Chronicle-working with a Custom Designer (M. Morrell)

[Appreciative-of-expertise]

Image # 2 (Note the cascading effect of the side stones and, the subtle blend into the euro shank! Missing from the drawings are two hearts to be incorporated into two of the sides of the basket......

 

[Appreciative-of-expertise]

Now for the real cool pictures!!!! Bear in mind that these renderings are still somewhat CAD drawings; namely, they don't depict what ths setting will look like once Mark has "hand-worked" the edges. The flow and lines should be even more sexy and sensual!!!!

 

[Appreciative-of-expertise]

Here's the last picture!! Mark will wait until he has the stones all in hand and the physical casting complete prior to his hand working the hearts. The thickness at the shoulders will be slightly above 4mm narrowing its way back down to 2 mm at the bottom. Mark will hand work the inner part of the ring to ensure its comfort.[/i] SO - WHAT DO YOU ALL THINK SO FAR???[/b]

I'm sorry but - damn!! I'm feeling happy!!!

(I'll post next steps sometime over the next day or two)

Appreciative-of-expertise

 

[Mara]

Wow that thing is goin to be amazing!! Can't wait to see finished product.




It's also really exciting to see these images, you can save them for your gal and show her afterwards!

 

[pqcollectibles]

Gorgeous!! Absolutely GORGEOUS!!

You couldn't have picked better accent diamonds. White Flash ACA's are fabulous!!

You are absolutely correct!! This ring is gonna light up any room!!

 

[sumi]

----------------
On 3/9/2004 5:51:42 PM Appreciative-of-expertise wrote:



I'm sorry but - damn!! I'm feeling happy!!!

Appreciative-of-expertise

----------------

good for you! It looks like it's going to be a really lovely ring. You really should show this thread to your future fiancee. I think it will be equally special to her to know that you put so much thought in to her e-ring.

Can't wait to see the final product!! Thanks for sharing this experience with us!

 

[icelady]

HOLY COW!

That is one fabulous diamond ring, and you should be damned happy about it!

A THREE ct. princess and ACA's surrounding, I have goose bumps!

I cannot wait to see this baby finished!!!

 

[Nicrez]

That IS truly an amazing ring!!!!

Sorry, I have special interest in how it comes out, because I am looking to have a custom designed ring exactly like that, except I didn't know if I was going to get side diamonds (Not likely), but that exact cross over look with a square radiant center (NOT 3ct!

), so I am dying to see his work to the end. I am hoping that maybe Mark can be the designer for this dream e-ring on mine, and so PLEASE let us know how it goes, and pictures...OF COURSE!!!

Your lady is very lucky to have a man so thoughtful and sweet! I must applaud you for being so driven on making her this very special ring, she truly must be wonderful for so much love to be put into it!

 

[mike04456]

Great, great ring.

That's going to knock her dead (in addition to anyone she waves that thing at

).

 

[Appreciative-of-expertise]

Hey all!

Attached is a picture that Mark sent to me that shows more of the top view, as I requested. Mark cautioned me that the top view would not be a good depiction but it is still nice to gain some assemblence of what that view would consist of. I have yet to talk with him about this so I'm not sure what the flared out channel is all about around the top stone. Stay tuned!

Mark's note to me:

From: "Mark Morrell"
Date: 2004/03/10 Wed PM 04:26:07 EST

Subject: Re: WoW!!!



Hi Frank,

I'm attaching a couple of top-down views of the current build.

Best

Mark

 

[icelady]

Wow, It is looking more and more gorgeous!

I don't think I see the flare that you are referring to. What I see is what I think might be simulated reflection.

Very stunning indeed!

Congrats!

 

[Jax172]

WOW! That is going to be one heck of a ring! I own a Mark Morrell as well. I have to say, you won't be sorry for making the choice to work with him. He is the best. I can't wait to see the final product!

 

[Appreciative-of-expertise]

Hey all!
The following posts will share some of my recent journey experience related to the side stones, working with the designer , the emotional experiences as of late and pulling this all together.

Last October, I posted my first thread labeled “Forming 90 Day “Dream Team”…..Wanna join?” I knew that I would be seeking assistance from others but never realized to now how much of a “Dream Team” I actually had. The Center stone from Good old Gold, the Side stones from White Flash, the incredibly talented designer – Mark Morrell, Rich Sherwood – the appraiser and all of you that are in the profession or consumers that helped to educate me and guide me on this journey.

