Verragio ring too BIG? Also, Billbarnes diamonds...

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On 10/15/2003 3:39:25 PM RScowboy wrote:

 I'm concerned about the quality of the diamond, however.  Will a G color truely look white in a platnum setting? (yes, i've read everything there is to read... i'm asking for practical advice).  It also has a clarity of VS2, which isn't ideal, but i'm les concerned about.

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I can't offer much on the practicality of wearing the ring, or whether or not it would be too flashy because it's such an individual thing.  There are rings I LOVED in the catalog but HATED on my hand.  It's such a matter of personal preference.  Having said that, I don't think it's gaudy, and it appears feminine enough to me.

The stones in the semi-mount are done by Verragio, and they should be fine.  You're right to be concerned about the quality of the center stone, though, because it appears they are only providing a round brilliant diamond.  Yes, it's GIA certed, but GIA doesn't grade cut.  You could end up getting a crappy cut diamond, and what's the point of spending all that money on a FABULOUS setting if you're going to put a lousy looking diamond in it?

I went to the site, clicked on a Verr. setting, then clicked on a .75 ct ring....the price of the .75 stone (G, VS2 GIA certed) was $2695.....way, way below the average price of $3200 or so for a well-cut G, VS2 stone.

If you want this setting and you like the price, then buy the setting there and buy a nice loose diamond elsewhere. 

Lastly, regarding the G color.......emphatically YES,  G will look white in platinum.  In fact, if you get a well-cut stone, and H or I will face up white in platinum, too, and you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference between them when set.

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Note: Chainsaw Not Sold Separately.

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On 10/15/2003 4:09:49 PM RScowboy wrote:

My concern about buying a diamond seperate is that the tension mounting of this ring seems to be unique, and i'm not sure how i would orchestrate having a 3rd party diamond 'installed' (man talk for set, i believe ) in a technicaly unique designer ring.  ----------------

RS....you're welcome.  A few further clarifications:

The center stone of this ring is not tension set, it's prong set.  The ring itself is a semi-mount, and it comes from Verragio completed except for the center stone.  (In fact, many times, they mount a CZ when the send them to B&M stores, and that has to be removed and replaced with the diamond the customer selects).  The diamond of your choice will be easily set into it whether you buy the "rack" diamond from Bill Barnes or a diamond you've chosen elsewhere. 

It's the accent stones that are channel or invisible set, and that means you shouldn't size it.  Make sure you get the right size the first time!

You should indeed contact Verragio regarding who does the setting.  Many designers state that any work done to the ring must be done by them or else the warranty is invalidated.

Another possible option:  get this type of ring made custom.  Often, it ends up being no more expensive, and you don't have to ship it out for weeks at a time to maintain the workmanship warranty.

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Note: Chainsaw Not Sold Separately.

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On 10/16/2003 2:44:41 PM RScowboy wrote: It's funny how you can know someone for so long and not know anything about their taste in jewlery whatsoever----------------

Ahhhh.....don't see it as a shortcoming.  I find it easier to identify things one WON'T like than to pick what someone will like......especially when tastes DO change. 

With women exercising their prerogative to change, it's tough to predict!

Seriously, if I were in your shoes, I'd find a gorgeous stone and have it set in a temporary, plain setting (so she can wear it right away!)  Once you've proposed, you can pick out a permanent setting together!

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Note: Chainsaw Not Sold Separately.

Personally that Veraggio setting is too chunky for me..I don't like channel set bands. I think there is too much metal showing. But some people like that. Again, its so personal...hard to say.

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"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

-Albert Einstein

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On 10/16/2003 2:44:41 PM RScowboy wrote: I'm sure this is the 1st of many questions, as i continue and find out just how 'wrong' my tastes are. ----------------

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

'I ask not for a larger garden, but for finer seeds.'
- Russell Herman Conwell

I never pegged myself as a 3 stone girl but they seem very trendy right now, and I find myself admiring women's rings as we see them...my better half has suggested that when the time comes to upgrade my diamond earrings, we keep them and use them as side stones for my e-ring...effectively creating a 3 stone ring with my current setting. Very interesting! That could be fun. We'll see...I don't know...I think I want that e-ring center upgrade FIRST.  Though my center stone with .50c on each side and the eternity band would be a knockout of sparkle!!

Congrats on getting a feel for what your girl wants. Chances are if your tastes are similar she will love anything you get her!

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"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

-Albert Einstein