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AVC + Vintage Setting Need Help

mandasand

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Jan 9, 2012
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I am in need of help once again on diamond + setting. I have decided I would like an AVC UNDER 1 ct. I just received the latest and greatest budget from my dear honey -$5000 (< would be great)

I was about to pull the trigger on a .66 I SI1, but someone stole it from me :cry: I should have put it on hold. Lesson learned. Now, what do I do? Which stone would be the best value for my budget?

Settings: it's been difficult to find settings for stones under 1 ct. I am in setting paralysis mode. Do I want a halo? Do I want a larger stone and more simple setting (I can always upgrade setting later)?

I have tried on this Gabriel setting and I love it, but JUST NOT SURE!! Is it vintage enough? Too blingy? Too much finger coverage?
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7527W44JJ

Then...I found SingleStone. Big mistake. This is the setting I adore but it's out of budget, so now I call it an "inspiration ring:"
http://singlestone.com/index.php?page=collections&catID=3&pID=745&startRow=6

I have been looking at Leigh Jay Nacht. I found a bunch of settings I like, but after a long back and forth, out of the 10 settings I liked, only two will fit a stone under 1 ct:
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=2299
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=1183

These two are my FAVORITE, but they fit a stone 1.20 ct +
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=3181
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=3469

I just want to make a good choice. I want to be respectful of my sweeties budget. I want something vintage and unique. I don't want a solitaire. It cannot be pre-loved. Please Help Me!! :twirl:
 

Gypsy

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distracts

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"Too blingy?" "Too much finger coverage?" I do not know that these things are possible.

Personally I really like the first Leigh Jay Nacht setting you linked.
 

GirlyGirl

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UberClaire|1343687681|3243222 said:
I posted this on the other thread, but I wasn't sure if you saw it or not:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9492/

This one is my favorite of the AVCs left on the site. That would leave you a little more than $2000 for the setting.

ETA: That Singlestone setting....... :love:

That and the .76 I VS1. They have the same spread. The K is $500 cheaper.

Single Stone .... So nice.

Too much finger coverage ... Lol.
 

PintoBean

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Hi Mandasand,

Would you be open to putting more toward your diamond now, and setting it in a simple solitaire? That way you can enjoy the diamond, figure out its "personality", and in the mean time, get over the "paralysis" by not feeling rushed in picking a dream setting, while saving money for the setting of your dreams.
 

GirlyGirl

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Gypsy|1343686354|3243208 said:
Does it have to be an AVC?
Have you seen this beauty? http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS1-Excellent-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1506572.asp

You could do a custom setting by ERD for that diamond. Like any of the ones you like from Single stone (or like Caprine Sun's which I adore) if you got that stone ERD could do any of those for 2-3k.

Oh my. That is a beauty and a bargain! $2,000 for .89 ct! Please consider it. Put it on hold and get some ASETs.

I do favor these settings based on your past postings. I think any one of them would make you happy.

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7527W44JJ
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=2299
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=1183
 

Gypsy

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PintoBean|1343689096|3243237 said:
Hi Mandasand,

Would you be open to putting more toward your diamond now, and setting it in a simple solitaire? That way you can enjoy the diamond, figure out its "personality", and in the mean time, get over the "paralysis" by not feeling rushed in picking a dream setting, while saving money for the setting of your dreams.


Ohh. I love this idea. Of course, that's because I did this, and it was the right choice for me.
 

Gypsy

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UberClaire

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Gypsy|1343691319|3243261 said:
How about an AVR? A 75 point AVR could go in this beauty: http://www.ebay.com/itm/270869342484?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649


Or a nice temporary setting for an AVC this one could have the head swapped out for any AVC you want: http://www.ebay.com/itm/330757772723?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649


Opps! Just saw you didn't want any pre-owned stones. But well... prehaps a pre-owned temp setting might be okay with you? Just an option.

I think this is the only one that might work: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9574/
The other ones around the price of the AVCs don't look like they'd be eye clean, but it might be worth it to ask Jon.
(http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8246/)
(http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9061/)

ETA: Lol, I think that's the one I had marked as my favorite AVR (for the price). I'm putting all of my favorites out there! Sure hope the bf already bought something, lol....
 

HopeDream

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Hi mandasand,

If what you love about the single stone setting is the finger coverage and the proportions of the stone compare to the proportions of the band (band about 1/3 the width of the stone), then you should probably go with the Gabriel and co. setting if you're looking at stones under 1ct.

I don't think a 1ct stone will give you the same singlestone/Leigh Jay Nacht look without a halo.

If you're just looking for something with clean lines and a bit of sparkel, then go for a singlestone style of setting, but don't expect quite the same proportions.

Take a look at the under 1ct thread for avcs and see how they look in various settings for a better idea of how settings for that size look.

AVCs have lifetime upgrade policies, so get a starter diamond and the grow it ;))
(I have a .77 avc now and this is my plan :devil: )
 

rainydaze

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Have you checked out Van Craeynest? Gorgeous details and craftsmanship, antique flair....

This one (460) has similar elements to the SS inspiration ring http://www.vancraeynest.com/index.php?page=gallery&startRow=21&pid=21

This one (457) in platinum was quoted to me at just a hair over 2k, and in 18k YG it was 1600. When my jeweler spoke with Larry about it, he told her he feels this style looks better with "smaller" diamonds (referring to half carat). Nice! :D http://www.vancraeynest.com/index.php?page=gallery&startRow=21&pid=21

I'll attach a pic of the 457 with a .75ct CZ. There is a poster here who had it set with a .4ct ruby and a half-bezel head - it's gorgeous. I'll try to find her pic and post it too.
 

rainydaze

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There are two tiny diamonds on each side, that add some twinkle, and of course the lovely details...
 

rainydaze

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DS - wow, that's quite a discrepancy. My quote was only 3 weeks ago! It was for a half carat and a size 7.75.
 

mandasand

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Wow....thanks everyone for posting! Gypsy - the JA stone doesn't look like a chunky monkey to me! Mark at ERD and I have already talked about a chunky cushion with the heather setting. He's having a hard time finding a diamond for me. He did find a .75 and I'm waiting on more info. It will be over budget.

