They all look beautiful! It will be hard to choose!

THe single prong is definitely more 'pronounced' in terms of individual diamonds. It looks very delicate and feminine.

The shared prongs look like a 'wall of sparkle' (which is my personal preference) and I don't focus on the prongs as much as the sparkle. As for the size of the diamonds, the larger you go, the wider the band, so I think it would depend on what fits with your Grace setting. Not knowing the mm details, I'd be inclined to defer to BGD's expertise as to how big you can go without cutting into the Ering.

They really do all look stunning on you - you have lovely long fingers!

Honestly, if Brian can make then single prong to work with your e-ring I'd go with that. It sounds like you like it better and I think it's a little more modern looking and would be a really nice pairing with you Grace e-ring!!

If you really want single prong, why don't you consider Memoire who has been making them for awhile? They make the lowest settings that we know of, too.

I do prefer shared prong. The single prong rings look "spotty" to my eyes, whereas the shared prong look more like an unbroken band of diamonds. But it is such a personal preference and you should choose what your own eyes and preferences are! Have you considered a bezel set round diamond band? I think that would look nice, too and definitely shows each diamond as a singular stone.

Written by diamondseeker2006 » January 27th, 2012, 5:44 pm:If you really want single prong, why don't you consider Memoire who has been making them for awhile? They make the lowest settings that we know of, too.

I don't have a Memoire dealer near me so Id' be buying blind. I wouldn't be able to try it on ahead of time to see if I like it. That's my main concern. AND I've just sent my rings to BGD to be re-sized and measured so that an eternity band can be made. If I knew about Memoire before I sent my rings in I could have possibly ordered one (if I can get a refund) BEFORE I sent my rings into BGD. But not that the rings are already there, I'd feel like it was a waste if I got them to ship them back, then tried to source out a Memoire, and if the memoire didn't work I 'd have to ship them to BGD again, which was a bit of a hassle in the first place.

The only thing I can think of is that Brian takes measurements of my rings, then lets me know what my options are and sends them back to me while I decide. Then he goes ahead with making the eternity bands without having my rings there, based on his measurements. In the meantime, while he waits for me to decide, I could try and find a Memoire. But if there is no dealer near me in Toronto, what do I do??

There must be something I'm not thinking of.

Also, I'm curious as to why getting a Memoire would be a better option than BGD making an eternity band for me to specifically fit my current set? Wouldn't the BGD project cost less in the end and be a better fit? Again, maybe there's something I'm not thinking of as to why BGD isn't the best option for this project.

Thanks for all the advice! If anyone has input on my thought above, please share. I'm starting to feel the pressue to decide which way to go and I don't know what to do. I know, first world problems, right?

Written by blueiris » January 27th, 2012, 5:47 pm:I do prefer shared prong. The single prong rings look "spotty" to my eyes, whereas the shared prong look more like an unbroken band of diamonds. But it is such a personal preference and you should choose what your own eyes and preferences are! Have you considered a bezel set round diamond band? I think that would look nice, too and definitely shows each diamond as a singular stone.

ditto this.

I'd be inclined to give Brian a chance to make suggestions for you, then evaluate those suggestions and see if one or more is what you'd like. Since he already has your rings, it seems like the simplest route at this point. If for some reason you don't like any of his suggestions and decide not to have a custom band made, then you can always revisit other ready-made options. As I've said before though, I really think he'll be able to come up with a good design for you that will work with your Grace - as long as you aren't set on having a certain diamond point size.

I agree that the shared prong style gives the look of a solid wall of diamonds. BUT when the diamonds are small, I feel like they aren't so sparkly and blingy mush placed right up against each other. Not sure if I'm explaining myself right. Sorta how a large good qualtiy solitarie would catch my eye from across the room but a pave band would not sparkle at me from across the room. Even if they are all good stones, the smaller ones that are packed together don't seem to sparkle as much to me.

Now, IF I was looking at a shared prong band with large stones...the case would be different. I saw some today that were eternity bands made out of larger pointers and still shared prong but they seemed to be more blingy, more sparkly. While the ones with smaller pointers (like I'd need to use to make a 2.5mm diameter ring) didn't sparkle as much and seemed like a "dull" wall of diamonds. yes it could have been the stones were dirty or the lighting.

