Perth Jeweller (Arjunajane)?

[justginger]

Hello to everyone, especially AJ if she reads this.

I am currently trying to get a few quotes from Perth jewellers who can set my JBEG cushion. If there isn''t anyone here whom I feel comfortable with, I will probably just have it done in the States and bite the exchange rate bullet (though it''s not hurting too badly right now!).

I know AJ mentioned using one of the London Court upstairs suites -- I tried to find which one it was (there are a few that I''ve noticed), but with no luck. If you read this, AJ, can you please let me know who you used?

I have visited Solid Gold (lovely people, very knowledgeable, but only 2 of their 14 benchmen work in plat), Koro (terribly dismissive jeweller with poor information about his own service -- he uses plat/cu?

), Ecali (waiting for a quote from them, was only able to see a designer on the weekend), and Linney''s (will not set any stone they don''t sell, unless pre-arranged with the owner). I am very interested in the London Court jewellers, but with this ridiculous swine flu paranoia, am flat out at work and just unable to visit during normal working hours, unless it''s planned well in advance.

Thanks for any info you Perthians might be able to provide!

 

[Lorelei]

Keep the thread bumped near the top and my Bruddah Miss AJ should see it

 

[arjunajane]

Hey just ginger!
I am happy to tell you what I know, however I don't know how much help it will be - as you've already discovered,
Perth jewellers aren't the most helpful or knowledgeable

The woman that I used in London Court is called Meg - her business is Escher & Aureus, suite 23/level 2 Lndn Crt. ph. 9325 3999. email: [email protected]
Meg is lovely - really easygoing and fun to chat to, no pressure and she knows her stuff.
Disclaimer - *however* I wouldn't say her skills are the best I've seen. She did my oec bezel pendant, which I love and she did a good job. But for an engagement ring - I may want to ask to see some more examples of her work first. Than again, maybe I'm just spoiled after being on PS and buying from folks like Jim Meyer, lol..

The other London Crt ones I'm not personally familiar with - but on the way up to Meg's (on the first floor), there's a place that has a good rep. It has something about antique restoration in the sign, you'll see it.

Just through coincidence, I happened to have a great chat recently with Fernando of Fernando's Ital Jewellers - lol, I know, the name - its not somewhere I would normally enter either! But it turns out he is really lovely, knowledgeable and very passionate about antique jewellery and diamonds, and importantly not up himself like alot of them are, ha ha..We had a great long chat about antique stuff, how folks don't appreciate the lower colour grades etc, and he showed me a couple lovely OEC pieces to try on. I'm sure he'd love to check out your cushion! I can't speak to their jewellery making skills as I wasn't enquiring about that part, but based on that talk I would say definately worth a go.
Shop 50a Carillion City, 9481 4784.

The only other one I can recommend is Innaloo Jewellers, if you have the time to pop down there. I think his name is Chris Andrews - however, make sure you phone first and make an appt, as Chris seems to always be out!..
I'm sorry I don't have the details, but they're in those shops on Ellen Stirling Blvd, where the big pet store is etc ..(and I'm sure they're in the book).
Chris was recommended to me from my appraiser, who's opinion I trust - I've only spoken to him on the phone, but he seems helpful and friendly. He just has a small place where he does all the work, and the stuff on display did look like nice quality.

Oh, and if you get stuck I would give Jogia diamonds a call and ask if they can refer you to anyone. Seeing as they're the only ideal cut providers in town, you'd like to think they have some decent jewellers for those nice diamonds to be set by

Seeing as you want platinum, I think that's where you're going to have a problem here - as you've already learned, its just not that big here yet, hence not many folks seems to work in it enough to be really good at it.
Do you mind if I ask what kind of style you're after (ie. is it simple or vintage/more elaborate, solitaire or sidestones)?.

Well, I hope that can give you a start justginger, even if it is to learn you should go to the US, lol..
but yes, at least the exchange rate has improved - its been hovering around 80c for the last 2mths or so..

Pls feel free to ask anything else, I'll help if I can

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 6/20/2009 6:13:36 AM
Author: Lorelei
Keep the thread bumped near the top and my Bruddah Miss AJ should see it

ha ha, seen it bruddah, fankies!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/20/2009 6:38:44 AM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 6/20/2009 6:13:36 AM
Author: Lorelei
Keep the thread bumped near the top and my Bruddah Miss AJ should see it

ha ha, seen it bruddah, fankies!

Welcome Bruddah!

