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Red posted:My jeweler is unfamiliar with vitalium. How should it be polished? Is there a specific machine? He'll want to use a silicon carbide polishing rouge. But it's going to be a lot of work. It's a tough metal.
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Jul 25, 2016 07:57
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What type of texture options are there for gold? There's a diamond horseshoe ring I've had on my watch list for 4 months now and it hasn't sold yet. 1.2 carats, 15ish grams, I'm thinking about shooting the guy an offer on it. The only thing stopping me is the sides are nuggeted and I hate nugget rings. If I were to pull the trigger on this what could I have done to the sides? I know I could have a jeweler file the nuggets off, but would smooth be my only option? Keeping the nuggets and getting diamonds set in them did cross my mind, but I think I'm gonna chill on that idea.
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Jul 29, 2016 22:06
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fps_bill posted:What type of texture options are there for gold? There's a diamond horseshoe ring I've had on my watch list for 4 months now and it hasn't sold yet. 1.2 carats, 15ish grams, I'm thinking about shooting the guy an offer on it. The only thing stopping me is the sides are nuggeted and I hate nugget rings. I might be able to make one that looks like what you want? Shoot me a pm with a pic if you're interested. There's a bunch of options for textures and finishes that range from subtle to pretty intense depending on what you're looking for.
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Jul 30, 2016 23:13
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Hey everyone! My friend needs to make some sales within the next few days and he has one of the best collections of gems that I have seen. If anyone is interested in anything like this, or any stones, pm me and I can get you in touch.    He also makes the best salsa I have ever had in my whole life and is doing a deal for "free" salsa by spending a certain amount. I;m not kidding when I say best. This stuff will ruin you on salsa. 
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Aug 16, 2016 05:19
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Finished this sweet piece for a fellow goon:
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Aug 18, 2016 18:19
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Claes Oldenburger posted:Finished this sweet piece for a fellow goon: I'm crazy about that shank. Do you have pictures of this from any other angles?
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Aug 18, 2016 21:07
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I likely missed it and am sure it's been covered, but...... What's the best way to go about getting a wedding ring re-sized, (it needs to go up about a half size). My husband and I bought our bands at Helzberg, (I know, I know), and had them send them off for the inscription as well. His is currently a 5.5 and needs to go to a 6. I understand the best way is to cut a piece out and add to it, (compared to stretching), and that we'll have to have the inscription redone again too. We have a 'lifetime warranty' through Helzberg that does the repairs and cleaning every 6 months, so I might have to stay with them for any resizes to keep that active. But if not, what's my best option? It's nothing extravagant, but I still worry about the settings getting shifted and loose if we pick the wrong place to do the work. Obligatory pic below. 
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Aug 20, 2016 19:36
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Madbullogna posted:I likely missed it and am sure it's been covered, but...... Normally I'd say 'just find a local jeweler and have them do the resize', but I'm almost positive you're right about the warranty. There's probably a million bullshit clauses in there that break the warranty; taking it somewhere else for a resize is one of the big ones. The whole point of those lifetime warranties from chain stores is that they get the best return when you nullify the thing after shelling out the extra money for it.
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Aug 21, 2016 05:03
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Tell me about pearl necklaces. I'd like to give one to my fiancee.  I'm after something that looks like a housewife in the 1950s would have worn it while vacuuming and knocking back pep pills. The purist in me wants real pearl, but how much is that going to run? What's a good substitute? Anything in particular I should be on the lookout for?
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Aug 23, 2016 00:15
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Extremely doable with cultured pearls. They're real pearls, but the nucleus is introduced (hence cultured) and not random (natural). The difference isn't visible without an X-ray, so go hog wild. Obviously the bigger, better matched, and more perfectly spherical they are, the more expensive. If you can relax on any of those (nobody will notice if they're slightly irregular), you can get a necklace for even less. Color traditionally features into price too, but it's more manipulated with cultured pearls, so if you want #ffffff it's not so bad.
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Aug 23, 2016 05:08
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i like nice words
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Anne Whateley posted:Extremely doable with cultured pearls. They're real pearls, but the nucleus is introduced (hence cultured) and not random (natural). The difference isn't visible without an X-ray, so go hog wild. Excellent, thank you. Is there a good place start looking? Should I just check with my local jewelry store and go from there?
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Aug 23, 2016 05:13
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Naerasa posted:I'm crazy about that shank. Do you have pictures of this from any other angles? Thank you! Unfortunately I do not, only 3/4 views. That picture pretty accurately shows the detail, though. RabbitMage posted:Excellent, thank you. Is there a good place start looking? Should I just check with my local jewelry store and go from there? Local jewellery stores will be able to help you but the markup will be somewhat high. Do you have a length in mind? Going into any jewellery buying situation it is best to prep yourself with knowledge! Knowing what you're looking for and a budget will help immensely.
