Merry and Bright - a work in progress....

[mrs-b]

Hi @metall - thanks for your nice comments!

Here's the link to what I did with the stones in my profile photo. However - I've dropped these off to DKJ recently and am having them extended, as I'd like them to be a little longer so they don't get so lost in my hair. I'm having a round and a princess added, and the drop will go from roughly 1 1/2" to 2 1/2", and from around 2.7ctw to 4.5ctw. More of a full on 'going out' sort of earrings.

 

[PierreBear]

Hi @PierreBear - no problem at all!

I think it depends with whom you work. DKJ has always been the gold standard, to my way of thinking, for being willing to re-cast. We discussed right up front that we might have to try 2 or more castings to get this ring the way we wanted it to look - especially with the proportions being as specific as they were (the diamond sides in this ring are WAY bigger than normal, so we knew we might have to play around with it for a bit). So we went into this knowing multiple castings were expected and they made it clear to me that we would recast till we got it right - no extra charge involved.

However, having said that, no jeweler WANTS to recast - it takes man hours and generates expenses, obviously. But DKJ has always been willing to go the extra mile on this to make customers happy. Down the other end of the spectrum, tho, I had a horrible experience with one of the 'elite' jewelers popular on these boards who was unwilling to send me any photos prior to shipping me the ring. We agreed beforehand on everything that needed to be done and I sat in his office, drawing up details (nothing particularly tricky) of what I wanted, and it was all 'completely doable'. But when the ring came, it was different to what I'd wanted on numerous significant points, and he said "If you want this re-done, I will charge you the full price a second time." Just extraordinary. So that's the two extremes on recasting.

So the trick is to find someone who can do what you want, but who is willing to re-cast if it doesn't come out - firstly, like what you agree on or - secondly (and this is far more rare) if it doesn't come out in a way that you like when you see the finished piece. Be aware, tho, if you agree to a set of CADs, and the jeweler follows the CAD's exactly, you really don't have a lot of recourse if you don't like the finished piece. DKJ is the only jeweler I know who will re-cast for free in that scenario, tho I suspect other jewelers, like CvB might be generous in this direction also. But if the fault is theirs, most jewelers will recast for free, or for a minimal charge. But not my guy with whom I had the bad experience. He wouldn't even consider it for less than the price of a whole new ring. Nasty.

Thank you so much for sharing your insight and experience! Sorry to learn that you did receive an end product that you weren't happy with and the only recourse was to pay to redo it. I can only imagine the heart burn and the soured feelings instead of being excited for a beautiful piece to commemorate a memory or anniversary etc.

I hate to be really dense but wanted to be thorough for learning purposes. With the casting part occurring after the CAD design, how would one truly "agree" to a set of CADS that can guarantee it's what you were looking for as CADs are often bulkier than real life. Is this where people would pay the extra fee to get a wax molding of the ring made? Then one could try it on to at least be certain of the proportions. However, there is still some unpredictability as I'm assuming the wax doesn't show milgrain but I suppose even if this part is cast it can be changed? Just smooth the finish and milgrain again? Aiyaya... haha I think I need a tutorial on how to make a ring. haha.. any other thoughts you can share on being cautious with the custom route is much appreciated!

 

[metall]

Hi @metall - thanks for your nice comments!

Here's the link to what I did with the stones in my profile photo. However - I've dropped these off to DKJ recently and am having them extended, as I'd like them to be a little longer so they don't get so lost in my hair. I'm having a round and a princess added, and the drop will go from roughly 1 1/2" to 2 1/2", and from around 2.7ctw to 4.5ctw. More of a full on 'going out' sort of earrings.

Wowza! that is indeed going to make a beautiful going out piece. Photos when complete please!

 

[mrs-b]

Thank you so much for sharing your insight and experience! Sorry to learn that you did receive an end product that you weren't happy with and the only recourse was to pay to redo it. I can only imagine the heart burn and the soured feelings instead of being excited for a beautiful piece to commemorate a memory or anniversary etc.

I hate to be really dense but wanted to be thorough for learning purposes. With the casting part occurring after the CAD design, how would one truly "agree" to a set of CADS that can guarantee it's what you were looking for as CADs are often bulkier than real life. Is this where people would pay the extra fee to get a wax molding of the ring made? Then one could try it on to at least be certain of the proportions. However, there is still some unpredictability as I'm assuming the wax doesn't show milgrain but I suppose even if this part is cast it can be changed? Just smooth the finish and milgrain again? Aiyaya... haha I think I need a tutorial on how to make a ring. haha.. any other thoughts you can share on being cautious with the custom route is much appreciated!

@PierreBear -

I actually don't find the custom route that stressful. Mainly, I think, because I know what I want, which is absolutely key.

As for CADs, you just have to look at them and then imagine them slimmed down somewhat. You can afford to have some faith in your jeweler in this. Pick a jeweler who is experienced in fine work, so you know the finish will be what you want.

Wax moldings will give you an overall feel, but they're also bulkier than the final ring will be, so same problem as with CADs. At least you can get an idea of how it will look on your finger. I've never bothered with them, tho DKJ did send me one once. I know what various sized stones look like on my finger, so haven't felt the need for them, but some people find them very useful.

I really do think the key is in knowing what you want. Take your time, shop around, talk to people here, pick a good jeweler, TRY ON A LOT OF THINGS - and then be very, very clear in your requests - putting it all in writing. Jewelry OFTEN needs to be tweaked. Make sure you choose a jeweler who is capable of correcting errors or making minute changes. And if super-fine is what you want, I would suggest going with hand forged, not cast. And frankly, if it has to be PERFECT, there's a very short list of people I would recommend. But some jewelers are better than others at holding your hand through the process. Choose wisely, and you'll be fine.