Does this diamond pendant look right?

[boxbits]

Hi everyone,

I just got back photos of a pendant DK did for me. I asked for a simple bezel pendant with milgraining. I am posting here because it looks a little wonky to me. The left side looks uneven and the milgraining doesn't look clean. Is it just me? I've already reached out to David, but figured I'd post here to see if anyone saw what I was seeing.

 

[Rfisher]

I see it.
1st question would be is how symmetrical is the diamond itself? One of the photos looks like the stone‘s pavilion is off center of the table - but maybe that’s not really the case.
but if it is - the skinnier the bezel- the more it has to follow the shape of the stones girdle.
wider bezel you can conceal more.

if the stone is perfectly symmetrical - then yeah something is off in that bezels execution making it look odd.

you can ask for additional photos if they do not see it as being off - maybe it’s a strange optical illusion
but if more photos show it - I’m sure they will be more than helpful in adjusting whatever they can/providing suggestions.

aside from that - I think it’s true to say each of us here have different levels of eyeclean of what acceptable to the naked eye vs macro photos.

 

[boxbits]

I see it.
1st question would be is how symmetrical is the diamond itself? One of the photos looks like the stone‘s pavilion is off center of the table - but maybe that’s not really the case.
but if it is - the skinnier the bezel- the more it has to follow the shape of the stones girdle.
wider bezel you can conceal more.

if the stone is perfectly symmetrical - then yeah something is off in that bezels execution making it look odd.

you can ask for additional photos if they do not see it as being off - maybe it’s a strange optical illusion
but if more photos show it - I’m sure they will be more than helpful in adjusting whatever they can/providing suggestions.

aside from that - I think it’s true to say each of us here have different levels of eyeclean of what acceptable to the naked eye vs macro photos.

Ah, I'm glad I'm not just seeing things.

The diamond is symmetrical. I know DK will fix the bezel, but I am a little disappointed.

 

[lovedogs]

Where the rings of the chain attach to the pendant don't look symmetrical or as though they're the same size (from these pics)

 

[LilAlex]

Where the rings of the chain attach to the pendant don't look symmetrical or as though they're the same size (from these pics)

Agree -- but is it just that the chain slides freely through the back of the pendant...?

I agree that the bezel has a bit of a bump ~ 7:00. That's the only imperfection that catches my eye. Then again, it's ~ 1" in diameter on my monitor so not sure what that means IRL.

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

I'm not sure it will register in real life, either. You could ask for them to touch burnish that little bump just a little and see what they say.

 

[Lookinagain]

Where the rings of the chain attach to the pendant don't look symmetrical or as though they're the same size (from these pics)

it looks like a slide to me, not a fixed pendant.

 

[lovedogs]

it looks like a slide to me, not a fixed pendant.

Ooooh yeah, that definitely changes my initial impression. I didn't see it that way originally

 

[Rfisher]

I know DK will fix the bezel, but I am a little disappointed.

I get it and can surely empathize!!

the simpler the design - the harder it can be to get it clean looking!

I also think it’s something that’s not really discussed as much around here as other things are, and when it is it’s sometimes kinda casually slipped in. Things get sent back for tweaking or refinement or cleanup on work - and not rarely.
and that’s not just with DKJ either.


theres definitely projects that come out excellent smash on point right out of the gate. Those get fawned on and praised and that’s what we see (and remember?) the most in reading of others posts.
The slipped in remarks about items getting sent back/issues slide by as par for the course, or just don’t get mentioned at all on the post. Some here have even said this type of ‘bump’ in the process shouldn’t even be mentioned at all here. (And I truly do feel when this happens - it’s really hard for those who don’t have off board jewelry connections to soundboard on, to hear a different perspective that’s needed/wanted/important)

it’s easily fixed and they most likely will graciously address it. You aren’t on an island. It’s a bit frustrating, sure, but it’s not rare to happen. I’m glad you noticed it on the photo and can address it before it was shipped to you.

enjoy your pendant and dont forget to come back with more photos once you receive it.

 

[boxbits]

it looks like a slide to me, not a fixed pendant.

