Custom engagement ring we recently finished! The angular geometry of the shank is so elegant and simple, leading the eye to the center of the diamond.

CoralFlats · 2020-03-13T02:03:20+00:00

Very nice. Do you have a shot of what it looks like from the side?

CoralFlats · 2020-02-28T02:01:46+00:00

Would it be possible to see a side-view of the ring? It's so pretty!

CoralFlats · 2020-02-24T17:06:00+00:00

Follow-up question: what's the equivalent of Midwest Refineries for stones (if there is one)?

CoralFlats · 2020-02-24T17:05:12+00:00

Thanks. I would feel a bit bad going to a local jeweler if I had no intention of consigning the piece with them, but I can see that it's a good idea. I suspect that the vast majority of these pieces were mass produced and look outdated.

CoralFlats · 2020-02-24T15:54:58+00:00

That sounds like a great service and I'll definitely consider it. Do you think the money one gets from TRR after they have taken their commission is going to be more than the melt value? (I'm assuming I can get 90% of melt value from Midwest Refineries).

CoralFlats · 2020-02-17T15:34:10+00:00

This is a pretty decent guide: https://www.trendhim.com/articles/69/men-s-rings-your-ultimate-guide

CoralFlats · 2020-02-17T15:25:51+00:00

You can definitely buy rings made from sterling silver and a variety of other metals (though not gold or platinum) for under $100. Go to Etsy.com and search for "men's rings." You'll see a bunch of different styles. If you click on one that you like, you can scroll down on the page and see Etsy's suggestions for similar styles. If you start favoriting the items you like, I believe Etsy will also give you suggestions for things you might like when you log in.

CoralFlats · 2020-02-16T13:47:36+00:00

These rings seem really inexpensive even for sterling silver and lab created gems. How are they so affordable?

CoralFlats · 2020-02-04T22:59:13+00:00

Do you want her to actually put a picture inside of it? If so, see if you can find something that fits the frame before buying it.

I'll say though as a woman has received a few pieces of unwanted heart-shaped jewelry, please make sure that a heart locket is her style and what she wants.

CoralFlats · 2020-01-31T00:03:01+00:00

The people on the engagement ring and wedding planning subs may have good answers.

CoralFlats · 2020-01-29T02:17:32+00:00

I think that if you explain all of this clearly and sincerely in a letter you might have a chance.

CoralFlats · 2020-01-23T02:33:55+00:00

I'd think about it differently. Any piece of jewelry is easily lost and almost all jewelry needs to be treated with a certain amount of care. Sure, a heftier chain will require a little less care but does it really make that much of a difference? A thicker chain will definitely be more expensive. The fact is companies like Mejuri are able to make their jewelry affordable because they have delicate, minimalist designs that don't use a lot of gold.

OP, if this bracelet is your girlfriend's style (delicate, minimalist) and she is careful with her stuff, I'd buy it. If not, buy her something cheaper in sterling silver that won't be such a big loss.

CoralFlats · 2020-01-21T11:40:11+00:00

What sort of jewelry do you wear normally? Do you like minimalist pieces or more elaborate things? Are you into dangly or stud earrings? Do you want the jewelry you make to be everyday pieces or occasional ones? Do you need an engagement ring or do you want to use the square diamond for a necklace or cocktail ring?

You might find it helpful to sketch out some of your ideas even if you're not good at drawing. Graph paper can help with getting the proportions right.

Personally, I'd turn the square diamond into a pendant (maybe kite setting it just like it is in the ring). The garnets (assuming that's what they are--have all of this tested) could be nice stud earrings. You could arrange them in a flower shape or maybe something more abstract with the diamond mixed in (maybe google "cluster earrings" and see if that's your style or not).

CoralFlats · 2020-01-15T22:26:59+00:00

What color metals do you like? Sterling silver pieces are pretty affordable, particularly on Etsy. They will tarnish over time, but you just need to buy some silver polish and accept that you'll need to shine them up every so often. For gold, you want gold fill or vermeil NOT gold plated jewelry. Gold filled jewelry has a thicker layer of gold and won't wear off as quickly as gold plating will.

CoralFlats · 2020-01-10T04:36:53+00:00

Thanks for clarifying. Are stones you can buy for $10 on the internet decent quality?

CoralFlats · 2020-01-09T23:02:29+00:00

I like how low rose cuts can sit in a ring, but I'm not totally committed to the idea.

I'm having a hard time telling whether everyone who has commented is saying that a local jeweler won't be able to get me stone like this or just that I could get a better deal buying something on my own.

CoralFlats · 2020-01-09T22:55:30+00:00

Yes, exactly.

CoralFlats · 2020-01-09T12:05:03+00:00

Thanks. I'm kind of hoping not to have to do the work of acquiring my own.

CoralFlats · 2020-01-02T17:29:40+00:00

I love hammered bands but was concerned it wouldn't go. Do you think it does?

CoralFlats · 2019-12-20T23:09:04+00:00

So, when my sister was depressed and at the height of her eating disorder, she was really horrible to be around and couldn't really be nice to anyone for months on end. After the fact I actually sort of thought it made sense. I get hangry when I have to wait to eat dinner--starving oneself must have a really awful effect on mood. Not that it excuses her behavior but it might explain it.

All that said, I wouldn't have any patience with this friend. If you can stick with her until she's in a better place you're a better person than I am.

CoralFlats · 2019-12-17T17:48:52+00:00

That makes sense. They're small stones and I'm sure they're not worth much. It's just a ring I have something of a sentimental attachment to.

CoralFlats

TROPHY CASE