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Victor can't do Emilya for me....local jeweller CAD is scaring me.. heeeelp!

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dogmom89

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jan 15, 2021
Messages
28
Hey everyone,

So I finally received my new loose diamond and I love it. It's 1.58 carat, E color, super ideal, VS2. It's gorgeous.

I am IN LOVE with the VC Emilya. I contacted VC and they do not do settings for international clients with their own stone (I'm in Canada)

I looked into working with a local jeweller who made my original e-ring. He could use the original gold and pave from the ring I was proposed to with which is wonderful for sentimental value and keeping costs down. I gave him VERY precise details (thank you to Frankie's post for this!) on how to re-create it. I do understand no one can replicate VC's craftsmanship but was hoping for something somewhat close.

I was sent the CAD..... and it looks nothing like it. I emphasized it needed zero airline and the diamonds to flow together seamlessly/no obvious metal showing. I wanted 24 melees in the halo... which I figured would end up as 1.3mm each or around there based on the size of my centre stone. The image I was sent is giving me horrible anxiety if we can end up on the right page or not..it doesn't look anything like what I wanted after all the info/details/photos I provided.

Any thoughts on this image or what to do now is very much appreciated! Thank you all SO much!

2E3FD745-BC45-419A-B796-F9CD19EA8A9B.jpeg
 
Try Maytal Hannah!!! I also love Emilya and as far as I know the closest one to Emilya is Maytal Hannah. Or David Klass but I still think Maytal Hannah is closer to Emilya.
I’m sorry but I have to be honest, that CAD is just horrible! I’d rather get a Halo from Brilliant Earth than that one.
 
Ditto Maytal Hannah...she does lovely work. She also does sketches so you know exactly what your ring will look like.

I would advise you to stop now with your current jeweler.
 
That CAD is not even close to the Emilya and you will almost certainly be dissapointed. I would NOT use that jeweler as he or she is clearly not able to do this level or work. Agree with @munchee that maytal hannah is highly recommended for detailed pave work and would likely be able to create something similar. I've also heard good things about Steven Kirsh (this ring from his website looks close, but obviously without the pink diamond melee which will significantly increase the cost) http://stevenkirsch.com/gallery/ring-tiara-halo-round-diamond-crown-basket-pink-diamonds-platinum/. EDIT actually these 2 are much closer: http://stevenkirsch.com/gallery/ring-enchanta-halo-platinum-diamonds-steven-kirsch-r-0163/ and http://stevenkirsch.com/gallery/n-one-halo-r-0157/

FYI this level of craftsmanship is NOT cheap, so be prepared to pay a decent amount of money if you want VCs level of execution.
 
Thank you all! Yes, I was very concerned when I received this and my gut was telling me to pull out asap. You've all now confirmed this. Thank you.

They are telling me that I can only put 16 diamonds in the halo for this size- I've creeped on sooooo many posts here and counted everyones diamonds to determine I like the look of 24 around... his math isn't even adding up based on everything I've seen here.
 
”they are telling [you] that [they] can only put 16 diamonds...” because they are not masters at u-cut micro pave setting... Also, pretty sure Victor’s Emilya setting is forged, not cast, so he wouldn’t even do a CAD.
 
ringo865 said:
”they are telling [you] that [they] can only put 16 diamonds...” because they are not masters at u-cut micro pave setting... Also, pretty sure Victor’s Emilya setting is forged, not cast, so he wouldn’t even do a CAD.
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Exactly....they can only do that number of diamonds because they just aren't capable of creating something with that level of micropave. Pull out immediately.
 
dogmom89 said:
Thank you all! Yes, I was very concerned when I received this and my gut was telling me to pull out asap. You've all now confirmed this. Thank you.

They are telling me that I can only put 16 diamonds in the halo for this size- I've creeped on sooooo many posts here and counted everyones diamonds to determine I like the look of 24 around... his math isn't even adding up based on everything I've seen here.
Click to expand...

The number of stones around the halo has to do with the size of the center stone and the size of the melee. You can't generalize that number of halo stones. If you have someone else make this ring, you need to not try to use elements of the other ring. I highly recommend you have it made in platinum. That's the best metal for a pave halo ring. Maytal would be my choice after Victor, also.
 