I set out to create a ring that would both be a reflection of the woman that I truly love and a reflection of my commitment and immense love for her. I have exceeded my targeted budget, but, funny, how it really doesn’t matter at this point. I hope this awesome journey reaches a destination that will be memorable for life – time will tell. I also must acknowledge that Lynann has served as the most important member of my “Team.” Though she has been unaware of all of this – her non verbal expressions and her comments related to rings has been the foundation that I have been working from. With that said “Thank You “ to all!

Now for some posts showing the side stones from White Flash: ALL E/VS and IDEAL….

Frank

 

[Appreciative-of-expertise]

First cert and Sarin for the top side stone (4mm)

 

[Appreciative-of-expertise]

Sarin:...nice, huh?

 

[Appreciative-of-expertise]

Second cert and Sarin....

 

[Appreciative-of-expertise]

Sarin.....

 

[Appreciative-of-expertise]

THe other stones do not have certs but the melee are a pair of E/VS 16 points and a pair of E/VS 10 point quality. (3.5 MM and 3MM)

Communication with the Designer.......

---- Original Message -----
To: "Mark Morrell"
Sent: Monday, March 15, 2004 6:38 PM
Subject: Re: Re: WoW!!!


> Hi Mark! The pics are still looking great! Question, though - the top of
the chanel around the first stone looks like it bellows out. What is this?
>
> Regarding the stones, Leslie at Whiteflash is planning to send them
directly to you (in the mail tomorrow). She has an address for you on file
but she also plans to call you to confirm its acccuracy. The two largest
stones are ideals and the melee are E/VS quality. LEslie will send the
certs directly to me so I may package all for the appraiser when all things
are said and done.
>
> I should receive the center stone on Wednesday, out to the appraiser on
Thursday and asking for them to mail back out to you on Friday or Saturday.
>
> I'm getting pretty excited! Just to let you know, almost 1,100 people
have followed my journey with you and the stones!!! The comments have been
very favorable so far! Hopefully, this will also help to direct more people
to you too, once they see this "masterpiece!" :>)
>
> Thanks much!!!!
> Frank

-----------------

From: "Mark Morrell"
Date: 2004/03/15 Mon PM 07:06:13 EST
To:
Subject: Re: Re: WoW!!!


Hi Frank,

I just spoke with Leslie. Your rounds should be here tomorrow.

If your "bellow" happens in the top-down view, I think you're seeing the
reflection of the center setting in the shank.

RE: "1,100 people" Cool - I can use a little more pressure around here
If they all decide to call me at the same time, I'll need to ask that they
take a number..........

I have your wax cut and, if the side stones fit, I'll hold it until the
center finds it's way here. If the center fits, we're ready to cast the
platinum.

Best

Mark

--------------------

 

[Appreciative-of-expertise]

MORE COmmunications...(the "OMFG STORY).

To: "Mark Morrell"
Cc: "Jonathan"
Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2004 10:31 AM
Subject: OMFG

> Mark/Jonathon:
>
> OMFG!!!! I just received the center stone from UPS! Ironically, it came
with another package (new wood dash kit for my car).....guess which one I
opened first :>)...yep, the dash kit!...that's because my heart was beating
pretty fast just looking at that other box!
>
> Well, after I opened the three ups packages contained within each other,
my breathing stopped for a moment- that is the most amazing princess stone
that I have ever seen!!!! I had brick & morters pull in a total of 16
stones of what they considered to be high quality ----this blows all of
those stones away in a NY heart beat!! The stone's color is so white and,
for an overcast day here in Charlotte, that stone rocks with scintilation
and fire! Man! - Mark....a round of drinks for the bar if I'm wrong but,
whew!, you are going to have one masterpiece when it's all said and done! (I
can't wait!!) Jonathon, you did an awesome job finding the first of the two
dance partners. Mark, the pressures on for you to create the awesome second
dance partner. :>)
>
> Lastly, the dash trim package is pretty cool too :>)
>
> Regards,
> Frank
>
NOW THAT MY EMOTIONS ARE BACK IN CHECK.....
---------------------
From: "Mark Morrell"
Date: 2004/03/17 Wed PM 04:22:58 EST
Subject: Re: Did you receive the whiteflash stones?


