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Updating Dated Marquise Engagement Ring

valeria101

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I couldn't guess if that pair of baguettes would fit for your stone, ring size & desired height of the setting: you have almost all the numbers approx. & I could ask for them & sketch thinsg up easily ... but, each bench would need different adjustments for their own way of ring-building & I wound't second-guess them ...
 
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SimoneDi

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@kristine johnson why don't you reach out to BGD or WF in Texas and see what they can create for you? They will definitely be within your budget and I have seen some really pretty three stone rings come from them. They are not Leon Mege, but they are local to you, so that may be a good enough benefit.
 

Acinom

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I am so digging these baguettes but I have a feeling they are a tad too big...seller wants 3k for them so I'm really starting to think my original budget of 3-4K might not be high enough. Ant wait to talk to my jeweler this weekend
IMG_0924.PNG

A good jeweller will be able to get the proportions right for you, as well as the colour. If you are interested in Leon Mege quality, you could contact Steven Kirsch or Victor Canera. Then can search for the right baguettes. David Klass could do a great job for you as well at a better pricepoint.
 

rockysalamander

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@kristine johnson why don't you reach out to BGD or WF in Texas and see what they can create for you? They will definitely be within your budget and I have seen some really pretty three stone rings come from them. They are not Leon Mege, but they are local to you, so that may be a good enough benefit.
I'd be patient with anyone in Texas right now, the flooding is really messing up things all over Texas and Louisiana.

I also like Maytal Hannah for hand forged (http://www.maytalhannah.com/about-the-designer/)

Here are few thread with her work shown.
https://www.pricescope.com/communit...set-eternity-band-and-engagement-ring.196030/
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/the-maytal-hannah-thread.231619/#post-4180983
https://www.pricescope.com/communit...making-maytal-hannah-halo-erd-cushion.147719/
 

KKJohnson

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I live in Texas, fortunately not in Houston so there shouldn't be any issues I would run into with working with a jeweler in my area. I have reviewed her work and I am still weighing the whole cast verses hand forged dilemma. :read:
 

KKJohnson

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A good jeweller will be able to get the proportions right for you, as well as the colour. If you are interested in Leon Mege quality, you could contact Steven Kirsch or Victor Canera. Then can search for the right baguettes. David Klass could do a great job for you as well at a better pricepoint.


That is actually what I was thinking for the price point, I have also read that custom jewelers tend to be more attentive when you purchase diamonds from them..I know it would just be some small diamonds but I will want decent quality so I don't mind spending up for that.
 

rockysalamander

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I live in Texas, fortunately not in Houston so there shouldn't be any issues I would run into with working with a jeweler in my area. I have reviewed her work and I am still weighing the whole cast verses hand forged dilemma. :read:
Glad you are not in the flooded areas. My friends had to evacuate their entire veterinary clinic in advance of the storm. Fortunately, they headed early warnings and got themselves and the animals that needed constant care out of harms way.
 

SimoneDi

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Glad you are not in the flooded areas. My friends had to evacuate their entire veterinary clinic in advance of the storm. Fortunately, they headed early warnings and got themselves and the animals that needed constant care out of harms way.
I am sorry to hear that, but I am glad that your friends are ok! The situation in Houston and the surrounding areas is just heartbreaking :(
@kristine johnson Steven Kirsch definitely gets my vote, I worked with him on a friend's surprise e-ring and he was a pleasure to deal with. I would also consider CvB_ID, you have such a beautiful antique marquise diamond and she can definitely create a beautiful classic, yet vintage-inspired ring to match your stone's personality. You have many options, I would definitely shop around before you commit to a vendor.
 

KKJohnson

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Glad you are not in the flooded areas. My friends had to evacuate their entire veterinary clinic in advance of the storm. Fortunately, they headed early warnings and got themselves and the animals that needed constant care out of harms way.


It is really sad to see people who did not listen or were not able to evacuate all their animals/livestock. We have several friends, family, and coworkers who homes flooded as well. 3 families that I know have lost everything but at the end of the day it is just things and no one we know lost their lives. I think everyone learned from how tragic Katrina was. Right now we are watching Beaumont because my father in law is in a nursing home there and I know they got some flooding but nothing uncontrollable. I am worried how Louisiana will be affected by the re-energized storm.
 

