www.ahernbrucker.com- Fine Jewelry - US Military - Ahern & Brucker

16 distinctions that define a well made ring.

We may not be a "brand name" but we do know how to make a ring.

#1: All of the edges are crisp and sharp,  all details clearly defined and finely detailed as you would expect. Anything less says it's likely a 2nd, 3rd or 4th generation copy of the original or, the ring maker didn't take the necessary time to do it correctly.

#2: No tool marks or sloppy soldering, pit's or porosity. If you see this, it's a good sign who ever made the ring simply didn't put the necessary time and effort into it. (or simply doesn't know better)

#3: Letters are "Capped" and not plated. While this requires a lot more work and adds to the cost, it's simply the way it should be done. plating wears off and needs to be re-plated constantly... the only way to do it is the right way. (my way)

#4: Every part of the ring is hand polished including the azures (stone holes). Of course it takes time and only a connoisseur might notice but, one never knows when one will be in the presence of another who is...  Hand polishing can add hours to the job and yes, it's noticeable.

#5: The ring is made by a master goldsmith that you know by name and not a name on a ring made by a machine. Their is added value in small production pieces. Owning and wearing a finely made ring speaks volumes to the people you meet and set's the standard for a first impression. If someone ask you "where did you find that ring" you want to provide a unique and interesting answer along with the name of the goldsmith who made it.

 #6: The ring is appropriately and generously weighted. solid and made to the proportion of your finger and not just a ring that is sized to fit your finger..  A well made ring is noticeably heavier than what you might expect... when you pick it up, you should be happily surprised.

#7: The ring is made with new refined gold or other precious metal and not left over scraps or dirty gold. This is of course, an added expense since more gold is required to cast than the finished ring. and practically every jeweler in the world will use up to a 50/50 mixture of new gold and "scrap" because it's cost efficient. but...for the difference in price between these two, it's simply not enough of a savings to justify (to us) and, it's the right way to make a ring. Of course, it's not really anything you can see and in defense of my fellow jewelers, I understand there reasoning.. It's just not good enough for me or our customers

#8: Gem stones are set by the hand of a master gem setter and not pre-set by a shop worker. I know they set stones in the wax and than cast and they say it works fine and saves hours of work but in doing that, you can't get that high polish in the holes (azures)  and to us... it's just the "right" way to do it. As simple as that. a few extra hours to do it right is all it takes.

#91: You have the luxury of choice to metal and stone combinations allowing you to commission a high end ring that best suites your budget and tastes. We think if you are going to buy a ring, regardless of the cost, it should at "very minimum" be exactly what you want. After all, how many fine custom rings will you be buying for yourself in your lifetime? (if you get it right the first time, the answer is 1)

#10: You have the luxury of freedom of pressure ..  To make a decision on the only ring your probably ever likely to have commissioned, we think the customer should have time and comfort to reflect on the purchase.. It's not something  that has to be decided on right now. Many of our customers have said they have waited up to 6 years to finally have us make their ring... We think that's great! take all the time you need... and please allow 5 to 8 weeks for completion..

#11: Your buying it from the shop that only sells what they make and a record of not a single dissatisfied customer in 35 years. We take great pride in our work and the relationships we have with our customers. Being so closely involved with the product (a merchant or reseller could never duplicate)  combined with total dedication to our work ensures a positive customer experience every time.

#12: If it's "on sale" chances are no one wants' it or, it's just a ploy to play on a false sense of value and impulsiveness. We have never had a sale. A reasonable price to match your reasonable expectations is our policy.

#13: When you see it, you recognize it as "the one". If the ring you see doesn't well you up with some kind of emotion, than it isn't the ring for you regardless of who makes it or where it comes from...It should be something you would be proud to own and wear.

#14: and the price, your more than willing to pay even if it takes some time to save. Recognizing true value in where you trade your dollars is reserved only for the wise and prudent. to spend money on anything less is wasteful and...

anything less is simply compromise.

 the basic man does not compromise.