AlternativesAtelier

Custom Loose Precision Cut Gems and Handmade Jewelry

Raleigh, North Carolina
| 1,376 Sales | 5 out of 5 stars 5 out of 5 stars

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Average review rating is 4.8 or higher

Announcement    Quick Announcement -- As of July 2022, I am primarily offering shipping to the United States and Canada. If you are an international buyer, please contact me before ordering to ensure I'm able to ship to your country. Thanks!

Superlative quality loose faceted gemstones and jewelry, crafted by hand. Alternatives Lapidary provides a variety of natural and lab created stones for engagement rings, fashion and statement jewelry, daily wear and special occasion pieces. All stones (except for diamonds or accent stones) are cut in-house.

I offer custom gemstone cutting primarily in lab created sapphire, ruby, spinel, emerald and moissanite. Some other lab grown materials may be available on request. I offer custom jewelry services as well. Send me a message to discuss your project!

Please be sure to read over my shop policies before completing your purchases, and let me know if you have any questions about my stones, jewelry or policies. I'll be happy to answer them!

Announcement

Last updated on Aug 22, 2022

Quick Announcement -- As of July 2022, I am primarily offering shipping to the United States and Canada. If you are an international buyer, please contact me before ordering to ensure I'm able to ship to your country. Thanks!

Superlative quality loose faceted gemstones and jewelry, crafted by hand. Alternatives Lapidary provides a variety of natural and lab created stones for engagement rings, fashion and statement jewelry, daily wear and special occasion pieces. All stones (except for diamonds or accent stones) are cut in-house.

I offer custom gemstone cutting primarily in lab created sapphire, ruby, spinel, emerald and moissanite. Some other lab grown materials may be available on request. I offer custom jewelry services as well. Send me a message to discuss your project!

Please be sure to read over my shop policies before completing your purchases, and let me know if you have any questions about my stones, jewelry or policies. I'll be happy to answer them!

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Phil Lagas-Rivera

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Phil Lagas-Rivera

Reviews

Average item review
5 out of 5 stars
(489)
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  • Stephanie on Apr 19, 2024

    5 out of 5 stars

    Already planning my second piece with Phil! Very talented jeweler and a kind human, too!

  • Stephanie on Apr 19, 2024

    5 out of 5 stars

    Absolutely thrilled with my custom ring! From the very start, Phil has been nothing short of amazing. I knew I wanted something timeless and also unique, but wasn't entirely sure what that looked like. Phil took the time to walk me through various designs, materials, and finishes to ensure the final piece was everything I wanted and more! The ring itself is a masterpiece; it sparkles and shines beyond expectation, fits comfortably, and just wow! Anyway, 10/10 would recommend!

  • debra on Apr 17, 2024

    5 out of 5 stars

    The pendant is perfect and exactly what I had envisioned. Phil is an extremely talented jeweler and designer. I can't imagine going to anyone else!

  • debra on Apr 16, 2024

    5 out of 5 stars

    Phil’s incredible dedication to crafting my pendant left me speechless. His patience and communication were just as impressive as his talent. Every detail is a testament to his skill as a jeweler and and designer. I'm truly grateful for such a perfect piece.

  • Yi on Apr 1, 2024

    5 out of 5 stars

    Phil was amazing to work with! Fantastic communicator and very professional. He also make absolutely sure to ensure expectations were set and met, and then exceeded our expectations! The stone is absolutely beautiful and amazing quality. The stone did come out slightly differently colored due to the slightly unpredictable nature of lapidary but if anything it came out even more beautiful than we imagined.

  • Yi on Apr 1, 2024

    5 out of 5 stars

    Phil was amazing to work with! Fantastic communicator and very professional. He also make absolutely sure to ensure expectations were set and met, and then exceeded our expectations! The stone is absolutely beautiful and amazing quality.

  • Katherine on Mar 22, 2024

    5 out of 5 stars

    When I first saw this gem, I had trouble justifying the price. But I literally dreamed of it for days and just had to have it. Then Phil was so helpful in getting it set! I literally scribbled some drawings on scratch paper and he made it happen. A true artist if there ever was one!

  • Yuji on Mar 11, 2024

    5 out of 5 stars

    Phil was absolutely amazing, in all aspects of making this amazing ring from an idea to reality. He guided me and helped me understand so much about gemstones, their colour, hardness, qualities, pricing and so much more. From the ring design, to the gemstone cutting and various options provided. He was patient and very accommodating to all my requests! Just look at how beautiful this ring is !!! Will certainly look for Phil for any other jewellery needs in the future! Oh I do also want to mention, the ring took arrived within 48 hours to the UK !!! Absolutely insane

  • Sam on Mar 11, 2024

    5 out of 5 stars

    Phil created this custom engagement ring for me, from design to reality, all in time for my anniversary! He was a pleasure to work with and was great at communicating every step of the way. Amazing customer service, and even the packaging when it arrived was very thorough and professional. The ring itself is exactly what I wanted in person, and I can't wait to pop the question to my SO!

  • Sam on Mar 11, 2024

    5 out of 5 stars

    Phillip designed this beautiful custom engagement ring for me quickly and efficiently, and was great about getting everything ready on time for my anniversary. He is an absolute pleasure to work with, and very good at keeping in touch for every stage of the design process, clearly communicating any recommendations based on his expertise.

About AlternativesAtelier

Sales 1,376
On Etsy since 2010

Choosing the Extraordinary

Shop members

  • Phil Lagas-Rivera

    Owner, Maker, Designer

    Gems and jewelry have been a lifelong passion of mine, starting with a rock collection that I never really grew out of. I've been cutting stones for over 20 years now, and making jewelry for over 10. I also love art, design, printmaking and music.

  • Hana B

    Guest Poster

    Lived all over the place, currently lives in the hottest city in the US. Loves to make things by hand. She is new to both lapidary arts and silversmithing, and is making up for it by being obsessive in both collecting and learning.

  • Fenway

    Shop Demon

    Equal parts adorable scrimp and night terror, Fenny mostly ignores me. When she wakes up from her frequent naps, she *does* choose violence.

Production partners

  • Best in Gems

    Dublin, OH

    Manufacturer of semi-mounts.

  • Brilliant Earth

    LA, CA

    Diamond Retailer

  • Custom Jeweler

    Lebanon, PA

    This ring was a collaboration between me and a fellow jeweler friend of mine. He loved this stone and designed this stunning unique platinum ring with it.

  • Casting House

    Raleigh, NC

    Custom casting house -- they perform the 3d printing and lost wax casting for digital jewelry designs.

  • Jewelry Appraiser

    Raleigh, NC

    Certified Jewelry Appraiser

  • Lab Grown Diamond Supplier

    NY, United States

    Supplier of lab grown diamonds.

  • Casting House

    NY, United States

    Precious metals casting house.

  • Rio Grande

    Albuquerque, NM

    Jewelry Supplier

  • Casting House

    Raleigh, NC

    Full service casting, engraving and finishing house.

  • Casting House

    Raleigh, NC

    Full service local casting house.

  • Stuller

    Lafayette, LA

    High quality manufacturer and supplier.

  • Casting House

    OR, United States

    Specialty platinum casting house.

  • Casting House

    Waltham, MA

    Does 3d printing of digital design models and lost wax casting in precious metals.

Shop policies

Last updated on February 16, 2023

Accepted payment methods

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Accepts Etsy Gift Cards and Etsy Credits

Returns & exchanges

See item details for return and exchange eligibility.