Appreciative-of-expertise
Shiny_Rock
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Chronicle-working with a Custom Designer (M. Morrell)
- Thread starter Appreciative-of-expertise
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Appreciative-of-expertise
Shiny_Rock
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- Oct 18, 2003
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Appreciative-of-expertise
Shiny_Rock
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Appreciative-of-expertise
Shiny_Rock
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- Oct 18, 2003
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Next Steps -
Mark will make a casting out of this mold and then begin to apply the talent of his hands. Afterwards, he will work in a heart on the left and right hand side of the baskets, leaving the front and back side of the center stone basket open.
I had wanted to do some hand inscription within the band but that appears as though that may have to wait until sometime in the future.
I now have a logistic challenge with the timing of Mark finishing this ring and the timing of the appraiser receiving it, doing his thing with it and getting it back to me. Stay tuned..........
Mark will make a casting out of this mold and then begin to apply the talent of his hands. Afterwards, he will work in a heart on the left and right hand side of the baskets, leaving the front and back side of the center stone basket open.
I had wanted to do some hand inscription within the band but that appears as though that may have to wait until sometime in the future.
I now have a logistic challenge with the timing of Mark finishing this ring and the timing of the appraiser receiving it, doing his thing with it and getting it back to me. Stay tuned..........
Giangi
Ideal_Rock
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Appreciative-of-expertise
Shiny_Rock
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Thanks, Giangi!
It's been an incredible learning experience so far! Mark had emailed a number of other pictures but I tried to pick a good representation and minimize the number of pics posted. Working in this mode is a real test of ones patience and trust. You see a representation but still have to visualize what your end-product is expected to be based on your conversations with the Designer. I think Mark is doing a wonderful job so far.
It's been an incredible learning experience so far! Mark had emailed a number of other pictures but I tried to pick a good representation and minimize the number of pics posted. Working in this mode is a real test of ones patience and trust. You see a representation but still have to visualize what your end-product is expected to be based on your conversations with the Designer. I think Mark is doing a wonderful job so far.
Nicrez
Ideal_Rock
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Appreciative....NOW I remember who's ring I would kill for...YOURS!
I have a radiant (squareish) and am hoping to get some advice from you regarding this whole process with Mark Morrell... as I am picky and very into getting to see each and every step...Please PM me if you have any ideas or thoughts on this process you haven't yet included here.
I am thinking of a similar setting with a very simple corss over like your, execpt with a radiant, I can get away without the corner prong protectors, and may get the regualr shank, instead or the Euro shank, with a comfort fit and smooth rounder lines. I thought of two burnished stones, one on either side of my diamond, but am not sure....What other designers have you looked through?
I have a radiant (squareish) and am hoping to get some advice from you regarding this whole process with Mark Morrell... as I am picky and very into getting to see each and every step...Please PM me if you have any ideas or thoughts on this process you haven't yet included here.
I am thinking of a similar setting with a very simple corss over like your, execpt with a radiant, I can get away without the corner prong protectors, and may get the regualr shank, instead or the Euro shank, with a comfort fit and smooth rounder lines. I thought of two burnished stones, one on either side of my diamond, but am not sure....What other designers have you looked through?
Appreciative-of-expertise
Shiny_Rock
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2003
- Messages
- 163
Hi Nicrez,
I'll answer your question in the common forum since I think others would learn from this response. First, with a square stone, you may not have an option to change from what you refer to as "corner protectors." Atleast not if you work with Mark M. Mark tried a CAD rendering with the smaller prongs (reference page 1 of this thread) but came back saying he wasn't comfortable that the stone would be protected enough. Bear in mind that my expectation, according to Mark's info, is that those "protectors" will be reduced in size significantly as he hand crafts the ring. Actually, I expect the whole ring to look less heavy then the wax renditions portray.
Unfortunately, I will not receive pictures of the casting , polishing process or final addition of the hearts into the basket of the setting. Mark has a number of jobs going on in parallel (which most designers, I understand do) and to ask them to stop at each phase, snap pictures, send emails, etc is not cost effective for them and, probably would result in people missing their committed delivery dates.
I trust Mark! I recognize that the end-product is "his signature" as much as it is my ring. Given his other work, I'm sure that it will look much more elegant then it's present "substantial" look. I certainly hope so. I am a little disappointed that I will miss pictures from that stage of the development - but, it's compromise! Looks like the next pictures will be the final product.
