HELP! IS THIS NORMAL? IDJ Five Stone U-prong

[Cricket02]

Good morning, Pricescope community! Seeking your skilled eyes and expert opinions. I ordered and received a five stone u-prong ring from IDJ. Joy quickly turned to disappointment when I saw the workmanship. The setting was a complete mess. How did this even make it out of the shop, did they think the customer wouldn't notice? After getting over the initial insult, I worked with IDJ to return and fix the ring, providing them a list of my concerns and photos. A week after they said they received the ring, I still hadn't heard back. I emailed them and was told the ring was ready! Was that good news? We hadn't discussed what they determined upon their own inspection. I asked if a new setting had been made and they confirmed, saying "everything is new". They also sent me photos and video of the 2nd attempt, which I received last night. I want to believe it's a new ring, but I still see some common issues. Even if it's a new setting, is this the best I can expect from IDJ? I can't tell if I'm being too picky, and just can't un-see the "old" ring and its many issues. I'm attaching a photo, and asking you to tell me what you see. I don't want to express my concerns for fear of influencing you. I need some objectivity! I do recognize that macro photography will show every tiny flaw - but the IDJ u-prong rings I see on Pricescope, similarly photographed, look much better to me. Am I losing my mind?

 

[Cricket02]

Attaching another photo, comparing the two. First ring is on the bottom.

 

[Kaycee2018]

Yikes. The new ring on top looks better than the first ring, but the metalwork is still pretty messy. I actually purchased a stock 5 stone U Prong from IDJ a couple years ago (ended up returning it and having them make a custom shared prong because the U Prong set too high) and it did not look like these photos. Sorry you are having this experience. I would push for better quality in the matlwork or get a refund.

 

[HollyJane]

I can also see the issues in your photos. I am NOT a very particular person, and even I would be unsatisfied with this work and voice the problems with IDJ. It looks like they rushed through this job or kept trying to fix the same issue.

 

[Queenie60]

You should reach out to @Yekutiel - he takes pride in customer satisfaction and I am positive that he will make this right for you.

 

[Sprinkles&Stones]

Attaching another photo, comparing the two. First ring is on the bottom.

wow.... I am NOT a picky person AT ALL, I've had issues with some jewelry but am too shy and just suck it up and be sad. But even this shocks me. I would go back for this too.... I can't believe that!!! Especially since I know this is a expensive ring! What's going on?!

 

[junebug17]

Ok, I am so embarrassed to admit this but I'm not sure what's wrong? Is it that the metalwork looks uneven? I was thinking they are just reflections? Going from others' responses I must be wrong. Or is it that the two end stones are set up a bit higher in the setting?

 

[HollyJane]

Ok, I am so embarrassed to admit this but I'm not sure what's wrong? Is it that the metalwork looks uneven? I was thinking they are just reflections? Going from others' responses I must be wrong. Or is it that the two end stones are set up a bit higher in the setting?

The unevenness in the metal work is what jumped out at me. Also, seems unpolished in some places or rough surface.

 

[KristyDarling]

The metal work in both versions looks kind of lumpy and irregular to me - not refined and smooth. I'm sure they can do better and though I've never worked with them before, they have a great reputation and I'm guessing they would be glad to address your concerns.

 

[737liz]

Yay for a 5 stone! But yes, I see some issues too. What I see:

U shapes are not fluid as they are abruptly flat bottomed.

U shapes either have uneven polish or are actually uneven thichnesses, hard to tell from a pic

Each U is a different shape from the next

Shank meet execution looks fine, especially compared to the disaster of the first attempt. However, not sure this is the kind of shank you were expecting? It seems to lack fluidity, which is what a U prong is all about. Did you expect the shank to meet the upper part of the U setting?


Sorry this isn't going smoothly.

 

[junebug17]

The unevenness in the metal work is what jumped out at me. Also, seems unpolished in some places or rough surface.

Ok, thanks!

