Hello,
So, the story starts on Friday, April 25. 2014. A customer contacted me via PM and asks if I would be willing to offer one of my ring designs (
https://shpws.me/r9HF) in 14k gold because he would like to purchase it as his wedding ring. I was surprised because 14k Gold was introduced just the day before! I also took this as a wonderful compliment, knowing that someone liked the design enough to want it as their wedding ring.
I quickly set out to offer the new material, but found that the automatic thin wall test was showing some questionable areas, not in the structure, but in the embossed details. At this time I had already printed that ring successfully in brass. It was gold plated and polished, and came out beautifully. Because brass and gold are similar processes, I felt confident that the 14k Gold would also come through fine. But, I needed help.
I contacted Shapeways support. With the help of Michael, Thomas, and Andrew giving their personal attention to this model's analysis, I decided to go forward and offer this design to the customer in 14k Gold. But, now the customer had a big concern... What if it didn't fit. With the wedding only weeks away their would be no time to get this wrong.
I went back to the Shapeways PM sent from the groom and found that his ring size was only microns from the size 7 that I had ordered in brass as my sample. Right then, I decided to expedite my ring to him for next day delivery for a test fit. From what he tells me, he opened the package, loved the design, tried it on, then placed his order, all within minutes of the delivery!
As of today, he has received his 14k Gold Wedding Ring (a week early), and shipped my sample ring back to me. It came out gorgeous, as I can tell from the photos he sent, his comments, and gratitude.
Again, many thanks to Michael, Thomas, and Andrew for helping to get this wedding ring produced!
-- Bernie
https://www.shapeways.com/designer/solostudioworks