 

[justginger]

Thanks SO much for all that info, AJ! (and to Lorelei for keeping me up top!)

I was just in Carillion today, but didn''t see Fernando''s -- but like you said, not sure I would have ventured in anyway!

Will definitely hit him up next Friday night during late night shopping.

Innaloo will be no problem - when I first immigrated here I lived in Woodlands, so am very familiar with the area. Work is in Nedlands, so I can always take a long lunch break and pop down to see Chris (after calling, of course).

I love being in London Court and will visit Meg just for the atmosphere, if nothing else. I love that little antique jewellery store there (near the UGG shop), though I found that woman to be very unknowledgeable about her items as well. I tried on a goregeous OMC and she told me what a fantastic rose cut it was.

I did discover a new jeweller on Hampden Rd when I was wandering down for food one day. The place is called Beeks and the owner used to be employed by Linney''s. He said that he was unimpressed with another jeweller that they hired (from Michael Hill, of all places!), and split off to do his own thing. However, he was quoting nearly $9000 for the setting that Solid Gold said they could do for $5000. His workmanship looked fantastic, but it simply wasn''t in my budget.

Platinum is a real problem here, you''re right. No one seems to know what alloys they use. Solid Gold said, "Platinum is pure!" and Koro said it just had a "dash" of copper!

I guess I could get white gold, I''m not absolutely set on platinum, but want to continue to pursue it in case I find someone who can work in it well. I''ll be back in the States in October anyway, so can always wait to have it set then -- but I like the idea of keeping my money in Perth. It''s good for our city.

The setting I''m wanting is vintage looking with a bit of pave and milgraining. It will be a solitaire (though will have a couple of small side diamonds on the shank). It''s similar to a mix of two SS and Leon settings.

I''m debating making the "sidestones" (probably only .12 between the two of them) colored. Pink would impact the budget a bit, but would also be a lovely touch.

Thanks heaps for all of your suggestions. It''s so nice to have someone in Perth who can help out - for the last couple of weeks I''ve felt lost among jewellers who can''t even use basic diamond terminology!!

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 6/20/2009 7:29:06 AM
Author: justginger
Thanks SO much for all that info, AJ! (and to Lorelei for keeping me up top!)


I was just in Carillion today, but didn''t see Fernando''s -- but like you said, not sure I would have ventured in anyway!

Will definitely hit him up next Friday night during late night shopping.


Innaloo will be no problem - when I first immigrated here I lived in Woodlands, so am very familiar with the area. Work is in Nedlands, so I can always take a long lunch break and pop down to see Chris (after calling, of course).


I love being in London Court and will visit Meg just for the atmosphere, if nothing else. I love that little antique jewellery store there (near the UGG shop), though I found that woman to be very unknowledgeable about her items as well. I tried on a goregeous OMC and she told me what a fantastic rose cut it was.

I did discover a new jeweller on Hampden Rd when I was wandering down for food one day. The place is called Beeks and the owner used to be employed by Linney''s. He said that he was unimpressed with another jeweller that they hired (from Michael Hill, of all places!), and split off to do his own thing. However, he was quoting nearly $9000 for the setting that Solid Gold said they could do for $5000. His workmanship looked fantastic, but it simply wasn''t in my budget.


Platinum is a real problem here, you''re right. No one seems to know what alloys they use. Solid Gold said, ''Platinum is pure!'' and Koro said it just had a ''dash'' of copper!

I guess I could get white gold, I''m not absolutely set on platinum, but want to continue to pursue it in case I find someone who can work in it well. I''ll be back in the States in October anyway, so can always wait to have it set then -- but I like the idea of keeping my money in Perth. It''s good for our city.

The setting I''m wanting is vintage looking with a bit of pave and milgraining. It will be a solitaire (though will have a couple of small side diamonds on the shank). It''s similar to a mix of two SS and Leon settings.

I''m debating making the ''sidestones'' (probably only .12 between the two of them) colored. Pink would impact the budget a bit, but would also be a lovely touch.


Thanks heaps for all of your suggestions. It''s so nice to have someone in Perth who can help out - for the last couple of weeks I''ve felt lost among jewellers who can''t even use basic diamond terminology!!

Hey ginger, no worries I''m very happy to help ! And its nice to speak to someone local anyways. Yes, do pay Meg a call, she''s fun to chat to - you can say hey from "Nat" - not sure if she''ll recognize as it''s not my whole name, but if you start speaking of internet ordering and the US, I think she''ll tweak, lol...I''m always telling her of my new ebay OEC or some other find..

