Disappointed bling bling

[jewelry fan]

My partner had customized a garnet ring for me for my 40th birthday. Per request, I wanted a fun cocktail ring in a criss crossed bezel setting. We took our garnet to the jewler who did a fabulous job customizing my engagement ring and wedding band six years ago (these were sent out to an outside vendor to complete). I felt very confident with this jewelry shop, therefore, I trusted that his team could perfect my garnet ring in a bezel setting. When the wax molding was presented it to me, it was perfect, so, we moved forward to the casting process. My partner picked up the final product for me earlier tonight while I was stuck at work. I was disappointed with the bezel ring. The bezel looks very uneven and bumpy....it looks that it was done by a very inexperienced jeweler. Im going to take this ring back in tomorrow but I am stress that they might be unwilling to redo it without additional charge...the customization with the gold came out to be $1750 and I don't want to put any more money into it. Please tell me how I should present this to the jewelry staffs tomorrow. You can see from the picture how poorly the bezel is done. Also, the bezel is soldered to the band and both sides where the band meet the bezel is not smooth either, but i am not picky about this since it is not that obvious compared to the bezel itself. I am just hoping that they will do right by me and fix it. Please let me know if i am over reacting.

 

[Bron357]

Not over reacting one bit.
Its quite a shoddy job, I’m shocked that they handed it over looking like that.
Perhaps they thought the “vibe” was rustic ?
Has there been a communication breakdown on the style, did they interpret you wanted “edgy and rough” looking?
You just need to ask to see the manager / person in charge (not the poor SA who might be in the store when you visit) and explain why you are very unhappy and very unimpressed with the ring.
Ask the manager to look at / feel the bezel surround, how it is uneven and lumpy, not flat, smooth and even with precision as you were expecting. Show the join point that is poorly finished and say that’s not acceptable.
See how they either justify the finish like you were after a rustic, rough look ? Or if they are going to redo the ring at their expense or “what would you like them to do?”

 

[jewelry fan]

Not over reacting one bit.
Its quite a shoddy job, I’m shocked that they handed it over looking like that.
Perhaps they thought the “vibe” was rustic ?
Has there been a communication breakdown on the style, did they interpret you wanted “edgy and rough” looking?
You just need to ask to see the manager / person in charge (not the poor SA who might be in the store when you visit) and explain why you are very unhappy and very unimpressed with the ring.
Ask the manager to look at / feel the bezel surround, how it is uneven and lumpy, not flat, smooth and even with precision as you were expecting. Show the join point that is poorly finished and say that’s not acceptable.
See how they either justify the finish like you were after a rustic, rough look ? Or if they are going to redo the ring at their expense or “what would you like them to do?”

During the initial visit I showed them an example of how I wanted the bezel to look: a clean, smooth, flat and precise bezel. Here's the picture I presented and sent to them as requested, but my final product does not look anything close to this. It's just sloppy! I would like th to pop the stone out and redo the bezelat no additional cost.

 

[diamondyes]

My partner had customized a garnet ring for me for my 40th birthday. Per request, I wanted a fun cocktail ring in a criss crossed bezel setting. We took our garnet to the jewler who did a fabulous job customizing my engagement ring and wedding band six years ago (these were sent out to an outside vendor to complete). I felt very confident with this jewelry shop, therefore, I trusted that his team could perfect my garnet ring in a bezel setting. When the wax molding was presented it to me, it was perfect, so, we moved forward to the casting process. My partner picked up the final product for me earlier tonight while I was stuck at work. I was disappointed with the bezel ring. The bezel looks very uneven and bumpy....it looks that it was done by a very inexperienced jeweler. Im going to take this ring back in tomorrow but I am stress that they might be unwilling to redo it without additional charge...the customization with the gold came out to be $1750 and I don't want to put any more money into it. Please tell me how I should present this to the jewelry staffs tomorrow. You can see from the picture how poorly the bezel is done. Also, the bezel is soldered to the band and both sides where the band meet the bezel is not smooth either, but i am not picky about this since it is not that obvious compared to the bezel itself. I am just hoping that they will do right by me and fix it. Please let me know if i am over reacting.

I think it’s going to look fantastic once redone. I’m so sorry you’re having to go through the effort though.

 

[jewelry fan]

I think it’s going to look fantastic once redone. I’m so sorry you’re having to go through the effort though.

