more upset than I thought I''d be...

[Mara]

i agree, be direct and say look i feel like since you got sick, this particular project doesn''t seem as much of a priority. this bothers me because you have given me a few deadlines and they have all passed (or similar). i need to know if you can finish this project as promised, and if so, when. and this is the last deadline because after this i will take the project elsewhere (don''t say that you don''t know where). stress that you really want for her to finish the job as you two came up with the ideas together, but that you need your ring finished and you need to know that she is as much into the project as she was originally.

you don''t have to be rude or anything, just be up front. say what you think and stress you want her to help you here but you have to have some effort and priority made with it. and NIX the bread or gifts or whatever til they finish the job.

if they miss the deadline again or whatever, then i would just say sorry and end it. you are the customer and that doesn''t mean you get ignored. it also doesn''t mean you have to be rude but you can be honest and feel good about it too. good luck.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Cehra, I am on a trip but wanted to stop in quick and say that I am so sorry for this problem in getting your ring set. I think I would just say how sorry I am that she has been sick and since it appears that it is a problem for them to complete it, that you are going to look elsewhere. Then maybe they''ll get the idea that they''d better hurry up! I just hate to see you have to start all over. I''d set some sort of time limit..like say you''ll have a family gathering for Thanksgiving and the ring MUST be finished by then. Whatever happens, I just want you to end up with a great setting for that beautiful cushion!

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 11/9/2006 11:01:11 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
Cehra, I am on a trip but wanted to stop in quick and say that I am so sorry for this problem in getting your ring set. I think I would just say how sorry I am that she has been sick and since it appears that it is a problem for them to complete it, that you are going to look elsewhere. Then maybe they''ll get the idea that they''d better hurry up! I just hate to see you have to start all over. I''d set some sort of time limit..like say you''ll have a family gathering for Thanksgiving and the ring MUST be finished by then. Whatever happens, I just want you to end up with a great setting for that beautiful cushion!

oh thank you DS (guess you have a puter huh? hehe) that''s kind of you to take the time to reach out like this... and last week I did tell her I wanted it for thanksgiving which is part of why I''m so.... I''ve already resolved it won''t be done by then... which is fine.... it gives me a better excuse to play with my cousin''s oval since mine isn''t ready hehe There won''t be any "comparing" yanno?

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 11/9/2006 10:11:33 PM
Author: Mara
i agree, be direct and say look i feel like since you got sick, this particular project doesn''t seem as much of a priority. this bothers me because you have given me a few deadlines and they have all passed (or similar). i need to know if you can finish this project as promised, and if so, when. and this is the last deadline because after this i will take the project elsewhere (don''t say that you don''t know where). stress that you really want for her to finish the job as you two came up with the ideas together, but that you need your ring finished and you need to know that she is as much into the project as she was originally.

you don''t have to be rude or anything, just be up front. say what you think and stress you want her to help you here but you have to have some effort and priority made with it. and NIX the bread or gifts or whatever til they finish the job.

if they miss the deadline again or whatever, then i would just say sorry and end it. you are the customer and that doesn''t mean you get ignored. it also doesn''t mean you have to be rude but you can be honest and feel good about it too. good luck.

thanks mara - you''re right... and you''re right no more goodies for them!!!! IF I decide to stick it out there (and it really seems that the vast majority of responders in this thread think I should...) Ugh.... I''m going to think about it... I can go in on sat/sun and talk to them, but I really want to talk to dh about it first.

 

[longtimelurker]

Hey Cehra,

What a bummer this is so long and drawn out. If they can''t finish by thanksgiving....

And now jewelers are moving into primetime, where they''re working around the clock to meet all of the holiday jewelery demands.

 

[marvel]

Date: 11/9/2006 6:37:53 PM
Author:Cehrabehra
::deep sigh::

Well, last friday I gave the jeweler a list of things and asked that just ONE be done asap because it was the final step on the head, really... and I wanted the peace of mind that she understood that last bit... she said the next day... well I didn't hear from her, and a week passed and I stopped in unannounced today to take a peek. It didn't look like ANYTHING had been done... She keeps saying 'oh it's so close' and I'm thinking, it's not getting any closer.

So I took my diamond under the pretense that I am going to have to ship it away for appraisal, which is true.