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Aug 25, 2016 06:26
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Claes Oldenburger posted:Local jewellery stores will be able to help you but the markup will be somewhat high. Do you have a length in mind? Going into any jewellery buying situation it is best to prep yourself with knowledge! Knowing what you're looking for and a budget will help immensely. I don't. Is there a good pearl necklace primer out there?
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Aug 26, 2016 03:10
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I'd suggest looking for a set of Akoya pearls. They have a great luster. The quality of finer Chinese freshwater pearls has caught up in recent years so many stores incorrectly sell them under the Akoya name as well. But so long as the luster is there you will be happy.
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Aug 26, 2016 08:22
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Questions from the clueless... My gf gave me a ring of hers to do with as I please (   no pressure). The ring isn't very special, so I'd like to get it redone. Gold band (unknown purity), and a good-sized emerald, with a bunch of small diamonds circling it. Some of the annoyingly vague things I'm wondering...1) Any advice of finding a good jeweler? (Located Raleigh-Durham, NC) 2) If I don't add significant quantities of metal or stone, how much should I expect to pay? 2a) How likely is it that assumption is going to hold? If it'll help I can snap of a pic of it when I get home.
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Aug 26, 2016 19:40
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I've been working at a museum gift store this last year, and we sell a lot of jewelry but are not a Jewelry Store as such, so we're not really equipped with the tools of the trade. We have a lot of silver in particular, some of which is several years old at this point and has lost its shine, and there's only so much I've been able to accomplish with our supply of over-the-counter spritz polish, cleaning dips, and soft toothbrushes. We also have an issue with a couple big orders we picked up from exhibiting artists that came in without being properly cleaned, black polishing compound gunking up every nook and cranny, and no one up the chain was willing to demand it be corrected. I've seen ultrasonic machines recommended a few times in this thread, and while our current methods are not cutting it, I don't think we have a consistent need for Serious Hardware. Does anyone have recommendations on affordable, maybe consumer-grade models I could pitch?
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Aug 27, 2016 12:05
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I thought y'all might want to see some photos of the jewelry I inherited. Most of what I got is costume or department store birthstone, not photographed, but there are a few neat ones. So many pearls  Including a huge one  How huge?    Yes, that's what you think it is. Came from Botswana in the early 80s. Not sure if it's worth getting repaired.
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Aug 27, 2016 15:56
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Is it even legal to get repaired? I have 2 whale teeth from Iceland that my grandparents left but I haven't been able to figure out the laws related to having ivory
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Aug 27, 2016 16:37
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In case anyone missed it in the news, 75 lb pearl
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Aug 27, 2016 16:45
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RabbitMage posted:I don't. Is there a good pearl necklace primer out there? Not that I know of off the top of my head, but a cursory google search should help. It mostly comes down to pearl type (akoya etc.), colour, graduated or not, strand length, and pearl size. Price increases with pearl size just like gemstones, usually exponentially. If you find any you like and want it price checked, you can always PM me or post here and I can tell you what I'd sell it for. dupersaurus posted:Questions from the clueless... 1)Unfortunately no idea 2)Going to be pretty store dependent, but almost all second hand metal needs to be refined to 24k and brought back to 10k/14k/18k to be used. Most stores give you a credit for your metal towards the ring, however using stones again is just the cost to remove them from previous settings and set them in new ones. My day job jewellery store starts re-designs at about $1000 CAD for metal, labour and setting. Price goes up based on intricacy and design time/adding metal and stones. 3)Different countries means probably not well haha. The best way to go about it is to call or go into some local custom jewellery shops with the ring and get quotes. goodness posted:Is it even legal to get repaired? I have 2 whale teeth from Iceland that my grandparents left but I haven't been able to figure out the laws related to having ivory From what I understand (and this is in Canada), you can get ivory pieces repaired legally they just cannot be bought, sold, cross country lines, or (I think) transferred owners. Icelandic whale teeth sounds pretty  Goodpancakes posted:In case anyone missed it in the news, 75 lb pearl The dude stored it under his bed for 10 years! Insane. EDIT: Hoover that's some cool stuff! I love large natural pearls like that.