Yes, it's a slide.

I get it and can surely empathize!!

the simpler the design - the harder it can be to get it clean looking!

I also think it’s something that’s not really discussed as much around here as other things are, and when it is it’s sometimes kinda casually slipped in. Things get sent back for tweaking or refinement or cleanup on work - and not rarely.
and that’s not just with DKJ either.


theres definitely projects that come out excellent smash on point right out of the gate. Those get fawned on and praised and that’s what we see (and remember?) the most in reading of others posts.
The slipped in remarks about items getting sent back/issues slide by as par for the course, or just don’t get mentioned at all on the post. Some here have even said this type of ‘bump’ in the process shouldn’t even be mentioned at all here. (And I truly do feel when this happens - it’s really hard for those who don’t have off board jewelry connections to soundboard on, to hear a different perspective that’s needed/wanted/important)

it’s easily fixed and they most likely will graciously address it. You aren’t on an island. It’s a bit frustrating, sure, but it’s not rare to happen. I’m glad you noticed it on the photo and can address it before it was shipped to you.

enjoy your pendant and dont forget to come back with more photos once you receive it.

Thank you @Rfisher. I know that revisions can be part of the process but was so looking forward to receiving my necklace.

I lurk more than I post, but think it's fair to post about the "bumps" (no pun intended) to let those who are don't always seek bespoke jewelry that these things are normal.

All this said, I am confident that I will be happy in the end. David also made this pendant for me. It is exactly what I wanted and I am thrilled - though I am open to any suggestions before he sends it home!

Thank you all for your input. I will keep you updated and will post final photos.

 

[headlight]

Ooooh yeah, that definitely changes my initial impression. I didn't see it that way originally

@lovedogs I thought the exact thing until I realized it is a slider!

 

[newdiamondworld]

I love bezels, but I also hate them because I have eagle eyes and see all imperfections immediately lol
So don't feel bad, it happens. I had many bezels that needed to be fixed and sometimes even several times
I had bezels by DK that were successful and not so much....and even had one very expensive bezel ring by VC that needed to be re-worked several times because of its bezel wonkiness

I wish I found a designer/bench that could produce a perfect bezel every time I would only work with them

 

[headlight]

I love bezels, but I also hate them because I have eagle eyes and see all imperfections immediately lol
So don't feel bad, it happens. I had many bezels that needed to be fixed and sometimes even several times
I had bezels by DK that were successful and not so much....and even had one very expensive bezel ring by VC that needed to be re-worked several times because of its bezel wonkiness

I wish I found a designer/bench that could produce a perfect bezel every time I would only work with them

You have a great attitude about it! There are many things Tiffany can be criticized for, but their bezels are so well-done. Yes, it is frustrating for the consumer, especially us PS-ers that are so detail-oriented and really care and appreciate the little intricacies of mountings, when we can't get consistent, "fine-tuned" pieces. I've had so much custom work done over the years and inconsistent is definitely an adequate description.

 

[newdiamondworld]

I've had so much custom work done over the years and inconsistent is definitely an adequate description.

same. I believe that the only way to avoid losing one's mind is to accept that it comes with the territory...
my general rule of thumb: If something doesn't feel right, don't hesitate to speak up and push them to fix it

 

[boxbits]

I love bezels, but I also hate them because I have eagle eyes and see all imperfections immediately lol
So don't feel bad, it happens. I had many bezels that needed to be fixed and sometimes even several times
I had bezels by DK that were successful and not so much....and even had one very expensive bezel ring by VC that needed to be re-worked several times because of its bezel wonkiness

I wish I found a designer/bench that could produce a perfect bezel every time I would only work with them

Oh dear, I had no idea that bezels were so difficult! I am thankfully not in any kind of hurry and have time to work with David to make sure everything looks right, but my fingers are crossed that there won't have to be too much back and forth.

What is it about the bezel that makes it so difficult to get right?

 

[boxbits]

David got back to me and said that the yellow gold bezel is perfect and that what I am seeing is camera distortion.

However, when I asked him to send me a photograph of the back of the white gold halo pendant, I was provided with this:


This is the CAD I approved.