KKJohnson

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I am getting a quote from Ivy & Rose (formally My Diamond Zone) and Maytal Hannah; the baguettes are from Ivy&Rose so I wanted to see what they thought about pairing it with the center stone.

Here is a quick mockup they did with the dimensions but it does appear the setting would be a bit high with those beautiful baguettes. I am still going to check out my local jeweler and see what he thinks.

IMG_9628.PNG
IMG_9629.PNG
 

SimoneDi

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@kristine johnson apologies if this was mentioned earlier, but what size are you? Those baguettes seem to be very long and you do have an already huge diamond (which is awesome!). To protect the stone, I wouldn't recommend setting it high and for that reason, I would probably use shorter baguettes/bullets even.. Also want to vouch for David Klass and again - give BGD/WF also a call. I don't see how Ivy&Rose would be better than them..but I could be wrong, I don't have experience with them.
P.S. My favorite for this project may be Steven Kirsch if you want handforged. Here is an example of his work: http://stevenkirsch.com/gallery/trio-ring-2/
I also know that you moved away from pavè, but this is a really beautiful micropavè design with a marquise cut http://stevenkirsch.com/gallery/rin...ve-solitaire-platinumamrquise-diamond-set-in/
 
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KKJohnson

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@kristine johnson apologies if this was mentioned earlier, but what size are you? Those baguettes seem to be very long and you do have an already huge diamond (which is awesome!). To protect the stone, I wouldn't recommend setting it high and for that reason, I would probably use shorter baguettes/bullets even.. Also want to vouch for David Klass and again - give BGD/WF also a call. I don't see how Ivy&Rose would be better than them..but I could be wrong, I don't have experience with them.
P.S. My favorite for this project may be Steven Kirsch if you want handforged. Here is an example of his work: http://stevenkirsch.com/gallery/trio-ring-2/
I also know that you moved away from pavè, but this is a really beautiful micropavè design with a marquise cut http://stevenkirsch.com/gallery/rin...ve-solitaire-platinumamrquise-diamond-set-in/


I wear a size 5.5 and I do agree that after seeing them laid on her hand they are large, I did inquire if I&R had any other stones but sadly they did not. THIS has been a long process so don't worry I will continue to contact vendors for the right setting and not pull the trigger too quickly. Ideally I do agree with you, shorter baguettes would probably work better and I actually would like to see a bullet set next to the stone. I'm hoping the the local jeweler has a variety of options to review.

I have been seeing that David Klass is difficult to get ahold of and that he outsources to a variety of craftsmen so the workmanship can be quite varied from piece to piece...I'm really not sure I like that but everyone does recommend him.

I was considering contacting Victor Canera but I will also given Steven Kirsch an try as well.
 

SimoneDi

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I wear a size 5.5 and I do agree that after seeing them laid on her hand they are large, I did inquire if I&R had any other stones but sadly they did not. THIS has been a long process so don't worry I will continue to contact vendors for the right setting and not pull the trigger too quickly. Ideally I do agree with you, shorter baguettes would probably work better and I actually would like to see a bullet set next to the stone. I'm hoping the the local jeweler has a variety of options to review.

I have been seeing that David Klass is difficult to get ahold of and that he outsources to a variety of craftsmen so the workmanship can be quite varied from piece to piece...I'm really not sure I like that but everyone does recommend him.

I was considering contacting Victor Canera but I will also given Steven Kirsch an try as well.

I am glad that you are taking your time with this decision! You have a very unique and beautiful stone, you definitely want to pair it with the right designer.