Got 'em!

mw
http://www.mwmjewelry.com

-------------------
From: "Mark Morrell"
Date: 2004/03/17 Wed PM 12:33:20 EST
To:
Subject: Re: OMFG


Hi Frank,

It sounds like you're pleased with the center stone

I'm still watching for Leslie's rounds to come in. When I have the stones
together and can check the fit in the wax, I'll either make changes in the
wax or I'll cast it if all fit properly. I will also be able to get a feel
for the territory we have to work with for the hearts after seeing the
stones in place.

I won't know the shipping/insurance cost until I have info on
the value of all of the stones. I'll just bill the shipping cost out at
delivery.

Best

Mark
------------------------

To: "Mark Morrell"
Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2004 3:35 PM
Subject: Did you receive the whiteflash stones?


> ....just following up!
> Frank
>

From: "Mark Morrell"
Date: 2004/03/17 Wed PM 05:15:17 EST
To:
Subject: Re: Last lap


Frank,

I was just informed that nobody will be in the office on Saturday morning to
receive your package. For the sake of security, it would be wise for your
agent to ship on Monday for Tuesday delivery. My insurer warns against
having a package in the system over the weekend.

Best

Mark
--------------------
----- Original Message -----
From:
To: "Mark Morrell"
Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2004 10:14 PM
Subject: Last lap


> Hey Mark!
>
> Well, I feel like we're on the last lap of the race!! As you
acknowledged, Whiteflash will have the side stones to you tomorrow. Good
old Gold shipped my center stone to me today. I want to "play" with it for
one day and then I will send it out to the appraiser this Thursday. I'm
told that they can have it sent for Saturday morning delivery to you! This
should get us to the "final turn" of this race!!! Everything has been
insured on my part since last Friday. I'll be anxious to hear how the
stones looked with the wax and your thoughts on the "hearts" at that point.
>
> Regards,
> Frank
-------------------------------------
So there you have it......turned the corner on the last lap....everything paid for, and now the hardest part of all....some relationship challenges with my girlfriend. For the sake of the relationship, I have shared with her this planned surprise and have provided her with the links to what I have felt has been a fantastic journey to get to "that dance." Therefore, for the sake of hopefully having the opportunity to move forward and provide some level of surprise, I will not be publishing final shots of the final wax renderings until after the ring has been made and all has been said and done.
Regards,
Frank

 

[Rhino]

Hey bossman,




LOL! I am so happy you've got to finally see it.

Think of all the money you're going to save in flashlights!

You truly do have one of the most amazing princess cuts to come before my eyes AOE and I am thankful to be able to have been of service. As you say however you're still in the last lap of the race. I would also like to comment on what I see happening with the setting and side stones.




1. Wise choice in having WF get you the melee. Their melee ROCKS and will compliment the ice cube in the center.

2. I almost couldn't believe those were CAD drawings until I saw the center stone that Mark had in the picture. I KNEW THAT WAS NOT the stone I sent you.

Your's is going to look 100x better but Marks graphics are out of this world. The profile shot looked like the real thing and with real stones too!




You have truly utilized this forum for all it's worth AOE and the end product will reflect it.

 

[Mara]

Great continuation, can't wait to see the final pictures!




Best of luck with the last details towards the first step in a new life with your special gal!

 

[pqcollectibles]

Many THANKS, AOE, for sharing the details of your ring journey with us. It's been very educational for all the Members and readers of the Forum!!

Can't wait to see the pics of the finished ring!!

 

[Appreciative-of-expertise]

Hey all!

I have some appraiser related information to share and, some updates regarding some recent "lessons learned."

First, the Appraiser scoop. I elected to use Richard Sherwood because of the significant time he spent emailing me back and answering countless questions of mine. He earned the right to my business.

Well, I received the center princess on wednesday as I wanted a day to play with it prior to sending it to Rich, who in turn would then send it to Mark M. I did all the goofy stuff that I guess a guy does when he gets the stone in his hands. Took a lot of pictures, including some goofy ones. As an earlier thread stated by Jonathon, who sold me this rock - it's truly magnificent. So now - I have to send it to the Appraiser, Rich.

