DILEMMA - Stuck with a Stone, Micropave Experts in LA?

[whitewave]

Just to let you know I got off the phone with Caysie a little bit ago and her bench's speciality is u prong micropave.... which is what I am doing.

 

[whitewave]

It is apparently getting to be high days for summer engagements and weddings.

I agree maybe ask him what his "slowest" month is.

 

[acezarra]

Hi,

I just wanted to jump on board and talk about BGD. I have had nothing but awesome experiences with them. Even when there is an issue (wear and tear etc) they always go above and beyond to make things perfect.

Just thought I'd share.

 

[PintoBean]

Long story short, the diamond search was placed on hold until recently and I just sourced a diamond from BGD. Emailed Victor Canera. Been shooting him a couple emails back and forth and he seemed open to the idea of setting an externally sourced stone. However, just got told clearly today he wouldn't be working with externally sourced diamonds as they are now focusing on complete engagement packages. So now I'm obviously super upset, having seen everyone on here gush about their VC creations and have encountered people online who have encouraged me to work with him as well and have spent months ogling his Emilya settings and handiwork. I really value the delicacy of how the halo is set so the little prongs holding the halo diamonds appear seamless, blending in with the diamonds.

I suppose the other option would be to have BGD set it as well or return the diamond and just source it from VC, but I feel like the PScopers on here wouldn't agree with the symmetry of the images shown... I haven't seen any good reviews so far about BGD and really would prefer some in person contact for setting the diamond.

PScopers... Any ideas? I'm VERY set on a round diamond with a halo and a micropave band and would honestly love to work with someone local as we're already very anxious about the idea of dropping a chunk of money for an online purchase. Any advice would be great, thank you all. <3

Ask BGD for examples of their work that's in the emilya style. That way you can get stone and setting from the same vendor.

 

[autumnxxa]

Hi all! I'll reply individually in a bit, I just want it to be clear that I'm not trying to start anything I am just stating my personal disappointment at being unable to have him create a ring. Thus, I need to move on. Nothing on him.

For those of you that want the breakdown, here it is.
-Visited Victor's office, spoke with him, he let us try on different rings, open to the idea of an externally sourced diamond. Just told us that we hopefully won't hit engagement season, that will increase turnaround time.
-Victor was professional and to the point and said his usual turnaround time would be 2-3 weeks (which is why in his post here, he states he doesn't want ANY client to wait.)
-Sent him an email to follow up stating we are considering sourcing our own diamond
-Victor's reply was that he highly recommends using a VC diamond.
-Emailed to tell him we've sourced one after a while and he tells us he's focusing on complete engagement ensembles, so it's a no for us. Graciously recommended using the diamond vendor.
-We express our disappointment, etc.
-He is understanding and tells us the months of Oct or Nov are better for him to work with externally sourced diamonds/pre-mounts, etc.

My understanding from all of this is that VC is heading towards the direction of being one stop destination for e-rings, much like a mini Tiffany&Co, haha. After being on PScope for a while now my impression was that if you had a loose stone that needed a setting, you go to Victor! BUT, times are a changin' haha...

 

[autumnxxa]

Hi Autumnxxa

I’m sorry for the disappointment we might have caused but unfortunately we do have to turn some people away at times, like in the very busy engagement season in order to keep our turn around times reasonable for clients. I would hate to have to quote clients a 2 month turn around for their projects. Because all of our rings are hand fabricated, they’re labor intensive and that means that we might be able to produce ~2 rings a week or so.

Thank you! I completely understand and no hard feelings! There is so much craft and labor that goes into a ring and your low volume production is what makes it so special. Just trying to see if there are other local jewelers in LA with similar expertise in micropave as Pricescope is such a great resource. Appreciate you taking the time to respond on here too.

 

[OECrystal]

-He is understanding and tells us the months of Oct or Nov are better for him to work with externally sourced diamonds/pre-mounts, etc.

You should have mentioned this in your original post instead of leading us to believe he refused to work with your outside stone altogether. Perhaps future vendors will think twice about working with a consumer who spreads half-truths about them on PS. I understand you were disappointed that he was not able to take on your project within your timeline, but a vendors reputation is on the line here. Thank you for clarifying.

 

[ac117]

You should have mentioned this in your original post instead of leading us to believe he refused to work with your outside stone altogether. Perhaps future vendors will think twice about working with a consumer who spreads half-truths about them on PS. I understand you were disappointed that he was not able to take on your project within your timeline, but a vendors reputation is on the line here. Thank you for clarifying.

OECrystal....I think you're being a bit harsh. OP's intent with this thread was to ask about other recommendations bc VC is unable to work with her at this time. I get that the 'at this time' is important, but I don't think she was bashing him intentionally and she specifically started her thread with 'long story short'. It wasn't until you said this was a turn-off that the original intent was derailed. Anywho, just my 2 cents!

 

[whitewave]

It seemed to me their timelines didn't match up and OP is sorely disappointed. I would be too: VC's work is gorgeous.

I hope to work with him in the future: if not for me, then for engagement rings my young adults will buy...

 

[autumnxxa]

You should have mentioned this in your original post instead of leading us to believe he refused to work with your outside stone altogether. Perhaps future vendors will think twice about working with a consumer who spreads half-truths about them on PS. I understand you were disappointed that he was not able to take on your project within your timeline, but a vendors reputation is on the line here. Thank you for clarifying.

I'm trying very hard not to step on any toes here, you seem to have just discarded 99% of my post clarifying the situation and seem intent on starting a carnage. Once again, I am NOT engaging in any 'half-truth' spreading and I am not tolerating any accusations about me trying to ruin his reputation or what not. Everything I have stated are facts, and only positive phrasing has been used towards him.

Might I point out that you were first to suggest that I not work with him after such an encounter. Being on PS has seasoned you and I really, really appreciate your eagerness to help.

Let me just be clear. He *HIGHLY RECOMMENDS* using one of his stones as he is focusing to work on *COMPLETE ENGAGEMENT ENSEMBLES.* If he has any availability two months of the year, he will probably take you on and *work with your outside stone*.

If any of this is a 'half truth' then I was 'half truth'ed on here too believing he would take any outside stone, any time of the year. Haha.

Thank you for your input. No hard feelings and I hope we move on from this half truth etc etc. I hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead.

 

[autumnxxa]

OECrystal....I think you're being a bit harsh. OP's intent with this thread was to ask about other recommendations bc VC is unable to work with her at this time. I get that the 'at this time' is important, but I don't think she was bashing him intentionally and she specifically started her thread with 'long story short'. It wasn't until you said this was a turn-off that the original intent was derailed. Anywho, just my 2 cents!

Thank you, appreciate this. Just trying to get recommendations, really. Thank you all so so much again!!!

 

[autumnxxa]

Again, thank you everyone for your recommendations, I can't express it enough. Looking to getting things rolling and will hopefully update everyone with a happy ending in a few weeks from now!