Post # 1
Member
623 posts
Busy bee
Does anyone have experience with casting a ring, and if so, did it turn out like you hoped?
I took photos of my dream ring to Shane Co. and they said the’d have no problem at all makign it. They explained the process and how they would create a wax cast of it beforehand and pour the metal into the cast. Shane has such an outstanding warranty that it’s extremely tempting to go through them (lifetime everything, including: free cleaning, free polishing, free rhodium dipping, replace any diamonds that may fall out, including the center stone…). We met with the jeweler that would be doing the work and he had no concerns.
I’m just curious if that’s a good idea, or if we should just purchase the ring through the original jeweler (who does not have a warranty to speak of). Has anyone had experience they could share with having a ring cast? Any questions I should be asking my jeweler that I’m not aware of? Recomendations and advice are appreciated, thanks!
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This topic was modified 5 years, 10 months ago by summerlove23.
Post # 2
Member
904 posts
Busy bee
I actually just had a ring custom-made by a local jeweler based off the design of a chain jeweler. They designed the ring first using CAD, sent the images to me for approval, then used their 3D wax printer to make a wax model of the ring, which they used to cast the ring in white gold. I could not be more thrilled with the results.
Post # 3
Member
576 posts
Busy bee
I’ve had custom jewelry made. I’m a huge fan of doing that. However, I feel like having someone make an exact replica of someone else’s design is stealing. Therefore, if you want a specific designer ring, you should buy it from the designer whose imagination created the unique design you love.
However, if you want modifications made to the design, having it cast is a good solution.
Post # 5
Hostess
5039 posts
Bee Keeper
- Wedding: April 2007 - City, State
summerlove23: I don’t get why people can’t just be nice on a post.. Too many rude opinions lately! Ok, back to you OP. I think if you can have a replica made through a good place go for it! Having a lifetime warranty is a great thing. You can even look around to see what good jewelers can make it for the least. Good luck in your ring making! Can’t wait to see what you get.
Post # 6
Member
92 posts
Worker bee
summerlove23: I agree with PP, why are there mean comments especially when we are talking about sparkly things?!
I got my ring cast and was really happy with it. Admittedly I had some Pinterest pics (of which I could not find the designer) and my fiance used those pics when designing the ring. We ended up with something slightly different than the images, thickening the band and slightly changing the setting of the center stone made it more sturdy.
We used a local designer who also offered a model before the final ring was made. I was not involved with this process but we are really happy with the final product. I can ask about warranty etc, if you live in Pacific Northwest area I would be happy to recommend the jeweler we used!
Best of luck!
Post # 7
Member
697 posts
Busy bee
- Wedding: June 2016 - Akron, OH
I’m so glad I found this post! I posted something a while back and I got no responses. I’m looking to create a replica of my e-ring so that I can have a matching wedding band. I was quoted around 400.00 (but I already have the diamonds). I have spoke with two local jewelers (non chain) and they both use the computer and casting method. I would much rather trust a family owned jeweler than a chain store. Just make sure you’re current on the process and that you’re satsified before the final result. I’d hate to have you pay for something you’re not happy with. Just another reason it’s best to do it in person than online. Best of luck OP! Let me know how it goes if you go through with it!
Post # 8
Member
339 posts
Helper bee
Honey, don’t mind the very rude comments. I had mine made off of a designer ring I liked but unfortunately getting it from the chain jewelry chain store meant lower quality diamonds and craftsmanship. I did a lot of research and found a person that would find the exact diamond you want and I had ring made a bit bigger while keeping with design I liked. We saved a lot of money and had freedom to tweak things. And we have a lifetime warranty.
Wtv you choose, I am sure it will be perfect!
Post # 9
Member
623 posts
Busy bee
Thanks ladies, I appreciate your feedback. It’s just hard not having experience and not knowing what the end result will turn out like, but I’m feeling good about this with all you guys stories.
I do get what
ddhb2007 was saying though. I have already explained to the jeweler some modifications I’d like to make it my own. Purchasing through the designer is an option, but there are major drawbacks with that process, mainly being on opposite ends of the country and not getting to pick out the diamond, limited options to upgrade or modify, warranty, etc.
