Does Tiffany's jewelers have mad skill that others don't?

[augenbraunj]

I've had a frustrating experience that I'm having trouble understanding.

My GF and I both like Tiffany's princess solitaire for it's delicate V-tip prongs. I'm willing to pay for a full-custom ring, but after a lot of effort working with first WF and then JA, the best either of them could do was about 2x to 3x the thickness and width of the Tiffany princess solitaire prongs.

What could be going on here?? Does Tiffany have a level of skill that others don't? Are they using a different alloy of platinum? Are WF and JA being too conservative on the strength??

I thought we were looking for something really straightforward and easy, but this has become a nightmare. I'm on the verge of giving up and just paying the exorbitant price for a genuine Tiffany.

- Joe

 

[denverappraiser]

Re: Does Tiffany's jewelers have mad skill that others don't

Something tells me there's a lot more to this story. The way you get super lightweight prongs is to fabricate the piece rather than cast it. This means building the prongs using wire instead of wax. It's significantly more work and consequently more expensive. Most customers prefer the cheaper technique because, well, it's cheaper so most jewelers do a lot more work this way. That said, both of the companies you mentioned are capable of fabrication if that's what the job requires and if they want to and most Tiffany pieces aren't made this way for exactly the same reason (a few are and some are a combination of techniques so it depends on exactly which design you're looking at). To be sure Tiffany has some top rate craftspeople but no, they are not the only company that does. I presume you've bought things from WF and JA that you weren't happy with ... did you discuss your concerns with them? What did they say?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Does Tiffany's jewelers have mad skill that others don't

I have the Vatche U-113 which is the Tiffany solitaire replica. It is a very delicate and well made ring. WhiteFlash does sell Vatche, so you might want to explore whether they make a princess solitaire that you might like.

 

[MissGotRocks]

Re: Does Tiffany's jewelers have mad skill that others don't

Tiffany's has been around since the 1850's so they've had lots of time and practice to hone their techniques! Not to say that they've always made their jewelry the same way but I'm sure there has been lots of thought given to the evolution of their pieces.

I have always found that their jewelry - even the the pieces with the most simplicity - have very well thought out prongs and curves. There are some that would not notice or care about these small nuances but when you do - and it really matters to you - the real deal might be the best way to go for you.

 

[SB621]

Re: Does Tiffany's jewelers have mad skill that others don't

I have never been impressed with Tiffanys for many reasons. But I have had WF (among other PS vendors) custom make a ring for me and I had no issues. I thought everything was very delicate and crisp with my piece. If you aren't happy with WF or JA though I would recommend trying another vendor. Obviously people have favorites so I would just call different places and see who you feel the most comfortable with in executing this design...which is actually a very simple design.

 

[Laila619]

Re: Does Tiffany's jewelers have mad skill that others don't

Tiffany is known for their quality, and I think they do lovely work. If no one else can produce what you want, agree with MissGotRocks, it might be worth it to you to get the Tiffany setting.

 

[Christina...]

Re: Does Tiffany's jewelers have mad skill that others don't

What I think TIffanys does very well is market their brand. They have convinced many that their product exudes quality, and of course they do have quality pieces, but they aren't the only ones. I will agree with you though that I don't like JA's prong and find them bulky so I wouldn't have considered them for this project. Finding the right vendor is very important. I'd consider Victor Canera or Steven Kirsch to do a custom piece for you.

 

[augenbraunj]

Re: Does Tiffany's jewelers have mad skill that others don't

I appreciate all of the responses. I think denverappraiser may very well have the answer -- both JA and WF only offered casting of the ring, not fabrication from wire. From a pure metallurgical view, of course that would be stronger and could be made thinner. I will ask about that option.

I will also check out the jeweler's mentioned by the last poster. Thank you all for the advice. Maybe mystery solved here.

As far as going with Tiffany, it would only be a last resort -- we rather like the stone we chose from JA.

- Joe