Your Favorite Jeweler for CS

[estelle]

I hope I am doing this right. I am looking for a reliable bench to set colored stones in mostly stock settings (like Stuller). I need someone to set my pieces in a timely manner without damaging the stones. So, they need to be familiar with how to handle stones softer than diamonds. Someone who communicates appropriately is important. Meaning - providing quotes and anticipated completion dates on the front end and tracking on the back end. Thoughts? Who do you use if you don't have anyone locally? Thank you.

 

[chrono]

For non custom work, it is best to find a jeweller/bench local to you. A good tip is to find a jeweller who has an in-house bench, look at their CS work and check out their reviews.

 

[marymm]

Another option is Michael E of the Gem Shoppe - http://www.gemshoppe.com/ - he is an excellent jeweler/benchman/craftsman and very familiar with, and knowledgeable about, colored gemstones as well as diamonds. He has done at least a half-dozen rings for me, for my CS - mostly Stuller/Adwar components but some custom work too - all beautifully done. He is quite responsive and communicative, and generally has completed projects within his initial quoted time-period although I seem to recall there may have been a bit of delay once or twice, but any projects where I had a hard deadline were always timely completed. I highly recommend him - like you, I do not have a local jeweler that I trust with CS and I find Michael to be skilled, reliable, and amenable to discussing alternatives to fit a budget.

eta: just wanted to let you know he has made 14kt and 18kt gold rings for me, and is willing to work in Sterling Silver and Argentium Silver, and I know he also works in Platinum. And, he can obtain any side-stones you may need, colored stones or diamonds.

 

[estelle]

Wow, thank you kindly Mary, I will have to reach out to him. I appreciate the information.

 

[zephyr]

I use SL Jewelers in San Diego. Steve is his name. HIs phone is 619-232-7575 and his email is [email protected]

He is great and inexpensive. I have used him for 10 years now.

 

[digdeep]

Another option is Michael E of the Gem Shoppe - http://www.gemshoppe.com/ - he is an excellent jeweler/benchman/craftsman and very familiar with, and knowledgeable about, colored gemstones as well as diamonds. He has done at least a half-dozen rings for me, for my CS - mostly Stuller/Adwar components but some custom work too - all beautifully done. He is quite responsive and communicative, and generally has completed projects within his initial quoted time-period although I seem to recall there may have been a bit of delay once or twice, but any projects where I had a hard deadline were always timely completed. I highly recommend him - like you, I do not have a local jeweler that I trust with CS and I find Michael to be skilled, reliable, and amenable to discussing alternatives to fit a budget.

eta: just wanted to let you know he has made 14kt and 18kt gold rings for me, and is willing to work in Sterling Silver and Argentium Silver, and I know he also works in Platinum. And, he can obtain any side-stones you may need, colored stones or diamonds.

I know Michael has posted recently, however I contacted him a year ago and he was not doing independent work due to a full time+ commitment with a jewelry maker. Has that changed? Is he available for work now? Michael are you reading this and can you comment?

 

[marymm]

Another option is Michael E of the Gem Shoppe - http://www.gemshoppe.com/ - he is an excellent jeweler/benchman/craftsman and very familiar with, and knowledgeable about, colored gemstones as well as diamonds. He has done at least a half-dozen rings for me, for my CS - mostly Stuller/Adwar components but some custom work too - all beautifully done. He is quite responsive and communicative, and generally has completed projects within his initial quoted time-period although I seem to recall there may have been a bit of delay once or twice, but any projects where I had a hard deadline were always timely completed. I highly recommend him - like you, I do not have a local jeweler that I trust with CS and I find Michael to be skilled, reliable, and amenable to discussing alternatives to fit a budget.

eta: just wanted to let you know he has made 14kt and 18kt gold rings for me, and is willing to work in Sterling Silver and Argentium Silver, and I know he also works in Platinum. And, he can obtain any side-stones you may need, colored stones or diamonds.

I know Michael has posted recently, however I contacted him a year ago and he was not doing independent work due to a full time+ commitment with a jewelry maker. Has that changed? Is he available for work now? Michael are you reading this and can you comment?

Oh gosh, I have no info on this - the most recent email exchange I had with Michael about a potential project was last fall, which I ended up not doing. I'll be sad and a bit lost if he is no longer available for this kind of work.

 

[digdeep]

I hope he will answer......and in the best of all worlds my info would be 'wrong'!!