And now I feel so deflated I don't even want to finish a ring of any sort (right now, sure that will change) and just forget about this for a while. I have no idea who I would have to take this over... and I haven't fallen in love with anything else. I still love my ring design and it is SO CLOSE but if it can't be made a priority enough to finish it, then what?

They kept talking about my bananas foster bread, almost hinting they wanted more... but I think i've lulled them into too much intimacy to the point I'm expendable. I'm the good customer ::patpatpat:: that can wait over there patiently while they work on the demanding aloof people.

I took some more pictures - not gonna bother sharing them cause they're boring and really for just in case I want to approach another ring designer about replicating/finishing this design.

So as a consolation I rubbed some of the wax off on my shirt and took a few more pics of my bare rock!!! It's been gone 6 weeks and I'd forgotten how it felt to have it with me... almost makes me want to cry to have it gone so long and back without a ring.

Back to the drawing board... oh, and if you've read this far... any thoughts on how to break the news to the local people? maybe make them a bunch of banana's foster bread and a note of condolence?

Can you see the red polish through the culet? love it!!!!

You had me at bananas foster bread

 

[Kay]

I hate confrontation, too, so I can understand your frustration. It probably seems like it would be easier to just walk away and start over with someone else, but it seems like a shame to start over if the jeweler "gets" your vision. I think you need to have an honest talk with her. Tell her you were really excited to work with her because she understood what you wanted, but lately you have been getting frustrated because it seems like your project keeps getting put on the back burner. Tell her that while you weren''t in a rush initially, after 6 weeks the project should be nearer to completion. Tell her you need a commitment that the ring will be completed by x date, or you need to find a new jeweler.

BTW, your stone is gorgeous.

 

[Cehrabehra]

okay you guys - you''re not gonna believe this....

Okay the designer L called me tonight at home from her home and we talked for over an hour... she was excited because she worked on the ring all night and wanted to know if I''d bring the diamond in tomorrow to check some things, we talked about it some more and talked about everything else, other ring details, store politics etc and she REALLY REALLY wants to do this, not out of obligation to anyone but because she feels like it''s her baby and wants to see it to fruition. Because I switched from the first jeweler there were some tensions she was trying to play down and early on felt uncomfortable working on the piece in front of the ''rejected'' jeweler. Now all of this is more soap opera than I *should* know I''m sure, but I''m not a formal person and I''m not good at professional boundaries - to me people are people and I love people at their most genuine. I told her I was disappointed and I told her what I expected (just let me know what is going on) and I feel tons better.... I admit I''m still *slightly reserved - kinda believe it when I see it, but I know she is genuinely involved in this and she really likes me and wants to do this for me and because it''s fun for her. I know she wants it to be perfect - we''ve discussed everything down to the shape of the mini prongs for the melee!! Talked about polishing the holes for the melee to avoid the dirt collection issues some have had as well as to brighten the stones up even more!

I really want this to work guys - could you just say a little prayer (I know, petty but still) that it goes smooth here on out... I really hate to end this when there is so much potential for a wonderful outcome. I feel slightly reserved and apprehensive, but mostly I feel relieved and excited and happy and those are good things!

Thanks you guys!! Thank you!! Thanks for cheering me up and making me smile

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 11/10/2006 12:38:56 AM
Author: ltl
Hey Cehra,

What a bummer this is so long and drawn out. If they can''t finish by thanksgiving....

And now jewelers are moving into primetime, where they''re working around the clock to meet all of the holiday jewelery demands.

hey LTL! I''m hopeful... maybe not by turkey day but as long as things are progressing and not just left while telling me things that aren''t happening...

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 11/10/2006 12:48:45 AM
Author: marvel

You had me at bananas foster bread

it''s REALLY good!!! instead of half brown half white use all brown (I use dark brown) and add some rum flavor!!! very very yummmmmmmy!!!!!

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 11/10/2006 12:49:07 AM
Author: Kay
I hate confrontation, too, so I can understand your frustration. It probably seems like it would be easier to just walk away and start over with someone else, but it seems like a shame to start over if the jeweler ''gets'' your vision. I think you need to have an honest talk with her. Tell her you were really excited to work with her because she understood what you wanted, but lately you have been getting frustrated because it seems like your project keeps getting put on the back burner. Tell her that while you weren''t in a rush initially, after 6 weeks the project should be nearer to completion. Tell her you need a commitment that the ring will be completed by x date, or you need to find a new jeweler.

