Post by chicago1234 » April 7th, 2009, 12:38 pm
So I could use some help/thoughts from the forum. I am trying to find an engagement ring setting for my girlfriend that she likes. So far, I've not had great luck, although she tells me I am improving, for what it is worth ;-).

The latest setting that I fell in love with was the James Allen timeless setting: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/classic-solitaire-settings/ring/item_57-1933.asp

I just think it has such an elegant look and yet doesn't look like every other ring out there. My girlfriend likes it, but has some concerns based on the pictures that were posted here on the one thread on Pricescope that has pictures of the ring.

1) she's worried about the six prong look creating that hexagonal illusion to the diamond's shape. I definitely see what she is talking about in the one picture, but wonder if that is really the common experience of six prong rings or just that photo. Comments? Based on that one picture, she thinks she wants a 4-prong ring. However, I had heard before that 4-prong rings have a greater risk of the diamond coming loose. True?

2) She is worried that the tapering at the top of the setting would make it problematic to find a wedding band that would fit snug against it. Anyone have this ring and wear a wedding band next to it? Have pictures of that?

3) She is worried that a well cut diamond wouldn't be shown off as well in this setting. I certainly agree that it isn't on display as much in this setting, but she thinks that the setting could create light performance issues. I thought that the whole point of a well cut diamond was chiefly that it reflected the light that entered from the top back out the top. She thinks she would like this setting, but only if I go with a lesser cut diamond. Would it really be a "waste" to put a well cut diamond into a setting like this, or would it perform just as well as if it was in a classic tiffany setting?

I'm asking the above questions as much to satisfy my curiosity as anything else. I want to buy her something that she'll love and if she doesn't love that one than I won't buy it for her. But call me crazy I'd like to like it too. I find most solitare rings to be just darn boring and without any character. (Character seems to be defined as lots of pavé diamonds, which we both hate.)

So the final question, based on the timeless setting there as a hint of what I was attracted to, anyone know of any interesting solitare platinum settings, with a thin band (~2mm) and no pavé, that aren't just the plain jane settings that seem to be everywhere?

(Regarding the timeless setting, I know James Allen reps sometimes participate here. I'd welcome their comments, too.)