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Mark Morrell
A
craftsman's workshop
Finely Crafted Platinum Jewelry
Please read the Custom page and my
F. A. Q.
before you write or call.
978-369-1950
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May 17, 2009
Vacation Notice
I'll close after business on
Friday July 3, 2009 and plan to return on Monday, July 20 2009.
I'll be suspending
discussion about new product development
through Spring, 2009. I'll take stock of available time after
returning from vacation in late July.
My signature settings and mate bands will continue to
be available at approximately 6 week lead time.
Thank you very
much for keeping me so very busy!
Please
remember that I still don't wish to copy the work of others.
Please read the Custom page and my
F. A. Q.
before you write or call. Please allow ample time for new product
considerations and plans. Fulfilling current
commitments is the priority here. Planning time is available to me
only between my work bench efforts.
Scheduling
For my signature
settings and accompanying wedding bands, a six week lead time (after
final agreements have been reached and funding is in place) should remain reasonable.
Each piece is made to the specifications required after I receive your order.
If you have a specific date by which you must take delivery, please let me know
that date early in our discussions. It's much easier for me to consider your
date than to repeat my published time frame. Many signature pieces will
be completed
before 6 weeks pass. I'd like to ship as soon as your work is
deliverable so it's preferred that payment is made in full when you order
is placed.
Thank you for
stopping by!
Mark
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EMAIL
Please include your
phone number in your email to me. If my mail doesn't appear to get
through to you, I'll call when it seems appropriate. If you
receive my automatic response to your email, it's reasonable to
assume that your mail has come through my server. I check my mail
several times per week. I don't have staff to respond to mail
throughout the day.
I do make it a point to be
near a phone most weekday afternoons between 3:00 and 5:00 PM
Eastern time. My phone number is at the top of this page. Please
feel free to call me.
Please read the Custom page and my
F. A. Q.
before you write or call.
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Mr. B. had an
idea for a revised version of my "Flame" solitaire
setting.
I have to admit
that, while I'm working to bring a form to life, I'll spend so
many hours concentrating on all of the intimate details that I
may not visualize the finished piece as clearly as those who
have requested it. Such is the case with this ring. I made
this piece but I didn't really "see" this piece
until I was editing my own photos.
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Mr. B., This
ring is absolutely Flame-Buoyant. Well
done! Thank you! My best to you both. |
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Fancy
"Torchiere"
This style has been a frequent request. It's the Flame or
Torchiere crown being carried by approximately 2.4 mm wide,
bead set diamond ring shank. |
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This ring is "EK's"
2 carat center diamond along with 20 small
diamonds @ approximately 1.3mm - in a ring size of 5
1/2. This style can be developed for 6mm and larger round
center stones.
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"Nested
Crown" Solitaire ........... with a little secret inside |
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New for
2009 |
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This new solitaire setting
will be available in either all (900) platinum or with 18karat
yellow gold ring body holding a (900) platinum
"Nested" crown.
As shown - this ring features a main
"Diamond" at ~5.8 mm or ~0.75 + ct. There is a
bezel set ~2mm round diamond set facing the finger. That can
be our secret. Ring size shown in this drawing is ~ 5 1/2.
The first master models for this
piece, as shown, will be ready in January, 2009. I expect to
recreate this model to accommodate various diamond sizes
and finger sizes as requests come along. |
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Please click on the
image for more information. |
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Signature
Works The
following several image sets are of my SunBurst, Torchiere, and
Flame engagement ring settings. Please
note that there are no 4 prong version of my 6 prong signature
series engagement settings. I've posted a
price grid
for
my signature series
engagement settings
here: Price schedule for my signature settings.
The Petite
SunBurst Solitaire setting I've
been making slender versions of my platinum SunBurst
Solitaire for those who have asked. This is becoming our
most popular request. We've
dubbed this the "Petite
SunBurst" and it's available for any round center diamond
of approximately 6mm diameter and larger. The
linked photos are of a ninety seven point (0.97 ct.), D color,
internally flawless beauty set in my favored (900) platinum. The
ring in these images is size 5.