 

[mrs-b]

Hi @Cricket02 -

Wow. That's a whoooole lotta metal in those U baskets! I'd want them thinned down (a lot), and I *really* don't like the flattened, uneven bottoms. I'd also start a new thread right away, asking for photos of IDJ U prong settings, so you have photos of better versions you can send to IDJ for examples of what you expected.

But - most importantly - what does it look like from above?? Because, if the prong work is as bad as the basket work....

 

[Cricket02]

Yikes. The new ring on top looks better than the first ring, but the metalwork is still pretty messy. I actually purchased a stock 5 stone U Prong from IDJ a couple years ago (ended up returning it and having them make a custom shared prong because the U Prong set too high) and it did not look like these photos. Sorry you are having this experience. I would push for better quality in the matlwork or get a refund.

I'm relieved to hear you say that. I agree it's an improvement, but maybe we're not there yet. Thanks for taking the time to respond!

 

[Cricket02]

I can also see the issues in your photos. I am NOT a very particular person, and even I would be unsatisfied with this work and voice the problems with IDJ. It looks like they rushed through this job or kept trying to fix the same issue.

I agree! It looks overworked to me, too. Thank you for your opinion!

 

[Cricket02]

You should reach out to @Yekutiel - he takes pride in customer satisfaction and I am positive that he will make this right for you.

I may need to do that! Thank you for the suggestion!

 

[Cricket02]

wow.... I am NOT a picky person AT ALL, I've had issues with some jewelry but am too shy and just suck it up and be sad. But even this shocks me. I would go back for this too.... I can't believe that!!! Especially since I know this is a expensive ring! What's going on?!

It wasn't cheap, that I'll admit. It's 2.00 ctw. I had inquired about 1.75 ctw, but was told they couldn't do that?? The first ring was a train wreck - I haven't shared pictures of the other side, which was so much worse. I appreciate your feedback!

 

[Cricket02]

Ok, I am so embarrassed to admit this but I'm not sure what's wrong? Is it that the metalwork looks uneven? I was thinking they are just reflections? Going from others' responses I must be wrong. Or is it that the two end stones are set up a bit higher in the setting?

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I'm struggling with the thought I'm being too picky. I keep going back to pictures of others, and I can't deny they look much better.

 

[Cricket02]

The metal work in both versions looks kind of lumpy and irregular to me - not refined and smooth. I'm sure they can do better and though I've never worked with them before, they have a great reputation and I'm guessing they would be glad to address your concerns.

Thank you for sharing! Yes, lumpy is how I'd describe it too. Like you, I've always heard dynamite things about IDJ. This was my first purchase.

 

[Cricket02]

Yay for a 5 stone! But yes, I see some issues too. What I see:

U shapes are not fluid as they are abruptly flat bottomed.

U shapes either have uneven polish or are actually uneven thichnesses, hard to tell from a pic

Each U is a different shape from the next

Shank meet execution looks fine, especially compared to the disaster of the first attempt. However, not sure this is the kind of shank you were expecting? It seems to lack fluidity, which is what a U prong is all about. Did you expect the shank to meet the upper part of the U setting?


Sorry this isn't going smoothly.

You nailed exactly what I was thinking. The shank is a big improvement, but I think you're right. It's not fluid or as rounded as I hoped. It's almost u-shaped, and maybe a little off center - leaning to the left?? The prongs are the bigger disappointment. They look melted to me, and overworked. They are not uniform, but again - a slight improvement over the first attempt. I had hoped after the embarrassment of that one, I would see much better product this time. Thanks for your input!

 

[Cricket02]

Hi @Cricket02 -

Wow. That's a whoooole lotta metal in those U baskets! I'd want them thinned down (a lot), and I *really* don't like the flattened, uneven bottoms. I'd also start a new thread right away, asking for photos of IDJ U prong settings, so you have photos of better versions you can send to IDJ for examples of what you expected.

But - most importantly - what does it look like from above?? Because, if the prong work is as bad as the basket work....