Can anyone explain why the small shared prong set stones don't look as sparkly to me as the same size of stones that are set in single prong?

Ha! I just showed hubby and one of my best friends and right away they both said (on their own) they like the ring in the middle (shared prong) the best. Hubby likes it better bc there are more diamonds and BF likes it better bc she thinks it'll match my Grace the best.

Written by blueiris » January 27th, 2012, 6:40 pm:I'd be inclined to give Brian a chance to make suggestions for you, then evaluate those suggestions and see if one or more is what you'd like. Since he already has your rings, it seems like the simplest route at this point. If for some reason you don't like any of his suggestions and decide not to have a custom band made, then you can always revisit other ready-made options. As I've said before though, I really think he'll be able to come up with a good design for you that will work with your Grace - as long as you aren't set on having a certain diamond point size.

At this point, this is what my gut tells me. Brian is out of town for a few more days so I'll have to practice patience in the meantime I'm just so eager to find out what my options are.

You probably saw this thread but just in case ... very beautiful bands, and they do look quite low.

http://www.pricescope.com/forum/show-me-the-ring/my-victor-canera-single-cut-eternity-bands-x-2-t168629.html

These are all beautiful, but may I offer a word of warning? Shared prong bands are notorious for loose stones and chipped stones because the girdle of the diamond is exposed. If you are wearing it against an engagement ring, the diamonds will most likely eat away at whatever it is rubbing against (the metal). And, since the stones are held in by very little (the thing that makes them look so pretty), they are more susceptible to becoming loose or damaged from normal wear and tear.

I think they are lovely, but better left worn alone.

I would say it would be the opposite...the more diamonds, the MORE sparkle. That is exactly why I prefer the shared prong..one sparkly row of diamonds rather than seeing a gap with a big metal prong.

Why get Memoire over BG? Because they specialize in making this kind of ring and they make very low settings.

"Most of our mountings are made using the hot extrusion process. Before a mounting is cut, the chosen metal is pushed through a tube with enormous force and heat. This pressure eliminates porosity (air bubbles) from the metal. The result is a platinum or 18K gold mounting that is solid throughout, strong, hard and exceptionally durable. A standard cast mounting starts with liquid metal that is poured into a mold. As the metal cools and hardens, air can be trapped on the inside causing pits and porosity, which could weaken the finished product. Mémoire’s extruded mountings are laser cut for exactness directly from metal that has undergone the hot extrusion process, eliminating this problem. This process creates the strongest possible prongs to secure the diamonds and precious stones, and a more durable overall ring, designed to last a lifetime."

http://memoire.com/index.aspx?par=metal#

The thing is, if BG makes you a custom ring, can you return it if you don't like it? At least with the Memoire, you could try them on before ordering if you can locate a seller. Pearlman's might send you a sample ring to try, but you'd have to call and check. They probably do offer the lowest prices (ask for pricescope discount).

That said, BG might be able to make a perfect ring for you. I am always a little cautious when someone wants a custom item that the vendor hasn't made before (in your case, a super low setting, and I am not sure whether he has done single prongs). That really is the only reason I am mentioning all this.

I personally prefer shared prong. I find that the single prong bands make my eyes look at the prongs instead of the diamonds. And with shared prong, there's more sparkle altogether.

Written by blueiris » January 27th, 2012, 7:08 pm:You probably saw this thread but just in case ... very beautiful bands, and they do look quite low.

http://www.pricescope.com/forum/show-me-the-ring/my-victor-canera-single-cut-eternity-bands-x-2-t168629.html

I didn't see that thread but I took a look just now. I don't really like that style of eternity ring? Is that called bead set?

Written by sphenequeen » January 27th, 2012, 8:33 pm:These are all beautiful, but may I offer a word of warning? Shared prong bands are notorious for loose stones and chipped stones because the girdle of the diamond is exposed. If you are wearing it against an engagement ring, the diamonds will most likely eat away at whatever it is rubbing against (the metal). And, since the stones are held in by very little (the thing that makes them look so pretty), they are more susceptible to becoming loose or damaged from normal wear and tear.

I think they are lovely, but better left worn alone.

