Bench (setting) recommendation?

[chrono]

@Starzin: Those two pictures from Wrought Gold are actually computer renderings and not examples of his finished work. He does have some neat designs; I've been eyeing up his amethyst vine ring for forever it seems.

Ditto to that. I did take a closer look at the actual rings and the finish is rather poor. The insides of the setting are not polished, which while most will not look at it, I think that little attention to detail will go a long way with the owner/wearer of the ring.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80213436/vines-and-pedals-with-topaz-stones
http://www.etsy.com/listing/63201027/moissanite-leaf-custom-design-with

For the last one, click on the last 2 pictures for the actual ring: the leaves are not well defined, nor polished.

 

[Starzin]

Thanks Kismet - I think the thought occured to me at the time that they were a bit "just so"

ETA: Chrono yes you're right and it was what I noticed about sevenfingers too. A pity some artisans take such time and effort and stop short of the real deal as it were.

 

[T L]

She has beautiful work, anyone use this lady?

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ginandbutterflies

 

[Starzin]

I went on a small Etsy hunt and found these at Anjay Designs - http://www.etsy.com/shop/anjaysdesigns?page=3. Unfortunately all cads so we can't tell how good the end result is.


They have many others along these lines.


I found another Etsy vendor with an interesting idea but will have to post again because of photo limit.

 

[Starzin]

How do you feel about enamel or plique a jour (Art Deco type transparent enameling on gold or silver) at Xidni Designs on Etsy - http://www.etsy.com/shop/Xidni. I'm thinking just the flower around the pink diamond each side obviously, not the whole shooting match.


It's worth a look through if this appeals to anyone - I might as well add one more - this is a brooch or pendant

 

[chrono]

Starzin,
The Etsy CAD 1 and 2 both show strong similarity to what I had in mind. Like you, I surely wish we can see the actual end result for the finish and other workmanship details. While I like what was done on the dragonfly, I'm not so sure about it in a ring. What do you think? Also, does anyone know how durable/wearable such things are?

 

[Mike R]

Starzin,
The Etsy CAD 1 and 2 both show strong similarity to what I had in mind. Like you, I surely wish we can see the actual end result for the finish and other workmanship details. While I like what was done on the dragonfly, I'm not so sure about it in a ring. What do you think? Also, does anyone know how durable/wearable such things are?

Enamel is about as durable as having a thin sheet of glass on your finger, careful occasional wear only.

 

[Starzin]

Thanks Mike, I was just trying to Google up some info but you've saved me the trouble

Chrono - back to anjay then...what about contacting the vendor and asking to see some they've made with flowers? Even if not the exact design. With all those cads they must have made something, though there is nothing in their profile, I note.

 

[Mike R]

Thanks Mike, I was just trying to Google up some info but you've saved me the trouble

Chrono - back to anjay then...what about contacting the vendor and asking to see some they've made with flowers? Even if not the exact design. With all those cads they must have made something, though there is nothing in their profile, I note.

No problem

 

[erinl]

Chrono:

Who did you decide to go with in setting this stone? Your projects are always exciting to watch!

 

[innerkitten]

Those earrings are so cool!


Chrono, have you decided who you're going to use?

 

[chrono]

Yes, I have. Actually, I'm having two settings done at the same time. Because this is my first time with this bench, I will keep it low key until it is completed. I will post CADs here when I receive them though.

 

[minousbijoux]

Oh you tease!

 

[CharmyPoo]

I haven't been here in a while but Chrono .. you are a tease. I was hoping to see a finished product!!

 

[chrono]

Stones were just mailed this afternoon.

 

[CharmyPoo]

SO .. some hints. Is this a bench frequently used on PS?

 

[Starzin]

Stones were just mailed this afternoon.

WoooHoooo!

 

[CharmyPoo]

Any updates on this project?

 

[beaujolais]

Ooooh, that is a great spinel. And with pink diamonds ! L.O.V.E.

Chrono, how do you like the gem jars that latch? Do you prefer those to the regular glass tops?

 

[chrono]

The initial CAD for the blue spinel was done last week and is undergoing a second pass. It had some elements I requested but also elements that I did not request. Once I get much closer to my vision, I'll start a new thread for review. The designs for both a quite a departure for me but we'll see.

Sonoma,
I like both the latch style case and regular glass top. The latch has a tendency to loosen over time but mine is a larger case and can hold more stones and more importantly, bigger and deeper stones. In addition, since the cover is attached to the case itself, there's no worry about misplacing the cover. The white glass top case seems best for single stone storage unless the stones are fairly small.

 

[beaujolais]

Thanks !

 

[chrono]

Back to the drawing board...

Who do you think does the most amazing engraving (antique inspired) work? Of course, it has to be within the realm of budget friendliness so Van Craeynest is definitely out but something along those lines is what I am thinking about. I would like the details to be very clear, clean and precise, preferably where some dimensionality is given so the carving does not appear "flat".








Am I asking for too much...?

 

[Kismet]

Andrew Sarosi may be able to do what you want. He uses several benchmen but the one who did my emerald ring is (I think) Gennady Berdnik.

I've never used them to make something really specific though. I've always just let them run with the details. My emerald ring's purchase order was something along the lines of "make it in the style of ring #X". My tsavorite/benitoite earrings were a sketch on the sales order by the woman working the Intergem booth.

If you contact them, I'd call rather than email.

 

[chrono]

Kismet,
I love the details, design and just about everything on your emerald ring! Unfortunately, I doubt my style and Sarosi's will match. I think he prefers being given complete control to use his artistic license. Thanks for the info nonetheless.

 

[jstarfireb]

I'd consider Hunt Country Jewelers (Kelpie's jeweler).