Custom setting mess. Opinions on course of action needed!

[geckodani]

Alright, here''s the story, in as few words as possible.

I had this custom ring made. I was completely in love with it. After the initial excitement wore off, I noticed some things that have been bothering me ever since. The prongs at 12 and 6 are uneven (hard to see in most pics) the inside of the ring is not polished, and the split shank was longer on one side by almost a mm.

I had the split shank fixed (almost, it''s still a little uneven). I have mentioned the prongs twice, and been brushed off each time. "No one will ever notice," seems to be the response from the sales associates at my jeweler.

Meanwhile, I had a fiasco with a star sapphire ring that was being reset by the same jeweler. To put it lightly, they did not listen to my instructions, and the end result is far below my expectations.

I took my ering to a different jeweler today, recommended by a friend. His comments were:

1. They did a crap job of sizing it.
2. The reason my prongs are uneven is because they cast/polished the ring unevenly. It is not a simple fix.
3. The only way to fix it is to add wax and recast the ring.
4. My stone is set crooked in the setting.

His recommendation was to go to my original jeweler, and ask them to recast the ring.

I am concerned that after the crap job they have done so far, having them do more work on my ering is inadvisable.

So, my options are:

1. Eat the cost of the ring (only $300, but I had to save for it the first time. *sigh*). Wear the ring as is until I can afford to replace it, with something NOT custom made this time, as I seem to be too picky for a handmade ring.
2. Go back with the husband in tow (I''m too emotional about the whole thing at this point, and I know it) to the original jeweler, and ask them to either fix it or give us at least part of our money back. Risk them doing a crap job again.

I''m concerned that even if they fix it, I''ll still be unhappy, as the experience may have tainted my ring. Silly, I know, but it''s a worry.

So- what would you do?

 

[Skippy123]

Oh gosh, I am sorry, see if they can fix it and if they can''t I would ask for my money back.

 

[2BMrs.D]

I agree with Skippy, but I would also take the husband along and maybe you''ll make more of a presence with him. If they don''t backup their work, I don''t think they are worth dealing with in the future, but make sure you get your money''s worth one way or another!

 

[MonkeyPie]

I still say we should go kick their butts

Personally, I would take it back and demand at least a partial refund. Bring everything you have in writing to prove they haven''t helped you sufficiently. I know how hard it is to have to save up for a setting, and 300 dollars is not something to be taken lightly. I would NOT let them work on it again however. I have been following your journey with this ring and they are obviously incompetent.

I don''t think you are too picky for a handmade ring. I think they just suck. And you should be able to go elsewhere and get what you always wanted.

 

[geckodani]

Date: 8/25/2008 11:58:53 AM
Author: MonkeyPie
I still say we should go kick their butts

Personally, I would take it back and demand at least a partial refund. Bring everything you have in writing to prove they haven''t helped you sufficiently. I know how hard it is to have to save up for a setting, and 300 dollars is not something to be taken lightly. I would NOT let them work on it again however. I have been following your journey with this ring and they are obviously incompetent.


I don''t think you are too picky for a handmade ring. I think they just suck. And you should be able to go elsewhere and get what you always wanted.

Thanks Monkeypie. The problem is that I don''t have a whole lot in writing! Other than the original picture of what the ring was SUPPOSED to look like. Blech.

I really don''t want to have them work on it again. If I want it fixed, I think I''m going to have to though.

Skippy - thanks. *sigh* Gotta do something!

2BMrs.D - Yeah, I''m definitely taking the husband this time. I''m too emotional about the whole thing, which just makes me look silly. I need some added backbone!!!

 

[MonkeyPie]

Date: 8/25/2008 12:06:20 PM
Author: geckodani

Date: 8/25/2008 11:58:53 AM
Author: MonkeyPie
I still say we should go kick their butts

Personally, I would take it back and demand at least a partial refund. Bring everything you have in writing to prove they haven''t helped you sufficiently. I know how hard it is to have to save up for a setting, and 300 dollars is not something to be taken lightly. I would NOT let them work on it again however. I have been following your journey with this ring and they are obviously incompetent.


I don''t think you are too picky for a handmade ring. I think they just suck. And you should be able to go elsewhere and get what you always wanted.

Thanks Monkeypie. The problem is that I don''t have a whole lot in writing! Other than the original picture of what the ring was SUPPOSED to look like. Blech.

I really don''t want to have them work on it again. If I want it fixed, I think I''m going to have to though.

Skippy - thanks. *sigh* Gotta do something!