Wow, that jeweller in nedlands is definately living up to the reputation of the area with his pricing! - I''m sorry but 9k for what you''ve described is ludicrous! Even really so is 5k..
Especially considering if you were to have the setting made while you''re visiting the US, you potentially won''t have to pay import/duty tax (that''s where it always adds up for me, plus of course shipping)..I''m not sure what the law is on that stuff though, whether you''re supposed to declare it..?

My guess though is you could have SS or Leon quality in what you''ve described for 5k AUD or less, including exchange rate..

Lol, the stories you are telling are so reminiscent of my experiences here..it''d be funny if it weren''t so frustrating! I envy you that you can pop back to the US for your jewellery, what a great privilege!

You know what, that antique store you spoke of in Ldn Crt - I know that lady, and she also told me an OMC was a rose cut, rofl! She''s an idiot, plain and simple. However, that store actually is owned by another lady who has a second store, the other one is in Carillion also - and she does know her stuff. Insane prices, but at least she knows her Euro cuts from her rose cuts

She is in throwing distance from Fernando''s - if you take the entrance from Hay St mall that has Cue clothing on it and walk straight through, you''ll see them both

Actually, now that you mention Linneys that made me think of Subiaco. Forget the really big places, they will only work with their own stones. But there is Carbon, they do lovely work and I''m sure that they would do plat. I tried on an awesome 3 stone cushion ring the other week there, nicest cushion I''ve seen IRL (so far)

There''s also another small place on Rokeby road, but the name escapes me - it could very possibly be Thomas Meihoffer, do you know the one? It''s across the way from Friendlie''s Chemist. Their work always looks nicely finished, and the girl in there is helpful and knowledgeable. Their style may be a bit modern, but I understand custom is a large part of their business, so you may want to stop in Subi before heading back to the city or Innaloo

Sorry, I didn''t even think of them before! I think you could expect quite high prices, but at least also higher quality to go with it

Good luck! Let me know if you have any love

 

[justginger]

I''ve seen the Thomas Meihoffer that you''re talking about -- I always get my jewellery ideas from what my coworkers call "the snooty times" (aka The Western Suburbs Weekly)! Without it, I wouldn''t have known about either ecali or Koro! Like you said, their stuff looks very modern (and I think he''s won a fair few style designs), but with the amount of luck I''ve had so far I''m not about to NOT ask!

Linney''s was interesting. When I walked in, I enquired about the situation with the sales associate and she just stared at me blankly. Then she said something like, "From whom did you hear about us?"...as if Linney''s was some sort of super secret boutique shop that you needed a password to enter! I told her that I had read that Gary Halloway had recommended someone to use their services, as they were good quality, and she said, "Well, if you want your centerstone set by us, you''ll have to have Gary call Alan to make arrangements"! Something tells me that Gary has better things to do with his time...

So that''s

Fernando
Thomas
Carbon
Meg
Chris

to visit. Quite a list to start with, considering I had felt as if I had hit the end of the line a couple of days ago! I will definitely let you know how things go and send your regards to Meg.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 6/20/2009 10:41:09 PM
Author: justginger
I''ve seen the Thomas Meihoffer that you''re talking about -- I always get my jewellery ideas from what my coworkers call ''the snooty times'' (aka The Western Suburbs Weekly)! Without it, I wouldn''t have known about either ecali or Koro! Like you said, their stuff looks very modern (and I think he''s won a fair few style designs), but with the amount of luck I''ve had so far I''m not about to NOT ask!

Linney''s was interesting. When I walked in, I enquired about the situation with the sales associate and she just stared at me blankly. Then she said something like, ''From whom did you hear about us?''...as if Linney''s was some sort of super secret boutique shop that you needed a password to enter! I told her that I had read that Gary Halloway had recommended someone to use their services, as they were good quality, and she said, ''Well, if you want your centerstone set by us, you''ll have to have Gary call Alan to make arrangements''! Something tells me that Gary has better things to do with his time...

So that''s


Fernando

Thomas

Carbon

Meg

Chris


to visit. Quite a list to start with, considering I had felt as if I had hit the end of the line a couple of days ago! I will definitely let you know how things go and send your regards to Meg.

Rofl,
the snooty times, love it! Yeah, I grew up in Subiaco - it wasn''t always like that I promise!

I almost can''t stand going there sometimes, the attitude is so thick, lol..