Just a different perspective— if you are dying for a Victor Canera setting and that is your dream- then why not get it? His work is all hand forged and superb. You may want to see if he has any diamonds that work for you and return your diamond. If this doesn’t work for you, I would pick the best person you can. Halos are challenging and it seems as if you really want a great one. Good luck. Can’t wait to see the final product
 
NicoleNeedsHelp said:
Just a different perspective— if you are dying for a Victor Canera setting and that is your dream- then why not get it? His work is all hand forged and superb. You may want to see if he has any diamonds that work for you and return your diamond. If this doesn’t work for you, I would pick the best person you can. Halos are challenging and it seems as if you really want a great one. Good luck. Can’t wait to see the final product
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OP has a man made diamond and as far as I'm aware VC doesn't source those. Otherwise I would agree with you!
 
lovedogs said:
OP has a man made diamond and as far as I'm aware VC doesn't source those. Otherwise I would agree with you!
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Oh, sorry. I missed that. OP—you are already doing a great job recognizing the CADs are not up to par. You will do great!
 
:lol: Your title made me laugh. Yes, you should be scared. Gut was telling you something, the same thing as the to wise advice you have received so far. Run toward Maytal or Steven... Let us know how it goes!
 
This is why I love PS! So many ppl came in to immediately remedy the situation and give great advice.
Always listen to that little voice. You are on the right track now, OP.
 
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Very simple. Have Victor make the setting then take it to a local jeweler and have them put the stone in
 
tradergirl said:
Very simple. Have Victor make the setting then take it to a local jeweler and have them put the stone in
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Victor no longer makes the setting for customers who use their own stone. Please correct me if I am wrong.
 
missy said:
Victor no longer makes the setting for customers who use their own stone. Please correct me if I am wrong.
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I heard it depends if you are a long-time customer. And if the diamond in hand is a diamond he couldnt supply from his inventory (like super ideals or ideal oec cuts). But a 6 carat Antique Cushion would maybe be considered by him - especially if you have been a long time customer.
Victor will also source lab diamonds if one is interested.
 
Lessics said:
I heard it depends if you are a long-time customer. And if the diamond in hand is a diamond he couldnt supply from his inventory (like super ideals or ideal oec cuts). But a 6 carat Antique Cushion would maybe be possible to have set my victor. But that's just what I read here (:
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Thank you @Lessics. Very interesting. I’m thinking of someone who is a long time customer and he refused unless he/she used his stones. This happened very recently. I am surprised because I know he likes her/him. I’m being deliberately vague sorry. But in any case maybe the answer is it just depends.
 
OP
1. Is there anyone in the US who you trust/could send the stone to and work it that way and then that person can send it to VC?

2. If #1 is a no-go, VC is not the only show in town. What about Steven Kirsch or Brilliantly Engaged? I have worked with Chris at BE and been happy.
 
Victor and any artist ringmakers have a right to accept or decline jobs for ANY reason. He may not like the design the person wants to make, he may not feel the stones are the level of quality that he wants in his branded settings, he doesn't set certain branded stones that compete with his, and if a person is shopping for a stone similar to what he has and buys elsewhere, he usually doesn't accept the job.

I love Victor and respect his right to accept or refuse jobs, including my own. I have friends here whose rings he has made and I am so happy for them! He can only make so many items in a year and he can choose which jobs to take.

The fact is, the OP needs to choose another accomplished handforged ringmaker, and Maytal Hannah and Steven Kirsch are great options for what she wants.
 
diamondseeker2006 said:
Victor and any artist ringmakers have a right to accept or decline jobs for ANY reason. He may not like the design the person wants to make, he may not feel the stones are the level of quality that he wants in his branded settings, he doesn't set certain branded stones that compete with his, and if a person is shopping for a stone similar to what he has and buys elsewhere, he usually doesn't accept the job.

I love Victor and respect his right to accept or refuse jobs, including my own. I have friends here whose rings he has made and I am so happy for them! He can only make so many items in a year and he can choose which jobs to take.

The fact is, the OP needs to choose another accomplished handforged ringmaker, and Maytal Hannah and Steven Kirsch are great options for what she wants.
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I agree completely @diamondseeker2006.
 
I think any jeweller will balk at a customer who demands exactly 24 stones in her halo. And they would be right to do so - this is not a reasonable or sensible ask.

Choose a vendor you trust, then trust that vendor. If I’ve learnt one thing in my decade here on PS, it’s that dictating every last detail won’t end the way you want it to, because *you* aren’t the expert. Those jewellers have made these sorts of halos innumerable times - they’ll know what quantities and proportions will suit best, will leave centerstone prong space in the right spots, etc.

Choose a vendor you trust, then trust that vendor. Have you seen examples of your local shop’s halos and workmanship? That will give you a much better idea of what to expect than the CAD - CADs are always bulky, and they always lack fluidity. I will say that it is unlikely they will be capable of matching Victor’s finish, even accounting for a different method of craftsmanship, because that sort of attention to detail and execution is extremely uncommon.
 
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Ditto to what @diamondseeker2006 said!

I've had the pleasure of working with Victor on multiple projects in the past. His pieces are completely hand forged, thus taking time to produce. Because of this, he can only take on so many projects a year.

