looking for an usual pendant

My folks (bless their hearts!) just asked me if I'd like a diamond pendant for my birthday, and--believe it or not--my initial response was no, because I honestly didn't think I'd wear it--my style tends toward the artisanal or experimental, and the image I had was of something ultra-refined and delicate. A couple of days later, I came to my senses and realized that nobody ever said that a diamond pendant has to be "dainty" or formal, so now I'm exploring the options. I don't want to be an ungrateful daughter, now, do I? :-)

I could use some help with three things. First, does anyone happen to know of any designers with a more artisanal/experimental approach to diamond pendants?

Next (now taking a build-my-own approach) is the setting. It seems that the two main options are bezel and cage, and the problem is that I'm not really enamored of either, at least as I've seen them executed. I have an idea for something that combines the features I like of both, but I have no idea how practical this would be, so advice and opinions are welcome. Here's the deal: I don't link bezels, but I do like the way slider bezel mounts can allow the diamond to "float" or crest a bit above the chain; I like cages, but I don't like like them hanging from a bail or the way "rabbit ear" chain attachment keeps the diamond fixed. So here's what I'm picturing: a three-prong cage (two upper prongs, one lower) with eyelets attached to the back of the two upper prongs for the chain to pass through. It seems to me that this would allow the diamond to crest above the chain, keep it mobile (sliding), and avoid the extra metal of a bezel. What do y'all think? Do these exist anywhere out there? I've been through Stoller with a fine-toothed comb and not seen anything like this.

One more question: I'm not really a yellow-gold girl, but I like for a diamond to contrast with the metal around it, so I'm not keen on platinum or white gold, either. (I know, I know; it's a pain to be this picky!) A couple of weeks ago, I was in the Niessing store in Beverly Hills and saw one of their tension rings done in brushed grey gold, which I didn't know existed until then. I absolutely loved the look of the diamond in grey gold--it's like a slightly darker platinum but with a shot of warmth, so it contrasts with the diamond much better than platinum or white gold, but without being yellow. I'd love to have my pendant on a brushed grey gold chain, but I'm having some trouble finding any. Would this be a custom order? Would that make it terribly expensive? Who might be willing to do this?

Sorry this is so long, and thanks in advance for any help!

(PS: While at Niessing, I picked up one of their steel rings, the 005 [the flat one], which is tension set with a teensy weensy diamond. It's so understated, but so many people have noticed and commented on it. Great piece.)

----------------
On 9/12/2004 10:36:40 AM misaacka wrote:

---

... tension rings done in brushed grey gold, which I didn't know existed until then.
----------------

Ana "The greatest experts are only as good as the sum total of what they have seen." [Souren Melikian]

Ana "The greatest experts are only as good as the sum total of what they have seen." [Souren Melikian]

quaeritur

quaeritur: I love what you describe with the neckwire. Something like that had run through my mind, since I know that Niessing has a neckwire that they sell different pendants for; I didn't look at it when I was in the store, though. My only reservation is that I had a neckwire way back when they first came out (don't wanna say when that was!), and I remember them being a bit uncomfortable--not what you'd want to wear for everyday. Maybe they're different now, though? I was looking at chains on Stuller.com and saw something called a "cocoon" chain that, as far as I could tell, looks very dense, almost like wire, but I assume it has more fluidity than wire:

Now, that mounting you describe: it sounds perfect, much more elegant than what I was envisioning. Was it for a round, a pear . . . ?

----------------
On 9/12/2004 9:56:36 PM misaacka wrote:

---

My only reservation is that I had a neckwire way back when they first came out (don't wanna say when that was!), and I remember them being a bit uncomfortable--not what you'd want to wear for everyday. Maybe they're different now, though?
----------------

Garry Holloway FGAA DipDT

HCA and Ideal-scope developer

http://www.ideal-scope.com and
http://www.HollowayDiamonds.com.au

----------------
On 9/12/2004 9:56:36 PM misaacka wrote:

---

My only reservation is that I had a neckwire way back when they first came out (don't wanna say when that was!), and I remember them being a bit uncomfortable--not what you'd want to wear for everyday. Maybe they're different now, though? --------------

Ana "The greatest experts are only as good as the sum total of what they have seen." [Souren Melikian]

----------------
On 9/12/2004 9:56:36 PM misaacka wrote:

---

Steve, that sapphire/diamond pendant is gorgeous, and most appropriate for me, since today's my birthday and sapphire is my birthstone!

quaeritur: I love what you describe with the neckwire. Something like that had run through my mind, since I know that Niessing has a neckwire that they sell different pendants for; I didn't look at it when I was in the store, though. My only reservation is that I had a neckwire way back when they first came out (don't wanna say when that was!), and I remember them being a bit uncomfortable--not what you'd want to wear for everyday. Maybe they're different now, though? I was looking at chains on Stuller.com and saw something called a 'cocoon' chain that, as far as I could tell, looks very dense, almost like wire, but I assume it has more fluidity than wire:

Now, that mounting you describe: it sounds perfect, much more elegant than what I was envisioning. Was it for a round, a pear . . . ?----------------

quaeritur

Elmo, I love those omega chains--if only there were one in grey gold. You know, I like the look of neckwires, but I'm pretty sure I don't want one, at least not for a diamond pendant. (No offense intended, Fire&Ice: I do think they look great!) One of these omegas just might be the way to go.

Fire&Ice, do you have any advice on how to go about locating a good benchman? I think you're right: I'm pretty close to knowing what I want, and it's quite simple. I just need someone who can help me refine the details and then execute it for me.

Valeria, thanks for the links! The Boccia pieces are wonderful. If I can't find what I want in grey gold, I might just have to look at Ti and steel instead.

*Sigh* So much to think about, and I haven't even *started* looking for a diamond yet!