Need help with Harry Winston reset, help!

[md74]

When we got married we purchased my wedding rings from Harry Winston. One is a plain wedding band that I wear next to my engagement ring, and one is the Harry Winston diamond flex band. It was part of the ceremony, and was also my wedding present. When we purchased it, we asked about choosing it for a wedding band and upkeep. We were told it would be fine to wear as a wedding ring, and any needed repairs could be done as time went on. I planned to wear this ring forever. Well, it just broke for the second time, and we were told Harry Winston will not repair it.

I wore my ring for 13 years. Then one day in 2018, it spontaneously broke. No accident, it just fell off my hand. So, we took it to Harry Winston in NYC, fully expecting an easy repair. They repaired the broken connection. But when I went to pick it up it was lying flat on the table, having been stretched during their repair by more than a ring size. They initially denied this. The ring flew off my hand onto the floor of the showroom. They finally admitted it was stretched during repair. They said they saw the diamond flex bands routinely come in for repair (though it had been fine for me for daily wear for 13 years), and that they no longer made the ring and no longer had the molds. However, before they told me that one salesperson told me it had been made by special request for one woman, I believe within the last couple of years at that time. They agreed that the best thing would have been to remake the ring, but that they had no one any longer who knew how to do this level of work. They gave us a choice of making it a solid inflexible band, or adding sizing bars to take up the space created during their initial repair. We weren't happy, but chose the sizing bars in hopes of preserving at least some of what made this an amazing ring. Adding a bunch of sizing bars changed the ring and the way it lay on my finger, and all of the connections were so stretched they could be seen between the pieces of the ring in a way they couldn't be before the repair. There was disappointingly nothing we could do except live with it.

About a month ago, my ring broke again. I didn't do anything. It just fell off. You can see the whisp of metal connection that broke in my attached picture. Harry Winston is unwilling to do any repair other than make it into a solid inflexible ring. The last repair did not go well. We do not want a solid ring. And given their previous work, we have little faith it would turn out well. So, we decided with great regret to move on.

Does anyone know of anyone who could remake my ring? It is devastating to us that we chose what we thought was a very reputable company that would always stand behind their product, that this was part of our wedding and blessed by a priest and has always been on my finger, and they can't and won't fix it. We just hope to find someone who can remake this
beautiful ring so that I can continue to wear my wedding ring and wedding present.

Thank you

 

[diamondseeker2006]

You will drastically loose value on the ring if you have it remade by anyone else. If HW can't fix it and doesn't make them anymore since they aren't reliable settings, then I think it would be a horrible mistake to try to have anyone else do it. When I was reading your story, I was hoping you were going to say you had them remake it into a solid, non-flexible ring. I still think that is the best option, and will retain the branding of HW.

 

[LLJsmom]

Good luck! This seems like a very difficult situation. I wouldn’t trust anyone else to make it. If it were me I would just get a new ring. I’m just afraid that asking anyone else to do it is just asking for disappointment. But I hope you find someone.

 

[RunningwithScissors]

Oh Gosh this looks like a beautiful ring. I'm sorry you are having to deal with this.

 

[SimoneDi]

Have HW make it onto a solid ring and do not have anyone else work on the existing ring. A flexible ring would not be durable enough to be worn as a daily wedding band regardless of what you were told before. You are very lucky the ring actually lasted 13 years.

 

[Polabowla]

Looks like an increase piece of jewelry; I'm sorry it broke twice. You must feel so terrible.
If you don't mind losing the inherent value of HW would you maybe incorporate it into a bracelet or necklace and get a different ring for daily wear?

 

[lovedogs]

I definitely agree with others about having it made into a solid ring.

 

[yssie]

Have them remake it into a solid band if longevity is a concern.

Any piece with moving parts is going to wear down more quickly than solid immobile structs - especially when the moving parts are delicate hinges, and the piece is one that sees routine heavy wear (like a ring). To be honest the fact that the original actually lasted thirteen years is the part of this story that astonishes me!

