Reset ideas for my 3.5 ct OEC?

[LGK]

I'm totally irritated- the second setting that I got for my 3 1/2 ct OEC is losing stones. Not a huge shock since it's antique platinum filigree, very delicate, and has these ridiculously eensy beensy melee. But I cannot replace/match them- they're so very, very small... basically not even single cut, they're tiny chips with only a few facets like rose cuts almost. I didn't pay a lot for this setting ($600 I think), so I was willing to risk wearing it and see what happened... well, it's not holding up to my wear and tear apparently, three of the smallest stones are MIA now.

Anyway. I am utterly indecisive about what to do with it. I have a bunch of inspiration pics I've been mulling over for freaking *years* at this point and I'm feeling totally burnt out on the whole thing, lol. I'd love to get some fresh thoughts on it, things maybe I wouldn't have considered, y'know?

Several things: one, it must be well protected- it's got a razor thin girdle, and I'm prone to smacking it on stuff, so a bezel or other protection is a huge plus; two, it looks best without significant sidestones. While I *like* sidestones and/or melee (I'm a more is more kind of girl), the M color faces up so much, much whiter without contrasting stones. I've really grown to like it standing alone, as it were. (The melee it has near it at the moment is so small and oddly cut, it looks marcasite-like and doesn't contrast or sparkle like diamonds usually do.)

I like antique styles, filigree, engraving etc. Greenlake Jewelers does some lovely work, but I haven't quite found anything that's exactly *it* in their portfolio, nor have I come up with any ideas that scream "permanent home". And frankly at this point I'm really open to anything as long as it's protected enough.

I'll probably have to live with the missing stones for awhile yet before actualy doing anything- I like to contemplate these things for awhile (erm, years sometimes), and my jewelry fundage is, ahem, depleted at the moment.

Wanna know what I did meanwhile? it's ridiculous but it actually works for the moment- I put blobs of glue in the empty holes. the melee is so incredibly little you actually can barely tell the difference. Heresy, I'm sure!

As far as budget, realistically i'd probably never be able to make myself (or talk DH into, for that matter) spending more than $3K on a setting... much more than that and I start thinking "but that could be a diamond!"

Oh, and is it true that James Meyer isn't making jewelry anymore? Am I remembering that right?

 

[Gypsy]

I like Chrono's bezel setting for her OEC, which was once MsSalvo's ring (although it had prongs then). Have you seen that? It was made by Quest based on a deco Tiffany design.

Have you seen McTegue MC2's Flora line? It is is my favorite, and would be my choice as there is one that cups the stone like petals forming a bezel . But the setting alone is 15K.

Van Craeynest would be another choice, but... budget again.

http://huntcountry.com/HCJ/HCJHome.jsp this place had some interesting designs that caught my eye and their stuff is priced really well. Kelpie has a stunning ring by them.

James Meyer retired but his son Caleb is still doing work, and can make similar designs. And there is another jeweler and Ann something that is associated with them as well.

 

[yennyfire]

I just trolled through both Pearlman's and Solomon Brothers and didn't see anything I thought was even worth sharing. Any of the bezels I saw either had halo's around them or were very modern in style, which I don't think work well with your stunning stone. What about calling Erica/Grace and see what they come up with? Their asthetic seems right up your stones alley...

I'll keep looking (because it's so much fun!) and if I find anything, I'll be sure to post it for you!

 

[vintagelover229]

Have you searched rubylane and antiqueengagementrings.com? Or even Dover? (I'm sure you have) You may be able to find another nice setting for a reasonable amount until you can save enough for you to get your dream setting?

I love a good deal more than anything...however if you're having issues with your settings, and the safety of your stone is at stake, perhaps sell a few pieces that you no longer wear to help fund a FOREVER setting, or keep on saving up for however long you need to until you have the amount saved for it. Something that's made solid, perhaps a bezel, so you only have to do this once and you get your dream ring. I know spending that much $$$ on a setting is hard to do, but when you have a beauty of a stone like you do, might as well do it just once and know that its going to hold up for a very long time. Just my 2cents!

However, I LOVE bezels!


If budget wasn't an issue who would you go with and what you would create? After you've got that down, perhaps get a quote and see how much it is going to be. Because you're keeping side stones to a minimum, it may not be as expensive as we are thinking!

 

[geckodani]

Here's the link for Caleb Meyer. http://calebmeyer.com/caleb-meyer-custom-jewelry.html

I second the previous suggestions of Caleb Meyer, JBEG etc. If I see anything that screams at me I'll let you know!

