QuestionDear Thomas
I have a pearl that is about 14mm. It's shape is kind of like round bottomed strawberry in that the top is flat. I would like to find a bell shaped finding that is an enhancer that could be applied to the flat top. Do you have any other suggestion as to design? Where could I find this type of finding. I prefer 14 or 18 kt yellow gold.
thank you!
AnswerRita, I certainly appreciate you question and my imagination shows a fine piece of jewelry when all is done.
Quite honestly, locating nice findings like you want is not easy unless you are in the business and have access to vendors who sell only to verified jewelers and similar businesses. I will mention a possible resource and it will require your personal effort to contact vendors to get catalogs or to look at their on-line catalogs when available.
That resource is The Jewelry Artist Magazine, formerly The Lapidary Journal. A local rock and gem shop may have a copy. Otherwise, go to the web site: www.lapidaryjournal.com
You need to check the classified ads and archives, clickable at the top of the page. Classified ads will have various sellers listed. Better still, if you can get a copy of the magazine or one of their buyers guides you will have more choices of companies which will sell to you.
The next choice is to go to a jeweler. Yes, that seems extreme and most folks want to avoid that believing the prices will be way out of sight! The jeweler is the only one with the industry contacts to find what you want in a nice item. The jeweler is the one who can tell you if what you describe while they see you pearl is an available item or one which will have to be made up from more than one piece. It is worth a visit to a jeweler at least to see what is available, even if you do not purchase.
Stuller Findings is one company with which many jewelers will have access. I do not suggest going to a chain mall type store. Call first if you do to be sure they have catalogs and can order for you. Many chain stores have little to do with special orders, concentrating on moving the inventory in stock. A better jeweler who sells better quality items and also does custom work is a good choice. These stores need a variety of suppliers to provide the parts they need in some of the custom work. If they are sellers of better jewelry to start with, you are apt to get a store used to dealing with customers with better taste and with those who want custom work once in a while.
Rita, I do hope some of this information will be valuable to you.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas. oh, use the follow-up as needed, fair enough? : )
