Gee Richard, I was assuming that the work was good because guess I
expect everyone to be professional with their clients. I expect folks
to do their best.
I have had the same experiences you are speaking about. That is why
I have sold customers new things instead of repairing really worn out
stuff. I agree basically with everthing you are saying in regards to
being responsible etc. Fortunately,I have come to the point that I
don’t want to or have to work on nightmare repairs. [thank heavens!]
I was just coming in on the side of learning how to spot problems
with clients, I think that this is really hard to learn as I stated
in my post. Your slant is on the other issues, doing the job right,
being responsible to the client, etc. Glad you pointed that all out
as well.
The whole problem with repair is multi-facted. Have a happy new year.
I replied to this thread in the beginning, but since it’s ongoing I’m
going to reiterate it. I think what all have said is right on, except
for blaming the customer for anything. I tell people that I don’t do
repair work, but I do antique restoration (I enjoy it). I’ve worked
on pieces back to the 18th century. The thing to understand is that
it’s not repair work, really. Yes, you are fixing it or it wouldn’t
be there, but it’s not repair work in the sense of the word. When you
retip a ring, if you get metal on the stones neatly you’re probably
in good shape. When somebody brings in a 100 year old ring, it is
assumed that they want it to look as near to the original as
possible.
And often that involves using old methods and intensive labor. And
very often it’s been worked on over the years - I call them booby
traps for obvious reasons. As many have said here, first I inspect
it,
and then we discuss the issues. But the assumption is always there
that what is wanted is not repair, it’s restoration. A much bigger,
and often expensive, word. Even if they don’t want to pay the price,
even more than that they don’t want you to butcher grandma’s
engagement ring. And I also agree, though I didn’t say it at first.
From the description it sounds like the work WAS poor…
I would suggest you stop trusting the jeweller with the laser
welder. Being able to weld blods of metal onto a ring without ever
having used an engraver to refasion the serounding metal, but rather
“using cup burs and a file”. hmmmmmmmm. Is it a wonder she said it
was artless?
I think you said this was an all diamond ring. So you opted for a
lazor welder because it was more trendy? This ring could taken heat
and could have be solder. Okay, so you went laser, because it’s
pure. Not to know what to do with the metal after either being welded
or soldered is not an option in this job.
Ask you laser welder to hand cut a diamond plate for you from sheet
stock with engravers. If it’s straight, then keep him, if
not…