I love you''re story about Linney''s, my gawd, what dorks - I would''ve replied something like "well, you have had this same storefront here for over 20years, and you also advertise in every single bridal and jewellery rag in Australia"..well, no I likely wouldn''t have but it would''ve been fun!
I can''t believe she demanded Garry "authorize" it personally, thats just silly!

Yep, that list is looking a lil healthier, I hope you have some luck justginger!

 

[softly softly]

Date: 6/20/2009 11:03:01 PM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 6/20/2009 10:41:09 PM

Author: justginger

I''ve seen the Thomas Meihoffer that you''re talking about -- I always get my jewellery ideas from what my coworkers call ''the snooty times'' (aka The Western Suburbs Weekly)! Without it, I wouldn''t have known about either ecali or Koro! Like you said, their stuff looks very modern (and I think he''s won a fair few style designs), but with the amount of luck I''ve had so far I''m not about to NOT ask!

Linney''s was interesting. When I walked in, I enquired about the situation with the sales associate and she just stared at me blankly. Then she said something like, ''From whom did you hear about us?''...as if Linney''s was some sort of super secret boutique shop that you needed a password to enter! I told her that I had read that Gary Halloway had recommended someone to use their services, as they were good quality, and she said, ''Well, if you want your centerstone set by us, you''ll have to have Gary call Alan to make arrangements''! Something tells me that Gary has better things to do with his time...

So that''s



Fernando


Thomas


Carbon


Meg


Chris



to visit. Quite a list to start with, considering I had felt as if I had hit the end of the line a couple of days ago! I will definitely let you know how things go and send your regards to Meg.

Rofl,

the snooty times, love it! Yeah, I grew up in Subiaco - it wasn''t always like that I promise!

I almost can''t stand going there sometimes, the attitude is so thick, lol..


I love you''re story about Linney''s, my gawd, what dorks - I would''ve replied something like ''well, you have had this same storefront here for over 20years, and you also advertise in every single bridal and jewellery rag in Australia''..well, no I likely wouldn''t have but it would''ve been fun!

I can''t believe she demanded Garry ''authorize'' it personally, thats just silly!

Yep, that list is looking a lil healthier, I hope you have some luck justginger!

My goodness that is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard

. I can''t imagine wanting to go back there after that sort of treatment!

Just wanted to make a suggestion, not sure how good they are, but you could try Odgaards on Railway Pde in West Leederville. I''m pretty sure another person on here had a ring made by them last year using a centre stone sourced by GOG. I used them about 5 years ago for some repair work and I remember they were very pleasant to deal with.

As an aside, I also remember one of the higher end jewellers (not sure which) on Rokeby Road making the news a few years ago in the Snooty Times for committing insurance fraud.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 6/21/2009 12:31:41 AM
Author: softly softly

Date: 6/20/2009 11:03:01 PM

My goodness that is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard

. I can''t imagine wanting to go back there after that sort of treatment!


Just wanted to make a suggestion, not sure how good they are, but you could try Odgaards on Railway Pde in West Leederville. I''m pretty sure another person on here had a ring made by them last year using a centre stone sourced by GOG. I used them about 5 years ago for some repair work and I remember they were very pleasant to deal with.


As an aside, I also remember one of the higher end jewellers (not sure which) on Rokeby Road making the news a few years ago in the Snooty Times for committing insurance fraud.

Hey SS,
yep I would usually say Odgaards is worth a look based on their rep, they''ve been there forever. However I''ve personally always found the CS really stand-offish and know it all-ish (a lady who''s middle to upper aged, always very highly made up...?)
But I''m glad you had a good experience with them though.
Ha ha, this thread is making me sound like a total weirdo who just stalks all Perth jewellers, rofl!]

Yep, the one your referring to in Subi was Smales - they had a big robbery, than pretended that more things were stolen than actually were (a couple Rolex''s I believe), all over the news for awhile, very big dent to their rep for sure!

Actually J.ginger, you could check out Smales, I''m pretty sure they will do custom if it''s not their stone...that whole robbery thing was a very long time ago..[

I''ve usually had decent service when I go in there for a look.
They''re the only vendor I''ve come across that sell HOF, so its nice to look at the pretty settings etc from that range. The last time I was there, the woman knew nothing (showed me both a princess and a radiant when I asked for a cushion), also knew naught about the HOF, but most of the time they''re pretty good. There''s an older gentleman in there who seems to know his stuff - I would try to approach him and not one of the women I think.