The original SunBurst
Solitaire setting features a shank width
of approximately 3mm. The
body of Petite SunBurst is approximately 2.5 mm in width
- wide enough for
all of the flowing curves to play out and remain a substantial
product. It's just a bit less bold than the original. ------------------------------------- Mark
S. asked me to show off the Petite SunBurst that we built around his
1.7 ct. diamond. Here
you go, Mark!
Thank you!
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Wedding bands
for the SunBurst and Petite SunBurst
solitaire series
I've been working on new wedding bands for the
SunBurst and Petite SunBurst solitaire settings. Here's
a link to a rendered wedding set with a 1.5 ct. Petite
SunBurst solitaire accompanied by a bead set matching diamond
band.
This
link leads to a straight, 13 diamond band to coordinate
with the Petite SunBurst Solitaire.
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The "Torchiere"
is making a name for itself.
This mounting style is
available in standard and petite proportions - and it is available
with or without small diamonds in the crown - because that's how
you've asked for it.
The Torchiere
Flowing Mate Bands
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<<< To
the left: The "Petite
Torchiere" ~2.5mm ring width in both the solitaire
setting and the fitted wedding band.
>>> On
the Right: The
"Torchiere Classic" ~3 mm ring width in both the
solitaire setting and the fitted band.
If you'd prefer
the thinner Petite wedding band to accompany your Classic 3mm
Torchiere setting, just let me know.
Flowing diamond
set wedding bands for the Torchiere series are in the works.
Please don't hesitate to ask about them.
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We are very proud to
present ......
The
SunBurst Solitaire
… a promise
of ten thousand Brilliant tomorrows
(c) Mark Morrell 2005 |
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| The Original
SunBurst Solitaire |
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For your reference,
the ring in the above photos features a 1.45 ct. Round
brilliant diamond.
My solitaire settings are
available to hold round diamonds starting at 6mm.and larger.
Every ring is created specifically for the diamond size and
the ring size request by the client - one ring at a
time.
The SunBurst and Petite SunBurst
solitaires are created in 2 separate sections which are
finished to delivery specs before assembly, finished again
after assembly and polished one more time after the diamond
has been set. As with the woman who
will wear this piece, there isn't a hard edge on this ring.
Comfort, Subtle Elegance and Substance are the driving
factors behind this and most of my pieces.
Please call
or write for current prices in 900 platinum.
Any price that
I quote will be for the mounting ONLY which will usually
include any trim or accent stones but will NOT include the
cost of your center diamond.
The main or
center diamond is NOT included in ANY prices that may be
discussed in these pages or in private discussion.
I will provide
any and all necessary small, accent diamonds for my products.
The cost of F-G, VS, very fine make accent diamonds that
I provide WILL be included in any price quotes.
Please plan on 3 to 6 weeks (seasonal) after funding is in place
for delivery for my signature pieces.
Each piece is made to the specifications required after I receive your order.
If you have a
specific date by which you must take delivery, please let me
know about it early in our discussions. It's much easier for
me to consider your date than to repeat my published time frame.
Wedding band styles to complement the
SunBurst
Solitaire
I've started a "teaser"
page here. The images on this page are simply computer
generated drawings that I've made to fit a particular 1 ct. SunBurst
solitaire setting - rendered in platinum as well as 18k.
gold.
Regarding
Product Pricing
Precious metal market prices
have been volatile. Price quotes are issued with
the assumption that your order is to be placed when our quote
is issued. We will honor our quote if your order is placed
and funds (in the form of either check or wire transfer) are
submitted to us within 72 hours of when we quote a price.
Orders placed more than 72 hours after our quote is issued may
be priced differently.
I
have a rudimentary price schedule for my signature settings
posted here. All
prices are subject to
change without published notice.
