Need advice on unique engagement ring setting!

My advice...that's the type of setting that you either love, love, love or you don't. I think it would be risky unless you already know she is interested in very unique settings. IF so, then you may have a winner there. It's really pretty, reminds me of a flower almost.

I do think it will be hard to find a wedding band to sit well with it though. That's something to keep in mind as well.

Has your gf indicated she'd like a more elaborate setting?

It's pretty, but it's busy and I don't think the best match for a woman who wants a ring she can wear through day to day activities

It is certainly unique. I wouldn't choose it unless she specifically asked for it.

Hi all,

Thanks for the feedback so far!

She has mentioned that she would like a more unique style rather than a traditional one. Having said that, it has been difficult trying to probe and find out what she wants. She's not fussy at all and she doesn't have any rings so I can't get a feel for her taste.

I do agree that it is risky but the jeweller allows for a 30-day inspection period so I'm thinking of checking it out in real life and making a decision then.

Any thoughts on the security of the stones and maintenance? A number of you have mentioned that the ring is "busy".

Cheers,

Glen.

Now that you mention it, I wonder if the smaller diamonds around the center stone would get snagged very easily on clothing, blankets, etc...I can see that being an issue.

it is too busy for my taste as well, perhaps a simpler halo setting?

maybe something like this?

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5441

I'm gonna just say it.... that is ugly in my opinion. Sorry!

I think that a halo like slg posted or like this one from verragio is a much better option: http://www.since1910.com/engagement-rings/verragio-round-diamond-setting-with-diamond-halo-ve-7047-set-1635.aspx

Another version pictured.

Attachments

My favourite verragio setting.

CLASSICO-0356-enlarged-707.jpg (144.67 KiB) Viewed 859 times

To all those who don't like the setting - don't be sorry!

I'm after positive and negative feedback so am more than happy to get as many opinions as possible

The gf is a very sunny and social girl so I figured this setting reflects her personality somewhat. But if it turns out that there are practical issues with maintenance and day-to-day wear then I will definitely reconsider.

Thanks!

Glen.

Hi ponnu,

What do you think about this setting?

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-specials/closeout-jewelry/rings/104CO1/

The engraving looks amazing, and it calls for a stone the exact size yours is.

It looks like it could be a real pain to keep clean.

To busy for me. I dont like the octopus arms (ok, I know there are only 6) coming around to grip the stone.

Really like all the ones that have been suggested so far. If you let us know your budget we can hopefully
find some nice/sunny/happy settings for you.

I do like the designs suggested here too. I guess I'm trying to go for something quite different. As many of you here have noted it could be a major hit or a miss!

I have set aside a budget of $5k at the moment. The centre stone I have found is approximately $2500.

Yeah, not my thing either. I love that veraggio pictured. It's stunning and unique as well, and classy. I would post for suggestions of settings that fit your center stone and budget and see what folks recommend. We have some people with great taste on here to help you!

ponnu - if you're set on something like this design, I would have something similar custom made for your stone. The ring in the picture you posted looks poorly made - the misshapen bottom prong for the centrestone, and the little-stone's twisted prong to the R. on the face-up pic, and if that's what they use for their advertisement...

I don't know what the budget is - but what about any of the Leon Mege halos (if you're going for a halo-type setting)? I just picked this one kind of randomly (I just was looking for a similar center stone size as what you had mentioned in the original post): http://www.artofplatinum.com/portfolio/ ... age_id=503

But any of the LM settings will be totally unique, but really classy and eye-catching. Definitely not something you will see everyday around town!

Edit: I just saw that the budget is 5000 and you have a 2500.00 center stone picked out. I don't know what a LM halo setting would cost - but I guess I'm assuming he could make you something for 2500.00. I think even his simplest designs are really unique (but in a very classy way, as opposed to weird or unattractive way). Maybe someone else can chime in on the cost of a LM setting or if 2500.00 is enough for one of his settings.

Don't imagine leon w/ pave will be doable with that budget I'm afraid - can always call and ask though

If your girlfriend is not fussy and she wants something unique, she may mean she wants something more modern, or more streamlined, rather than a halo setting. Halos can appear fussy and elaborate, even simple halo designs. They also require more care and may be too fancy for your girlfriend's lifestyle. Does she love sports, being outdoors, hiking, biking, etc.? If so, you might want to consider a bezel setting. Here's a thread with lots of photos of bezel rings. A diamond in the .70 - .80 range is perfect for a bezel setting.
http://www.pricescope.com/forum/show-me-the-ring/show-us-your-bezel-rings-t121897.html

sorry, don't like it. too prong-y, cheap looking.

