Masterpiece Jewels?

[midnightsunmatt]

Does anyone have any experience buying ring settings/mounts from www.masterpiecejewels.com ?

I really like this setting:

http://www.masterpiecejewels.com/masterpiecejewels.cfm//Antique-Engagement-Rings/Antique-Engagement-Rings/ART-DECO-STYLE-RING-R0247-more-images5.html

I do not know anything about the company, and I would really appreciate any of your opinions about the the reputability of the company, and your thoughts on this ring setting.

Thanks,

 

[midnightsunmatt]

Has anyone ever dealt with this company? Does anyone know about their workmanship?

 

[midnightsunmatt]

+

 

[Gypsy]

Hi Matt, I''ve never heard of them. But wanted to say... if I can be completely honest, that ring is huge and very overwelming. I know you want to get her something that stands alone. And that ring definitely accomplishes that... but it''s a little too big and too detailed. It''s like the engagement ring version of a superbowl ring.

I liked your tacori choices better. And despite the high price of those settings, at least the quality is something they stand behind.

 

[Hest88]

Oh, I''ve got to agree with Gypsy here. That ring is rather...gaudy.

 

[Gypsy]

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beverley-k-jewelry/rings/62PP1/49/ This one is just stunnning and can stand on it''s own beautifully.

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beverley-k-jewelry/rings/81PP1/49/ Then there is this one.

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beverley-k-jewelry/rings/26PP1/56/ Gorgeous.


http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/sasha-primak-jewelry/rings/05A1/ I ADORE this one. It should stand alone. Is graceful and elegant and pack so much bling into a classic ring.

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/peter-storm-jewelry/rings/33OO1/

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/gumuchian-fils-jewelry/rings/59J1/

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/carl-blackburn-jewelry/rings/44VV1/

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/ritani-jewelry/rings/76QQ1/

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/spark-jewelry/rings/62MM1/

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/durnell-jewelry/rings/35AA1/ Different, standalone, flowing and exceptionally well crafted.

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/gumuchian-fils-jewelry/rings/75J1/ Gorgeous, and looks a little like three bands. Past present and future.

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/peter-storm-jewelry/rings/32OO1/

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/sholdt-jewelry/rings/12ZZ1/

 

[midnightsunmatt]

Date: 2/12/2010 9:39:05 PM
Author: Gypsy
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beverley-k-jewelry/rings/62PP1/49/ This one is just stunnning and can stand on it''s own beautifully.


http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beverley-k-jewelry/rings/81PP1/49/ Then there is this one.


http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beverley-k-jewelry/rings/26PP1/56/ Gorgeous.



http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/sasha-primak-jewelry/rings/05A1/ I ADORE this one. It should stand alone. Is graceful and elegant and pack so much bling into a classic ring.


http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/peter-storm-jewelry/rings/33OO1/


http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/gumuchian-fils-jewelry/rings/59J1/


http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/carl-blackburn-jewelry/rings/44VV1/


http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/ritani-jewelry/rings/76QQ1/


http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/spark-jewelry/rings/62MM1/


http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/durnell-jewelry/rings/35AA1/ Different, standalone, flowing and exceptionally well crafted.


http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/gumuchian-fils-jewelry/rings/75J1/ Gorgeous, and looks a little like three bands. Past present and future.


http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/peter-storm-jewelry/rings/32OO1/


http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/sholdt-jewelry/rings/12ZZ1/

Gypsy,

It''s interesting, the first three that you linked were three that I had looked at and am considering.

The 1st one, with the floral theme is very pretty, and that one (or one similar) is a definite possibility.

The 2nd and 3rd ones you linked, were ones that I had already looked at and actually thought were quite similar to the one that I initially linked (superbowl ring). The 2nd one you linked is one of my favorites, but my thinking was it was similar to the one I linked, costs more (for platinum), has less diamonds, and the diamond in it is not raised (which I think might look kind of good, although it is very hard to tell from only looking at photos).

I do like both of those styles though: (floral themed band design) and (Antique style with open-work). I thought that the one I linked was a lot like the latter on the band, (although with a geometric art-deco thing going on where the diamond sits).

I don''t care for most of the bottom ones you linked (aside from the other floral one) because they look a lot like lots others out there and don''t really have any detailing that makes them stand out.

LOL, I''ll have to be careful about that. I certainly don''t want to buy a superbowl ring. I will start a new thread and link several of the ones I am considering and see what you think...

Thanks,

 

[Gypsy]

Hi Matt.

Wanted to explain what differentiates number 2 and 3 from the one you linked. It''s the halo. I think you need to pick between either a domed large band OR a halo setting. Combining the two is what is giving it the superbowl feeling. Just two strong design elements that don''t work well together, you need to pick one or the other. As I knew you wanted a stand alone strong outline I picked the dome element over the halo.