 

[yennyfire]

What about this?

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/JbEG-Signature-Settings-and/Plain-and-Pave-Solitaires/The-Julia-Bezel-Solitaire/13197667_TCNNx#993361197_zBADQ

Or something like this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/1-42ct-European-Round-Cut-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-/360330923566?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_with_Accents&hash=item53e5658e2e

 

[HeartingDiamonds]

Hopping on here to beg LGK for photos of your current setting - pleeaaasseee?

Im actually of the opposite camp currently - been mulling over a new design for my stone (also toying with the idea of having it done in deep, rich yellow gold) but I think I am leaning towards finding a true vintage setting for it myself. And while one might think this is easy, its actually MUCH harder than even I thought!

FWIW, I think that for bigger stones, a classic solitaire is just sooo elegant and truly, truly timeless - cant wait to see what you end up with!

 

[MyDiamondSparkles]

Wanna know what I did meanwhile? it's ridiculous but it actually works for the moment- I put blobs of glue in the empty holes. the melee is so incredibly little you actually can barely tell the difference. Heresy, I'm sure!

Oh gosh! You should seriously put a warning to spit out all coffee before reading this...lol.

Anyway, I am sorry to hear your setting is falling apart. I love the look of a big diamond solitaire. I think a solitaire bezel setting would be beauuuutiful. Of course there is something to be said for those true vintage settings as they are a favorite of mine. It's just so hard to find one in good shape, plus for the size of your diamond...like a needle in a haystack trying to find one you like. Somone on EBay has a bunch of them, in all sorts of sizes, but boy are they pricey.

 

[kelpie]

Do you remember the antique setting I ordered and returned because my stone was too small? I think your diamond would look amazing in it. It was the most exquisite setting, I about cried it did not fit (it needs 10-11mm). It's still for sale on ebay.

 

[HeartingDiamonds]

Kelpie, this setting is TDF!!!

May I ask what size your stone was? I ask because my stone is not quite 10mm

 

[pixies]

James stopped working with customers' stones before he retired. I don't believe Caleb or Ann work with outside stones either. They may make an exception though so it doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[kelpie]

HeartingDiamonds, it's much better in person! My stone was 8.5 and it was swimming in it. I think after I returned it the seller realized it needed a bigger stone than he thought. I think he was calling it a 10mm setting and now he is calling it an 11mm.

ETA- Here it is. I think I got it for 1600-1800 but also bought my wedding band from him and asked for a discount for buying both.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ANTIQUE-VINTAGE-SETTING-MOUNT-PLATINUM-HOLD-11MM-4CT-/170578640458?pt=Vintage_Fine_Jewelry&hash=item27b7477e4a

 

[SandyCheeks]

This mount is ever so gorgeous but it looks like another antique filigree (reproduction) with delicate diamond work, a bit expensive too.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230442319186&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Will keep looking.

edit for typo

 

[Gypsy]

Okay so. Here's my idea.

Custom setting by BGD that takes this [URL='----']----[/URL] concept. Puts the center stone in a milgrained bezel instead of prongs. The pave bypass parts done with fishtail pave of 1 pointers and form the bezel around the stone (but no halo on the stone). No milgrain on any of the bezels but the center stone.

And then the rest of the ring (and this is why I said BGD for the work) incorporating the gallery and profile and shank of this ring by BGD (I think it's called the Dana). All in platinum. OR in rosegold and platinum (as pictured).


I think it would be stunning, unique, organic, safe... and just gorgeous.

 

[D&T]

LGK, on no, so sorry about your current setting, Your gorgeous HUGE OEC deserves a stunning home. If you are interested in working with Greenlake, they'll just bounce ideas around and draw some sketches for you until something screams I'm sure. After so many resets, and custom resets, I've been a bit shy about custom and I try to find stock and perhaps mold it a bit...ie: engrave or commercial parts, but with your stone, seems fitting to go custom? Really love the idea of milgrain bezel and engraving on the shanks, but what? hmmm.....

but just a few ideas?:

http://www.knoxjewelers.biz/products/vienna
http://www.knoxjewelers.biz/products/seville

http://www.crossjewelers.com/products/details.asp?ProductID=311
http://www.crossjewelers.com/products/details.asp?ProductID=31
http://www.crossjewelers.com/products/details.asp?ProductID=309
just change the prongs to bezel

 

[LALove]

So sorry about your setting.

Are you looking for a temp setting or a "forever" setting?