2BMrs.D - Yeah, I''m definitely taking the husband this time. I''m too emotional about the whole thing, which just makes me look silly. I need some added backbone!!!

That''s plenty! It will prove that your ring looks nothing like the picture you gave them.

 

[geckodani]

LMAO- DH cracks me up. This is an exact quote: "Screw ____(the original jeweler). They suck. They haven''t done it correctly so far, so there''s no reason that they would now. Write them off, don''t worry about the money, call Whiteflash and get it the way you want it. Be happy."

I heart him.

What cracks me up is that he is NOT a PSer, and only knows of WF through me, LOL!

 

[swingirl]

You have have several bad experiences with this jeweler. It sounds like he may not have the skills for the detail work you want. I would be a little concerned to let him continue to work on it, especially if he is not even willing to try to fix the crocked setting/prong issue.

You could ask for some money back but if it were me I''d wear it for a while and save up for something else. Your setting is unique and has a lot of metal so it won''t be cheap to have recreated. Why don''t you find out from WF what the cost would be? I think $300 for a custom setting is quite inexpensive.

PS Many of our first settings were less than perfect. That''s the reason for so many upgrade on PS. Once you notice the details it becomes hard to live with anything less than perfection.

 

[Irishgrrrl]

Date: 8/25/2008 2:27:38 PM
Author: geckodani
LMAO- DH cracks me up. This is an exact quote: ''Screw ____(the original jeweler). They suck. They haven''t done it correctly so far, so there''s no reason that they would now. Write them off, don''t worry about the money, call Whiteflash and get it the way you want it. Be happy.''

I heart him.

What cracks me up is that he is NOT a PSer, and only knows of WF through me, LOL!

Oh, Dani, I''m so sorry! I can imagine how frustrated you must be, and I totally understand . . . I''d feel exactly the same way. ((((HUGS))))

Your DH is my kinda guy! Definitely call WF and have them take a look at it for you. They can probably give you something in writing that says what they found wrong with the ring, and what the cost is to fix it. Then, you (and/or your DH) can take that to the sh*tty jeweler to PROVE to them that they screwed up and that it''s going to cost you $X to fix it. Just explain (or have your DH explain) to them that you DON''T want them to fix it because you''ve been unhappy with their work twice in the past and you don''t trust them anymore. Ask them to pay the full cost of having WF fix your ring or, at the very least, have them refund your $300 and take back the setting they made you. Ugh! I''m just so sorry you have to deal with this at all!

Good luck, sweetie, and please keep us updated!

 

[geckodani]

Date: 8/25/2008 2:45:01 PM
Author: swingirl
You have have several bad experiences with this jeweler. It sounds like he may not have the skills for the detail work you want. I would be a little concerned to let him continue to work on it, especially if he is not even willing to try to fix the crocked setting/prong issue.

You could ask for some money back but if it were me I''d wear it for a while and save up for something else. Your setting is unique and has a lot of metal so it won''t be cheap to have recreated. Why don''t you find out from WF what the cost would be? I think $300 for a custom setting is quite inexpensive.

PS Many of our first settings were less than perfect. That''s the reason for so many upgrade on PS. Once you notice the details it becomes hard to live with anything less than perfection.

It was quite inexpensive, which is why I''m trying not to freak out too badly about it. I agree with everything you said. I''m going to wear it, and save up, and all the while I''m going to keep trying on every style under the sun until I find the PERFECT one. And you''re right - once you notice the details.... it''s all over.

WF can do it for about the same price with a cast from Adwar. That was the original plan - but I didn''t want to mail my diamond to Houston. Stupid decision on my part. Oh well - live and learn I suppose!!!

 

[geckodani]

Date: 8/25/2008 2:45:20 PM
Author: Irishgrrrl

Date: 8/25/2008 2:27:38 PM
Author: geckodani
LMAO- DH cracks me up. This is an exact quote: ''Screw ____(the original jeweler). They suck. They haven''t done it correctly so far, so there''s no reason that they would now. Write them off, don''t worry about the money, call Whiteflash and get it the way you want it. Be happy.''

I heart him.

What cracks me up is that he is NOT a PSer, and only knows of WF through me, LOL!

