Why does it take so long to have a custom ring made?

[goodys4me]

I''m in the process of purchasing a channel-set engagement ring. I may be purchasing it from Tiffany or I may be purchasing a replica from another vendor. What I didn''t realize is how long it takes to have a ring made. Does anyone know why it takes a vendor 2 weeks to create an engagement ring? What''s involved exactly? I picked out the diamond which they have on-hand and their factory where the ring would be made is right around the corner from their sales office. It''s not a standard setting in that they are creating it custom, but they''re known for creating Tiffany-replica settings, so I''m confused as to why it would take a full 2 weeks to get it done.

 

[LGK]

I hate to say it, but two weeks is definitely on the short end of the scale. Any custom work I''ve had done has been 6 weeks typically, with 4-6 being fairly average I think. Why? I believe a back log of work for most jewelers does it- like, if you were their only customer it would take a few days to do actually do the work, but there are people in front of you in line essentially, so their stuff gets made first while you have to wait a bit.

For example, I took an existing ring to a jeweler recently to have it engraved, which took two weeks. From what I could tell, for most of that two weeks my ring sat in their safe waiting it''s turn, and the work (which was labor intensive and probably involved a good number of hours) was done on the last few days before I picked it up. I suspect that''s pretty typical of how it works.

 

[customcushion]

instant gratification is not always a quality

I'm sure the two weeks will pass quickly. And as already mentioned, that is *not* a long time for a custom piece.

 

[decodelighted]

I''d be asking ... "how can they do a quality job in 2 weeks when many reputable, in-demand vendors require 6-8 weeks+++"???

If you''re in a hurry perhaps Tiffany''s is the best bet.

 

[denverappraiser]

There are quite a few steps involved and exactly which ones will depend on the design you choose and the approach they take to making it. The root of the problem is that skilled craftsmen usually have other customers in line ahead of you. Rushed work by an unpopular worker isn’t necessarily what you want. It’s the same reason that it takes you 6 weeks to schedule a 15 minute appointment with your doctor. 2 weeks is very reasonable.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[ButterBean]

Probably they have a regular schedule that is maintained and have quoted you the longest it would take. Possibly it will be done sooner, though. Two weeks doesn''t seem like much of a wait to me... Especially when you consider how long it will be worn, right? Best wishes! - BB

Date: 8/13/2008 4:05:27 AM
Author:goodys4me
I''m in the process of purchasing a channel-set engagement ring. I may be purchasing it from Tiffany or I may be purchasing a replica from another vendor. What I didn''t realize is how long it takes to have a ring made. Does anyone know why it takes a vendor 2 weeks to create an engagement ring? What''s involved exactly? I picked out the diamond which they have on-hand and their factory where the ring would be made is right around the corner from their sales office. It''s not a standard setting in that they are creating it custom, but they''re known for creating Tiffany-replica settings, so I''m confused as to why it would take a full 2 weeks to get it done.

 

[stone_seeker]

aside from you needing to wait your turn for a good jeweler who should have a lot of work in front of you, there is a lot of detail into making a quality piece of custom settings. There are CAD designs that need to be created, fixed, adjusted - then castings/wax models that need to be created, then fixed and adjusted. Then working with the metal, shaping it then polishing it, etc. If you have side stones those need to be sourced and carefully set. If you have pave, then 2 weeks should be conspicuously short since quality pave settings require a lot of detail, handwork and laser precision to set small stones in small settings. And after everything is all set and done, your stone needs to carefully be set to avoid scratching.

I would want my jeweler taking as much time as possible to be sure everything is done right to his or her hopefully high standards.

 

[Richard Sherwood]

Reminds me of the fellow who found a three year old receipt for a jewelry repair he had dropped off and forgotten about.

He took it to the jeweler, who goes into the back room and comes out a few minutes later.

"It will be ready next week", he says.

 

[rainydaze]

i have to agree with those who have already posted..... when i read your post i was expecting concern over the average 6-8 weeks (my custom setting took 7 weeks) so i was surrprised your is *only* taking two! i echo deco here.... i would be questioning the quality. and if it is indeed there, well then i would say you have reason to celebrate, not doubt!!!

 

[Maisie]

I agree that two weeks is quite quick. I think mine took a month in total. Maybe just less.

 

[neatfreak]

There is a LOT of detailed work involved with making a custom ring. Same reason that anything custom takes longer. And I agree, 2 weeks is really short! My custom ring took about 6 weeks once we settled on the design.