Update

[Odilia]

Date: 5/25/2008 3:26:35 AM
Author: IrishBreakfast
Hi OFG,

I''m not an expert on this stuff as storm and Gary obviously are - my head is spinning reading all the information on tilt angle and leakage! I just wanted to say I''m sorry for what you are going through and I sincerely hope you get it resolved soon. It sounds as though this whole situation has put you through so much. Also, I''m really surprised how much of some of the side stones are completely encased in metal. The other rings you posted don''t have stones set like that. Like I said, I am no expert so I don''t know if that could be part of the problem but I do wish you lots of luck in getting your ring completed to your standards.

Thanks, IrishBreakfast for your wishes. My head was spinning too, reading all that stuff. Just reading that stuff would convince me never to do a custom ring ever again.

Also, I''m really surprised how much of some of the side stones are completely encased in metal. The other rings you posted don''t have stones set like that. Like I said, I am no expert so I don''t know if that could be part of the problem but I do wish you lots of luck in getting your ring completed to your standards.

I can post a few pictures of rings that are, though. JadeLeaves'' ring, which everybody seemed to love, has a similar design, with 10pt stones, and maybe the one main difference is that hers probably goes straight-down more than mine; mine tapers in a bit more. I have no idea if she sees dark spots like mine, but I''m betting that she doesn''t.

 

[Odilia]

Also, I'm really surprised how much of some of the side stones are completely encased in metal. The other rings you posted don't have stones set like that.

anohter Mark Morrell, where the diamonds are encased in the metal: Side stones are about 12 points, 10 pts & 8pts, I think - again smaller than mine. I think this ring does have a taper to it, like mine. Of course, having never seen it in person, I have no idea if it exhibits the dark spots.

 

[Ellen]

Please let us know how it goes with Pete. You have been on my mind, I just feel so badly for you.

And do point out things he should have told you beforehand.

 

[Odilia]

Date: 5/26/2008 12:56:22 PM
Author: Ellen
Please let us know how it goes with Pete. You have been on my mind, I just feel so badly for you.

And do point out things he should have told you beforehand.

Thanks, Ellen, I do appreciate that. I wish I wouldn't get so stressed out, but it is very frustrating.

Just gonna post another MWM ring that also encases the diamonds. I don't know why, other than it feels like a sanity check - my ring isn't the only one with this sort of design, is it?? Was I crazy to ask for this? Do MWM's rings exhibit those dark spots?

(I don't know the size of the sidestones, but they certainly look bigger than mine)

 

[Odilia]

Also, I'm really surprised how much of some of the side stones are completely encased in metal. The other rings you posted don't have stones set like that.

And another, a different design, but these stones certainly seem tilted at angles similar to mine (probably more so), and are somewhat encased, although I can't say for sure (not seeing what's underneath them). I think Quest has this ring, so we can use that to compare.

 

[Odilia]

Date: 5/24/2008 11:25:03 PM
Author: strmrdr

Date: 5/24/2008 10:25:09 PM
Author: old-fashioned girl

Date: 5/24/2008 10:15:47 PM
Author: strmrdr
angle and cut and size and rotation
have an arrow pointing up.

THanks. Okay, so
1. ''angle'' meaning the angle at which it is tilted? yes
2. Cut quality - yes tilted not face up return
3. diamond size (not sure what affect this has?) - larger diamond larger dark zone
4. rotation meaning how the arrows are situated? So, in other words, if he rotated the diamond such that the arrow is pointing up, it would get better, or worse? (Again when I rotate the diamond myself I don''t see much difference.) - yes arrow up, would have to match the angle to see a difference.

Ok, just so I get it:
2. does a better cut stone have worse dark spots than a poorly cut stone, or vice-versa?
4. So I still am not sure: arrow pointing toward center stone, as you have it, the dark spots get worse??

Thanks, sorry to be slow....

And another question, why can''t I make the dark spots in other rings or the loose diamond, by tilting them etc..?

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 5/26/2008 1:45:52 PM
Author: old-fashioned girl

Ok, just so I get it:
2. does a better cut stone have worse dark spots than a poorly cut stone, or vice-versa?
4. So I still am not sure: arrow pointing toward center stone, as you have it, the dark spots get worse??

Thanks, sorry to be slow....