Oh, Dani, I''m so sorry! I can imagine how frustrated you must be, and I totally understand . . . I''d feel exactly the same way. ((((HUGS))))

Your DH is my kinda guy! Definitely call WF and have them take a look at it for you. They can probably give you something in writing that says what they found wrong with the ring, and what the cost is to fix it. Then, you (and/or your DH) can take that to the sh*tty jeweler to PROVE to them that they screwed up and that it''s going to cost you $X to fix it. Just explain (or have your DH explain) to them that you DON''T want them to fix it because you''ve been unhappy with their work twice in the past and you don''t trust them anymore. Ask them to pay the full cost of having WF fix your ring or, at the very least, have them refund your $300 and take back the setting they made you. Ugh! I''m just so sorry you have to deal with this at all!

Good luck, sweetie, and please keep us updated!

Thanks babe. I''m more annoyed with myself than anything else at this point. Meh. I think we''re just going to write off the $300 as a learning experience and move on. At some point the pain in the ass factor becomes not worth any money we might get back, you know?

 

[purrfectpear]

This must be one of those things that bothers you, but isn''t terribly apparent to others? I looked at all your pictures, really, really critically...and I still love your ring

I''m sorry you''re disappointed and you feel it isn''t perfection. If it''s any consolation at all, it looks pretty fab to the rest of us. I just want you to know it''s not something that others will notice.

 

[geckodani]

Date: 8/25/2008 3:13:58 PM
Author: purrfectpear
This must be one of those things that bothers you, but isn't terribly apparent to others? I looked at all your pictures, really, really critically...and I still love your ring

I'm sorry you're disappointed and you feel it isn't perfection. If it's any consolation at all, it looks pretty fab to the rest of us. I just want you to know it's not something that others will notice.

Thanks.

I really do appreciate it, and it does make me feel better!! You can't see it in previous pics mostly because I purposely posted pictures where it's not that evident. Here's one that shows it more clearly. It's the prong on the top...

 

[Irishgrrrl]

Date: 8/25/2008 3:02:08 PM
Author: geckodani

Date: 8/25/2008 2:45:20 PM
Author: Irishgrrrl

Date: 8/25/2008 2:27:38 PM
Author: geckodani
LMAO- DH cracks me up. This is an exact quote: ''Screw ____(the original jeweler). They suck. They haven''t done it correctly so far, so there''s no reason that they would now. Write them off, don''t worry about the money, call Whiteflash and get it the way you want it. Be happy.''

I heart him.

What cracks me up is that he is NOT a PSer, and only knows of WF through me, LOL!

Oh, Dani, I''m so sorry! I can imagine how frustrated you must be, and I totally understand . . . I''d feel exactly the same way. ((((HUGS))))

Your DH is my kinda guy! Definitely call WF and have them take a look at it for you. They can probably give you something in writing that says what they found wrong with the ring, and what the cost is to fix it. Then, you (and/or your DH) can take that to the sh*tty jeweler to PROVE to them that they screwed up and that it''s going to cost you $X to fix it. Just explain (or have your DH explain) to them that you DON''T want them to fix it because you''ve been unhappy with their work twice in the past and you don''t trust them anymore. Ask them to pay the full cost of having WF fix your ring or, at the very least, have them refund your $300 and take back the setting they made you. Ugh! I''m just so sorry you have to deal with this at all!

Good luck, sweetie, and please keep us updated!

Thanks babe. I''m more annoyed with myself than anything else at this point. Meh. I think we''re just going to write off the $300 as a learning experience and move on. At some point the pain in the ass factor becomes not worth any money we might get back, you know?

No problem, girly!

I know what you mean EXACTLY about the PITA factor becoming not worth the money you might get back. If nothing else, you can always sell your current setting once the diamond is removed from it. Then, at least you''d be getting a little bit of money back. And as you''re looking at settings, DEFINITELY consider WF!!! I can''t stress this enough! The settings for my studs were not something that they had in stock, and they had to hunt them down for me and special order them from one of their suppliers. I couldn''t be happier!!! I''m sure they could do something similar to your setting, and I know they would do a fantastic job. If there''s anything you don''t like about it when it''s done, I feel VERY confident that WF would fix it, free of charge and no questions asked. They certainly wouldn''t jerk you around the way this other jeweler has.

Just so you know it''s not just you, I can see the prong issue you''re talking about A TINY BIT in the pic you posted above. Did I mention A TINY BIT?!?! Really, I wouldn''t even have noticed if you hadn''t mentioned it. It really is a GORGEOUS ring, Dani! But, I totally understand how you can see little issues with it IRL that probably don''t come across in the pics. If YOU''RE not happy with it, that''s really all that matters IMO, and I''m glad your DH is on board. Good luck!

 

[geckodani]

Yeah, it''s noticeable IRL. I saw it within a few minutes of leaving the jeweler the first time. It''s just a little.... off, ya know?

