Has anyone worked with Tradeshop?

[diamondlil]

Hello out there-




Well, I finally had some time to check out tradeshop.com. Wow, what a website! There is a ton of "plain-English" information to get through. The gallery photos really got me thinking about setting ideas I had never even considered before. I''ve got great images in my head -- can you tell I am excited?




My question is, has anyone here used Tradeshop for a custom-designed ring? Please share your experience. Should I be concerned working with a company not local to me?

Diamondlil

 

[diamondlil]

So, no one has used them?

Diamondlil

 

[babblingal]

Actually I think there are a few people who have used them. So bump this up! LOL

 

[TheDiamondangel]

I have. It took 6 months to make my ring, and the side stones were set cockeyed, the sides of the shank didn't match up correctly, and one side of the crown is concave, while the other was straight. Several jewelers have said that the platinum (90/10 iridium) looks like it was recycled (Tradeshop firmly denies this). The split prongs are not symmetrical, and they caught on everything. The sapphires they supplied for me were way too dark, and not high quality. The original concept for my ring was to have more of a cathedral profile, like a Tacori piece. The first wax was more of a bombe shank style, and I hated it. The second wax was a little better, but still not quite right. The sides of the ring are too rounded and too thick for my comfort. To sum it up, it was a very expensive disappointment.

The only real positive thing I can say is that the engraving was done by Jerome, and it was exquisite! I've heard others say their rings done by Tradeshop came out perfect, but that was not my experience.

 

[diamondlil]

Yikes, Diamondangel, that's so upsetting. My heart sunk just reading your story.

The design of your ring is very unique, and I'm sure you put a lot of thought into it. It sounds like you were very patient in the process (6 months seems like a long wait). How recently was this experience?




Tradeshop's gallery of designs really sparked my imagination. I have some ideas about what I might want my rings to look like, and I know I need a good designer to bring my ideas to life. I certainly don't want to set myself up for such a horrible disappointment. I want to enjoy wearing my ering and wedding ring every day for many, many years to come. Ending up with less than perfect workmanship will be a disaster.

Thanks for sharing your story. I hope there are others out there who respond more favorably.

Diamondlil

 

[ccuheartnurse]

I emailed Ray 3 times & received NO responses since. One time I called to tell him I had emailed him & yet, nothing. I guess its a blessing in disguise. For my e-ring, I just ordered it as it was from Scott Kay. I didnt want anyone trying to duplicate it or try to figure out how cathedral/not cathedral or how rounded/not rounded etc. Basically, I didnt want to be $crewed over & just ordered what I knew looked great as the original peice. For custom, perhaps stay with someone locally that you can find references for.

Good Luck!

Judy

 

[TheDiamondangel]

This is almost 2 years ago now. What really bothers me is that I did 9 months of research before contacting Tradeshop.

And after all that, the ring was ripped apart by an unscrupulous jeweler while I was previewing an oval stone I had been contemplating upgrading to. Now the ring sits at Tradeshop, and I've been waiting for a price from Ray to repair it. That's about 6 months ago (at LEAST). Ugh.

 

[diamondlil]

Okay, so that's 2 strikes. Doesn't look good for Tradeshop.

Well, if nothing else, they have jogged my mind as far as a unique design. I'll test my sketching skills and seek someone local.




I do have one possible local designer (still over an hour from my home--I live in Southern Maryland). I recently posted looking for someplace in the Washington, DC/Annapolis area but only got this one lead.

Thank goodness I'm not in a real hurry. I'm realizing that this process could easily take the better part of a year to get it right -- yikes, that's how long it took us to build our house!!!

I do live within driving distance of Dirt Cheap Diamonds (still about 1.5 hours away--ugh!), and I believe they have someone who can do custom work although there was a recent post of someone who had a trying experience with them. I know Dirt Cheap came through in the end so this could be another alternative.




Diamondlil

 

[valeria101]

Hi!

The designs posted by tradeshop are not really technically cahllenging (well, most) and they specialize in those particular techniques... It is always a good idea to judge wether the jeweler you choose has produced rings similar to what you want. This way the chance to get yours done well should be very good. Some pieces sold by manufacturers can be very challenging to duplicate by hand, so this is one thing to keep in mind if you want something in the style of some famous brand out there. Best of luck!

 

[diamondlil]

I agree, Valeria. That's what got me so excited about Tradeshop. I found numerous designs right up my alley. It would be easy for me to relay my ideas to them using photos from their own gallery.




I just realized today that Tradeshop and ADOL are owned by the same family. I did a search here on ADOL and found some positive posts. I am still hoping to get something positive back on Tradeshop.

I contacted Dirt Cheap Diamonds since they are local to me in Maryland, but their designer is in Texas which would mean dealing with someone long distance too. My only other "local" disigner lead is in Virginia which I'll check out also . . . (heavy sigh).