Justginger, I was thinking about you, and I''m sure you''ve read about this heaps - but I was wondering if you have a plan about the no insurance/risk of setting the diamond issue? I know its such a small risk, but I believe it is greater when it comes to antique diamonds like yours..
of course it''s not my business, but just thought I''d mention it

 

[justginger]

I''m not quite sure about the insurance issue you''re referring to, AJ....do you mean not being able to insure loose stones? If I do decide to go with a Perth jeweller, I''m going to have the diamond set in a temporary pendant by my hometown jeweller when I''m back in the States to pick it up. It seems safer for me to transport it that way, and it will allow me to have it on my SGIO policy while traveling.

I''m not sure that''s what you''re referring to though, so if I''m off base, please feel free to explain the risk of setting that you''re talking about. I may be completely missing out on a very important aspect of this entire grand plan!

Hadn''t heard about Smales - must have gone down BG (as I refer to it -- "before Ginger"). I''ve been here a few years now, but there''s lots that''s happened in the jewellery world before me.

So now I''ve got Odgaards and Smales added to the list as well. Like I said before, no matter what it''s always worth asking. The best platinumsmiths had to be unknown at some point in time!

Maybe I''ll stumble on one of them in our beautiful city.

And...after all of this searching and enquiring, I''m still thinking about getting the secondhand SS setting that Grace has up for offer. It''s so beautiful, just not exactly what I was imagining. She sent me some photos of my stone sitting in it loose, and I suspect it would be even more gorgeous in real life. I guess I could always try it out and if I don''t LOVE it, resell it on consignment.

 

[hawaiianorangetree]

Date: 6/21/2009 2:43:26 AM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 6/21/2009 12:31:41 AM
Author: softly softly

Date: 6/20/2009 11:03:01 PM

My goodness that is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard

. I can''t imagine wanting to go back there after that sort of treatment!


Just wanted to make a suggestion, not sure how good they are, but you could try Odgaards on Railway Pde in West Leederville. I''m pretty sure another person on here had a ring made by them last year using a centre stone sourced by GOG. I used them about 5 years ago for some repair work and I remember they were very pleasant to deal with.


As an aside, I also remember one of the higher end jewellers (not sure which) on Rokeby Road making the news a few years ago in the Snooty Times for committing insurance fraud.

Hey SS,
yep I would usually say Odgaards is worth a look based on their rep, they''ve been there forever. However I''ve personally always found the CS really stand-offish and know it all-ish (a lady who''s middle to upper aged, always very highly made up...?)
But I''m glad you had a good experience with them though.
Ha ha, this thread is making me sound like a total weirdo who just stalks all Perth jewellers, rofl!]

Yep, the one your referring to in Subi was Smales - they had a big robbery, than pretended that more things were stolen than actually were (a couple Rolex''s I believe), all over the news for awhile, very big dent to their rep for sure!

Actually J.ginger, you could check out Smales, I''m pretty sure they will do custom if it''s not their stone...that whole robbery thing was a very long time ago..[

I''ve usually had decent service when I go in there for a look.
They''re the only vendor I''ve come across that sell HOF, so its nice to look at the pretty settings etc from that range. The last time I was there, the woman knew nothing (showed me both a princess and a radiant when I asked for a cushion), also knew naught about the HOF, but most of the time they''re pretty good. There''s an older gentleman in there who seems to know his stuff - I would try to approach him and not one of the women I think.

Justginger, I was thinking about you, and I''m sure you''ve read about this heaps - but I was wondering if you have a plan about the no insurance/risk of setting the diamond issue? I know its such a small risk, but I believe it is greater when it comes to antique diamonds like yours..
of course it''s not my business, but just thought I''d mention it

Sorry i had to butt in! i was at Odgaards the other day and she had purple eyeliner with bright orange eyeshadow.

but she is always nice to me. I am getting my wedding band from there and my e ring fixed (she is doing it for free) as i am unhappy with the setting. (pushy jeweller said no, you don''t want a thin band!) um actually i do.

Just ginger definately give them a look, i love the pave and milgrain work they do, i haven''t seen anywhere else in Perth that is quite like it.

My friend had her stone set there and it is to die for!

 

[hawaiianorangetree]

Date: 6/20/2009 7:29:06 AM
Author: justginger
Thanks SO much for all that info, AJ! (and to Lorelei for keeping me up top!)