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Aug 27, 2016 22:07
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goodness posted:Is it even legal to get repaired? I have 2 whale teeth from Iceland that my grandparents left but I haven't been able to figure out the laws related to having ivory if you've got documentation dating them to pre-MMPA (1972) they are exempt from a great deal of restrictions. If not, and If they are raw teeth, you may need a specifically permitted artisan, but for repairs etc on already altered teeth or pre-act stuff, anyone can handle them. You simply possessing the teeth should likewise not be an issue at this point, regardless of age. Epoxy Bulletin fucked around with this message at 23:10 on Aug 27, 2016 |
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Aug 27, 2016 22:58
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I've been reading this thread over the years and always appreciate looking at the awesome jewelry posted here. Maybe this is more of a fashion question, but what are some good styles for men's jewelry (rings, necklaces, bracelets)? I feel like a lot of men's jewelry is really clunky and dark which I really don't like. I just found Tom Wood and saw some pieces that I would definitely wear (this and this as two examples). I'm thinking I would like something pretty simple for somewhat frequent use (so not like a really nice one for special occasions). I really like all the beautiful precious stones posted here but I feel like they're out of my style and price range. I think I could pull off some simple, shiny metal.
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Aug 28, 2016 23:17
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God I fucking love Diablo 3 gold, it even paid for this shitty title
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You can't go wrong with a men's signet ring or a simple "gypsy-set" gemstone solitaire. Both have been popping up in the fashion pages and I suspect we'll be seeing collections from the big designers next year. For understated bands I like meteorite by itself or inlaid in precious metals. And in chains I'm a big fan of the Thai baht chain. They're often made in large sizes (as a show of wealth), but in small sizes they look even cooler. Also, look for antique styles like foxtail or repurposed pocket watch chains. And don't forget cool watches. Younger men can't always pull off a baller gold & diamond watch, but vintage steel watches are very hot now and work for any occasion.
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Aug 29, 2016 05:07
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Claes Oldenburger posted:2)Going to be pretty store dependent, but almost all second hand metal needs to be refined to 24k and brought back to 10k/14k/18k to be used. Most stores give you a credit for your metal towards the ring, however using stones again is just the cost to remove them from previous settings and set them in new ones. My day job jewellery store starts re-designs at about $1000 CAD for metal, labour and setting. Price goes up based on intricacy and design time/adding metal and stones. So redesigning is a standard thing stores offer, I'm not looking for a specialist?
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Aug 29, 2016 14:16
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pogothemonkey0 posted:I really like all the beautiful precious stones posted here but I feel like they're out of my style and price range.
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Aug 29, 2016 16:32
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Looking for some general advice for buying an alternate metal ring for my partner: titanium, tungsten, or other non gold/silver/platinum that isn't 'cheap' like say copper?
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Aug 29, 2016 19:55
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JohnnyRnR posted:You can't go wrong with a men's signet ring or a simple "gypsy-set" gemstone solitaire. Both have been popping up in the fashion pages and I suspect we'll be seeing collections from the big designers next year. Seconding this, I have small wrists for a dude and I've got a vintage thin watch that does the trick. It's gold, but steel ones would fit the bill as well. dupersaurus posted:So redesigning is a standard thing stores offer, I'm not looking for a specialist? If it's a custom jewellery store, yes. I do them all the time! Mall jewellery stores (mostly, some do custom work) or places that are selling only other jewellery brands will either take the job and outsource it with a large markup or not offer the service at all. I'd say almost all smaller "Mom and Pop" stores that do custom designs will be able to help you out. Masey posted:Looking for some general advice for buying an alternate metal ring for my partner: titanium, tungsten, or other non gold/silver/platinum that isn't 'cheap' like say copper? If they're into new metals I'd go Tungsten. From what I've seen Titanium will scratch over time and the price is usually comparable. Remember to let them know to take it off during any work with machinery or anything that could prove dangerous, getting those rings off when things go wrong can be a big issue!
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Aug 29, 2016 21:17
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Claes Oldenburger posted:
That's what I was afraid of. I'm looking at spending around 100-200$ for a nice ring that's very minimalist I guess and there's just so many online vendors I figured I would narrow down my search to a reputable ring maker with some nice designs. He really likes carbonized cobalt and those kind of finishes. Masey fucked around with this message at 02:57 on Aug 30, 2016 |
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Aug 30, 2016 02:52
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Masey posted:That's what I was afraid of. I'm looking at spending around 100-200$ for a nice ring that's very minimalist I guess and there's just so many online vendors I figured I would narrow down my search to a reputable ring maker with some nice designs. He really likes carbonized cobalt and those kind of finishes. I got my titanium ring from http://www.boonerings.com (he also did my tension set engagement ring) and I was very happy with the price and customer service.