Thanks for the heads up. I am definately not getting this ring to wear alone. I am specifically getting it to stack with my engagement ring and wedding band.

Written by diamondseeker2006 » January 27th, 2012, 8:36 pm:I would say it would be the opposite...the more diamonds, the MORE sparkle. That is exactly why I prefer the shared prong..one sparkly row of diamonds rather than seeing a gap with a big metal prong.

Why get Memoire over BG? Because they specialize in making this kind of ring and they make very low settings.

"Most of our mountings are made using the hot extrusion process. Before a mounting is cut, the chosen metal is pushed through a tube with enormous force and heat. This pressure eliminates porosity (air bubbles) from the metal. The result is a platinum or 18K gold mounting that is solid throughout, strong, hard and exceptionally durable. A standard cast mounting starts with liquid metal that is poured into a mold. As the metal cools and hardens, air can be trapped on the inside causing pits and porosity, which could weaken the finished product. Mémoire’s extruded mountings are laser cut for exactness directly from metal that has undergone the hot extrusion process, eliminating this problem. This process creates the strongest possible prongs to secure the diamonds and precious stones, and a more durable overall ring, designed to last a lifetime."

http://memoire.com/index.aspx?par=metal#

The thing is, if BG makes you a custom ring, can you return it if you don't like it? At least with the Memoire, you could try them on before ordering if you can locate a seller. Pearlman's might send you a sample ring to try, but you'd have to call and check. They probably do offer the lowest prices (ask for pricescope discount).

That said, BG might be able to make a perfect ring for you. I am always a little cautious when someone wants a custom item that the vendor hasn't made before (in your case, a super low setting, and I am not sure whether he has done single prongs). That really is the only reason I am mentioning all this.

Thanks for all the advice. Gives me lots to think about. I doubt I could return the ring that BGD makes. But I'm also not sure how I would get a ring to me in Canada and back to the USA to Pearlman's just to try on a Memoire. Especially if BGD has my rings right now. Grrr. I wish I would have done this investigating before I sent my rings off.

In the store today one thing was for sure: the Ritani (single prong) definately had more sparkle that the other two rings (shared prong). It could have been that the Ritani stones were better stones to begin with.

Written by sirbenson » January 27th, 2012, 9:12 pm:

Written by blueiris » January 27th, 2012, 7:08 pm:You probably saw this thread but just in case ... very beautiful bands, and they do look quite low.

http://www.pricescope.com/forum/show-me-the-ring/my-victor-canera-single-cut-eternity-bands-x-2-t168629.html

I didn't see that thread but I took a look just now. I don't really like that style of eternity ring? Is that called bead set?

I believe it's pave, but I could be incorrect.

I also prefer the shared prong. Makes me look at the diamonds, not the spaces.

I love single prong. I love that I can see the roundness of each diamond and I love the scalloped edge effect, I think it's so pretty and feminine.

Written by Porridge » January 27th, 2012, 9:58 pm:I love single prong. I love that I can see the roundness of each diamond and I love the scalloped edge effect, I think it's so pretty and feminine.

I have good and bad points for each style at this point. But some of the good points for single prong are like you mentioned...each stone is distinct and its roundness is emphasized.

I like them both. The middle band is very pretty and I prefer that one up close. From a distance, I prefer the Ritani because I like seeing the individual diamonds. but I am bias of course because I have the Ritani

Btw, I was just at a jewelry store yesterday where they had both the Memoire and the Ritani. Memoire has a dead ringer for the Ritani. The only difference is that the one I saw was platinum and it was WAY lighter than my 18k band. There is more metal on the sides of the Ritani that give it a more substantial feel. I think Memoire might have a better warranty though.

Just remember, depending on how much your prongs will stick out, my engagement ring prongs are being eaten by the band.

I'm with you on the single prong. IMO, the shared prong with the prongs at the tops and bottoms of the stones squares them off and has a bit of a channel-set look to me. I'd rather just get a channel-set, for that look, which is safer to wear with an e-ring. If I want the look of individual stones, I'd rather do the single-prong, and I do like the scallopy-ness of it and agree that it looks more delicate. I just prefer the emphasis on individual stones. BUT, you'd want to get a very slim spacer band to protect your other rings from the edges of the diamonds.