 

[md74]

I understand everyone's response so far.

I did have this ring checked routinely. In the first 13 years, I once had one tiny prong replaced. I was told it was in otherwise fine condition every time I had it checked. I was always assured that if the ring needed any repair, it would be repaired. We were willing to pay for any repair. The ring was damaged in 2018 by the repair done by Harry Winston when one connection had broken. They apparently no longer knew how to repair it, and the person who repaired it polished it and stretch it out so it sized something like a 7 1/2 (going off memory) rather than a 6 1/2. Now it has broken again. We would gladly pay to have Harry Winston remake the whole ring using the same stones. They are unable and unwilling to do this. The offer to make it into a solid ring is full of caveats I did not mention in detail above. The solid band that the separated pieces of the current ring will be put onto would be visible from the top and the sides and the pieces may not be set equidistant from each other. Given what we've already experienced, we expect it to be a hack job. We are looking for someone to remake the ring.

 

[xxxxxx]

If you don’t trust Harry Winston I would contact Steven Kirsch. He is NYC and maybe would be willing to work with your existing ring (:

 

[Sexypiggy]

I would get them to reset it first. If you are not satisfied then go elsewhere

 

[seaurchin]

Sorry you're being put through this mess- ugh.

David Klass Jewelry seems quite well regarded around here so you might try contacting him about re-making the ring as you originally purchased and want. I had a ring made by him recently and am very pleased with it.

Also, you've probably already thought of this but you might want to consider a legal remedy if the original ring came with a lifetime warranty that's not being honored and/or because of the botched repair job they did on it etc.

 

[Rfisher]

How far have you gone up the management chain?
I hate to complain and move up the chain, but in instance like this I would, to keep it a HW product.
I mean - the whole organization has no better offer than to give a subpar fix or a shrug of the shoulders?

 

[lissyflo]

Is there any way HW could repurpose your existing flex ring into a piece that would be subject to less stress? It’s beautiful and sentimental, but if it’s not robust enough for daily wear as a ring would they be willing to attach a chain so you can use it as a bracelet say, or even as 2 earring dangles? That way you have your original ring (sort of) exactly as is and could enjoy it with less worry whilst still retaining all the sentiment and blessings etc. Or maybe even repair it in ring shape but to be worn on a chain as a pendant? I assume it’s the likelihood of further future damage that’s stopping them from repairing it in its current iteration; if you make clear that you’d wear it differently, you might find that they can offer a more delicate repair/remake option.

You could then buy a more durable wedding band to replace the flex for daily ring wear.

 

[md74]

How far have you gone up the management chain?
I hate to complain and move up the chain, but in instance like this I would, to keep it a HW product.
I mean - the whole organization has no better offer than to give a subpar fix or a shrug of the shoulders?

When it broke in 2018, and the ring was stretched and damaged in repair, which they initially denied, first claiming nothing had changed and then trying to blame it on me, we went up the management chain. They were not very nice, and it didn't change anything. Harry Winston was sold and is not the same company it was when we bought the ring, sadly. And, they don't have the same craftsmen, apparently.

 

[md74]

How far have you gone up the management chain?
I hate to complain and move up the chain, but in instance like this I would, to keep it a HW product.
I mean - the whole organization has no better offer than to give a subpar fix or a shrug of the shoulders?

And yes, they have no better offer than to take the ring apart and slap the pieces on a solid band, stating that the solid band will be seen and it will likely be uneven. We bought a Harry Winston ring, and they won't stand behind the product and say they can't remake it. We have paid for the previous repair and would gladly pay for them to fix or remake this ring, but they can't and won't.

 

[md74]

Sorry you're being put through this mess- ugh.

David Klass Jewelry seems quite well regarded around here so you might try contacting him about re-making the ring as you originally purchased and want. I had a ring made by him recently and am very pleased with it.

Also, you've probably already thought of this but you might want to consider a legal remedy if the original ring came with a lifetime warranty that's not being honored and/or because of the botched repair job they did on it etc.