I was just in Carillion today, but didn''t see Fernando''s -- but like you said, not sure I would have ventured in anyway!

Will definitely hit him up next Friday night during late night shopping.

Innaloo will be no problem - when I first immigrated here I lived in Woodlands, so am very familiar with the area. Work is in Nedlands, so I can always take a long lunch break and pop down to see Chris (after calling, of course).

I love being in London Court and will visit Meg just for the atmosphere, if nothing else. I love that little antique jewellery store there (near the UGG shop), though I found that woman to be very unknowledgeable about her items as well. I tried on a goregeous OMC and she told me what a fantastic rose cut it was.

I did discover a new jeweller on Hampden Rd when I was wandering down for food one day. The place is called Beeks and the owner used to be employed by Linney''s. He said that he was unimpressed with another jeweller that they hired (from Michael Hill, of all places!), and split off to do his own thing. However, he was quoting nearly $9000 for the setting that Solid Gold said they could do for $5000. His workmanship looked fantastic, but it simply wasn''t in my budget.

Platinum is a real problem here, you''re right. No one seems to know what alloys they use. Solid Gold said, ''Platinum is pure!'' and Koro said it just had a ''dash'' of copper!

I guess I could get white gold, I''m not absolutely set on platinum, but want to continue to pursue it in case I find someone who can work in it well. I''ll be back in the States in October anyway, so can always wait to have it set then -- but I like the idea of keeping my money in Perth. It''s good for our city.

The setting I''m wanting is vintage looking with a bit of pave and milgraining. It will be a solitaire (though will have a couple of small side diamonds on the shank). It''s similar to a mix of two SS and Leon settings.

I''m debating making the ''sidestones'' (probably only .12 between the two of them) colored. Pink would impact the budget a bit, but would also be a lovely touch.

Thanks heaps for all of your suggestions. It''s so nice to have someone in Perth who can help out - for the last couple of weeks I''ve felt lost among jewellers who can''t even use basic diamond terminology!!

Definately go to Odgaards!! The ring that softly softly was referring to that got set at Odgaards with the stone sourced from GOG is my work mates, i get to stare at that baby every day at it is just soooooo gorgeous!!!

Plus i really like their White gold too, it''s different to other jewellers in Perth.

 

[arjunajane]

Okay, well on the risk thing, this is the story:
99% of the time, if you didn''t buy a stone from the store that is setting it, they will not accept any liability nor cover you at all if said stone is damaged during the setting process.
As far as I know, its an insurance issue (someone just hasn''t come up with this product for jewellers yet, god knows why), but you are only covered for loss while the diamond is in their posession (ie. someone breaking in and stealin it).


Now, like I said - its a small risk. But one I wouldn''t trust everyone with - plus, due to the nature of older stones, they could be a slightly higher risk. Do you know what the girdle is like on yours? (ie, very thin, thick etc)?.
I found, when I bought this up with Perth jewellers when I wanted to have my OEC pendant made, they looked at me like I had two heads, or evaded the issue - which is why I went with Meg in the end. She was honest and upfront about it, told me what the score is, and said we''d work something out if the worst happened (of course, this was just a verbal thing so you''d have to address this yourself)..

The other side of the coin, is as far as I''m aware No Aussie insurance company will accept the risk either - and I''ve looked, lol..I do believe its alot to do with the loose stone thing. (US residents have options we don''t with Co''s such as Jeweller''s Mutual).

But, if you were to have it temp. set in a pendant or whatever, and than tell SGIO your doing a reset, you may get covered on a technicality..the only way to know is to call up and speak to your rep - however, if they say yes I would 100% ask for it in writing and binding your policy.
Having worked for an Ins Co, I know how much the story can change from day to day, unfortunately

I hope I''m not stressing you out - chances are most jewellers go their careers without chipping a clients'' diamond. But I do think its something you need to be aware of, especially considering you didn''t purchase an RB which can be just easily replaced...kwim?

I hope thats kinda explained things for you?
Also, once its finished I strongly recommend getting a "personal valuables" policy so your ring will be covered for theft,loss or damage while your outside your home (so not just putting it on the Contents only).

Sorry to be the one to bring up all the debbie downner stuff

On a lighter note, do you have pics of the setting you are describing?

