SilviaFindings — Local services in Richmond

I worked with Silvia Findings on four custom projects, and I have very mixed feelings leaving this review. Out of the four projects, only one resulted in a ring I love, and the last one was such a disappointment that I arrived at this one star review. I hope the team can take it constructively and not put anyone through the experience I had.

I love jewelry settings I bought from them, which prompted me to try their custom designs. Not the same experience at all, unfortunately.

The designer has a tendency to ignore specific requests, which results in too many revisions. This was especially bad with the last design, where I specified only two things and none of them were followed at all.

The designer quickly gets confrontational about revisions--which would not be needed if they bothered to understand what I wanted in the first place. This happened with all four of my projects, and each time I was pressured so much that I ended up having to make serious compromises or, in one case, pay for an extra revision round. Basically, you'd better be happy after one revision, or else. Some CAD designers specify the number of revisions they are willing to do for free, maybe it is a good idea in this case.

The team does not offer much guidance. I am a beginner, and I wish I could have know in advance that some elements that look good in a CAD file make for very uncomfortable jewelry. One ring looks too bulky and the bezel setting is too thick to easily accommodate a stone. The other has sharp angles that cut into my finger when I wear it. One really has to know what they are doing to avoid these mistakes. I wonder if the team themselves are experienced with CAD design, or if they actually outsource it -- which would explain a lot of these communication problems.

After three finished projects, my fourth left me with a CAD file I cannot use, and a wasted ~$40 for a design fee. The customer service did not return my emails complaining about the situation. No apology or anything, and of course no file revisions or refund. I feel very disappointed. Thanks for your response! I think the common theme here is the communication problem. You had trouble understanding what I wanted, but on my end I had no idea you were having trouble. I could only see you being increasingly unhappy about revisions, and had no idea what was unclear or what did I do wrong. This pressure forced me to compromise each time, and to abandon the last design.

Here are some examples of how you overlook or mistake information, from your today's response to my review:

You said I got a wax mold, but I only got a file. Details like this were constantly overlooked in all our communications.

You said you had no idea I was unhappy, but I did in fact send a really long email to a member of your team, detailing everything I was unhappy about and asking for another resolution. There was absolutely no possibility your company was not aware that I was unhappy. Since I received no response, I felt like I have no choice but to leave a review.

I know you care deeply about jewelry and are good at most things you do. I felt really bad leaving this review, but I realize it may be the only way to be heard, for all of us having similar trouble. It was supposed to be a joy designing a new ring. Instead, our latest interaction was traumatizing.

I hope your communication with other customers...

This is David from England. Hello to you all. I have bought silver gemstones mountings from SilviaFindings for many months. The quality of the mountings supplied to me is superb! The processing and delivery has been of the same highest quality. Excellent craftmanship does come at a little extra cost over that of mediocre or downright poor quality but SilviaFindings products are consistently of supreme quality. The sales team are ever helpful and so friendly and obliging. I set very high value precious stones into SilviaFindings mounts. I look nowhere else for the quality that I demand for the presentation of my jewellery. All respect and thanks to SilviaFindings. Dave...

Silvia Findings is a fantastic company to deal with from start to finish. They are very professional, responsive, and courteous. I was a newbie and they stepped me through the process step by step without a hint of frustration. I also was impressed by their communication skills. Though I could have spoken to them over the telephone I did not find the need as we were able to communicate via e-mail without any issues. As a testament of my satisfaction with Silvia Findings, I have already placed my second order.

Just received my second order and I'm 100% satisfied. These folks are great to do business with! Give them a try - you will not be...