Mark Morrell Alternative

[nsgujuboy]

Hi all,

I recently was saddened to learn Mark Morrell has stopped creating jewelry. I know he was beloved and wish him the best.

I live in the northeast (PA-NJ-NY-MD-CT) area and would love to hear if anyone has any alternative recommendations for other professionals who can make custom rings with platinum in the northeast. I appreciate any and all suggestions. Thank you!

 

[boxbits]

I didn't realize this was a permanent situation! Mark comments on the board every once in a while. Perhaps he'll chime in with some suggestions... or let us know he's back!

 

[purplesilk]

Not in the northeast, but many PSers recommend California based David Klass for custom rings.
Many other PSers love NY based Distinctive Gems.

 

[purplesilk]

California based Caysie Van Bebber is also very recommended.

 

[purplesilk]

Calling other PSers to chime in...

 

[molecule]

Steven Kirsch Official Website

Unique Jewelery - New York

stevenkirsch.com

Makes handmade Pt jewelry and is based out of NYC.

 

[Cerulean]

I would not recommend David Klass and especially not Distinctive Gems if you’re looking for the same level of craftsmanship and a handforged ring.

CVB is also not handforged, and has a very particular style. Much higher level of craftsmanship than Distinctive and better design than DK.

Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege and Victor Canera are PS regulars for handforged platinum solitaires and would closer to Mark Morrell.

I would not worry too much about location, as long as you choose someone in the continental US shipping is fairly straightforward and very common. But LM & SK are in NY, VC is LA.

 

[Jax172]

Oh no! That is so sad. I have three Mark Morrell creations and they simply don't compare to anything else I've owned. I hope others have good suggestions for you.

 

[MollyMalone]

I have long admired the remarkable fluidity, design, and finish of Mark Morrell's fabrications. But as a FYI, his handcrafted pieces were largely cast, not hand forged as @Cerulean's post suggests. In fact, when someone asked for suggestions as to who could do a hand forged variation on Mark's signature Torchiere, veteran PSers strongly urged the inquirer to abandon that idea & commission Mark instead:

Help!!! Confused about settings

Hello, lovely, smart, and helpful people of Pricescope! This is my first post - I have been reading the forums and the knowledge parts of the site and drooling over eye candy for weeks now. The boyfriend is letting me participate in the ring/diamond selection process, having (correctly)...

www.pricescope.com

Unfortunately, that does not appear possible for you (I keep hoping that there will be news of reopening on Mark's Facebook page, but that hasn't happened yet & it seems more unlikely as more time goes by). I myself can't think of anyone who has assumed/could assume Mark's unique mantle, but perhaps @yssie -- who explained in the 2012 thread I linked above why she thought, e.g., Victor Canera was not a good fit -- has a different perspective now or can offer suggestions that weren't known 10 years ago.

 

[Cerulean]

I have long admired the remarkable fluidity, design, and finish of Mark Morrell's fabrications. But as a FYI, his handcrafted pieces were largely cast, not hand forged as @Cerulean's post suggests. In fact, when someone asked for suggestions as to who could do a hand forged variation on Mark's signature Torchiere, veteran PSers strongly urged the inquirer to abandon that idea & commission Mark instead:

Help!!! Confused about settings

Hello, lovely, smart, and helpful people of Pricescope! This is my first post - I have been reading the forums and the knowledge parts of the site and drooling over eye candy for weeks now. The boyfriend is letting me participate in the ring/diamond selection process, having (correctly)...

www.pricescope.com

Unfortunately, that does not appear possible for you (I keep hoping that there will be news of reopening on Mark's Facebook page, but that hasn't happened yet & it seems more unlikely as more time goes by). I myself can't think of anyone who has assumed/could assume Mark's unique mantle, but perhaps @yssie -- who explained in the 2012 thread I linked above why she thought, e.g., Victor Canera was not a good fit -- has a different perspective now or can offer suggestions that weren't known 10 years ago.

Oh gosh, my mistake! I actually thought they were hand-forged! Apologies for the misinformation, OP! Of course now that I take a closer look at the designs, that makes sense. Some of them would've been a feat of engineering Thanks for correcting me @MollyMalone!

I will say, although they are different designs than MM, Maytal Hannah (she does hand-forged only) has captured a type of beautiful fluidity and organicness in her designs that to me, other hand-forged jewelers haven't. They are very different from the precision of SK and LM, and VC has a very specific art-deco vibe.

 

[LLJsmom]

In your area I would definitely see if you can stop by and visit with Steven Kirsch, if you like to meet people before committing. Super nice and easy to work with.

 

[Petalouda]

In your area I would definitely see if you can stop by and visit with Steven Kirsch, if you like to meet people before committing. Super nice and easy to work with.

I second this. My husband loved working with Steven and we wouldn’t hesitate using him again.

 

[nsgujuboy]

Thank you so much for all the insight and experience! I am sad to hear Mark is no longer working at this time - absolutely wish him the best. For now, I am going to give Steven Kirsch a try. Will keep all posted about my experience.