Thursday, June 3, 2010
After placing a "Pick your cabochon and design a ring/pendant" listing in my Etsy shop last week, I got a few new commissions. One of the commissions was to set a gorgeous deep-blue labradorite as a ring. I worked on it over the weekend and had it almost completed - except for the last step, setting the cab into the ring.
When setting stones, you need to make them fit tightly and make sure the bezel is the correct shape for the stone. I always check the fit of the stone by laying a piece of dental floss over the bezel and inserting the stone over the floss. The floss keeps the stone from becoming stuck in the bezel and makes it easy to pop out.
I placed the stone into the setting and the fit was good and tight. Very tight. I had to use the floss to get it out. Out it popped, up into the air, and then downward, toward my hard concrete floor.
I didn't see it hit the floor but I heard it.
It took me a few seconds to find it, and I had a bad feeling in my stomach while I was looking for it.
Yes, the unthinkable happened, what I always fear: the cab was broken.
Of course it's irreplaceable. It's a designer cabochon and not a standard size. I felt absolutely horrible and sent a message to the buyer. Luckily she was very understanding.
I hate melting it down, so I'm checking with lapidary artists to see about cutting a stone to fit the setting.
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www.karismaheartsavannah.blogspot.com
Definitely don't melt down the ring -- from the picture you posted, it looks fantastic. I'm sure one of the good lapidary artists on Etsy can make one the right size for you.
As mentioned, the ring looks wonderful and you should definitely try to get another stone.
I definitely err on the side of tight settings as well. They just look so good in the end!
Non standard size isn't a problem but give me a couple of days to find it (think I know where it is but just in case) If you get a better offer its fine, just trying to help.
dow_jessica@yahoo.com
Right now I am contacting the original buyer to see if she would like a new lab cut for the ring. Otherwise, I will plan to keep the setting, have a different stone cut-to-order (I am now shy of labs), and try to sell the ring on my Etsy shop.
Did she also whimper upon hearing the news? Yes, yes, yes!
Can't wait to see what the new labradorite looks like!