He is also protecting his brand and has every right to choose projects that include his stones over others.

Finally as an Emilya owner myself, I would strongly recommend you do not use your local jeweler to try and replicate VC's craftsmanship b/c you will be extremely disappointed! Please heed the advice of others and get quotes from Maytal, SK, or DK! :wavey:
 
Completely agree with @diamondseeker2006 he has full authority and right to decide his business policy. As far as I know if its a stone from his competitors, he will refused them. Which I think it makes sense. It’s a business decision that he made, I’m actually relieved that he refused long time customers outside stone, which means he stands by his decision. But I’m sorry for his long time customers that he rejected tho, hope my words don’t come across wrong. Victor is a genuine artist, which take a pride of his creations, be it his CIH and/or his jewelry. Being in contact with Victor for long time, I’m truly amazed he doesn’t get annoyed to me and my gazillion questions. He’s a really nice guy!!!! Just because now he decided not to set outside stone that doesn’t change that he’s a nice guy. Maybe in couple years he might change his decision? Who knows?
 
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Yup he wouldn’t set my new stone either. Just makes me wanna scheme to get another piece that he will. (Facepalm...). There are some settings I seriously covet.
 
Maytal example:

ER reset Maytal Hannah

I had my ER reset by Maytal Hannah and she was amazing to say the least! I had very specific requests and she did EXACTLY what I wanted, including getting to the mm halo width I wanted and number of stones around it. Her artistry is amazing and I can totally see the difference between...
www.pricescope.com
 
The ring in my avatar is a Victor Canera ring with a Canera ideal cut diamond. Unfortunately for Victor, I live close to his shop, so I’ve been there a few times to talk (ok, ok, I harass the poor man because his stuff is out of this world). :lol-2: .

He knows each of his diamonds as though they were members of his family. He gets the cut perfect because he insists on it. In short, it is my opinion that he is so proud of his stones and his designs that he would prefer to work with his stones. Just my opinion, but I think it might hurt his feelings if one selects a stone from a competitor as he feels (and I agree) that his stones are wonderful. He really takes pride and works hard on his diamonds. Just my opinion.
 
diamondseeker2006 said:
The number of stones around the halo has to do with the size of the center stone and the size of the melee. You can't generalize that number of halo stones. If you have someone else make this ring, you need to not try to use elements of the other ring. I highly recommend you have it made in platinum. That's the best metal for a pave halo ring. Maytal would be my choice after Victor, also.
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Yes, sorry I should've clarified. I wanted 24 based on the size of my centre stone and the size melee I wanted. I liked the look of other 1.5 centre stones I've seen on here that had between 20-24 around- so I asked to go with whatever size melee would fit that many around- since the photos I referenced didn't say the size of their melees, only their centre stone. If that makes sense haha.

I think we are going to go with platinum for the full re-make and turn my original ring into my wedding band. I just really want to keep it incorporated somehow.
 
yssie said:
I think any jeweller will balk at a customer who demands exactly 24 stones in her halo. And they would be right to do so - this is not a reasonable or sensible ask.

Choose a vendor you trust, then trust that vendor. If I’ve learnt one thing in my decade here on PS, it’s that dictating every last detail won’t end the way you want it to, because *you* aren’t the expert. Those jewellers have made these sorts of halos innumerable times - they’ll know what quantities and proportions will suit best, will leave centerstone prong space in the right spots, etc.

Choose a vendor you trust, then trust that vendor. Have you seen examples of your local shop’s halos and workmanship? That will give you a much better idea of what to expect than the CAD - CADs are always bulky, and they always lack fluidity. I will say that it is unlikely they will be capable of matching Victor’s finish, even accounting for a different method of craftsmanship, because that sort of attention to detail and execution is extremely uncommon.
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I should have clarified. I was not demanding 24 stones exactly. I showed him photos I loved the ratio of that had centre stones the same size as mine.

I did not know what size their melee diamonds were but knew the centre stone was the same size as mine and I liked that ratio. All I *could* confirm was counting the number of stones around- so I said the size melee I wanted was around what they had... which would end up being in the 24 range. 20 would have been fine. Just not 16. I haven't seen any that had only 16- so that leaves me thinking they are either too large melee than I would want, or they are too spaced out for my liking.
 
NicoleNeedsHelp said:
Oh, sorry. I missed that. OP—you are already doing a great job recognizing the CADs are not up to par. You will do great!
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Thank you so much. It's been a journey... I've already switched out the earth diamond I was proposed to with for a man made. Otherwise I would have definitely agreed with this suggestion! I love my new diamond though so hoping I can find a setting I love as much too. Appreciate all your kind words, thank you so much again!
 
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