[Jewelry making - Article 00636] - [Orchid] How do I get my fixed piece back?

[Judy Karpen]

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Dear Ganoksinites,

    As an amateur silversmith, I read this forum regularly but don't
    have experience to share. So I hope you professionals don't mind my
    question, and can help me find resolution for a situation that is
    driving me crazy. 

    Many years ago my mother bought an inlay bracelet that she really
    loved from a studio jeweler (now well known, then starting out). One
    of the stones fell out several years back, so I suggested to her
    that she bring the bracelet to one of the shows that the artist
    participates in, and ask for a repair. She did so, about 5 yrs ago,
    when he was at an ACC show. He took the bracelet but made no effort
    to send an estimate or fix it, and for some reason my mom didn't
    follow up on it until we saw him again at a show in 2006. He was
    very pleasant but made some excuse for the delay like "I don't work
    in silver any more", and said he would send an estimate. Right. 

    Meanwhile, my mother passed away shortly after that encounter, and I
    inherited her jewelry. Last year I spoke with him again, once by
    phone and another time in person at a show. Same story. Now, I do
    know enough about silversmithing to question his excuse, and IMHO he
    has some obligation to fix his own work (maybe I will get flak from
    you all about that, but that's how I would feel if the situation
    were reversed). If he refused outright in the first place I would
    have grumbled, but at least I would have the bracelet and would find
    someone else to do the work (no way I would trust myself with this).
    Next week I will have an opportunity to talk with him again, and
    really don't want to go through the same nonsense with no result. 

    What should I do about this, in your opinion(s)? For me, the optimal
    outcome is to get the bracelet FIXED and returned. Second best, to
    get it returned as is. What is the best approach to get the desired
    outcome? I can't believe I have to do this, but I've learned the
    hard way that my sense of responsibility is not everyone's. Thanks in
    advance for your advice -- if anyone needs/wants to learn about the
    Sun, I'd be happy to reciprocate off-forum! 

Judy Karpen
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