Diamondlil

 

[AGBF]

----------------
On 10/28/2003 5:47:48 PM diamondlil wrote:



I agree, Valeria. That's what got me so excited about Tradeshop. I found numerous designs right up my alley. It would be easy for me to relay my ideas to them using photos from their own gallery.




I just realized today that Tradeshop and ADOL are owned by the same family. I did a search here on ADOL and found some positive posts. I am still hoping to get something positive back on Tradeshop.

I contacted Dirt Cheap Diamonds since they are local to me in Maryland, but their designer is in Texas which would mean dealing with someone long distance too. My only other 'local' disigner lead is in Virginia which I'll check out also . . . (heavy sigh).




Diamondlil

----------------

What is ADOL?

As far as the Tradeshop goes, I had a positive experience *buying* a stone from them although I never had them do any custom work for me. Since everything else said here has been negative, perhaps I *should* at least state that! On the other hand, there is no "trade-up" policy. I had no emotional investment in the stone I had bought since it wasn't an engagement ring and after buying it I decided I would prefer a higher colored stone. I couldn't trade up, though.

On the other hand, I have never been able to trade up with anyone with whom I have done business and whom I have asked. I think Jonathan of Good Old Gold will allow people to trade up. I think Jan and Brad of DBOF will, too. (I have bought stones from them, but never wanted to change them.)

Does this help at all?

Deborah

 

[diamondlil]

Yes, Deborah, it helps. Since I already have my center stone, I would possibly only be purchasing the side stones from Tradeshop. Or I may get my side stones locally so I can see them and then send them to a designer.




FYI - ADOL is AffordableDiamondsOnLine.com. I did a search through Pricescope and found they are owned by the same family as Tradshop. Also, I emailed Ray Elsey yesterday since ccuheartnurse said she did the same and never got a response. I must say, Ray emailed me a response in a flash and seemed enthusiastic about my little project. I also noted that he cc'd my email to Beth ADOL so they must work hand-in-hand.




Diamondlil

 

[ccuheartnurse]

Yes they do work together. I'm not sure if the affiliation is friendship or family. But whatever it is, I hope they both provide you with what you want. As for me, I'm still waiting for a response.

Also so you know. Quite a bit of the jewelery you see on his site is in fact custom made, but a lot of what you see is also stock peices that he can just order from a manufacturing company. This might not make any difference in what you want, but it might mean a savings of time if he just orders it.

Good luck, & post pics of the designs your considering.

Judy

 

[Mara]

I haven't worked with TS but I did email for a quote and was emailed back within 12 hours, very friendly responses, quick to communicate, etc. I was really happy with the emails AND the price quoted for the work (it was a custom diamond bracelet). That particular project has since been put on hold..so I haven't worked with them, though I would probably have them do the work.




I think on DiamondTalk there are others who have used Tradeshop, you may want to run an archive search on there to see if you find other responses. The design galleries on Tradeshop are huge, where they show people's rings in progress etc. So obviously they DO get business, and what seems like alot of it.Their finished product pictures look pretty good too! I love looking at the design galleries...seeing what people do to modify basic styles or come up with their own very unique styles.




So I wouldn't necessarily rule them out of the picture yet, but definitely do more research. There will always be some negative feedback, you can't please everyone. But yes..if most of the feedback you run across is negative..keep looking. There are other custom jewelers out there who will be more than happy to create your dream ring. Have you looked at Leon Mege or similar? Pretty!!

 

[pyramid]

Just wanted to let you know that a few on Diamondtalk have used Mark Morrell for custom work. The photos posted look very good, the rings seem well designed and very well finished/polilshed. I think he has a website.


http://www.diamondtalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18540&highlight=Mark+Morrell

Here is a link to the work he has done.

 

[diamondlil]

Thanks Mara for your positive feedback. I have not ruled Tradeshop out. As a matter of fact, I emailed Ray Elsey twice with a couple of basic questions to see if I got a response. I was worried since TheDiamondangel and Ccuheartnurse tried to communicate with him with no response. I am happy to say, Ray emailed me back within an hour or so of each email.




I have sifted through all the galleries (which took quite a bit of time on a Sunday afternoon), and I saw several very unique designs that I would like to incorporate into my own one-of-a-kind. It was the wide variety of interesting and unique custom disigns that drew me to Tradeshop in the first place. I am hoping that since I have found several of their designs that inspire me, it will be easier to communicate my wishes to Ray and have him interpret them. Does that make sense?