Let me know if you have other questions.
PS - I would give Mark my repeat business based on my experience so far in the process. Nice man to work with!
I'll answer your question in the common forum since I think others would learn from this response. First, with a square stone, you may not have an option to change from what you refer to as "corner protectors." Atleast not if you work with Mark M. Mark tried a CAD rendering with the smaller prongs (reference page 1 of this thread) but came back saying he wasn't comfortable that the stone would be protected enough. Bear in mind that my expectation, according to Mark's info, is that those "protectors" will be reduced in size significantly as he hand crafts the ring. Actually, I expect the whole ring to look less heavy then the wax renditions portray.
Unfortunately, I will not receive pictures of the casting , polishing process or final addition of the hearts into the basket of the setting. Mark has a number of jobs going on in parallel (which most designers, I understand do) and to ask them to stop at each phase, snap pictures, send emails, etc is not cost effective for them and, probably would result in people missing their committed delivery dates.
I trust Mark! I recognize that the end-product is "his signature" as much as it is my ring. Given his other work, I'm sure that it will look much more elegant then it's present "substantial" look. I certainly hope so. I am a little disappointed that I will miss pictures from that stage of the development - but, it's compromise! Looks like the next pictures will be the final product.
Let me know if you have other questions.
PS - I would give Mark my repeat business based on my experience so far in the process. Nice man to work with!
Appreciative-of-expertise
Shiny_Rock
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2003
- Messages
- 163
Hey All,
Since the pics of the wax versions that I printed, Mark M. found some time to snap a few pictures of the result of the casting with the sidestones mounted and an intermediate polish applied. The following is our last email exchange......
To: "Mark Morrell"
Sent: Tuesday, March 30, 2004 8:28 PM
Subject: Casting
> Hi Mark,
>
> I have a favor to ask of you. Would you be willing to snap 1-2 crude
pictures (not many nor formal) of the casting and then prior to adding the
hearts? You don't need to email them to me until after everything has been
all said and done. (Based on our conversation how this pulls you away from
your core work- I do understand). My reasoning is three fold: 1) it would
finish a nice diary/chronicle of how her ring came to life, 2) There is now
close to 3,000 views on pricescope who have followed its life - would finish
a nice story, 3) Jonathon from GOG has asked me if I would consider letting
him add some of the chronicle of working with a custom designer to his web
site for general consumer knowledge.
>
> Would you give this some consideration? Thanks.
>
> > Frank
>---------------------------------------------
From: "Mark Morrell"
Date: 2004/04/01 Thu PM 04:16:54 EST
To: Subject: Re: Casting
Hi Frank,
I have another all-nighter invested in your ring. The hearts are in place
and the side stones set. We have an intermediate level of finish in place -
to be finalized after setting the center. I actually had to incorporate the
hearts into the settings for the side stones. I wanted to try to set the
center and ship today but it's not going to happen. We're having heavy rains
and severe flooding warnings. My workshop is flooding around me while I
write this.
I'm not sure of the weather for the coming few days but I do have a
suggestion in case we can't get the ring to Florida in time. I am reasonably
close to Martin Haske here. Your appraiser should know who Martin is. In the
worst case, we can have M. Haske to an intermediate verification of your
goods and we should be able to get you out for your vacation with the ring.
After a couple of all nighters on this project, I really didn't need to get
put out of work by this flood - but I have been.
I'll check in when I can safely get into the shop.
Best
mw
--------------------------------------------
As one can see, the "unexpected" can occur! To Mark's credit, his customer focus came across as he sought ways to make it happen verses the dreaded "oh well...." that we see in society so often.
Pictures to follow............
Since the pics of the wax versions that I printed, Mark M. found some time to snap a few pictures of the result of the casting with the sidestones mounted and an intermediate polish applied. The following is our last email exchange......
