I'm a goldsmith AMA

[fannyboz]

Just that. I make jewellery including silver, gold and platinum with gemstones and diamonds.

[Daffodil2018]

I would love to do this. How did you get into it? What was your background and training?

[TheRealHousewifeofCheshire]

Where are you based.

I've had to send a ring off to be resized and retipped. The jeweller is reliable but its sent away.

How will I ever truly know the stone isnt swapped?

Even to have the stone mapped I'd have to part with the ring

[incogneto]

@fannyboz would you be able to value a ring?

[fannyboz]

Daffodil, I did an HNC at college but then learned much more whilst working. Depending where you are you might have some courses near you. Even if not college courses evening classes to help you make a start. There is also lots of info online for hobbyists.

[fannyboz]

The real housewife, feel free to message me.

[fannyboz]

Incognito, yes, I can do that for you.

[BackAwayFatty]

If I want a ring made with a stone I own, how do I find a reputable maker?

[Reluctant2ndtimer]

I’ve done a couple of jewellery day courses and made 3 silver stone set rings. I’d love to have a go at home too but I haven’t got much idea what I need. I’ve got the blow torch, pliers and a saw but where can I buy silver and what flux do I need? (I’ve got so many stones already ) thanks!

[SailorJerry13]

I’d love to know the value of my engagement ring, I do know how much was spent but I always worry that we were ripped off as we bought online.

Also - do you think cubic zirconia’s can be just as beautiful as diamonds ? Or does it HAVE to be diamonds for you.

[fannyboz]

backawayfatty the best way is probably to look online or ask around. There are so many jewellery makers out there. Social media is also a great way to find the smaller independents or sole traders.

[fannyboz]

Reluctant2ndtimer there are lots of facebook groups that can offer lots of advice. They have a real mix of beginners and more experienced. Search for 'sisterhood of metalsmiths'. This would be a really good place to start.

[fannyboz]

SailorJerry13 Any jeweller that offers valuations for insurance purposes will be able to do this for you.
Of course I love diamonds and they stand the test of time which is important in engagement rings. I think CZS also look great in smaller sizes and it's difficult to tell the difference with the naked eye. I would say it's a bit more noticeable with bigger sizes. I have some CZ jewellery so I'm not snobby about it. There is also a stone called moissanite which is looks like and is very hard like diamond.

[BackAwayFatty]

Thank you

[TheRealHousewifeofCheshire]

I will message you Fannyboz but why cant my question be answered publically? Xx

[sadkoala]

Hi, we are currently looking at wedding rings.

As a rule is it generally cheaper to have your rings made by an independent goldsmith vs buy the equivalent from a high street store?

[TheRealHousewifeofCheshire]

Sadkoala yes it would be as high streets have high rents and overheads. Generally the quality of the diamonds would be less too (the 4Cs). If youre after diamonds of course.

It depends what you want and what you have to spend. If its just a plain band theyre not too expensive at either. I've just been looking at all this myself

[Mrsmorton]

I have a load of scrap precious metal alloy from when I practised as a dentist. I'd love to get it made into something, how's best to do that?

[fannyboz]

Therealhousewifeofcheshire sorry, that was mostly reluctance to say where I'm based.
If you take an item of jewellery into a jewellers shop there's a high chance it'll be sent away as many don't have workshops on the premises.
Even if they do certain pieces will be sent to specialists as there are many different skills within the industry. In both cases this is normal practice.
As far as stones being swapped, I'm sure there has been or is the odd rogue trader as there is in any industry. However, this has never been the case anywhere I've worked. The jobs come in, are estimated, repaired and go back out again. For any busy workshop that wants to maintain its reputation it simply isn't worth it. Just go for a business that has good reviews. Word of mouth is the best I would say.
Hope that helps. Xx

[fannyboz]

#sadkoala this depends. If you are buying from a high street store you will be buying mass produced wedding bands. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the quality of these. There are many excellent quality manufacturers.
If you are buying from a jewellery maker they have to spend the time making your bands and paying to have them hallmarked. So, potentially not cheaper but maybe a little more special.
Independent jewellery makers will often deal with suppliers too so could order in the same as or closest to the rings you have seen on the high street. That's where you might find a saving.

[fannyboz]

Mrsmorton have a good idea of what you would like then approach a reputable jeweller with your ideas. I find the easiest thing is to get images from online for a general idea. This is so much easier than trying to describe what you have in mind. Again, social media is great and you can see pics of people's work before you take the plunge.

[TheRealHousewifeofCheshire]

I have used reputable @Fannyboz but I've always wondered as truly you don't know. Took it in a shop where i live but didn't trust it enough. Nothing wrong with him so it went to the jewellers in Hatton garden.


On a separate note have you heard of a workshop called greens?

If love my ring valued but don't want to part with it again. It's too sentimental.


I did so much research about diamonds. I found a good online retailer.


How easy would it be danny to forge a diamond certificate and for how long have these been commonplace?

I'd expect my ring to have one but it doesnt (although it was inherited so couldve missed this) but it doesnt seem to (found all other documents).

Also if i bought a loupe myself do you think it would be worth it to "know my diamond" would it be possible?

Thanks

[TheRealHousewifeofCheshire]

Ps I wasn't being funny fazznyboz askign why my questions couldnt be answered.


How did you get into your trade. How long have you practised. Do you own your own business?
What things do you do?

Are you male or female?

[fannyboz]

@TheRealHousewifeofCheshire didn't think you were being funny at all! My response was too hasty.
It really does come down to trust at the end of the day.
If you want your diamond to be appraised you could get in touch with the GIA (Gemmological institute of America, although they have an office in the UK) they are held in high regard in the industry. But yes, any of these types of appraisals means parting with your ring for a period of time.
Could you contact the place you bought the ring from? Perhaps they could supply a certificate?
I'm not sure how easy it would be to forge such documents to be honest.
The GIA have been around since the 1930's and diamond certificates have always been part of my work.
Yes, I see no harm in buying a loupe and examining your own diamond. If you do get it appraised there will be a diamond diagram which will note any inclusions within the stone. This may give you peace of mind when having your ring resized or repaired in the future.

[TheRealHousewifeofCheshire]

I do trust where I've been... just curious. Ive just bought my wedding band from there.

I dont think they can get a certificate now... how would it be traced? I might contact the GIA.
Mine may have been misplaced. The jewellers didnt really say mich but they are highly reputable.

I dont know if I could memorize my diamond as such but when looking for diamond wedding rings (because my engagement ring is so nice) I've taught myself loads!


Very interesting.


Do you work in a workshop?

Thanks

[fannyboz]

@TheReal when you bought your diamond did it mention certification? If it did dele ding on who the very was from it may be lasered on the girdle of the stone. If not and there was no certificate then you would have to get one yourself as I’m not sure how the supplier would trace that particular diamond.
I run my own workshop and have been self employed for five years.