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Aug 30, 2016 16:57
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I'd probably wear that white agate ring. Here's the only two pieces of jewelry I currently own. Ring wise I like the older style stuff and have to keep an eye on the used market until something I like pops up. The bracelet I had made a few months ago.   E: sorry for the lovely lighting. fps_bill fucked around with this message at 03:26 on Aug 31, 2016 |
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Aug 30, 2016 18:59
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EVG posted:I got my titanium ring from http://www.boonerings.com (he also did my tension set engagement ring) and I was very happy with the price and customer service. Places like this are the best way to go. 99% of jewellers don't make this stuff themselves, because we can't actually work with titanium/tungsten/cobalt etc. so it's mostly just re-sale.
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Aug 31, 2016 18:17
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Oh that's good to know actually. Thanks, I figured they were resale after I saw a wide array of similar rings and such.
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Aug 31, 2016 18:45
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Scarodactyl posted:You could always go with a nice cabochon. You can get some very good-looking ones in a range of varieties on the cheap, and unlike faceted stones they don't have sharp edges that showcase abrasion (and they can be relatively easily repaired if they do get a bit worn down). It also allows for the "standard manly big stone" look without looking flashy or oversized. That's not a bad idea. What constitutes "on the cheap," by the way? I have zero frame of reference for the cost of jewelry. I really like the design of this piece but $300 for such a simple ring seems way too high for me. Is that just designer markup? EDIT: I feel like this came out weird... I didn't mean to sound as if I discount the value of design, materials, and labor, I just meant that I've seen similarly-sized silver rings for much cheaper and I don't know the cause of the price difference. pogothemonkey0 fucked around with this message at 23:27 on Sep 1, 2016 |
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Sep 1, 2016 12:38
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pogothemonkey0 posted:That's not a bad idea. What constitutes "on the cheap," by the way? I have zero frame of reference for the cost of jewelry. I really like the design of this piece but $300 for such a simple ring seems way too high for me. Is that just designer markup? Without seeing the other rings you've looked at, I'd say some of it's designer markup and some of it's the varying densities of the designs. The ring you posted looks very solid, which means it requires a decent amount of silver. Some similar rings may be hollowed out underneath, which means they look the same from up top but require far less metal. It's little things like weight that can make a huge difference in price and feel.
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Sep 2, 2016 18:42
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How difficult/expensive would it be to get a custom necklace made that looks like this? I was a bit surprised that it doesn't already exist because *nerds* Maybe just need to look harder?  From this game:   Part of the problem is that searching for 'Talisman necklace' is incredibly vague. EVG fucked around with this message at 19:21 on Sep 2, 2016 |
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Sep 2, 2016 19:18
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pogothemonkey0 posted:That's not a bad idea. What constitutes "on the cheap," by the way? I have zero frame of reference for the cost of jewelry. (Plus, if you want to take it further, cabochon rough is much, much easier to find than facet rough, and cabochon cutting is much cheaper even for good work. So you can pick out the rough and have it cut just the way you want. I know a guy who does a great job at it, and there may well be local cutters in your area. Cabbing is a lot more casual than faceting in general so there are plenty of people who do it on the side). Scarodactyl fucked around with this message at 20:44 on Sep 2, 2016 |
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Sep 2, 2016 20:37
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Hi thread. Can someone in the know school me on synthetic diamonds? I'm ring shopping and I know the future wearer doesn't care about real vs. synthetic, but I think a simulant e.g. moissanite may be a step too far. Looking for princess cut in a three stone setting. I admit both that this is a budget driven decision and that I was very surprised at the market for synthetic diamonds at sites like Brilliant Earth. They are still very costly compared to moissanite and not as much of a discount from a natural stone as I had assumed. Synthetic diamonds also seem to have a wider range of 4C's than I expected. The process must be difficult to do consistently or else I'd expect to see lots of near perfect stones. So I guess I'd like to be pointed in the right direction to learn more about whether this is even a good idea and/or the right places to buy such a synthetic diamond. Thanks very much.
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Sep 2, 2016 20:43
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I believe the synthetic diamond market has been kept artificially high. I'm not sure how long that will last but for now they're still darned expensive. (Do you think said wearer might go for a colored stone instead? There are more deals to be had and the overall uniqueness and value are going to be higher if you get something like a sapphire instead. But none of that matters if said wearer doesn't want one.)
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Sep 2, 2016 20:50
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I suspected the same. Regarding a colored stone, I think she'd be happier wth a clear stone even if it was moissanite. I'm just not thrilled with the very un-romantic conversation of moissanite vs. diamond and shininess-per-$$. Also a bit of a durability concern for moissanite given her line of work
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Sep 2, 2016 22:23
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Have you considered cubic zirconium 
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Sep 2, 2016 22:26
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