What about having a custon white gold bezel setting with a white gold shank (no stones) and add milgrain to the bezel? That sounds so appealing to me for some reason though it is quite simple and it shouldn't be $$$. Similar to this JBEG but without the diamond side stones or maybe with colored stones. Setting as is in palladium is about $1,700 but It'd probably be less without the side stones/side bezels. http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/JbEG-Signature-Settings-and/3StoneSettings/The-Astin-3-Stone-Bezel/14636541_yF3W4#1088868118_rCGbg (A PSer recently got this mount, forget who?, and it is TO DIE FOR, IMHO)

If I end up with an OEC here are some settings I was contemplating going with (along with the above setting by JBEG maybe a 3 stone, maybe not..), just for ideas:

This is $1,271: http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beverley-k-jewelry/rings/102PP1/

This is $1,210: http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beverley-k-jewelry/rings/101PP1/

Here's a site that has well priced nice settings:
http://www.javda.com/Jewelry_Ring_Diamond-Ring_Engagement-Ring~sshp1~ord1.html
Here's a thread on a 3ct princess reset using a mount from this company (pics on pg 2): [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-mount.152224/page-2#post-2785908#p2785908']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-mount.152224/page-2#post-2785908#p2785908[/URL]

If you want to elaborate on what you're looking for and your budget I'll keep looking (and keep living vicariously through you teheehee)

I'll attach pics of the 3 setting suggestions so you don't have to click the links..

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Is this setting too high given your diamonds' thin girdle? HPD's Scream collection--Crowning Glory.

http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=store-product-detail&id=125

cheers--Sharon

 

[LALove]

Don't know anything about this site but check these out
This is $1,675 in 14k white gold and can be done in yellow or rose gold too.. oooohhh or platinum..
http://www.engagement-ring-mountings.com/ring_settings_info_1982.htm

$1,575 in WG (I LOVE this one minus the little square maze shapes engraved on the profile of the shank- not sure if I love those?..):
http://www.engagement-ring-mountings.com/ring_settings_info_1825.htm

$1,500 in WG (this one is neat too!):
http://www.engagement-ring-mountings.com/ring_settings_info_1790.htm

$1,775 in WG (kinda blingtastic but I love it too):
http://www.engagement-ring-mountings.com/ring_settings_info_1762.htm

$1,525 in WG (I like this one too and maybe you could add milgrain to the bezel if you wanted):
http://www.engagement-ring-mountings.com/ring_settings_info_1762.htm

$425! This is a unique art deco mount that I really actually like..
http://www.engagement-ring-mountings.com/ring_settings_info_1127.htm

Am I way off on your taste/what you're looking for? Oh shoot, I just read your post again and see that you don't really want side stones or melee.. oops. I did get the part about not wanting to go over 3K. At least I stuck to part of it.

 

[LALove]

Here's the pics from the last 3 links (hopefully in order)..

 

[LALove]

This is $425.00 in white gold and no melee or side stones and looks so antique and I think it'd look AWESOME with your stone, IMHO of course

http://www.engagement-ring-mountings.com/artdeco_nouveau_ring_settings_info_1863.htm

 

[pixies]

So sorry about your setting.

Are you looking for a temp setting or a "forever" setting?

What about having a custon white gold bezel setting with a white gold shank (no stones) and add milgrain to the bezel? That sounds so appealing to me for some reason though it is quite simple and it shouldn't be $$$. Similar to this JBEG but without the diamond side stones or maybe with colored stones. Setting as is in palladium is about $1,700 but It'd probably be less without the side stones/side bezels. http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/JbEG-Signature-Settings-and/3StoneSettings/The-Astin-3-Stone-Bezel/14636541_yF3W4#1088868118_rCGbg (A PSer recently got this mount, forget who?, and it is TO DIE FOR, IMHO)

I'm Astin. The Astin is my ring .

Your diamond would be stunning in a three stone with sapphire sides. I know that you have a big beautiful diamond though so it'd probably be more comfortable to wear it as a solitaire. Sapphire melee would be pretty though.

Single Stone does some beautiful bezel rings. I was quoted in the mid 2k range for platinum, 10% less for gold. They were one of my top choices but I wanted a ring asap and JbEG made a beautiful ring for me so I'd definitely recommend them as well.

 

[HeartingDiamonds]

HeartingDiamonds, it's much better in person! My stone was 8.5 and it was swimming in it. I think after I returned it the seller realized it needed a bigger stone than he thought. I think he was calling it a 10mm setting and now he is calling it an 11mm.