Honeybee2015: that sounds ideal! We’re all about the warranty and freedom to tweak things.
WannaBee2BridalBee: thanks for that reminder. We’re currently waiting to hear back on the quote, but I definitely want to continue to be involved as they begin fabrication. I just don’t want to step on my SO’s toes, as he still wants to “surprise” me! I’m a little confused about the fabrication process, will have to ask more questions about that I guess.
Thank you
aeiloveu, I don’t live in that area, but glad you found a wonderful jeweler. It doesn’t sound like the jeweler we’ve been going to makes a wax model before, so I’m not sure how modifications are made to the design, gotta ask more questions.
TrueLove407: amen! thanks for the feedback 🙂
Phamnomenon: awesome, that’s what I’m hoping for.
Post # 10
Member
1285 posts
Bumble bee
summerlove23: If I were to trust a jeweler, it’d be Shane Co. They have such a good return policy and helpful staff!
Post # 11
Member
992 posts
Busy bee
TrueLove407: Am I missing something? (as in was a post deleted/edited?) It looks like you’re calling what ddhb2007 said rude, but truthfully, nothing in her post seemed out of line to me…in fact I’m pretty much in agreement with the thought. It’s one thing to have a ring custom made by piecing together elements that you like, but if you’re copying a ring 100%, it’s not a custom….it’s theft of intellectual property.
That said, based on OP’s update about modifying the design, etc., I don’t think what she’s planning is wrong.
Post # 12
Hostess
5039 posts
Bee Keeper
- Wedding: April 2007 - City, State
amanda.417: it doesnt look as rude now. Of course, because she edited what she wrote! That’s why.
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This reply was modified 5 years, 10 months ago by
TrueLove407.
Post # 13
Member
992 posts
Busy bee
TrueLove407: haha…okay. I literally read your post/saw the picture and was really confused (honestly my reaction was something along the lines of, “geez, someone’s having a bad day” 🙂 … glad I asked rather than just assuming you were a little off your rocker. )
Post # 14
Hostess
5039 posts
Bee Keeper
- Wedding: April 2007 - City, State
amanda.417: no.. I swear I haven’t lost it fully yet! LoL.. She wrote a response and came off so rude in it. I posted that pic and a response. Than she changed what she wrote after. Of course… so made me look nuts! LoL.. I’m not, promise.
Post # 15
Member
2968 posts
Sugar bee
The shade being thrown around on some of these boards really is astounding. Have any of you ever gone to different jewelers where rows upon rows of rings looked the same even if they were different designers? Do you call those copies and look down on them too? Do you look at Verragio or Tacori or Tiffanys and turn your nose up and say “omg that totalllllly is ripping off the Harry Winston why don’t you just get the Harry?” Every single ring whether it be an original design by a major company or by a small local jeweler was inspired by something else otherwise we’d all be wearing plain bands. All rings are based on either classic designs, trends or just demand for a particular style- no one owns a trend or style. No jeweler is going to make it 100% the same and then stamp it with someone elses name. Lets be real here and try to be supportive instead of looking down on other people’s choices mmmkay? thanks.
I used David Klass to custom design my ring and did so with confidence even though everything was done via email since I am in NY and he is in LA. There were several rings I really loved that I modeled my ring on and each had different aspects that I wanted. I was very detailed about the sizes of the stones, the type of metal I wanted, and I was very detailed with the pictures I used for “inspiration” and had notes on each of them explaining what I wanted from each ring and what I could scrap from my design.
My ring is now a mashup of the Cartier I tried on at the store and didn’t want to shell out the $ for and was missing things I wanted, the Sapphire and diamonds under the head of the halo was inspired by the Vera Wang rings and the size of the stones and height of the ring was inspired by a Scott Kay Artiste setting.
David has been AMAZING with cleaning my ring, checking prongs, and replacing one sidestone that fell out after I smashed my hand. I highly suggest going to someone that can warranty the ring and is familiar with the setting. I would go to someone that can offer lifetime guarantees and service over someone that will make the ring and walk away leaving me to figure out what to do or paying for it out of pocket should something happen.