And another question, why can't I make the dark spots in other rings or the loose diamond, by tilting them etc..?

2: depends, id check tilted under an IS or ASET, best face up isnt best tilted some times.
4: better with arrows towards center stone.

Because you dont have the same size, angle and darkness under it and cut.

 

[Odilia]

I know some of you asked me to update you on how things went with Pete. He is going to get in 4 new diamonds to try to alleviate the color difference. i.e. try to get 4 that surely match, no fluorescence, well cut. Hopefully that will help make them all look visually the same to me, and maybe even help with the dark spots, although I am not super-optimistic about that one. I looked at the Natalie K ring I put a picture of, above, in his office, and it doesn't display the dark spots like mine does, even though I think they are tilted at more of an angle.

I asked Pete why he thought the shank was deforming, and he said because the top of the ring is designed so delicately that it doesn't give enough strength to withstand the pulling & pushing of the FM shank to get it on and off. So he said he would change it to a solid shank. I will need at least sizing beads or one of those horseshoe sizers to help it fit a little better. It will never be a truly good fit on my right hand without the hinged-shank. (And of course will not be wearable on the left hand.) So I still have to decide which way to go there as far as the sizing device. Some say the horseshoe sizer will take up more slack than the beads, which is good. The downside is it is another mechanical part that could wear out, whereas sizing beads, being soldered in, wouldn't. Hard to say, not having worn a ring with either. Plus 2 appraisers have pointed out that neither solution will really compensate for my 1.5 size/knuckle difference, which of course I knew all along and why I needed the hinged shank, but such is life I guess. Also, since theoretically the solid-shank shouldn't need all the strength that the FM shank needed, hopefully he can reduce how much those ribs cover the second sidestones. Plus he will try to refine some of the other workmanship details.

Lastly, he said he could put a different diamond in the head. Fortunately, last year my DH's aunt gave me a diamond ring she owned, which is way too busy/not my style. I would never have worn it as is. The center stone is about 1.25ct, about 0.4mm larger diameter than my engagement diamond. So hopefully it won't change the look of the ring too much, with the slightly larger diameter covering the first sidestones a bit more. Because I definitely don't want my engagement diamond in an ill-fitting RHR. I will just have to put my e-diamond back in the solitaire for my left hand. So I was very glad he agreed he could put aunt's diamond in this ring. Because basically this is like a salvage operation.

So right now I am getting aunt's diamond appraised, and Pete is getting in the 4 new diamonds. I am still very stressed out; I will be so glad when this is over and a long-distant memory.

 

[mrssalvo]

thanks for the update OFG. I really hope Pete can work things out to your satisfaction and after some time passes and the drama related to your ring saga has faded that you really will love and enjoy it.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 6/3/2008 9:32:26 AM
Author: mrssalvo
thanks for the update OFG. I really hope Pete can work things out to your satisfaction and after some time passes and the drama related to your ring saga has faded that you really will love and enjoy it.

Yes, what mrss said. Please let us know how it goes.

 

[Odilia]

Date: 6/3/2008 10:43:31 AM
Author: Ellen

Date: 6/3/2008 9:32:26 AM
Author: mrssalvo
thanks for the update OFG. I really hope Pete can work things out to your satisfaction and after some time passes and the drama related to your ring saga has faded that you really will love and enjoy it.

Yes, what mrss said. Please let us know how it goes.

Thanks, mrssalvo & Ellen! I hope so too. It has been so long, and so frustrating, that I have to remind myself that. I try to reassure myself the same thing you said, mrss.; it''s just at this point hard to imagine that. So it''s good to have others remind me. Hopefully as a RHR, I will be able to get some use out of it. And hopefully this diamond will look good in it. And hopefully it will fit ''well enough'' that I can wear it.

 

[lesco]

I''m sorry OFG. I understand the emotional "drainage" you go through when dealing with things like this.
I really hope that sometime soon, this ring is fixed to a condition that is livable for you.
Good luck!!! You''ll get there.

 

[Odilia]

Date: 6/3/2008 1:27:13 PM
Author: lesco
I'm sorry OFG. I understand the emotional 'drainage' you go through when dealing with things like this.
I really hope that sometime soon, this ring is fixed to a condition that is livable for you.
Good luck!!! You'll get there.