I'm sorry that it seems you're only getting negative feedback on this setting, but I also have to say that I don't like this setting at all. While it is unique, I feel like it's much too large and awkward for daily wear. I obviously don't know your GF, maybe this would be her dream ring, but that sure is a big risk to take if it's not something she'll love.

There are a lot of unique settings that are much more simple than this. Maybe you could take some inspiration from the jewelry she usually wears? And how much does she use her hands? I'm personally much too active with my hands (and clumsy!) to be able to wear a ring like this other than on special occasions.

I do like your thought process in coming to this ring. I like that to you it reflects her sunny personality. I just don't know that the ring has to literally *look* like the sun. My BF told me I "deserve a ring that isn't plain" and while I appreciate what he meant by that, the settings I really love have smooth lines, and are usually solitaires (which he considers plain). I like the settings others have posted so far. I definitely think Brian Gavin has a lot of great, different designs. You could always have something custom designed that is similar to this setting you like but is smaller and less busy?

Fwiw, I am not a fan of that specific setting either.
It detracts from the center stone and would make it appear smaller IMO. I would recommend making sure it is something she would prefer if you are going to get it for her. It is unique that is for sure, but if she wants that specific setting then it would be ok.

If she didn't SPECIFICALLY ask for that ring, please pass on it. I think the chance that you are going to miss (BIG) is much greater than your chance of hitting the mark with that particular setting. I apologize to anyone who has this particular setting (and maybe this is a compliment) but that is a high maintenance ring for what I would conceive is a rather high maintenance gal. From what you're describing, it doesn't seem like this is your gf (who isn't fussy and doesn't even own a ring - ANY ring currently).

How about bringing it back down to basics a bit. What about colored side stones? Does she have a favourite colour? A pretty birthstone she's always liked? I'm not suggesting James Allen specifically (as I think you can get better sidestones elsewhere) but what do you think of these for ideas: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-ri ... idestones/

Another voice joins the chorus for tragedy ... I'm afraid I don't like it, either. Something about the prongs reminds me of those claw machines that will fish out a toy for you (sorry! it's early, and I'm free-associating).

Here's a list of jewelers that I think might be worth looking at for their unique, well-designed, beautifully finished settings.

Maevona: http://www.maevona.com/index.php

James Meyer: http://www.jamesmeyerjewelry.com/

Alex Sepkus: http://www.alexsepkus.com/flash.php

Green Lake Jewelry Works: http://www.greenlakejewelry.com/

Those guys all have excellent reputations for durable, well-made, heirloom quality pieces, and their designs definitely skew towards the individualistic. Maybe poke around and see if any of them has an aesthetic that appeals to you, or reminds you of your girlfriend?

P.S. - Good on you for checking for style hints! Way too many posts start out with "I hate my ring!" - if only more dudes were as thoughtful.

P.P.S. - Slight threadjack: I obviously can't figure out how to hyperlink on PS 2.0. Tips?

I have to agree with the others and I don't like that ring either. I do like the verragio DD posted but then again I have the same thing but with a cushion halo.

Perhaps you could speak with her friends to see what they think she would like. Or maybe her mother?

I think it's very very busy. The Veraggio is beautiful and has a similar motif.

Or maybe just put it in a very cheap setting and let her pick her own!

Here are a few to consider that are similar to your original pick (just based on the flower/nature motif) :

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelr ... ngs/86PP1/

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelr ... ngs/99PP1/

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelr ... ngs/41VV1/

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelr ... ngs/65QQ1/


This one is an antique ring, but it has the flower design. The center stone is quite a bit larger than you were originally looking for, but an OEC is definitely a more unique look:

http://www.doverjewelry.com/catalog/eng ... _ring.html

If you want something truly unique and special, go for James Meyer. It's a guaranteed home run.

Written by AWicker:This one is an antique ring, but it has the flower design. The center stone is quite a bit larger than you were originally looking for, but an OEC is definitely a more unique look:

http://www.doverjewelry.com/catalog/eng ... _ring.html

Holy cow - I second this one! Hubba hubba

I have to agree with the other folks on here...I just don't like that setting. It is very unique, to the point where very few people would actually love it.

Suggestions:
1) Pick a stone and put it in a basic solitaire, then pick a setting together.
2) Is the proposal going to be a total surprise, or could you guys go browsing together, even online?
3) A lot of the suggestions I've seen have been halos. I don't consider a halo to be unique these days. Beautiful, yes, but not unique.

I love the Verragio and the Dover setting, both similar to your original but more delicate!