Cabochon emerald project

[Ionysis]

So I’ve started my next project. Design is in process.

I’m starting with the bracelet then will see how many stones are left over and will go on to the earrings

I bought this lot direct from a dealer in Pakistan. 65ct total - varying quality. 55ct + looks really nice - good colour and reasonable clarity. I have some ideas even for the heavily included stones. But the best are going into this.

This is the design inspiration

 

[gwcynthia]

Really pretty!!

 

[bright&shiny]

Wow!

 

[voce]

I'm green with envy!

 

[Tartansparkles]

Ohh, very interesting. How are cabochons held in place? Are the prongs so pointy they (almost) pierce the stone or is it more of a pressure/grip type arrangement?

 

[MamaBear]

OOHHH! How lovely! Can’t wait to see this come together

 

[motownmama]

Fun! Can’t wait to see!

 

[kimberlyqkim]

wow that is going to be so stunning! love the inspiration!

 

[lilmosun]

Very cool purchase and project!

 

[LilAlex]

That inspiration picture was exactly what I had mind after seeing your parcel and before I scrolled down. Not sure you need the diamonds. Again, like in my post a few minutes ago on your sapphire thread, I see Oscar Heyman bracelet in my head. Not that I have ever seen one in person but that online catalog...

 

[LemonMoonLex]

Yummmmmmmy <3

But I swear if you don't come back & update us with pictures I might die!

 

[Austina]

 

[Yelena]

Another beautiful project. Looking forward to seeing it when it is complete.

 

[Ionysis]

I do have a bit of an Oscar Heyman fetish. But I can’t afford his stuff so I have to cobble my own together on a budget LOL!

Ref the diamond, we obviously have similar taste. I asked the designer to scale back the diamonds so I can wear it during the day. Mine will be narrower too - 1.5cms wide.

 

[Ionysis]

So here is my CAD / design realised



1.8ct of diamonds - 40 in all set in 18k yellow gold with the diamonds set in white gold. But I’m sweating a little bit at the price of getting this completed. Does USD 6,000 sound expensive for this work? I appreciate it’s a huge amount of detail and will take many man hours to complete.

This is the first project like this I’ve commissioned - usually it’s much simpler rings and pendants.

 

[dk168]

Great to see the CAD as it means it is one step closer to completion!

I personally believe the price is a bit on the high side myself, when you are supplying all the emeralds yourself for the project.

However, considering the amount of gold involved, and the amount of diamonds and labour cost, perhaps it is fair.

I am not an expert, just personal opinion based on my own experience with custom work and all that.

Can't wait to see the finished piece!

DK

 

[LemonMoonLex]

It does sound a bit high but when I think of the amount of stones that they will be setting, plus the price of the gold & diamonds, the price seems pretty fair.

Not too many pieces like this are ever made on PS either so we're all watching in excitement!

It's very ornate, and anything with that much work, I would expect to spend a good chunk of change on!

 

[Ionysis]

I suppose it’s because I will be using this quote as a benchmark for other comparably complicated projects going forward I want to ensure it’s reasonable. I will speak with the jewellers this week and see what we can agree on.

It would still come in under what I’d pay for a completed piece in a retail store. Which I suppose is the objective.

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

The design looks stunning and I’m sure it’s going to look wonderful! As for the price, I do think it’s a bit high but gold is insanely high these days.

Perhaps ask your jeweler for a cost breakdown - what is the cost for the melee, what is the amount of gold used in grams and the price (which you can compare to spot price) etc which will help you tease out what the labour cost is, specifically.

 

[Polyhex]

It's amazing, over-the-top, bold, courageous, confident! You have incredible taste. Since you already have a very clear design, if you are worried about the price it should not be difficult to get comparable quotes online. It also might help with negotiating with your local goldsmith.

 

[LilAlex]

1.8ct of diamonds - 40 in all set in 18k yellow gold with the diamonds set in white gold. But I’m sweating a little bit at the price of getting this completed. Does USD 6,000 sound expensive for this work? I appreciate it’s a huge amount of detail and will take many man hours to complete.

I think it is sensational. I can't imagine you could get work of the quality you need for much less than that in the US. Poorly executed, it would be mediocre. But if it looks like that layout, it will be killer and look like a six-figure bracelet.

 

[Ionysis]

I agree you’re right. This jeweller isn’t cheap but they are exceptional. They do the local (GCC) repair and customisation work for Chopard. And I got an incredible deal on the emeralds because I bought direct from the swat mine in Pakistan. I do think it’s c. 20% overpriced though. Let’s see what they say when I go in.

 

[Polyhex]

That sounds like an amazing bench jeweler! May I ask if the dealer you sourced these from is online / you would not mind sharing the name? I loooove them.

 

[MMtwo]

Those cabs are wonderful. What a beautiful design. I wish you well in your project.

 

[Ionysis]

That sounds like an amazing bench jeweler! May I ask if the dealer you sourced these from is online / you would not mind sharing the name? I loooove them.

He is an IG seller but it’s hit or miss with him. I’ve bought some stones which have been exceptional quality and value and some others which were meh. I’m hesitant to recommend as I’m still waiting on a parcel of spess garnets I bought over a month ago and he hasn’t even shipped yet. If I get the garnets I will let you know.

 

[CSpan]

It is going to be outstanding. Hopefully you can get him down a tad.

 

[Ionysis]

So I went to the jeweller today to inspect the progress. It’s finally ready to start setting. I was very impressed with the flexibility and delicacy of the structure.

Now the interminable wait for the stones to be put in it. A few more weeks.

 

[peacechick]

It’s going to be amazing!

 

[meely]

Wow those stones are gorgeous, that’s going to be one hell of a bracelet! I cannot wait to see it complete!

 

[icy_jade]

Oh my gosh! Bookmarked cos it’s going to look so good!