Thank you. I hope the manager will not give me a difficult time and simply admit that it was poorly done and redo it. So stressful. I just want to love and enjoy the ring but I just can't. My partner feels that I'm over reacting and thinks the ring is just fine....which makes me even more upset that he could just accept it the way it is without questioning it.

 

[pearlsngems]

I would certainly want it redone also.

 

[diamondyes]

Thank you. I hope the manager will not give me a difficult time and simply admit that it was poorly done and redo it. So stressful. I just want to love and enjoy the ring but I just can't. My partner feels that I'm over reacting and thinks the ring is just fine....which makes me even more upset that he could just accept it the way it is without questioning it.

Your partner might just be trying to use positivity or rose-coloured glasses to make it better. Hugs!

 

[MamaBee]

I agree it’s a very bad job. Some jewelers aren’t good with bezels..Have you seen any rings where he did a bezel setting? It will be really hard to tell him the bezel is poorly done. This bezel isn’t something that can be corrected without cutting the bezel out. He needs to start over. Please let us know how it goes. I’m so sorry for your disappointment. That’s a lot of money to pay to have it come out like it did.

 

[MissGotRocks]

You are not wrong. The workmanship is poor. Show him some pictures of bezels that are well done. If he won’t redo it to your satisfaction, don’t give him another dime. You should not have to add money to the job to have it be right. If you have to start over, please come here for recommendations.

 

[dk168]

When I saw the pic, I thought the bezel was very shoddy, sorry.

DK

 

[jewelry fan]

Thank you all for the honest feedback. I took it back and spoke to the manager and the assistant manager, who participated in my first consultation/visit. The manager didn't want to take any accountability and was making excuses for the poor work. To my understanding, she recognized how uneven and lumpy the bezel was and yet, still handed it over to my partner Last night. I was very polite, but firm when I explained to her how badly the bezel was made. She explained that the bezel was made this way bc my garnet stone is a soft stone and her jeweler didn't want to cause damages to the stone by pressing hard. Then I showed her the original picture that her assistant manager was shown along with the owner, which was also a bezel setting. I explained that the example is also a bezel garnet, but the craftsmanship is perfect unlike mine. She then said, "well, this bezel is set differently than your actual ring." I calmly replied that this was not the case bc the assistant manager and the owner clearly stated that she would copy the setting from the example (the only difference would be my band) when i first spoke to them. I also added that i was repeatedly assured by them that they could make the ring. I told the manager if this bezel setting was that challenging for her jewler, and had I known that since the beginning, then I would have been opened to collaborate on a different setting that would work better for the stone. After I said that, the the manager immediately took back the ring and said she will try to file it down or make a new casting for the bezel if needed. I honestly don't know how her jewler would file it or sand it down. I agree with Mammabee....they just need to recast the bezel all over again with out damaging the stone and to make it right. Honestly, I have seen so many beautiful bezel gems that are much softer than a garnet. It's annoying that she used that reason as an excuse instead of her jewler being incompetent or inexperienced. Anyways, I'm really happy that I got it off my chest and took it back. I'm really hoping that I would not be disappointed again when i pick it up next time. Thanks again everyone for the honesty and advices. I'll keep everyone updated.

 

[MamaBee]

@jewelry fan I hope it turns out the way you envision it when they fix it…
I recently purchased a Rhodolite garnet..I decided to have David Klass make me a sterling silver bezel ring. He does beautiful bezels..David made me another beautiful SS one for a lavender spinel that I purchased. I have no doubt he will do a beautiful job on my garnet. Yes..Garnets are softer but not that soft that they can’t be set in a bezel setting..Please keep us in the loop..I really hope you love it when you see it. Don’t settle.

 

[Garnetgirl]

Keeping my fingers crossed for you @jewelry fan

 

[Slickk]

Oh @jewelry fan I’m so sorry you have to deal with this. I completely concur that they did a much less than stellar job on that bezel. And to think they tried to convince you otherwise I also think they charged you a pretty steep price for a plain bezel so they should make it look like it costs imo. Best of luck.
A quick story, I had a local jeweler reshank an heirloom ring. When I went to pick it up, I took it out to the car and thought, oh hell no! He didn’t even make the new shank the same width. It was awful. I went back in and to my relief he fixed it and it is great! I always wondered what happened and think he must’ve realized I expected a truly professional job.