The SingleStone setting is $3200 wg and $3600 plat, so it's out of budget. They also have some beautiful halos and they are all over $3k. I think SS is out.

I appreciate the recommendation about the AVRs, but if I'm going to get a more simple setting to start, I might as well get a cushion since that is what I really want. The AVRs are beautiful, but I just love the AVC. I cant help myself.

I know you all think I'm nuts because of the bling and finger coverage, but I'm not into flashy jewelry...my personality to flashy enough!!

If I get the Gabriel setting from GOG, that will leave me about $3300 for the stone (based on the MSRP...I'm waiting on pricing from Lynda). Here is a video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IphlGTu3uI&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Too blingy? I don't want to take away from the center stone too much.
 

mandasand

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BTW, all od Leigh's settings are very reasonably priced. He's been awesome with his response and really wanted to help me. Then Winona came on board and was like "no we can't do those setting for under 1 ct" bah.
 

Gypsy

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The Gabriel and Co setting looks like a slightly simplified Legacy setting to me. Go to Tiffany and wear a Legacy (a diamond one, not a colored stone one) and see what you think? For me, the style is too much competition for smaller stones and it overpowers. And the one you have is a prong set, which means more blending and less differentiation.
 

diamondseeker2006

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rainydaze|1343701252|3243374 said:
DS - wow, that's quite a discrepancy. My quote was only 3 weeks ago! It was for a half carat and a size 7.75.

Well, that is encouraging. I assume it must be because the setting I want is a little more detailed (484). Maybe I need to look at some of the others!
 

diamondseeker2006

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mandasand|1343702099|3243387 said:
diamondseeker2006|1343700905|3243368 said:
Rainy....when did you get that quote? The last VC quote I got was $3500 for a platinum ring and that was at a discount. But they are certainly perfect settings for AV stones!

I really like this one: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9344/

DS- I really love this one! It's Girly's twin!!

It does look like a great stone...one I would buy for myself! I do like the Gabriel setting with an AVC, too!
 

mandasand

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Gypsy|1343701989|3243386 said:
The Gabriel and Co setting looks like a slightly simplified Legacy setting to me. Go to Tiffany and wear a Legacy (a diamond one, not a colored stone one) and see what you think? For me, the style is too much competition for smaller stones and it overpowers.

Gypsy-A few month ago i went to my local Tiffany's and tried on a legacy. I think it was .40, and over $5k. It was really beautiful but the center stone did not pop. It was super pretty and sweet. Really small though!!

I'm totally over shopped!!
 

Gypsy

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shimmer

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If you are in love with the Single Stone setting I would either wait to get it, get a less expensive stone with that setting, or get a cheap temp setting (like $2-300) for now and upgrade the setting for an anniversary or something.

I would not spend $2K on a setting you are not 100% about, chances are in a few years you'll still be thinking about that SS setting (in my experience anyway!), and it's not really THAT much more now.
 

mandasand

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Bev K has some nice settings. GOG recommended I look at their settings but their website sucks! I am very visual and I want to see the profile! Greenwich Jewlers has more detailed viewes, so I have been checking out their website as a reference. I did try Tacori but something was missing for me.

I live in a small Northern California town and I don't have access to a lot of stores. Mostly they carry the usual designers...nothing really unique. I could head up to Nevada City to see if La Cache can make me a setting similar to SS. Right now, I think the first LJN setting I posted is my favorite and it's $1300 for platinum, $850 wg
 

rainydaze

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diamondseeker2006|1343702130|3243388 said:
rainydaze|1343701252|3243374 said:
DS - wow, that's quite a discrepancy. My quote was only 3 weeks ago! It was for a half carat and a size 7.75.

Well, that is encouraging. I assume it must be because the setting I want is a little more detailed (484). Maybe I need to look at some of the others!

mandasand, sorry for the threadjack here.... DS I wonder if the scrollwork makes it a lot more involved and thus it costs so much more? However, I was just checking out GirlyGirl's links and the jeweler she linked to sells VC too. So I clicked, and they feature the 484 in 18k WG for $1825. That has to be old pricing that hasn't been updated?

http://www.greenwichjewelers.com/store/designers/van-craeynest/products/van-craeynest-hand-engraved-scroll-engagement-ring#
 

mandasand

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shimmer|1343703308|3243398 said:
If you are in love with the Single Stone setting I would either wait to get it, get a less expensive stone with that setting, or get a cheap temp setting (like $2-300) for now and upgrade the setting for an anniversary or something.

I would not spend $2K on a setting you are not 100% about, chances are in a few years you'll still be thinking about that SS setting (in my experience anyway!), and it's not really THAT much more now.

Hi Shimmer-the budget will always be $5k for my ring. He could spend more, he just doesn't want to and I need to respect that. He was open to me finding a more simple "temp" kind of setting since I've been so indecisive. But, I do agree that if I don't get a setting I love, I will just be thinking about changing it. I don't want to do that. I sort of feel like I'm having really bad luck. I get disappointed every time I find a stone and it gets sold or a setting I like but it's too expensive. I was so happy I found some really nice settings at LJN, only to find out they require a larger stone.

Everyone has been so helpful and I appreciate it! I'm taking all these suggestions in and trying to figure out what I want to do. I also don't want to make it to complicated for my BF.
 
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