 

[justginger]

I definitely understand you now, AJ -- I hadn''t even *thought* of that issue! Like you said, I might call SGIO tomorrow and speak to them first. Tell them I have a pendant that I want reset into a ring and if they''ll cover it during the period it is at the jewellers''. Hopefully they''ll say yes, though I doubt it. If I were guessing, it''ll just come down to luck (and faith in someone''s ability to not do damage). I hate that, but like you said, it doesn''t sound like anyone will cover it. Maybe I should have a look at the US companies like the one you mentioned? I''m still an American citizen, so surely I''d be able to sign up for their policy for at least a while, til it''s set and done. My ring will definitely be a "declared specified portable item" on my policy. I''ve heard too many stories about people assuming it''s covered under contents and only getting $1000 towards it when it''s lost in a public restroom or the like.

Odgaards is moving up the list with the rave reviews of milgrain. I''ve seen some stuff that''s absolutely botched and that''s the most important thing for me to have done correctly. I am very nearsighted without contacts, which pretty much means I have microscopic vision without them -- you can see how wonky milgraining wouldn''t go unnoticed!

The setting that I really love, and am looking to possibly modify a bit, is by SS. I''ll try to attach it, along with the photos of the setting that Grace has (with my cushion in it).

 

[justginger]

Not sure how to attach more than one file, so will have to post a couple of more just photo ones...

The last photo was of the detail that I LOVE on the new SS setting. This one is of Grace''s secondhand setting, with my stone.

 

[justginger]

Another view of Grace''s setting with my stone

 

[softly softly]

Just Ginger, just wanted to add that I also sourced my stone through JBEG and had such a lovely experience that I still keep in touch with them. If you are at all concerned about your stone being at higher risk of breakage, ask Grace or Erica, I would 100% trust them to give an honest assessment.

I had my stone set by Mark Morrell and ended up forgoing insurance as I trusted his skills, but I recognise this approach is not for everyone and A.J is right to point out the potential risks.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 6/21/2009 6:47:41 AM
Author: justginger

I definitely understand you now, AJ -- I hadn''t even *thought* of that issue! Like you said, I might call SGIO tomorrow and speak to them first. Tell them I have a pendant that I want reset into a ring and if they''ll cover it during the period it is at the jewellers''. Hopefully they''ll say yes, though I doubt it. If I were guessing, it''ll just come down to luck (and faith in someone''s ability to not do damage). I hate that, but like you said, it doesn''t sound like anyone will cover it. Maybe I should have a look at the US companies like the one you mentioned? I''m still an American citizen, so surely I''d be able to sign up for their policy for at least a while, til it''s set and done. My ring will definitely be a ''declared specified portable item'' on my policy. I''ve heard too many stories about people assuming it''s covered under contents and only getting $1000 towards it when it''s lost in a public restroom or the like.

Odgaards is moving up the list with the rave reviews of milgrain. I''ve seen some stuff that''s absolutely botched and that''s the most important thing for me to have done correctly. I am very nearsighted without contacts, which pretty much means I have microscopic vision without them -- you can see how wonky milgraining wouldn''t go unnoticed!

The setting that I really love, and am looking to possibly modify a bit, is by SS. I''ll try to attach it, along with the photos of the setting that Grace has (with my cushion in it).

hey again,
seeing as you''re a US citizen I would contact those companies, but I''m wondering will they cover a claim that originates in Australia?
I know their is another Co that is often used on the board (or it could be JM), that cover claims whilst travelling *I think*. If you do a bit of a search on insurance, it''s a question that is asked and answered all the time, so you should find lots of info.

I can see why you love that SS setting, the details are very pretty. I think you are going to need someone with at least a working knowledge of vintage styles...and yes, millegrain is Not something that everyone can do well, for sure.
Have you considered having JBEG collaborating for you with SS? I know they''ve done this before...
I dunno, maybe I''m being negative, but I''m just concerned you''ll be disappointed with Perth, for the style you''re after..

That second setting is gorgeous, but yes very different to the first - it looks amazing with your lovely diamond though!

 

[arjunajane]

hey Just Ginger,

I was just wondering how your search was going..? I walked past Fernando''s yesterday and thought of you..

Oh, and I thought I''d let you know I had a nice chat the other day with a young guy named Justin Linney at Linneys in Subiaco - so, if you do want to go back in there at all ask for Justin! He said he was one of the designers, and he seemed to know his stuff...but I''m not sure about setting the outside stones thing, I forgot to ask, sorry!

Hope you find somewhere great!

 

[justginger]

Hi AJ -

Am still working on visiting everyone on the list. We''re working so much overtime at the moment that it''s hard to get anywhere during business hours, even late nights!