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The
Flame
Solitaire
I've had numerous requests to
"hide" some little diamonds in the crown on my
solitaire settings. To
date, I've addressed these ideas with my "Flame"
and "Torchiere" solitaire ring
settings. |
These images are of the new style simply called "Flame". This mounting is shown with a 6.5 mm
(~1 carat size) center stone. This
ring is available with 6 small diamonds at 0.01 ct. each
(one pointers) for a total small diamond weight of .05ct. in
the crown. This popular style is also available without the small
diamonds.
Both versions
of the "Flame" solitaire (with and without diamonds
in the crown) are currently available for a range of
round center stone sizes from approximately 6 mm to
approximately 9 mm. in diameter
I've
posted the best photos to date here. Enjoy.
The Flame
Bands
As expected,
I've received lots of requests for fitted bands to
coordinate with the "Flame" setting.
Several of the ideas
that we've discussed are represented in the rendered group
image below.
These styles and, I'm
certain, others as well, will be made to scale for the
shank and center of any "Flame" that
I've made.
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As the sole craftsman here, answering similar questions
repeatedly and in depth can make it very difficult for me to meet my
commitments in a timely manner.
Please read the Custom page and my
F. A. Q.
before you write or call.
Thanks very
much!
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*Scheduling
Update*
I can
accept orders for my signature SunBurst, Flame and Torchiere
settings in their various configurations as well as the
wedding bands that I've developed to compliment these
engagement settings.
My
availability for new product development continues to be
limited to clearly defined projects.
Please
remember that I can only collaborate directly with the
principal on development projects. I do not have the staff or
the additional time necessary to deal with third party
spokespersons. If you are not the person who makes the
decisions regarding plans for a project, please ask the
decision maker to contact me directly.
Thank you!
also for all of your inquiries regarding new product plans and
price
quotations! Some have asked why I can't simply "draw up a
set of plans" and quote a project price "right
now" even though "we don't need the piece right
away". The fact that mine really is a single craftsman workshop
comes with it's benefits and it's drawbacks. When I'm working to meet
commitments, particularly during the height of wedding season,
then I must focus on the things that have been promised for
delivery. As I do all of the planning and price quoting and I
personally (as in - all by myself) craft every piece that I
deliver, I simply can't put my full concentration into more
that one thing at a time. I don't mean to offend or to appear
"arrogant" when I explain that I'm not in a position
to answer a request at this time. I sincerely appreciate each and every
person who wishes to have a setting personally crafted by Mark
Morrell.
My
signature SunBurst
and Flame
and the newest Torchiere setting will
continue to be available to carry a variety of round diamond
sizes throughout the year.
Because
of the wide variety of stone and ring sizes that I may be
asked to accommodate, many configurations of my signature
pieces are created for the first time when your order is
placed. Please allow time in your schedule for me to create
the appropriate piece for your needs.
As always,
current and established clients - please feel free to contact
me for your wedding band needs, general questions or comments.
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Client
Projects
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This sweet
platinum wedding set has been in my thoughts since I sent it
off on it's new life. It is substantial
and, at the same time, it's almost not there at all.
Thank you
BT! Hope all is
well back at home. |
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Delicate - not
fragile. Classic 3 stone
style with a soft, comfortable approach to the
surfaces
A little over 4
carats total diamond weight. It's nice to see a
renewed interest cushion cut diamonds. |
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A bit of
whimsy - Undeniable impact.
Thank you, Nathan! |
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Please feel free to call
978-369-1950 - Monday through Friday from 1:00 to 5:00 P.M. Eastern
time - with any questions. I look forward to hearing from
you.
As always, thank you
for stopping by.......
Mark
Morrell
Please note that there
are currently NO authorized resellers of my custom work.
Platinum
Information
The platinum
alloy that I use and Why I've chosen to use it
I am working in
"classic" 90% platinum, 10% iridium alloy. I find that this alloy
provides the best combination of workability and durability. This is
the reason that this mix has become the platinum smith's metal
of choice for so many
decades.