Thanks, Pyramid, for your suggestion. Another friend of mine suggested Mark Morrell also. One thing I noticed on Mark Morrell's site is that they don't accept diamonds from their customers. I will need to send my stones to an appraiser who will in turn send them to Mark Morrell. I don't know if this is customary when it comes to custom-made settings. I guess it makes sense for everyone's protection. Just another step I suppose. I'm definitely getting the impression this is going to be a long (and possibly expensive) process.




Diamondlil

 

[fire&ice]

Diamondlil - I can give you two very competent people to contact if you want to drive to Charlottesville or Richmond, VA. Let me know - I can pm you. Also, I will be attending our local vetted/juried craftshow - several goldsmiths exhibit. If I recall correctly, some are from the metro DC area.

Also, DC has one of these shows around this time of year. I believe put on my the arts council. Also, as I suggested before, contact your local Arts Council. I'm sure they have several master platinum or goldsmiths listed. This is how I found all of the people who have done work for me.

 

[slyons29]

First-timer here but two thumbs up for Tradeshop! Came across Ray's website in 99 helping with reasearch on an engagement ring. Then I had Ray & Duane create 2 beautiful custom pieces for me, and one for my sister.

Below are links to all the work they've done for me:
This the very first ring Ray did -- anniversary band -- diamonds/emeralds in a celtic band (for sis)
http://www.tradeshop.com/temp19/lyons-celtic-done.jpg

The first ring Ray made for me personally based on the Tiffany Etoile in 18K white gold w/ diamonds and sapphires:
http://www.tradeshop.com/temp21/lyons-done.jpg

And finally, my most recent obsession made for me this summer:
http://www.tradeshop.com/temp22/lyons-engraved-done.jpg

Ring was crafted in platinum and 18Kt yellow gold. Their client preview pages are a must for anyone looking to understand the process of quality jewelry making.

E-mail me at [email protected] with questions. FYI, the custom etoile-style ring I had made was 40% LESS than what Tiffany wanted.

If I have to complain about anything, it was e-mail response time -- but that is it. Keep e-mailing them, they love cool fun projects!!!

I'm already planning 2004's project with them.

sl

 

[valeria101]

WOW! The cutting of that yellow (unheated?) sapphire is awesome

may I ask where it is from?

 

[slyons29]

Hi There! Love that you are half-way around the world and we are all discussing our jewelry passions. You may not believe this, but the center stone (which is about 3 carats) is a hand cut CZ. I shopped online for 3 months looking for a sapphire in light yellow in a cushion cut that gave off that much brilliance -- no luck. Ultimately, I plan to replace it with a canary diamond (maybe next year's tax return!).

I purchased the stone loose from www.czjewelry.com, though I had to call there toll free number to place the order -- colored stones in special cuts are not available for purchase on their website, but they will cut to spec for you. The stone cost me (no kidding) less than $75 American.

They are highly recommended by several independent websites, including The Diamond Guy at DCI.

If you are interested in purchasing from them, check out the website and call their out of US number at 561-361-6610.

I recently purchased 5 calibrated emerald cut clear stones (.5 cts each) that I plan to set in a band just for fun.

Happy New Year!!

sl

 

[Colored Gemstone Nut]

2 emails in the past week and still no response...

I'll try calling and give evryone an update wavey:]

 

[diamondlil]

Josh,


Hopefully Tradewhop will begin returning their emails and phone calls now that the holiday season is ending. Keep us informed. I will be contacting Ray myself in the next month or so about designing an e-ring and wedding ring -- as soon as I can firm up my own decisions on a design (New Year's resolution #1).




Diamondlil

 

[caratgirl]

How strange - when I was first looking for a custom setting for both my engagement and wedding rings, I sent two e-mails to Ray with their attached samples from his site, and I never got an e-mail back either! I finally gave up, thinking that was not the best way for a business relationship to begin.

 

[dryice]

same here. I emailed 3 times and called and left messages...nothing. It's been almost 2 weeks. I have given up. It's a shame because they have very competitve price. And I've heard good things about them.

But to be fair, i've noticed that there's a memorial page up on their main page. Perhaps there's been a death in the family? Also, there was the New Year holiday period. And as luck has it, there's a severe winter storm in Portland. Adding all these up, I decided to give them the benefit of the doubt and not post any negative comment here.

 

[cider]

Hi,

Tradeshop made a little ring for me. I wanted a small ring for a small hand with diamonds and a horse design.

Ray worked hard and went through several design revisions. The first ring he made and sent to us had poorly set border stones (not in line). He graciously took it back and remade it. The second ring was better, but the center stone was very dull. We complained and he explained it was some kind of residue. We returned it for cleaning and it came back fine.

The price was reasonable and the final work was good although there were a couple of false starts. I would work with them again (in fact, I'm about to order a companion ring to match the first one).

If you're curious, you can see the ring he made here: http://www.tradeshop.com/temp20/cunningham-done.jpg