Dublin based goldsmith for bracelet

Thirdfox

Hi all - I'm looking to get a diamond tennis bracelet made here in Dublin and was wondering does anyone have any recommendations?

I'll be supplying the loose diamonds myself and just want to get them set in platinum/18k white gold.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Millem

https://www.jewelleryrepair.ie

these guys are fantastic.

shortie_chik

Pretty much any jewellery shop with their own workshop could have this made up for you.

There are companies that mass produce things like tennis bracelet settings, so it's likely that the shop can order the length you need to match the size of your stones.

I doubt any workshop would handmake this as the labour cost would be prohibitively expensive (unless you're really treating yourself!)


(I am a Dublin based goldsmith, not self-employed, but not recommending anyone because of course I would direct you to our shop!)

Thirdfox

Yes that makes a lot of sense in terms of "ordering in" pre-made bracelets and just setting the stones.

What would be the ballpark cost of say a 25-26g 950 platinum bracelet without stones (4 claw setting) 3.6mm diameter and what would be a reasonable labour fee?

We are in the process of deciding to either have this done in India (where the diamonds will be procured), in China or here. Preference is here in Ireland of course but only if the Irish price difference isn't in the 100-200%+ vs. India/China.

shortie_chik

I honestly have no idea. I just do the metal work, I have no involvement in ordering, pricing, even quoting for labour. Also metal prices per gram vary day to day with stock markets and exchange rates.

I would imagine it'll cost more to have the bracelet assembled and set in Dublin compared to China or India as you have to pay Irish taxes and wages. However, if you get it done locally, you have somewhere to go back to if you ever need an alteration or repair.

Thirdfox

Indeed there are benefits to both (and not least the dependability of the goldsmiths (and trusting people to return the diamonds as given)). We'll definitely try going local unless it's a huge multiple of cost to go with an Irish smith vs elsewhere.

shortie_chik

Thirdfox wrote:

(and trusting people to return the diamonds as given)

Do you know much about diamonds and how to identify them? Anything about their quality? Do you trust the seller in India? How do you know you're actually getting what you're paying for? Are they certified by a reputable independent laboratory? Buying gemstones is a tricky business.


In Ireland, without your reputation, you're not in business. It's a *teeny* bit insulting to suggest that a reputable goldsmith wouldn't return the diamonds you've provided. I've heard all sorts of nonsense and conspiracy theories from friends etc. The Irish jewellery industry is very small and relies heavily on trust. If you can't be trusted, you'll find all doors closed in your face.


As to quality and aftercare, I know my company has previously made up a tennis bracelet from settings we ordered from an Italian producer. The quality of the metal and finish of the links were excellent. (Different countries use different metals for their alloys, some are a pain to work on later. For example, in an 18ct white gold alloy, the other 6 parts could be a variety of metals giving different properties.)

Some of the repairs I do on tennis bracelets are extremely challenging, but we bend over backwards to keep customers happy! So they can be confident that they will have a lifetime of secure wear from their jewellery.

Thirdfox

shortie_chik wrote: »

In Ireland, without your reputation, you're not in business. It's a *teeny* bit insulting to suggest that a reputable goldsmith wouldn't return the diamonds you've provided. I've heard all sorts of nonsense and conspiracy theories from friends etc. The Irish jewellery industry is very small and relies heavily on trust. If you can't be trusted, you'll find all doors closed in your face.

Oh you misunderstood me - I was pointing out one of the advantages of going locally is that the goldsmiths here would be dependable.

Anyways, the contacts have been made - I'll see what prices people come back with and we'll make a decision.

And yes - the loose stones will be independently sent off to GIA or IGI for a report - I do know a thing or two about diamonds myself