 

[Crazie4Cuts]

Hello @jewelry fan,
I‘m so sorry that this ring especially the bezel on your garnet did not at all look like the picture you provided to your jeweler. I want you to be sure to follow up and send an email on your conversation today to document what the clear expectation is for the redo to the jewelers, manager and his assistant. Ask that you put it in writing that you do not want the current bezel to be filed down but remade to look exactly like the inspiration picture you had previously provided. I think you are right to ask for a recast like the CAD that was provided.

And then specify as well that when the bezel is soldered to the band and both sides where the band meet the bezel should be smoothed and provide another picture to explain what you want.

Please also ask that you be provided pictures of the ring before you pick it up again.

Then be sure to let them know you have full confidence in their abilities to execute this ring as you love your original custom engagement ring and wedding set and know that they can fulfill your request.

Side note: yes as a customer have every right to speak on your disappointment and request a redo or refund. If this doesn’t work out be sure to ask for that….

Hope this helps,
C4C

 

[jewelry fan]

Hi everyone. My ring is finally completed. The store manager had a 2nd jeweler redo the entire process and it looks beautiful. I'm very happy with the result. Thank you again for all the honesty and advices.

 

[Mreader]

Hi everyone. My ring is finally completed. The store manager had a 2nd jeweler redo the entire process and it looks beautiful. I'm very happy with the result. Thank you again for all the honesty and advices.

Thanks for the update- it looks GREAT!

 

[Kim N]

Hi everyone. My ring is finally completed. The store manager had a 2nd jeweler redo the entire process and it looks beautiful. I'm very happy with the result. Thank you again for all the honesty and advices.

The difference is night and day! Glad you were able to get it resolved to your satisfaction!

 

[FL_runner]

Night and day! Good for you for being persistent it looks fabulous!!

 

[ringo865]

Wow, that redo looks FABULOUS! You should post a before and after (scrolling/lazy)! Are you loving the redo? We’re they gracious about it after having the second jeweler do the rework?

 

[Slickk]

So. Much. Better!!! Enjoy!

 

[Inked]

This came out AMAZING! Im so glad you stuck up for yourself and got what you were supposed to get, looks so good!

 

[LilAlex]

Late to this thread and I love the re-do!

I hate lumpy bezels.

The original outer contour of the bezel was maybe not terrible so a skilled setter could (maybe) have carved smooth, straight brightwork to more evenly frame the stone. (That's where it was so obvious and intruded irregularly on the crown of the gem.) There is a difference between the one who makes the ring and the one who sets the gem.

It's been fun to follow the IG of gerardi_setting_school in Italy and see them use the little pneumatic hammer (?) that closes the bezel.

 

[yssie]

Wow. What a difference!!

Congratulations on a gorgeous and unique piece, so glad this remake worked out so well!

 

[oldcutclubmember]

Hi everyone. My ring is finally completed. The store manager had a 2nd jeweler redo the entire process and it looks beautiful. I'm very happy with the result. Thank you again for all the honesty and advices.

What a difference!! Congrats on your lovely ring!

 

[Garnetgirl]

So happy for you @jewelry fan It turned out beautiful. What a difference! Good thing you stuck to your guns even after the jeweller gave you excuses for why the bezel couldn’t be done any better. They obviously proved themselves wrong.

 

[chamois]

Hi everyone. My ring is finally completed. The store manager had a 2nd jeweler redo the entire process and it looks beautiful. I'm very happy with the result. Thank you again for all the honesty and advices.

Wowee. What a difference. Glad you got a beautiful ring!

 

[Crazie4Cuts]

Yay! This is what should have been done in the 1st place! Its stunning! Enjoy! I hope now the manager and jeweler realizes what a difference between the 1st and 2nd ring! i think though honestly it took your patience and determination to get this right. So glad you were firm in your stance!

Best to you,
C4C

 

[junebug17]

Holy moly, what a difference!! It looks fantastic @jewelry fan! Good for you for speaking up and staying firm, I'm so happy you now have the ring you envisioned!

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Hi everyone. My ring is finally completed. The store manager had a 2nd jeweler redo the entire process and it looks beautiful. I'm very happy with the result. Thank you again for all the honesty and advices.

wow !
i love it

but why couldnt it have just looked like that the first time !?

looking forward to a hand shot