For those of you who are new to this, you receive the rock in a temporary-type setting sealed in a UPS/FEDEX bag which is then placed into a small UPS/FEDEX box that then goes into a large UPS/FEDEX box. Each has the tracking number recorded on it. My understanding for this approach is that most places insure these parcels through independent insurers (I'll explain why a little later). In the event that one box is broke open, the stone is hidden within two others and, if the tracking number should get lost, the inside packages mitigate this risk since they, too, have the tracking number listed on them. It appears that the stones are not insured through the shippers insurance. The packages leave little information on them which may alert someone to what the contents may be. The insurers typically want to first examine the shipping labels to confirm that everything looks fine. (kind of like them rolling the dice that few packages ever get lost in these systems - but lets make sure that the label doesn't alert someone that "Hey - WInner here!")

So yea, now I have this stone, marveled at how it reflected on the walls and ceiling when sunshine fed it......But, time to package it back up and send it to Rich in Florida.
WELL - I soon learned that there is only one reasonable, non exhuberant, manner in which to ship this thing insured. The US Postal service will insure up to $50k and you can send it registered mail/return receipt. THis is a 3-4 day process. My problem was the appraiser needed it the next day to turn it around in the time frame that Mark Morrell requested. SO - no problem, eh? UPS?, FEDEX? I tried the UPS Store only to learn that they wanted $2 for every $100 of value..."CHING CHING!" - moving towards $1,000 to ship a ring????? HEllo!!

FEDEX - high dollars too!.....but....I then learned that UPS Service Centers insure differently then their UPS Stores that they have all around. $.35/$100 value - alright, that's much better yet still expensive. Problem is that you must have a UPS Account to take advantage of this discounted value. the average consumer most likely does not have a formal account to use. No credit card payment accepted with this venture.

Long story short, through numerous phonecalls to Rich, we worked a way out to ship it through him. I am extremely grateful to the number of calls that he made to me, his willingness to flex his schedule to meet mine and his genuine customer focused service ...KUDOS, RICH!!

So here I am, driving to the UPS Service Center (Rock on pinky finger of left hand - watching the fire and scintilation with help from the sun) and ready to send the package. I picked up the packages (bag, small box, large box), packed the stone inside only to learn that I now had to drive the package to one of the UPS gates to hand it off. The reason was it was close to the deadline time for drop-offs. I get to the gate, a UPS guy takes the box, hands me my copy of the shipping bill and then tosses the box on top of another box that is at the end of the roller unit that loads the boxes into the truck. Only there is no truck yet at that shipping dock. I pulled away with a nervous feeling in my stomach as I can still see a box, a very expensive box - mind you, that is sitting at the end of a loading dock that who knows what could happen to it!!!

I'm anxiously awaiting word from Rich, sometime tomorrow, that the stone made its way to him

Next post - coordination of side stones

 

[Appreciative-of-expertise]

UPDATES FROM THE DESIGNER.....

Well, Mark Morrell and I exchanged some mail, listed below, that taught me another lesson learned when working blindly with stones. Mark had provided me with very detailed specs of what the sidestones diameters could be given that he had a wax already cut. Mark shared with me via phone what the error tolerance could be as it can be difficult finding exactly 4mm, 3.5mm and 3mm stones. I worked closely with the vendor, White Flash, to ensure that they knew that the colors needed to match perfectly and the criticality of the exactness of the stones. The copies of the mail messages below tell the rest of the story.

--------------------------

To: "Mark Morrell"
Sent: Friday, March 19, 2004 1:00 PM
Subject: Last lap Update


> Hey Mark!
>
> Hope you have a great day in your home state.....70's here and the
carolina blues are showing big time.
>
> I took you advise regarding sending the stone. Richard Sherwood will have
the center stone sent to you for Tuesday delivery.
>
> I need your help with the side stones that you received from white flash.
I have an "inspection period" that ends on March 27. Would you please look
at those stones and tell me if you thing they look great or are lacking?
>
> Lastly, can you send to me a couple of pics showing the wax and with the
stones?
>
> Regards,
> Frank
>

Mark's response.....


Hi Frank.

I didn't realize that your rounds were here on approval. Not sure how I
missed that bit.