Thanks, lesco. Your understanding & encouragement helps! I just need to be patient.

 

[Ellen]

OFG, while showering (apparently I do my best thinking in there??), it dawned on me why I think I got the refund. And rather than make you wait for my review thread, I thought I''d let you know why I think that is, now.

It was after the second CAD came back, with the wrong shank, as had the first CAD, when they had pictures and a description of the tapering, that I called Pete, NOT happy. I said I had lost confidence that they could do this ring. (And if I''m to blame at all for the fiasco, it''s right here, when I should have followed my gut and bailed) He apologized, reminded me he was the same guy that fixed my OMC, and asked if I would give him another chance. So reluctantly, I said ok, I wanted to be fair.

At any rate, he blew that chance and a few more down the road, all the way to the end. So, I am thinking that may be why, because I actually wanted out before it ever went to production. Hopefully this may ease your frustration a bit? I am hoping so.

 

[Lynnchee]

Hello OFG. I am coming in very late in this thread, but I just wanted to say how sorry I am that your experience has been so frustrating. I too, am having a similar problem with my ring, and I will be heading back to Shane Co. to see if they can help me. I really hope that the issue with the dark spots is resolved through Pete soon. Best of luck to you.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 6/3/2008 5:56:30 PM
Author: Ellen
OFG, while showering (apparently I do my best thinking in there??), it dawned on me why I think I got the refund. And rather than make you wait for my review thread, I thought I''d let you know why I think that is, now.

It was after the second CAD came back, with the wrong shank, as had the first CAD, when they had pictures and a description of the tapering, that I called Pete, NOT happy. I said I had lost confidence that they could do this ring. (And if I''m to blame at all for the fiasco, it''s right here, when I should have followed my gut and bailed) He apologized, reminded me he was the same guy that fixed my OMC, and asked if I would give him another chance. So reluctantly, I said ok, I wanted to be fair.

At any rate, he blew that chance and a few more down the road, all the way to the end. So, I am thinking that may be why, because I actually wanted out before it ever went to production. Hopefully this may ease your frustration a bit? I am hoping so.

Interesting Ellen about Quest. I have not had any interaction with them, but thus far have heard good things - now both OFG''s and your issues - I wonfer whether there have been some changes causing these?

At any rate, OFG I am very glad to hear your project is finally moving forward - hopefully this time you will love your ring.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 6/8/2008 3:34:33 AM
Author: arjunajane

Interesting Ellen about Quest. I have not had any interaction with them, but thus far have heard good things - now both OFG''s and your issues - I wonder whether there have been some changes causing these?

At any rate, OFG I am very glad to hear your project is finally moving forward - hopefully this time you will love your ring.

That''s what I''m thinking too jane. Honestly, I''d never heard a bad word about them, that was one of the main reasons I went with them.

 

[lesco]

Sorry... Blank post

 

[lesco]

Date: 6/8/2008 9:38:10 AM
Author: Ellen

Date: 6/8/2008 3:34:33 AM
Author: arjunajane

Interesting Ellen about Quest. I have not had any interaction with them, but thus far have heard good things - now both OFG''s and your issues - I wonder whether there have been some changes causing these?

At any rate, OFG I am very glad to hear your project is finally moving forward - hopefully this time you will love your ring.

That''s what I''m thinking too jane. Honestly, I''d never heard a bad word about them, that was one of the main reasons I went with them.

What I wanted to say is that I realize the "shock" you feel when you are dealing with one of the "100% satisfaction guarantee" PS vendors and things don''t go as expected. I think the most unfortunate thing is that after so much going back and forth, one can help himself/herself but to "fall out of love" with the project. No one should feel this way especially when large amounts of money are into play.

That is why I think is so important that all of us continue to report both the good and bad in order to bring balance to the equation, regardless of how controversial this might get at times.

To OFG, I really hope you can fall "back in love" with this project again.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 6/8/2008 10:47:16 AM
Author: lesco

What I wanted to say is that I realize the ''shock'' you feel when you are dealing with one of the ''100% satisfaction guarantee'' PS vendors and things don''t go as expected. I think the most unfortunate thing is that after so much going back and forth, one can help himself/herself but to ''fall out of love'' with the project. No one should feel this way especially when large amounts of money are into play.

