JULES MADERE JEWELERS

I inherited my grandmother's diamond and was looking for a setting that would not look like an engagement ring. I went to Jules Madere because they are known for their custom jewelry.
 I was greeted by Alice Madere and spoke with her husband Wayne Madere, ( the son of the founder and a master jeweler.) I decided on a 60's type organic "mum" style mounting.  I had Mr. Madere set the inherited diamond in the center and I brought in an old diamond bracelet that I never wore and he took the small diamonds from the bracelet and set them scatter style across the top of the ring. It's all done in 14kt yellow gold and is absolutely gorgeous and definitely unique.
What impressed me most?

1. ***The fact that when I thought I wanted a certain mounting and was fairly insistent about it, he said "Sure you can have that done but not by me." He explained that the mounting in question after modification would not have met  the structural integrity to which he adheres, (in other words there was a good chance I could lose the inherited diamond.) In an era when making the sale is paramount to  most retailers, his commitment to high quality craftsmanship even if it meant I went somewhere else or spent less than I would have spoke volumes about his personal integrity. 

Okay so what about price?
Well it could have been done for less by someone who uses a torch and solder but Mr. Madere uses a laser. The laser doesn't heat the metal and creates a stronger weld between the mounting and the "head" that holds the diamond. It , also, doesn't leave telltale solder marks. The price for the having Mr. Madere create the piece with the laser was about $100 more which in the long run will pay for itself when my gorilla like abuse of the ring doesn't result in a solder break.