What I have figured out though:

Carbon will not set diamonds they have not acquired
Fernandos prefers working in yellow gold and seemed just a bit overly confident (makes me nervous when they act like it''s no big deal!)
Ecali still hasn''t gotten back to me with a quote, which they told me I would receive on Monday

Visiting Odgaards, Thomas Meihoffer, and Smales tomorrow morning. The saleslady at Smales managed to tell me that they use a plat/ru alloy, so that''s one positive in their favor. Everyone else just spews that platinum is pure.

The more I look, the more I think I might just have SS do it and pay the extra. I''d rather pay a bit more to know I''m getting superior workmanship than get a quote for $500, but end up not being as happy with it. I''m holding out to see Odgaards as they''ve gotten good reviews. If I don''t feel comfortable with them, I think I''ll just bite the bullet and have Ari handle it long distance.

 

[justginger]

I meant $500 *less* in the previous post -- not JUST $500! Now that would be a bargain!

 

[arjunajane]

Hey JG,
thanks for filling me in.

Yes, I know what you mean about the over confidence thing, when they are a bit flippant..

TBH, I think you will be alot happier working with SS - I know all the long distance is
a bit intimidating, but so far I''ve had about 5 or 6 rings made in the US and other countries
just via email, and every one has been perfect.
I know SS are consummate pro''s and highly skilled, so you''ll be in great hands.

I also find, cost - wise, that even after you factor in GST and import duty and exchange rate (as long as it doesn''t drop back to 60c

), than you still usually win with a US vendor over a local one.
Quotes for custom here are crazy high.

Well I hope you had a nice time visiting the other vendors!

 

[justginger]

Visited the other three vendors today. Odgaards said they''d send me a quote via email, but their showroom was full of items of good quality. He also said they use a copper alloy for the platinum, which is now the third person -- I''m starting to think it really exists and I was just previously unaware of it.

Must check up on it.

Smales was OUTRAGEOUS! Very friendly and helpful, and came back with a quote of approximately $9000.

I gathered up my things and left at a pretty quick pace!

Thomas Meihofer was very, very impressive. The shop itself is full of gorgeous creations - diamonds, pearls, and a few sizeable coloured stones as well (though their contemporary style is not my ideal, it was still stunning). The two sales associates were busy when we walked in; Thomas'' partner (wife? girlfriend? not sure) came out from the back workshop to help us herself. She was cheerfully obliging and repeatedly went back and forth to various areas of the store and workshop to provide us with examples of their milgraining, their pierced metal workmanship, the new shipment of champagne melee, etc. She was informed and very lovely to speak with. AND she could tell me that they use plat/ruthenium (I previously thought it was Smales, but it was T.M.)!

Her quote was $4700, approximately. I think it will come in less than that, as she quoted for .02 melee and I think I''ll go with .01. Additionally it included the approximate amount of platinum to make the ring a size H -- and I''m an F. This quote is only $100 more than SS. Having it done locally would keep money here in Perth, help me build a good relationship with a local jeweller, and allow me to be a part of the process (they''d have me come in and view everything as it was being made and assembled, to make sure it was exactly what I wanted before completion).

It''s something I''m very much thinking about now. Additionally, as that was an initial quote, I reckon there''s a bit of negotiating wiggle room.

 

[arjunajane]

Oh JG thats great that things went so well with Thomas !

Isn''t their store lovely?

I was hoping you''d find this to be the case, as tbh when I was considering having something made here (in Perth),
they were the ones I was the most confident about too.

Do you think they will do okay with your desired vintage style piece?

I agree that sounds like a reasonable quote, especially considering the factors you mentioned
I do think it would end up lower.

Plus, you are correct it would be lovely to have a relationship with a local quality jeweller - this is the main thing I wish I could find for things like setting coloured gems in cheaper rings, etc.

Just incase you are not completely over shopping around, there is one more store in Leederville I''ve been trying to remember the name of for you, and just looked it up, it''s Rohan Milne...It is on Oxford st, just across the road from the theatre.

Just incase you feel like seeking another quote, I feel this store is rather similiar to the setup at Meihoffer, quite young and directional, so you may find you like them too, here''s a website
http://www.rohanjewellery.com/

As I remember Rohan trained with Smales, and than in Italy and NY, and is supposed to be a promising talent.
Sorry I didn''t remember this one earlier for you!

I''m happy to hear you have good progress, and looking forward to finding out what you decide!