Thank you for the recommendation. There was never a written warranty. We just believed buying a Harry Winston piece that they would be able to service it and were told that they would for 13 years. Once they stopped making these rings and apparently had repair issues with this ring for other people, and Harry Winston was sold to Swatch, they won't/can't repair or remake the ring. And they don't care.

 

[md74]

Thank you for the recommendation. There was never a written warranty. We just believed buying a Harry Winston piece that they would be able to service it and were told that they would for 13 years. Once they stopped making these rings and apparently had repair issues with this ring for other people, and Harry Winston was sold to Swatch, they won't/can't repair or remake the ring. And they don't care.

And we were told that the ring was otherwise in good condition for 13 years of wear. But, once they stretched the ring they started saying it was all wear and tear.

 

[md74]

Is there any way HW could repurpose your existing flex ring into a piece that would be subject to less stress? It’s beautiful and sentimental, but if it’s not robust enough for daily wear as a ring would they be willing to attach a chain so you can use it as a bracelet say, or even as 2 earring dangles? That way you have your original ring (sort of) exactly as is and could enjoy it with less worry whilst still retaining all the sentiment and blessings etc. Or maybe even repair it in ring shape but to be worn on a chain as a pendant? I assume it’s the likelihood of further future damage that’s stopping them from repairing it in its current iteration; if you make clear that you’d wear it differently, you might find that they can offer a more delicate repair/remake option.

You could then buy a more durable wedding band to replace the flex for daily ring wear.

I understand what you are saying and why. But, the rings we chose were literally because I am sentimental and we NEVER planned to change or upgrade the ring. It was our understanding that the ring could always be repaired or remade if it came to that.

 

[md74]

If you don’t trust Harry Winston I would contact Steven Kirsch. He is NYC and maybe would be willing to work with your existing ring (:

Thank you

 

[MaisOuiMadame]

And yes, they have no better offer than to take the ring apart and slap the pieces on a solid band, stating that the solid band will be seen and it will likely be uneven. We bought a Harry Winston ring, and they won't stand behind the product and say they can't remake it. We have paid for the previous repair and would gladly pay for them to fix or remake this ring, but they can't and won't.

I can absolutely see why you picked this ring. It is gorgeous.

I am very disappointed they will not make this right for you.

I am , however of the same opinion as diamonseeker.


If you truly do not care about the loss in potential resale value (which I totally understand, it's just a matter of a completely informed decision that's why I am bringing it up!), I am sure many vendors would custom make a new setting with the original diamonds.



I think it would be a good idea to have it remade by a superideal vendor in a non articulated design.
@yssie is right. The moving parts make it more délicat.
David Klass in LA , and SK in NY as @Lessics has already pointed out would be the two who come to mind.

 

[Rfisher]

If SK doesn’t want to take on the project, maybe he will know where to point you in the right direction of who would be the right craftsperson to contact?
That’s the route I would take. Network to find someone who had a hand in this ring /type of ring back in the day. If you don’t care for it to keep the HW brand, that is.
Best of luck to you.

 

[md74]

If SK doesn’t want to take on the project, maybe he will know where to point you in the right direction of who would be the right craftsperson to contact?
That’s the route I would take. Network to find someone who had a hand in this ring /type of ring back in the day. If you don’t care for it to keep the HW brand, that is.
Best of luck to you.

Thank you. That is the direction we are looking at going in. To us, the ring will always be a Harry Winston ring. The work that Harry Winston did on the ring was not done well. Having them do more work that takes it further away from the original ring design and execution will not keep it a Harry Winston ring, in our opinion.

 

[md74]

I can absolutely see why you picked this ring. It is gorgeous.

I am very disappointed they will not make this right for you.

I am , however of the same opinion as diamonseeker.


If you truly do not care about the loss in potential resale value (which I totally understand, it's just a matter of a completely informed decision that's why I am bringing it up!), I am sure many vendors would custom make a new setting with the original diamonds.