BTW, your stone is gorgeous.

Thank you!!!

I''m so glad she called me and I didn''t have to confront anything.... I mean I did confront EVERYTHING but I didn''t have to instigate the conversation. I gave her several opportunities to get out if she didn''t want to do it, didn''t think she had the support to do it, didn''t think the owner wanted her to do it, didn''t feel comfortable doing it, didn''t have time whatever - I gave her every out I could and she really wants to do it and *that* is worth something to me.

I''ll take my camera in tomorrow and ::crossing fingers:: even if everthing isn''t done, if that one head issue is I''ll be content for now.

 

[mrssalvo]

good luck Cehra...i hope everything works out exactly how you''re wanting...

 

[Ellen]

Cehra, I'm so glad she called, her ears must have been burning.

Still, you need to get a finish date from her, period.

Good luck!

p.s. Do not doubt your stone, it's beautiful!!!

 

[LdyNghtWng]

I give up!

Betty Crocker has so many different banana bread recipes, it is not to be believed.
Seriously she needs to get a life, maybe buy some jewelry!

Can you share the whole recipe? I have the ripened bananas sitting on
my counter, ready for sacrifice!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 11/10/2006 9:43:33 AM
Author: LdyNghtWng
I give up!

Betty Crocker has so many different banana bread recipes, it is not to be believed.
Seriously she needs to get a life, maybe buy some jewelry!

Can you share the whole recipe? I have the ripened bananas sitting on
my counter, ready for sacrifice!

LMAO!

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 11/10/2006 8:31:51 AM
Author: Ellen
Cehra, I''m so glad she called, her ears must have been burning.

Still, you need to get a finish date from her, period.

Good luck!

p.s. Do not doubt your stone, it''s beautiful!!!

:*) thank you!!!! It''s just such a funky duck LOL

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 11/10/2006 9:43:33 AM
Author: LdyNghtWng
I give up!

Betty Crocker has so many different banana bread recipes, it is not to be believed.
Seriously she needs to get a life, maybe buy some jewelry!

Can you share the whole recipe? I have the ripened bananas sitting on
my counter, ready for sacrifice!

here ya go - posted it elsewhere since it''s horrendously off topic here LOL!!!

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/bananas-foster-bread.53221/

 

[FacetFire]

Date: 11/10/2006 1:55:56 AM
Author: Cehrabehra
okay you guys - you''re not gonna believe this....

Okay the designer L called me tonight at home from her home and we talked for over an hour... she was excited because she worked on the ring all night and wanted to know if I''d bring the diamond in tomorrow to check some things, we talked about it some more and talked about everything else, other ring details, store politics etc and she REALLY REALLY wants to do this, not out of obligation to anyone but because she feels like it''s her baby and wants to see it to fruition. Because I switched from the first jeweler there were some tensions she was trying to play down and early on felt uncomfortable working on the piece in front of the ''rejected'' jeweler. Now all of this is more soap opera than I *should* know I''m sure, but I''m not a formal person and I''m not good at professional boundaries - to me people are people and I love people at their most genuine. I told her I was disappointed and I told her what I expected (just let me know what is going on) and I feel tons better.... I admit I''m still *slightly reserved - kinda believe it when I see it, but I know she is genuinely involved in this and she really likes me and wants to do this for me and because it''s fun for her. I know she wants it to be perfect - we''ve discussed everything down to the shape of the mini prongs for the melee!! Talked about polishing the holes for the melee to avoid the dirt collection issues some have had as well as to brighten the stones up even more!

I really want this to work guys - could you just say a little prayer (I know, petty but still) that it goes smooth here on out... I really hate to end this when there is so much potential for a wonderful outcome. I feel slightly reserved and apprehensive, but mostly I feel relieved and excited and happy and those are good things!

Thanks you guys!! Thank you!! Thanks for cheering me up and making me smile

Oh, I''m SO glad things are looking up a bit. I felt so bad for you when I first read this thread that I actually held off posting for a little while because I wanted to be positive and upbeat for you. I think all this trouble is going to be well worth it when you have that baby on your hand. Your stone is such a unique and beautiful rock that it really deserves a comparable piece to display it. I can''t wait to see some pics when you go tomorrow!