I love Beverly K''s designs. They are fabulous in real life and have great quality at a nice price point. Pearlmans sometimes offers ''package'' deals and they can get in H&A ideals (AGS0 H&A) so it might be worth a call to them to see what they can do for you if you decide on any of the top three.

Regarding the ''something different'' desire. I think that''s wonderful. In fact I custom designed my setting because I couldn''t find what I wanted out there so I TOTALLY understand the impulse. I do want to caution you on two fronts with that though. First, you are buying for someone else, not yourself. So conversative is usually safer. This is something she is going to wear for a long time and she needs to love it as much as you do. While I''m SURE she would love anything you buy her, everyone has preferences naturally. So while you should go for something more original than most of what''s out there, I would avoiid extemes as usually they are aquired tastes. Second, there is a reason that the Tiffany solitare is still a classic and why SO MANY women want solitaires. Like the little black dress, a set of great pearls, or diamond studs--- some things are eternal classics that everyone loves, that work for every occasion and that no one ''hates.''

Finally, without sterotyping TOO much and keeping in mind that I have never met your lady I want say that "bigger is better'' is VERY much an American thing. And that understanded streamlined designs are much more appreicated outside of the US, than here. Considering your wife is overseas, and was raised there, and considering her profession (and the salary range of teachers) I would be concerned about getting her something that says "look at me!!!" too much because Asian cultures in general do not stress the individual over the collective and standing out is not a good thing generally. So something that is too big, too ornate, or too busy and overpowering may have the exact oppositve effect than what you want. Instead of making her feel special, you might end up making her feel conspicuous. And personally, as a woman-- most woman do not want to feel conspicuous. And as a man, you don''t want this ring to sit in a jewelry box instead of gracing her finger because it is TOO much and makes her feel uncomfortable.

I really do think all the rings I linked you to are lovely and I know you have a preference for more vintage styles so just keep in mind that ''different'' is great, but too different isn''t.

 

[midnightsunmatt]

Date: 2/13/2010 1:47:55 AM
Author: Gypsy
Hi Matt.

Wanted to explain what differentiates number 2 and 3 from the one you linked. It''s the halo. I think you need to pick between either a domed large band OR a halo setting. Combining the two is what is giving it the superbowl feeling. Just two strong design elements that don''t work well together, you need to pick one or the other. As I knew you wanted a stand alone strong outline I picked the dome element over the halo.


I love Beverly K''s designs. They are fabulous in real life and have great quality at a nice price point. Pearlmans sometimes offers ''package'' deals and they can get in H&A ideals (AGS0 H&A) so it might be worth a call to them to see what they can do for you if you decide on any of the top three.


Regarding the ''something different'' desire. I think that''s wonderful. In fact I custom designed my setting because I couldn''t find what I wanted out there so I TOTALLY understand the impulse. I do want to caution you on two fronts with that though. First, you are buying for someone else, not yourself. So conversative is usually safer. This is something she is going to wear for a long time and she needs to love it as much as you do. While I''m SURE she would love anything you buy her, everyone has preferences naturally. So while you should go for something more original than most of what''s out there, I would avoiid extemes as usually they are aquired tastes. Second, there is a reason that the Tiffany solitare is still a classic and why SO MANY women want solitaires. Like the little black dress, a set of great pearls, or diamond studs--- some things are eternal classics that everyone loves, that work for every occasion and that no one ''hates.''


Finally, without sterotyping TOO much and keeping in mind that I have never met your lady I want say that ''bigger is better'' is VERY much an American thing. And that understanded streamlined designs are much more appreicated outside of the US, than here. Considering your wife is overseas, and was raised there, and considering her profession (and the salary range of teachers) I would be concerned about getting her something that says ''look at me!!!'' too much because Asian cultures in general do not stress the individual over the collective and standing out is not a good thing generally. So something that is too big, too ornate, or too busy and overpowering may have the exact oppositve effect than what you want. Instead of making her feel special, you might end up making her feel conspicuous. And personally, as a woman-- most woman do not want to feel conspicuous. And as a man, you don''t want this ring to sit in a jewelry box instead of gracing her finger because it is TOO much and makes her feel uncomfortable.


I really do think all the rings I linked you to are lovely and I know you have a preference for more vintage styles so just keep in mind that ''different'' is great, but too different isn''t.

You make some excellent points.

I still intend to post a new thread of settings to get your thoughts about. I was going to do it about two hours ago, but 6 of my students knocked on the door to visit (a sometimes amusing, sometimes not-so-much, aspect of the Eskimo culture here in the village)...

 

[Gypsy]

popping over to other thread!