Written by heraanderson » January 27th, 2012, 10:20 pm:I like them both. The middle band is very pretty and I prefer that one up close. From a distance, I prefer the Ritani because I like seeing the individual diamonds. but I am bias of course because I have the Ritani

Btw, I was just at a jewelry store yesterday where they had both the Memoire and the Ritani. Memoire has a dead ringer for the Ritani. The only difference is that the one I saw was platinum and it was WAY lighter than my 18k band. There is more metal on the sides of the Ritani that give it a more substantial feel. I think Memoire might have a better warranty though.

Just remember, depending on how much your prongs will stick out, my engagement ring prongs are being eaten by the band.

I really think this is so important to consider. You'd pretty much have to wear the Grace wedding band between the e-ring and the diamond band. I love that look, but be sure you do!

Written by sirbenson » January 27th, 2012, 9:07 pm:Darn I didn't realize I posted this question twice Silly computer. How do I get this deleted?

you hit the report concern button at the top and ask the mod's to delete this....I did this once and they were pretty quick to remove it.

I'm just wondering though, I know that eternity bands can eat away at e-ring prongs. BUT if the eternity band is made in a way so that it is low set, wouldn't there be a possibility that it wouldn't eat away at the prongs?

Also, in terms of which ring to wear where....I don't like the look of two rings stacked under my my e-ring at all. I wouldn't wear it that way because it just looks unbalanced and unsymmetrical to me. I'd do wedding band on top, e-ring in the middle, and then eternity ring on the bottom, cloeset to my hand. I wouldn't be open to putting the wedding band between the e-ring and the eternity ring. The only thing I'd consider is a teensy spacer. But how tiny could these be made? 1 mm?

Would you be open to soldering to prevent damage?

Written by sirbenson » January 28th, 2012, 7:52 am:I'm just wondering though, I know that eternity bands can eat away at e-ring prongs. BUT if the eternity band is made in a way so that it is low set, wouldn't there be a possibility that it wouldn't eat away at the prongs?
Also, in terms of which ring to wear where....I don't like the look of two rings stacked under my my e-ring at all. I wouldn't wear it that way because it just looks unbalanced and unsymmetrical to me. I'd do wedding band on top, e-ring in the middle, and then eternity ring on the bottom, cloeset to my hand. I wouldn't be open to putting the wedding band between the e-ring and the eternity ring. The only thing I'd consider is a teensy spacer. But how tiny could these be made? 1 mm?

If it is set low enough it doesnt eat at the prongs but eats at the shank instead. Maybe not as bad as eating at prongs because
it will not cause you to loose your stone but it will still cause damage to your engagement ring.

I also MUCH prefer the single-prong look! I think it looks far more delicate and feminine with the scalloped-edge look that others have mentioned.

These are some photos I took ages ago when I was trying on rings. One solitaire is 1ct and the other is 0.50 but it gives you a good idea of what they look like with a solitaire ring. As others have mentioned though, you will need a spacer, you can definitely get very thin (under 1mm) ones from etsy -I think a few PSers have one from here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/junedesigns

Written by tyty333 » January 28th, 2012, 10:37 am:

Written by sirbenson » January 28th, 2012, 7:52 am:I'm just wondering though, I know that eternity bands can eat away at e-ring prongs. BUT if the eternity band is made in a way so that it is low set, wouldn't there be a possibility that it wouldn't eat away at the prongs?
Also, in terms of which ring to wear where....I don't like the look of two rings stacked under my my e-ring at all. I wouldn't wear it that way because it just looks unbalanced and unsymmetrical to me. I'd do wedding band on top, e-ring in the middle, and then eternity ring on the bottom, cloeset to my hand. I wouldn't be open to putting the wedding band between the e-ring and the eternity ring. The only thing I'd consider is a teensy spacer. But how tiny could these be made? 1 mm?

If it is set low enough it doesnt eat at the prongs but eats at the shank instead. Maybe not as bad as eating at prongs because
it will not cause you to loose your stone but it will still cause damage to your engagement ring.

ditto TY- it will still eat at the band of your ERing. I wear a thin spacer band in between my Ering and shared prong wedding band.