 

[ff]

I am so happy to hear things are turning around. Having a bench jeweler that you can really work with both profesionally and on a personal level will give you such a great product in the end. Keep on her and don''t let the momentum get lost and I''m sure you''ll have something absolutely spectacular in no time.

 

[Kaleigh]

I''m glad she called you cehra. I hope all goes well from here on in. Can''t wait to hear what you see tomorrow. Good luck!!!

 

[Mara]

It''s wonderful that she called you, it at least shows some proactivity going on....and that you guys had a frank conversation. I would get a deadline date from her though ASAP. OR lie and tell her you need the ring by XYZ because of an event or something. Then quiite honestly, I would call to check in about every 3-4 days...and when you call, ask about the ''continued progress'' of the ring. You really need to stay on top of this in my opinion if you want to get it done in a timeline you feel happy with. But I think it''s positive progress. Good luck!

 

[SuzyQZ]

Yay!!!

Those grey skies really cleared up didn''t they???
Can''t wait to see pictures of the new and improved wax!!
I agree with everyone... Make her commit to a delivery date.

Yay... I''m so happy that she''s back on track!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Great news, Cehra! And no thing is too small to pray for! Can''t wait to see it!

 

[kcoursolle]

Wonderful news Cehra, I''ll be wishing good thoughts that it turns out beautifully!

 

[longtimelurker]

Date: 11/10/2006 2:02:22 AM
Author: Cehrabehra

Date: 11/10/2006 12:49:07 AM
Author: Kay
I hate confrontation, too, so I can understand your frustration. It probably seems like it would be easier to just walk away and start over with someone else, but it seems like a shame to start over if the jeweler ''gets'' your vision. I think you need to have an honest talk with her. Tell her you were really excited to work with her because she understood what you wanted, but lately you have been getting frustrated because it seems like your project keeps getting put on the back burner. Tell her that while you weren''t in a rush initially, after 6 weeks the project should be nearer to completion. Tell her you need a commitment that the ring will be completed by x date, or you need to find a new jeweler.

BTW, your stone is gorgeous.

Thank you!!!

I''m so glad she called me and I didn''t have to confront anything.... I mean I did confront EVERYTHING but I didn''t have to instigate the conversation. I gave her several opportunities to get out if she didn''t want to do it, didn''t think she had the support to do it, didn''t think the owner wanted her to do it, didn''t feel comfortable doing it, didn''t have time whatever - I gave her every out I could and she really wants to do it and *that* is worth something to me.

I''ll take my camera in tomorrow and ::crossing fingers:: even if everthing isn''t done, if that one head issue is I''ll be content for now.

Hi Cehra,

I keep waiting & waiting for pictures. Please tell me it''s good news....

 

[FacetFire]

Me too! Any pics yet?

 

[:)]

Cautiously optimistic for you!

C, a thought - she may truly want to do the ring (as evidenced in your conversation with her), she just may not be capable at this time - whether it be due to illness or something else. It isn''t meant to be offensive towards you (or your BF bread!), it may simply be that she is not physically or mentally able to right now.

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 11/14/2006 3:40:24 PM
Author: ltl
Hi Cehra,

I keep waiting & waiting for pictures. Please tell me it''s good news....

I don''t have any pics, I''m waiting for something drastic to happen... and finally today there was a bit of a breakthrough. I''ve been going in 1-3 times a week and it is frustrating, but at the same time, they do seem to care enough to get it *right* and are also being patient with me... I don''t know that I''m a perfectionist as much or if she just hasn''t done it right yet... I''m not even going to judge that one. I think what happened today was a breakthrough but it really wasn''t all that complicated that it shouldn''t have been figured out earlier. Basically on the sides above the shank I want the same type of ''lip'' or roll or whatever it''s called that makes the V in the front - on the sides but in a shallow u shape. Today I told her to stop trying to protect the shanks. I mean really... the whole ring was done by that other jeweler *wrong* and this woman is so... she''s like walking on egg shells NOT to change the other jeweler''s stuff but really she HAS to! I''m still frustrated but I''ve not given up yet. I gave her the chance to take a two week break and I was going to end it and she''s been calling me almost every day. She''s put more hours into this than she ever should have. I really don''t feel responsible for that at ALL but I don''t know if her boss feels that way.