I''m trying to decide if I want WF to re-make the ring I have now, correctly this time, or go back to a solitaire and get a funky wedding band down the road.

 

[swingirl]

Mailing the stone to WF is such an easy process. They walk you through it. You send it registered mail, very reliable and not too expensive. They open the packages under a video camera. It''s not bad at all.

 

[geckodani]

Date: 8/25/2008 11:00:23 PM
Author: swingirl
Mailing the stone to WF is such an easy process. They walk you through it. You send it registered mail, very reliable and not too expensive. They open the packages under a video camera. It''s not bad at all.

Good to know! Thanks!

 

[geckodani]

Update: Mr. Gecko and I went in last week and got our money back - but at the cost of the setting. Which is why I''m now on the prowl for the elusive perfect solitaire!

 

[IluvEmeralds]

Oh Dani!! I''m so sorry...lots of hugs and dust coming your way. What horrible luck you have had with this jeweler!! Based on your experience with these people I would definetly RUN far far away!! I think your ring is gorgeous, the diamond is to die for, and the setting is VERY unique and beautiful. I hardly noticed the prong being off in the pic earlier. But, truly if YOU notice it and it bothers you, then that''s all the matters because YOU are the one who is going to be wearing it, not any of the rest of us. End of story. I would get with WF and see what they can do for you. Especially if you explain to them that you''re sensitive due to a bad experience I''m sure they will work with you. And you have your DH on your side. I would chalk this up to a bad learning experience, and try and move past it. Personally if I knew I wanted a custom setting I wouldn''t settle until I had exactly what I wanted either. Once you know what you want in your head it''s going to be very hard to find a stock setting to match what you see in your head/heart. Go with WF....and get what you want once and for all! You deserve it.

Best of luck!!
ILE

 

[geckodani]

Date: 9/1/2008 10:10:43 AM
Author: IluvEmeralds
Oh Dani!! I''m so sorry...lots of hugs and dust coming your way. What horrible luck you have had with this jeweler!! Based on your experience with these people I would definetly RUN far far away!! I think your ring is gorgeous, the diamond is to die for, and the setting is VERY unique and beautiful. I hardly noticed the prong being off in the pic earlier. But, truly if YOU notice it and it bothers you, then that''s all the matters because YOU are the one who is going to be wearing it, not any of the rest of us. End of story. I would get with WF and see what they can do for you. Especially if you explain to them that you''re sensitive due to a bad experience I''m sure they will work with you. And you have your DH on your side. I would chalk this up to a bad learning experience, and try and move past it. Personally if I knew I wanted a custom setting I wouldn''t settle until I had exactly what I wanted either. Once you know what you want in your head it''s going to be very hard to find a stock setting to match what you see in your head/heart. Go with WF....and get what you want once and for all! You deserve it.

Best of luck!!
ILE

Aw! ((HUGS)) You''re very sweet.

I''m really, really happy that we were able to get our money back. It also sparked quite the interesting conversation with DH in whichI fessed up that what I had really been jonesing for was a new blingy wedding band, but I''d been trying to save money. I was basically called a goose, we worked out a budget, and now I''m going to get what I really, truly want.

DH also told me, 2 years later, that he didn''t like my original set anyway, LOL.

So - the hunt is on! I''ve got a thread going a little farther down on my hunt for the perfect solitaire, if you''re interested or have any suggestions!

 

[Jenn5504]

Geckodani, I''m very late to see this post, but I had to say how sorry I am that that jeweler botched your custom setting. Your husband sounds like such a great guy! You''re a lucky lucky gal! I''m going to head over and check in on your new thread now, but wanted to tell you how sorry I am, I lose it when I have jewlery problems, I''d have been a complete wreck about this too and I''m so glad you''re not letting the old jewler do anything else for you!

 

[geckodani]

Date: 9/1/2008 10:57:59 AM
Author: Jenn5504
Geckodani, I''m very late to see this post, but I had to say how sorry I am that that jeweler botched your custom setting. Your husband sounds like such a great guy! You''re a lucky lucky gal! I''m going to head over and check in on your new thread now, but wanted to tell you how sorry I am, I lose it when I have jewlery problems, I''d have been a complete wreck about this too and I''m so glad you''re not letting the old jewler do anything else for you!

Thanks Jenn. And believe me - I was a HUGE wreck.

Until we were able to get the $$$ back! And the old Jeweler will never see our faces again, believe me!

My hubby is pretty awesome.

I really am lucky. He has things that he obsesses over too, so he totally understands, which is phenominal.