That's an excellent idea! Thank you! They've provided me with one picture of the top and it's difficult to see the prong work. The first ring was clearly crooked from the top, had uneven gaps between he diamonds, and tables pointed off in different directions. So disheartening! Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts!

 

[junebug17]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I'm struggling with the thought I'm being too picky. I keep going back to pictures of others, and I can't deny they look much better.

I understand...I was having trouble distinguishing between rough metal work and reflections - I'm sorry about the ring and hopefully IDJ will make it right for you.

 

[Cricket02]

Thanks again, Junebug! The thought I said I was struggling with was all my own. I hope you didn’t think I meant the thoughts you were sharing. Appreciate your honest feedback!

 

[stonehunter20]

i am on the not too picky side and i can notice the metal does not look smooth or clean. it looks... bent? it does not have that fluid feel

 

[junebug17]

Thanks again, Junebug! The thought I said I was struggling with was all my own. I hope you didn’t think I meant the thoughts you were sharing. Appreciate your honest feedback!

Oh no worries, I knew what you meant! You should be completely happy with your ring and I'm so sorry it wasn't fixed properly the first time. I totally get that it's an expensive item and it's stressful and disappointing when it's not as expected.

eta- and I didn’t mean to question what you were seeing, my apologies!

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

@Cricket02 i don’t think you’re being too picky at all. To my eye I think the second ring, while much improved, looks lumpy and unfinished still. The baskets are too thick for me (unless that’s the kind of look you asked for) and uneven. And while the joint of the basket to the shank is much better on the 2nd attempt, it still appears badly done, I would expect a smooth line.

I hope you can get an easy resolution by calling them. It might help to have sample pics of other rings on hand or mark out what you don’t like on this ring to facilitate discussion. All else fails I hope you’re able to return it. Best of luck!

 

[Cricket02]

i am on the not too picky side and i can notice the metal does not look smooth or clean. it looks... bent? it does not have that fluid feel

Thank you for weighing in! I agree, it’s not very fluid. I see components attached together, rather than a solid, unified ring. I thought at first it was the difference in metals, but I don’t think it would look any more fluid or unified being one color.

 

[Cricket02]

@Cricket02 i don’t think you’re being too picky at all. To my eye I think the second ring, while much improved, looks lumpy and unfinished still. The baskets are too thick for me (unless that’s the kind of look you asked for) and uneven. And while the joint of the basket to the shank is much better on the 2nd attempt, it still appears badly done, I would expect a smooth line.

I hope you can get an easy resolution by calling them. It might help to have sample pics of other rings on hand or mark out what you don’t like on this ring to facilitate discussion. All else fails I hope you’re able to return it. Best of luck!

Thank you for

@Cricket02 i don’t think you’re being too picky at all. To my eye I think the second ring, while much improved, looks lumpy and unfinished still. The baskets are too thick for me (unless that’s the kind of look you asked for) and uneven. And while the joint of the basket to the shank is much better on the 2nd attempt, it still appears badly done, I would expect a smooth line.

I hope you can get an easy resolution by calling them. It might help to have sample pics of other rings on hand or mark out what you don’t like on this ring to facilitate discussion. All else fails I hope you’re able to return it. Best of luck!

I’m so grateful for your opinion! And not just because we agree - LOL! The baskets are not how I imagined them. I think I’ll rest easier tonight knowing I haven’t lost my mind. Thank you!

 

[GliderPoss]

Yeah second attempt is better but still not perfect...the prongs look kinda thick, lumpy and uneven. I’d reach out again or simply get a refund and go elsewhere.

 

[singleice]

I by no means do i have an eye for this stuff but clearly the prong work is messy as some PS have mentioned. No your not being picky. I've worked with ID jewelry is the past and this is surprising. I'm sure if you reach out to Yekutiel he will make right. Please keep us updated.

 

[missy]

Everyone makes mistakes. The difference between great vendors and not great ones are how they deal with those mistakes. Reach out to Yekutiel directly and I bet he makes this right for you. Good luck!