All of them are a bit oversized and didn't fit the model that I had made for
you. I spent last night in rebuilding the CAD model and machining a new wax
to carry them. I really regret my not noting that they were sent for
approval - but they fit now.

I won't still know whether the wax is truly workable until I have your
center stone. When the princess comes in, I'll check for the fit of all and
get a photo off to you.

Enjoy the weekend......

Best
Mark
----------------------------

And my return response.........


Date: 2004/03/20 Sat AM 09:13:01 EST
To: "Mark Morrell"
Subject: Re: Re: Last lap Update

Hi Mark,

I'm sorry that the rounds came in different then what was requested. That
disappoints me as I specifically discussed the importance of the specs with
Leslie at White Flash who assured me that she would check both the sizes and
the color match. How bad are they? Will they affect your vision of what the
setting will look like? If need be, we could push back on White Flash.

Mark, regarding the "on approval", I guess that's my fault. I never mentioned
that to you. I saw it stamped on my invoice copy that I received from White
Flash on THursday. That's when I mailed you. I had assumed, and trusted, that
the vendor would send what we requested. I guess a lesson learned.

Hope your weather is getting nice like ours....70's today! Have a great
weekend, Mark.

Regards,
Frank

--------------

Well - I also sent a note to White Flash - not sure what went wrong or where. Their service during the purchase of the stones was steller.........I'll post again once I learn more. Mark will now wait for Rich to finish his review and acknowlegement that the center stone matches the specs provided by Good Old Gold and then mail it to Mark. Mark will then test its compatibility with the wax and send to me the new wax renditions

Regards,
Frank

 

[pulp_princess]

It sounded like the two of you talked things out and will continue to keep the communication lines open. I'm happy things worked out. The two of you make a nice couple.

On with the ring story!

**edited to say "Whoops! This should have gone in the other thread. Oh well...

"

 

[Appreciative-of-expertise]

As the world turns.....

Well, my concerns voiced above about the shipment went without event. Richard Sherwood vmailed me last night to confirm that he received the ring. It was also a great feeling when I heard hin state ".....that's one of the finest princess cuts that I have ever apraised...." Kewl!!

Well, the center stone os off to Mark M tonight. I talked with Mark today and he informed me that he had created a new wax to deal with the side stones being a little off spec. Once the princess arrives, he will validate that the wax looks right, shoot off some pics and send them to me for my approval.

Stay-tuned......

 

[Appreciative-of-expertise]

Hey all!

THe wax renderings have come back from Mark. Mark and I spoke over the phone prior to the wax shots being sent to me. I'm happy that we had the conversation because the wax renderings look heavy and crude. As Mak states in his note below, it get a lot "uglier" in the manufacturing process before the beauty starts to shine through. This is another example of how importatnt it is to "Trust" the designer that you are working with. For me, I find it very difficult to suggest any changes based on the wax shots. The reason for the extra mass is the designer allows "extra" for him to work with when he starts his polishing and refinement process.

It was also "healthy" for us to talk again about expectations of delivery time. Most designers, including Mark, are juggling multiple projects simultaneously and I have found that it is important to keep the communication clear and often to ensure that there are no unforseen surprises.
-----------------------------
MARK's Email:

From: Mark Morrell
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2004 4:38 PM
Subject: Fw: Wax photos


HiI Frank,

I'm attaching a zip of various views of your wax. Please note that the side stones are laid over the channels. They won't be able to actually go into place until the platinum mounting is prepared to accept them. The setting for the center stone, again, is pre-setting ready. Excess metal will be removed and the corners brought down to secure the stone when the rime is right.

All of the ring will be somewhat lighter in mass after polishing and refining the casting (refer to theCAD image for a prettier presentation). It get's uglier before it's finished. When I have the casting cleaned up, I'll take my readings for the hearts to fit into the side panels.

We haven't received your check as of this afternoon but I wanted to get these shots done before too much time had passed. I'll set this aside for the weekend and watch for your opinions/questions and your check.

Best

Mark
-------------------------

Pictures coming next..........

 

[Appreciative-of-expertise]

pic 1

 

[Appreciative-of-expertise]

Pic #2

 

[Appreciative-of-expertise]

Pic # 3