for more looking at setting and stones for me. I would love to see the progress of your work while there, but how would I identify the project if WF is willing to show me?
 
DIVERG - you should ask about this one... Natural D color and IF
"Petch Nam 100%"

In Thailand, people often refer to diamonds by the term “เพชรน้ำ %” (“Petch Nam”). “เพชร” means diamond, and “น้ำ” means water. The idea is that the clearer a diamond is, the closer it resembles water. “เพชรน้ำ 100%” means the diamond is completely clear, which corresponds to the “D Color” grade on the GIA scale.

1748448563010.png
 
This past week was a little chaotic and I got behind on responses here. Thank you guys for all the kind words of encouragement, they are greatly appreciated.



If it was all my choice I would choose the G and a nice Vatche solitaire. I love simple & eloquent that is a timeless classic. However, that is just not her. I’ve tried so many times and the one thing I know is she doesn’t like a normal solitaire.

OK, you can pick my next ring! Your tastes are right on track with mine. Good luck with the new purchase.
 
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