I think it would be a good idea to have it remade by a superideal vendor in a non articulated design.
@yssie is right. The moving parts make it more délicat.
David Klass in LA , and SK in NY as @Lessics has already pointed out would be the two who come to mind.

Thank you. I appreciate this reply. This is helpful.

 

[MaisOuiMadame]

Just an info, btw, I have always thought that the big brand name houses work on everything themselves (in house only). From what I have gathered this is not really the case. I am living in Paris and a local jeweler does repair work for the most reputable houses on Place Vendôme.

Also at some point some in house trained goldsmiths of HW / VCA /Cartier will open their own shops . So @Rfisher is right : a well established craftsperson in NY will be able to give you contacts if he isn't the right person for the job.

 

[CSpan]

I have the name of a guy in California who does repair work for Tiffany and also total recreations for insurance companies. They once showed me a ring that had fallen into a garbage disposal and the recreation from photos (not great ones btw) was incredible. Sadly, the shop is two aging gentleman and I know they will not be around forever. We had discussed my ER at one point and while they said it would easier to just choose a new one (if it were damaged) if money wasn't an object they could absolutely recreate it. The repairs they did on the 1920s milgrain are imperceptible.
As mentioned, it won't be HW but sounds like what matters is the sentiment and the actual ring not the brand.

 

[yssie]

The big jewellery houses hire hundreds and hundreds and hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of people. Jewellers often tell me that their bench is extra special because it also services (or used to do work for) {insert famous jewellery house here}... It’s supposed to impress me, of course. But it never has and never will, because
A) Running into a bench that “does/used to do work for $X” is not at all uncommon, and
B) It is most definitely not an indication of any especial prowess.

I’ll echo the suggestion to ask a few NY vendors for recommendations, if a remake is the only solution you will consider. Leon Mege makes flexible rings and might have some ideas. Know that this remake is guaranteed to again need remake after some time - no matter who remakes it now.

 

[md74]

I have the name of a guy in California who does repair work for Tiffany and also total recreations for insurance companies. They once showed me a ring that had fallen into a garbage disposal and the recreation from photos (not great ones btw) was incredible. Sadly, the shop is two aging gentleman and I know they will not be around forever. We had discussed my ER at one point and while they said it would easier to just choose a new one (if it were damaged) if money wasn't an object they could absolutely recreate it. The repairs they did on the 1920s milgrain are imperceptible.
As mentioned, it won't be HW but sounds like what matters is the sentiment and the actual ring not the brand.

Yes, exactly. Could you give me the info?

 

[md74]

The big jewellery houses hire hundreds and hundreds and hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of people. Jewellers often tell me that their bench is extra special because it also services (or used to do work for) {insert famous jewellery house here}... It’s supposed to impress me, of course. But it never has and never will, because
A) Running into a bench that “does/used to do work for $X” is not at all uncommon, and
B) It is most definitely not an indication of any especial prowess.

I’ll echo the suggestion to ask a few NY vendors for recommendations, if a remake is the only solution you will consider. Leon Mege makes flexible rings and might have some ideas. Know that this remake is guaranteed to again need remake after some time - no matter who remakes it now.

Yes, I am aware of all of this. Leon actually did the reset of my engagement ring.

 

[md74]

The big jewellery houses hire hundreds and hundreds and hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of people. Jewellers often tell me that their bench is extra special because it also services (or used to do work for) {insert famous jewellery house here}... It’s supposed to impress me, of course. But it never has and never will, because
A) Running into a bench that “does/used to do work for $X” is not at all uncommon, and
B) It is most definitely not an indication of any especial prowess.

I’ll echo the suggestion to ask a few NY vendors for recommendations, if a remake is the only solution you will consider. Leon Mege makes flexible rings and might have some ideas. Know that this remake is guaranteed to again need remake after some time - no matter who remakes it now.

Yes, we know it could take more work in the future. We don't mind that. We also truly believe the ring was very compromised by the bad repair by Harry Winston 2 years ago. The ring was stretched at least one size during repair, thinning the metal.