To: "Mark Morrell"
Sent: Tuesday, March 30, 2004 8:28 PM
Subject: Casting
> Hi Mark,
>
> I have a favor to ask of you. Would you be willing to snap 1-2 crude
pictures (not many nor formal) of the casting and then prior to adding the
hearts? You don't need to email them to me until after everything has been
all said and done. (Based on our conversation how this pulls you away from
your core work- I do understand). My reasoning is three fold: 1) it would
finish a nice diary/chronicle of how her ring came to life, 2) There is now
close to 3,000 views on pricescope who have followed its life - would finish
a nice story, 3) Jonathon from GOG has asked me if I would consider letting
him add some of the chronicle of working with a custom designer to his web
site for general consumer knowledge.
>
> Would you give this some consideration? Thanks.
>
> > Frank
>---------------------------------------------
From: "Mark Morrell"
Date: 2004/04/01 Thu PM 04:16:54 EST
To: Subject: Re: Casting
Hi Frank,
I have another all-nighter invested in your ring. The hearts are in place
and the side stones set. We have an intermediate level of finish in place -
to be finalized after setting the center. I actually had to incorporate the
hearts into the settings for the side stones. I wanted to try to set the
center and ship today but it's not going to happen. We're having heavy rains
and severe flooding warnings. My workshop is flooding around me while I
write this.
I'm not sure of the weather for the coming few days but I do have a
suggestion in case we can't get the ring to Florida in time. I am reasonably
close to Martin Haske here. Your appraiser should know who Martin is. In the
worst case, we can have M. Haske to an intermediate verification of your
goods and we should be able to get you out for your vacation with the ring.
After a couple of all nighters on this project, I really didn't need to get
put out of work by this flood - but I have been.
I'll check in when I can safely get into the shop.
Best
mw
--------------------------------------------
As one can see, the "unexpected" can occur! To Mark's credit, his customer focus came across as he sought ways to make it happen verses the dreaded "oh well...." that we see in society so often.
Pictures to follow............
Appreciative-of-expertise
Shiny_Rock
- Joined
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Appreciative-of-expertise
Shiny_Rock
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2003
- Messages
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Appreciative-of-expertise
Shiny_Rock
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- Messages
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Final picture.....notice the eharts incorporated into the sides. At first, I thought the tops looke a little too circular but I understand that it is more the angle of the shots that is giving that sense. The hearts have somewhat a "celtic" shape to them.
...................Next shots provided will be the final pics with center stone mounted.
...................Next shots provided will be the final pics with center stone mounted.
Patty
Ideal_Rock
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pqcollectibles
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jenibear
Shiny_Rock
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That is one of the most gorgeous rings I've ever seen - and in fact the most beautiful princess I've laid my eyes on. I want one of those myself!
I cannot wait until the final pictures are ready. It will truly be amazing. And I can't imagine how awesome it will look on her finger.
Great work!
Jenibear
I cannot wait until the final pictures are ready. It will truly be amazing. And I can't imagine how awesome it will look on her finger.
Great work!
Jenibear
Shay37
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verticalhorizon
Brilliant_Rock
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NY SPARKLE
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Nicrez
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Appreciative-of-expertise
Shiny_Rock
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ClownFishFunk
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Giangi
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Appreciative-of-expertise
Shiny_Rock
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Hi Giangi! Thanks for the nice compliment!
Regarding the engraving, I ran out of time working with Mark. I decided that I would wait to see how much surface space inside the band was avaialable for handengraving, them seek out some local expertise. Since I now have a friend in Italy (thank you), I will probably come back and ask for some french sayings to also look at before picking. My favorite so far is the iatalian version of two souls destined to be one.
Frank
Regarding the engraving, I ran out of time working with Mark. I decided that I would wait to see how much surface space inside the band was avaialable for handengraving, them seek out some local expertise. Since I now have a friend in Italy (thank you), I will probably come back and ask for some french sayings to also look at before picking. My favorite so far is the iatalian version of two souls destined to be one.
Frank
Nicrez
Ideal_Rock
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chinluvr
Rough_Rock
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chinluvr
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lislaz
Rough_Rock
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I know! I've been watching this thread and am so impressed at how well Mark Morrell's design has grown. I'm not a princess cut fan and it's amazing to me how a well thought out design can enhance a stone and make me drool over a cut I'd never pick out myself!
Fantastic! AOE, I hope she enjoys her ring as much as I've enjoyed following the ring development. Thank you for sharing the stories with us.
Fantastic! AOE, I hope she enjoys her ring as much as I've enjoyed following the ring development. Thank you for sharing the stories with us.
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