I know this is the back of the pendant, but I do not think I will be able to accept something that looks so messy.

What would you all do?

 

[musicloveranthony]

I wouldn't be happy with either of these. There's a bump on the gold pendant at about the 0700 spot, as well as an overall unevenness to the bezel. That combined with the inconsistency in the millgrain would be too much for me to handle. I'd never want to wear it.

The issues with the back of the other pendant would be an immediate no.

I'm sorry

 

[boxbits]

I wouldn't be happy with either of these. There's a bump on the gold pendant at about the 0700 spot, as well as an overall unevenness to the bezel. That combined with the inconsistency in the millgrain would be too much for me to handle. I'd never want to wear it.

The issues with the back of the other pendant would be an immediate no.

I'm sorry

Thank you for your input. I saw the bump at the 700 spot on the yellow gold bezel and thought that the bezel and milgraining was uneven overall but wasn't sure if it was just me. As for the back of the white gold pendant...

I wrote David and asked him if there was anything to remedy the white gold pendant and asked for additional photographs of the yellow gold bezel.

I shall keep you all updated but welcome any advice or additional input from anyone.

 

[Rfisher]

“What would you all do?”

I’d ask for the back of the white gold pendant to be fixed. Unless the quoted price was super super low where you’d expect this to happen. I doubt that’s the case tho.

I’d like to say asking up front for stricter QC or offering to pay for a higher level finish /bench is the solution. But I cant.

 

[boxbits]

“What would you all do?”

I’d ask for the back of the white gold pendant to be fixed. Unless the quoted price was super super low where you’d expect this to happen. I doubt that’s the case tho.

I’d like to say asking up front for stricter QC or offering to pay for a higher level finish /bench is the solution. But I cant.

Thanks @Rfisher. The pricing was not low, but reasonable. I would pay more if it meant getting something without issues. But it doesn't sound like paying more/asking for a better bench is a surefire way to avoid problems either.

What I can't fathom is how anyone would find the back of that pendant acceptable.

 

[musicloveranthony]

What I can't fathom is how anyone would find the back of that pendant acceptable.

Yeah, I always wonder how a jeweler can send out a finished product like that into the world to represent their brand

 

[Rfisher]

What I can't fathom is how anyone would find the back of that pendant acceptable.

with what I’ve seen both posted publicly and shared privately on what’s passes as finished ready to ship product
my guess is there’s a decent percentage of people who would. Why else otherwise?

i daresay we as a whole forum (because of a few impeccably finely done raging beauties here and there) might have inadvertently put unrealistic standards to maintain that never was their intention, or goal, or price point for this vendor.
Idk.

 

[musicloveranthony]

i daresay we as a whole forum (because of a few impeccably finely done raging beauties here and there) might have inadvertently put unrealistic standards to maintain that never was their intention, or goal, or price point for this vendor.
Idk.

This is a fair thought!

 

[boxbits]

This is a fair thought!

I hadn't thought of that but agree that could be it. I am somewhat of a novice when it comes to bespoke jewelry and I am so thankful for the people on this board to help guide me through this.

To be clear, I don't have anything bad to say about DK or this process thus far, especially if these things are known to happen in the normal course with any jeweler. My hope is that he and I will continue to work together until things are right.

 

[Rfisher]

I’m not wanting or intending to sound as I’m bashing or trash talking DKJ either. not my intent.

i do believe, as usual, they will work on this until you say you are completely happy.

 

[boxbits]

I’m not wanting or intending to sound as I’m bashing or trash talking DKJ either. not my intent.

i do believe, as usual, they will work on this until you say you are completely happy.

Oh no, I didn't take it this way and certainly hope that no one else did either!

 

[boxbits]

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to update this thread. I am in receipt of both the yellow gold and white gold pendants and I am thrilled! Both are perfectly done (the back of the white gold pendant was redone) and exactly what I wanted! I am rubbish with the camera, but have posted the additional photos DK provided to me prior to sending the pendants out.

Thanks to everyone who helped me work through some of the things I raised in my initial post. As always, I am very appreciative of everyone here!