Lapis Lazuli signet rings are a premium choice. The highest gem quality Lapis has doubled in price in the last 10 years. Lapis lazuli is a softer material and should be protected with a raised bezel.
Your family crest is carved 'in intaglio' in the traditional style and technique. Reversed 'for sealing' with a wax impression or 'face up' for reading. Gareth is the only carver of family crests on Lapis Lazuli in North America.
The design of other Jewelers signet rings makes the crest stone take any impact directly. Gareth covers the stone with a gold or platinum edge to protect it and will replace a broken stone for free for up to 25 years ! See the review below.
A set of wide band ring sizers is sent directly to you for no charge. Jewelry stores typically measure with narrow band sizes so their size is wrong. I keep a reference set of wide band sizers in my studio to ensure accuracy.
I searched for months trying to find a jeweler who could carve my family crest onto stone for my sons' ring. Everyone else only had the ability to etch into gold or other metals.
Finally, I found Gareth at Portrait Cameos. And what a find. He proved to have all the skills and professionalism that I was looking for. Not to mention the customer service he afforded me. He understood how important the ring was to my family and to me.
The quality of the ring when completed was beyond what I expected. I thought that maybe carving was a lost art form. My son is in the Navy and I did not know his ring size and this being a surprise for him, I guessed at his ring size.
It was a bit large so I took it to a local jeweler here in L.A. to have it downsized. What a mistake. He ended up cracking the stone, and even tried to hand it to us hoping we would not notice the crack. The guy was a complete liar and con man.
I called Gareth and explained what had happened to the ring. I asked if he could remake the ring. He said no problem and he would do it for only the cost of the stone. Gareth not only re-carved a new stone but also made a brand new ring with more gold at his expense.
This was something that he had no responsibility to do at all. It was my fault for choosing to go to this so-called jeweler to have the ring downsized. When I received the new ring, it was perfect!
Let me tell you, This guy really cares about his customers. I plan on having another ring made soon and Portrait Cameos is the go-to jeweler for me. If you need an honest, professional person to handle your jewelry; use Gareth Eckley.
Thank you for your kind words Alex. I supplied you with a new ring at no cost because I was upset that this other jeweler had destroyed your ring with a bad re-sizing.
I am proud of my work and my customers must have the most perfect jewel. I was thinking of what Nordstrom did when they credited a customer who returned an item that they do not sell.
A brand new ring was the only way to get a perfect result. Repairing the existing ring would not be good enough. I donated my time and the extra gold needed to ensure that you had a perfect ring. A satisfied customer is everything to me.
The quality of engraving of my family crest far exceeds the details of my original ring that was carved in the 1950's. Thank you !...Brian Shuckburgh, Hawaii
The Scottish Clan crest or badge shows a Crest and a Motto. Surnames from Scotland depict the family Clan. For example, Campbell, Fraser, McLeod all have their own Clan Badge.
Jamie was an absolute pleasure to work with and exceeded all my expectations. The entire process was effortless and I love how she kept me involved and updated. Her creativity and amazing talent is something truly special...Michelle.
The rings arrived safely today. They are perfect. My family loves them. Thank you so very much...P. Van Hattem, Australia.
Hand engraved with the Initials, K.B.E, in Italic font.