Care, Maintenance and Insurance concerns
As a rule, any mounting
should be professionally cleaned and inspected twice
annually. We strongly suggest that our clients
seek out a qualified, local, independent jeweler and be
nice to them. You'll want to build a lasting relationship in
order to properly care for and maintain your new
heirlooms. Don't wear your fine jewels while working in the garden
or in other situations where heavy impact or abrasion might damage
your stones or metal surfaces. Leave your rings at home if you're
going to the gym. My rings are intended to be on your finger through
many of life's most important moments but lapses in caution and
deliberate abuse will destroy any jewelry before it's time. Be sure
to keep your insurance coverage on your important jewels up to
date.
If you don't
utilize your local talent, your local talent won't be there when you
need them.
I am pleased to
inspect and clean our own work for my clients. There is no
charge to the original purchaser for cleaning and inspection of my
work. Insured, return shipping will be billed at regular
prices. Standard (normal, expected) maintenance procedures for
my work will be done free of charge for the original purchaser
during the
first year of ownership. This maintenance includes the first ring
sizing if necessary (eternity rings are NOT resizable), metal
polishing and stone tightening where necessary. This no cost offer
does not extend to unusual or extreme situations such as damage
caused by misuse, impact or trauma and it does not cover damage or
loss to an item that we did not provide (such as stones or other
items that you may have provided for us to incorporate into
your setting /jewel). Owners must insure against damage or loss with
their personal insurance agent. I simply create my little sculptures.
I have no control over what they might be exposed to after they
leave my hands. I am not offering insurance against loss or damage
to your item. I'm simply offering to help you make it fit correctly,
keep the stones tight and clean at no charge for the first year.
I've heard of in-store maintenance/insurance contracts that some
large chain stores are selling along with physical product. Please
do not confuse my offer with any kind of warrantee or
additional cost insurance coverage. It is neither. If an item is sent to me
for first year care - or for any reason at all - insured shipping costs
both ways are the client's responsibility - even if the work that I do for you is at no
cost.
Why the
limitations?
The majority of the
center stones that I work with were purchased elsewhere. I did not
sell these items. I did not profit in any way from the sale of these
items and it would be foolish to put myself in a position of
liability regarding these items. I strongly suggest that the owner
of any item have insurance against loss or damage in place before
having that item sent to me by your verifiable appraiser or vendor.
I am not going to insure your property at any time except during
shipping. We have third party insurance available to cover loss
during shipment to your verifiable vendor of appraiser. Specific
rules do apply.
So .... what do I
do now?
I've written
numerous project descriptions / job proposals for clients who
have been in the process of insuring their property - before I receive it.
Typically, your insurer will want to know what is expected to happen
with your property before they will sell you insurance on it. I'll be pleased to work
with you in getting proper information to you - so that you
may arrange with your insurance provider to have your items insured before we commence with
receiving your goods and finishing your project.
Regarding redundant
information: There are bits of information repeated all over these
pages. I'm aware of that fact. Some of this is due to frequently
overlooked yet very important comments and some is due to the need
for a rewrite of this entire site. I'm generally busy in the
workshop and with my photo efforts - so the site layout will wait for
updates. Please continue to bear with my cumbersome web editing
efforts while I continue make memorable pieces for your pleasure.
Thank
you!
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More Client
Projects
The
following links will take you to images of projects
that I've delivered in recent years.
Most of pieces in these images are not regular
"production" items, however, existing styling queues
can often be applied to new projects.
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Doodles
- Some recent project plans
Wedding
bands from recent years - posted December, 2006
New
projects posted February, 2006
New
projects posted January, 2005
New projects
posted October, 2004
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For
sale by owner |
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Customized "SunBurst
Classic" without my customary "heart" prong
tips. This
ring was made according to client wishes by Mark Morrell
in my preferred (900) platinum. Ring size is US 3 7/8. To the
best of my knowledge, this ring has never been worn.
I believe the selling
price is $12,500.00 US but please confirm this with the owner. |
Good
Old Gold sold this diamond and they've been gracious
to let our client refer to their presentation of the 1.37 ct.
I, VS2, round center diamond here:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4862 |
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Please call or write
to me. I'll connect you with the seller.
I have no financial interest in this offering. |
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