That is why I think is so important that all of us continue to report both the good and bad in order to bring balance to the equation, regardless of how controversial this might get at times.

To OFG, I really hope you can fall ''back in love'' with this project again.

That''s the truth. I just kept thinking I was in the "twighlight zone", it was bizzare. And you''re right, we do need to report on everything. It''s going to be strange/sad to do a negative review on Quest, because it''s never been done (and I was completely thrilled with them until now), but I want to let people know that it can happen. And I just wonder if there aren''t others out there who dealt with them and things didn''t go well, but they''re affraid to say because of the fact that it''s never been said.

 

[lesco]

Date: 6/8/2008 10:55:23 AM
Author: Ellen

Date: 6/8/2008 10:47:16 AM
Author: lesco

What I wanted to say is that I realize the 'shock' you feel when you are dealing with one of the '100% satisfaction guarantee' PS vendors and things don't go as expected. I think the most unfortunate thing is that after so much going back and forth, one can help himself/herself but to 'fall out of love' with the project. No one should feel this way especially when large amounts of money are into play.

That is why I think is so important that all of us continue to report both the good and bad in order to bring balance to the equation, regardless of how controversial this might get at times.

To OFG, I really hope you can fall 'back in love' with this project again.

That's the truth. I just kept thinking I was in the 'twighlight zone', it was bizzare. And you're right, we do need to report on everything. It's going to be strange/sad to do a negative review on Quest, because it's never been done (and I was completely thrilled with them until now), but I want to let people know that it can happen. And I just wonder if there aren't others out there who dealt with them and things didn't go well, but they're affraid to say because of the fact that it's never been said.

Ellen. you and I are on the same page. I wonder that myself. I am planning on writing an extensive review of my vendor once I move past the emotional aspect involved in my case. I want to make my review as fair and impartial as possible. I have left some details out of PS mostly because I don't want to damage anyone's reputation and I can't handle the wave of comments that might come my way, I'm still too pissed about this whole thing.

 

[Odilia]

Wow, I was away from home & consumed all weekend and didn''t realize there were more comments! No time to write individually at the moment, but as many of you have said, hopefully when it''s all done, I will be happy with the ring. I know Pete is trying to make things right. He got in 4 new diamonds, and I am to go tomorrow to see them. I also had the diamond taken out of the ring my aunt gave me, and got that diamond appraised while it was loose. Hopefully the extra 0.4mm greater diameter won''t make it look odd in this setting. I don''t know if anything can really be done to alleviate the dark spots. ? And once he removes my engagement diamond from this setting, I can have it put back in the solitaire and wear it again. Since it looks like this ring has to have a solid-shank, I have to decide on horseshoe sizer vs. beads, but I am leaning toward the horseshoe sizer. So, hopefully I will indeed be happy with this ring again once Pete makes the changes. My original intent was for it to be an everyday-wear either-hand ring w/ my e-diamond, but if it is only a part-time wear RHR not w/ my e-diamond, I shouldn''t be as picky about it. (hopefully

)

I tried to take a photo of the diamond next to the ring for comparison. Sorry so dirty but there''s no way to handle them and get the picture w/o getting them all dirty.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 6/8/2008 10:47:16 AM
Author: lesco

Date: 6/8/2008 9:38:10 AM
Author: Ellen

Date: 6/8/2008 3:34:33 AM
Author: arjunajane

Interesting Ellen about Quest. I have not had any interaction with them, but thus far have heard good things - now both OFG''s and your issues - I wonder whether there have been some changes causing these?

At any rate, OFG I am very glad to hear your project is finally moving forward - hopefully this time you will love your ring.

That''s what I''m thinking too jane. Honestly, I''d never heard a bad word about them, that was one of the main reasons I went with them.

What I wanted to say is that I realize the ''shock'' you feel when you are dealing with one of the ''100% satisfaction guarantee'' PS vendors and things don''t go as expected. I think the most unfortunate thing is that after so much going back and forth, one can help himself/herself but to ''fall out of love'' with the project. No one should feel this way especially when large amounts of money are into play.

That is why I think is so important that all of us continue to report both the good and bad in order to bring balance to the equation, regardless of how controversial this might get at times.

To OFG, I really hope you can fall ''back in love'' with this project again.