ETA- Here it is. I think I got it for 1600-1800 but also bought my wedding band from him and asked for a discount for buying both.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ANTIQUE-VINTAGE-SETTING-MOUNT-PLATINUM-HOLD-11MM-4CT-/170578640458?pt=Vintage_Fine_Jewelry&hash=item27b7477e4a

Thanks, Kelpie! Unfortunately, my stone is just under 10mm so this mounting may still be too big I have to agree though - it looks absolutely STUNNING!

Sorry for the threadjack, LGK.

And Gypsy, I lurve that BGD band you posted above. Its so fluid and elegant!

 

[heliotrope]

sorry to hear your setting is loosing a few stones LGK

this one from leigh jay nacht (antiqueengagementrings.com) still stops me in my tracks...

it is in their engagement ring area not their setting area though...??

 

[pixies]

sorry to hear your setting is loosing a few stones LGK

this one from leigh jay nacht (antiqueengagementrings.com) still stops me in my tracks...

it is in their engagement ring area not their setting area though...??

Oooh I love this! I wonder if they could reproduce this setting?

 

[LGK]

Oh my! All sorts of fun things to consider. I just popped in to say thanks to everyone and I'll have a chance later today to mull over the options closer. (Kelpie, that setting is one I'd looked at several times on ebay; I think my diamond is too small though, it's a bit under 10mm- 9.86, or 9.68, I totally can't remember which )

I think the pics of my current setting are on another computer, I'll post some later tonight Grace (and feel free to tangent all you like! What stone are you currently trying to reset? It took me nearly a year and a half to find an antique setting that I both liked and fit my stone when I was looking- I hope it is faster for you!) It's funny but it took me months to realize that my current ring isn't abstract filigree like I thought- it's actually two swallows, with their wings outspread.

As far as whether or not I want a permanent setting right now? Meh, I don't know (I'm so helpful!) It would probably make sense to try for a permanent home, I guess.

 

[Gypsy]

Grace, isn't it lovely? I was torn between that band and my Aurora band. I went for the Aurora and adore it. But am still trying to figure out a way to get a Dana band as a RHR because I just love it so much.

Heliotrope, that setting gorgeous. Maybe they only have the one setting and that's why it's in that section?

LGK... I always think "permanent" is just a scary word (commitment phobe here) so I try to think of things as "long term" instead. Maybe that will help?

I ADORE the bottom two Singlestone settings posted incidentally. Just gorgeous.

 

[kelpie]

Single Stone is the proverbial bomb. They could make a pretty luxurious setting for <3k.

 

[LGK]

Thanks to all of you so much- I liked a lot of these options and I tucked most of the photos away in my gigantic, ever growing inspiration folder, haha

I realized something. I think I have a backup setting that will work for it already (and I'd utterly forgotten about it actually ) and I don't think I would have remembered it without LALove jogging my (questionable) memory, actually. I have one from that series of repro-filigree settings; not that exact one but same idea, lol. It had a 9.5mm CZ in it that I'd had to put into the original setting my diamond was in to resell it, and I totally spaced on the fact that I still have it tucked away. Oddly I really like the setting, despite that it was like $150 or something maybe 5 yrs ago. I think I'll use it for the time being, if I lose any more stones. It will do the trick for now anyway, as a backup... it's not as protected as I'd really ideally like, but it was so cheap I might see if someone can build a bezel for it... and even if not, it's a bit lowish, better than some anyway.

I will still be keeping an eye out for the "permanent home" for my OEC but at least I have an alternate setting for now, whew! I hate having to rush resetting things.

Some of those Singlestone settigns are just gorgeous. I love the leafy motif of the BGD setting too. I'll definitely be thinking on those... and thanks for the price range of Singlestone's simpler settings. I was thinking they were a bit pricier, but that, I can do. Well, in the near future anyway

 

[kal2021]

Sounds like you are all good for now, but I just thought I'd chime in with this new unique setting from JbEG:
http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.c...-Halo-Setting/15232017_4UHLY#1139638780_X52T5
It is probably not as antique looking as you would like, but it is totally customizable, has a bezel set, and you can add diamonds to the basket if you want to add some bling that doesn't offset the color of your center stone. Thought it was worth a look!

 

[slg47]

Sounds like you are all good for now, but I just thought I'd chime in with this new unique setting from JbEG:
http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.c...-Halo-Setting/15232017_4UHLY#1139638780_X52T5
It is probably not as antique looking as you would like, but it is totally customizable, has a bezel set, and you can add diamonds to the basket if you want to add some bling that doesn't offset the color of your center stone. Thought it was worth a look!

ok sorry to threadjack but...WOW!!!! that is gorgeous!