I just wanted to be sure we were clear that Quest is not a Pricescope vendor. There are certainly people here who use them. However, I think there is more protection on here for custom projects with a Pricescope vendor, because they care more about their reputation on this board.

Good luck, OFG! I really hope these things will resolve the problems with the ring and allow you to at least enjoy it as a RHR.

 

[Ellen]

OFG, just thinking about it, because I have no first hand experience with either of these, I think the horeshoe sizer would work better. But that''s just my guess.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 6/9/2008 2:58:49 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006

Date: 6/8/2008 10:47:16 AM
Author: lesco



What I wanted to say is that I realize the 'shock' you feel when you are dealing with one of the '100% satisfaction guarantee' PS vendors and things don't go as expected. I think the most unfortunate thing is that after so much going back and forth, one can help himself/herself but to 'fall out of love' with the project. No one should feel this way especially when large amounts of money are into play.

That is why I think is so important that all of us continue to report both the good and bad in order to bring balance to the equation, regardless of how controversial this might get at times.

To OFG, I really hope you can fall 'back in love' with this project again.

I just wanted to be sure we were clear that Quest is not a Pricescope vendor. There are certainly people here who use them. However, I think there is more protection on here for custom projects with a Pricescope vendor, because they care more about their reputation on this board.

Good luck, OFG! I really hope these things will resolve the problems with the ring and allow you to at least enjoy it as a RHR.

Technically no. But they have always shown only the utmost in customer care and satisfaction, in the past. So we wouldn't really have expected any less.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 6/9/2008 8:51:53 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 6/9/2008 2:58:49 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006

Date: 6/8/2008 10:47:16 AM
Author: lesco



What I wanted to say is that I realize the ''shock'' you feel when you are dealing with one of the ''100% satisfaction guarantee'' PS vendors and things don''t go as expected. I think the most unfortunate thing is that after so much going back and forth, one can help himself/herself but to ''fall out of love'' with the project. No one should feel this way especially when large amounts of money are into play.

That is why I think is so important that all of us continue to report both the good and bad in order to bring balance to the equation, regardless of how controversial this might get at times.

To OFG, I really hope you can fall ''back in love'' with this project again.

I just wanted to be sure we were clear that Quest is not a Pricescope vendor. There are certainly people here who use them. However, I think there is more protection on here for custom projects with a Pricescope vendor, because they care more about their reputation on this board.

Good luck, OFG! I really hope these things will resolve the problems with the ring and allow you to at least enjoy it as a RHR.

Technically no. But they have always shown only the utmost in customer care and satisfaction, in the past. So we wouldn''t really have expected any less.

I understand...but I thought that maybe Lesco was under the impression that they were a PS vendor and I thought it was important to correct that especially since there have been some problems lately.

 

[Ellen]

Gotcha.

 

[lesco]

Date: 6/9/2008 9:21:36 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006

Date: 6/9/2008 8:51:53 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 6/9/2008 2:58:49 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006

Date: 6/8/2008 10:47:16 AM
Author: lesco



What I wanted to say is that I realize the 'shock' you feel when you are dealing with one of the '100% satisfaction guarantee' PS vendors and things don't go as expected. I think the most unfortunate thing is that after so much going back and forth, one can help himself/herself but to 'fall out of love' with the project. No one should feel this way especially when large amounts of money are into play.

That is why I think is so important that all of us continue to report both the good and bad in order to bring balance to the equation, regardless of how controversial this might get at times.

To OFG, I really hope you can fall 'back in love' with this project again.

I just wanted to be sure we were clear that Quest is not a Pricescope vendor. There are certainly people here who use them. However, I think there is more protection on here for custom projects with a Pricescope vendor, because they care more about their reputation on this board.

Good luck, OFG! I really hope these things will resolve the problems with the ring and allow you to at least enjoy it as a RHR.

Technically no. But they have always shown only the utmost in customer care and satisfaction, in the past. So we wouldn't really have expected any less.

I understand...but I thought that maybe Lesco was under the impression that they were a PS vendor and I thought it was important to correct that especially since there have been some problems lately.

Thanks DS for the clarification... I tend to group all the vendors we frequently mention in this forum as PS vendors. It is important to make it clear especially for any future readers... My bad!