Either VC or SK would be great for that project. I have reached out to VC several times and I was told that they would not work with outside stones, I have seen lately that VC works with large outside stones, so perhaps you will have a better luck. SK is a pleasure to work with and his turnaround time is very quick although it may take longer to find a great baguette/bullet pair for your stone. I would let them design the proportions. You may need something like 0.2-0.3ct each, you have a small ring size ;-)
 

mrs-b

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I wear a size 5.5 and I do agree that after seeing them laid on her hand they are large, I did inquire if I&R had any other stones but sadly they did not. THIS has been a long process so don't worry I will continue to contact vendors for the right setting and not pull the trigger too quickly. Ideally I do agree with you, shorter baguettes would probably work better and I actually would like to see a bullet set next to the stone. I'm hoping the the local jeweler has a variety of options to review.

I have been seeing that David Klass is difficult to get ahold of and that he outsources to a variety of craftsmen so the workmanship can be quite varied from piece to piece...I'm really not sure I like that but everyone does recommend him.

I was considering contacting Victor Canera but I will also given Steven Kirsch an try as well.

Just wanted to give you some info on the David Klass Jewelry process. DKJ isn't a large operation - but it's certainly growing due to demand. They have more than one bench working for them, but it's not a case of out-sourcing. Some of their guys only work part time, and do work for other companies also in the same building in LA; for example, I know DKJ and Singlestone - both in the one building - employ the same setter, who is also in the building with both of them.

DKJ have also, as I understand it, recently employed a new jeweler to work specifically on emails. Since most of their enquiries are design related, they have been unable to pass this job to anyone less qualified. I know their hope is that, with the new jeweler in their employ, they will be able to get on top of the email situation quickly.

As well as this, they have also recently hired 2 micro pave specialists; I specifically asked about this, as I've seen a recent improvement in quality in their micro pave pieces.

So all that to say - i think the overall quality of DKJ is high and their operation is expanding.

Lastly, they are able to do hand forged pieces, tho they tend not to, due to cost. But as I understand it, you can request that.

Hope that helps in your decision making process. I am currently considering a new setting for a new stone, and it's a toss up between DKJ and Victor Canera; I've worked with Steven Kirsch in the past and - good tho his workmanship is - I won't work with him again.

Good luck!
 

KKJohnson

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Ok I sent an email to David and Victor...now I will await and see what they say.
 

KKJohnson

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I am going to go with David Klass, my other choice was Maytal Hannah but unfortunately hand forged was just a little too pricey for me. MH was really great in communication and the choices for side stones. I have high hopes for David since he comes so highly recommended. :dance:
 

Skhii

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Just wanted to give you some info on the David Klass Jewelry process. DKJ isn't a large operation - but it's certainly growing due to demand. They have more than one bench working for them, but it's not a case of out-sourcing. Some of their guys only work part time, and do work for other companies also in the same building in LA; for example, I know DKJ and Singlestone - both in the one building - employ the same setter, who is also in the building with both of them.

DKJ have also, as I understand it, recently employed a new jeweler to work specifically on emails. Since most of their enquiries are design related, they have been unable to pass this job to anyone less qualified. I know their hope is that, with the new jeweler in their employ, they will be able to get on top of the email situation quickly.

As well as this, they have also recently hired 2 micro pave specialists; I specifically asked about this, as I've seen a recent improvement in quality in their micro pave pieces.

So all that to say - i think the overall quality of DKJ is high and their operation is expanding.

Lastly, they are able to do hand forged pieces, tho they tend not to, due to cost. But as I understand it, you can request that.

Hope that helps in your decision making process. I am currently considering a new setting for a new stone, and it's a toss up between DKJ and Victor Canera; I've worked with Steven Kirsch in the past and - good tho his workmanship is - I won't work with him again.

Good luck!

Great information about DKJ-- Thanks, mrs-b! Can I ask why you wouldn't work with SK again?
 

KKJohnson

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Thanks to Matthews1127 wonderful thread about appraisals I am now considering seeing if David can ship my stone off to get GIA certified since there is no cert on it and the appraisal value seems low based on replacement cost. Here are the photos of the appraisal and stats on the ring, is it worth having this done or is this something that should be skipped since David is weighing the stone and we will have that documentation?

IMG_0955.PNG

IMG_0956.PNG
 

KKJohnson

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So I have requested the stone be sent to GIA since David Klass graded the stone after removing it from the setting which is quite a bit of a different from the appraisal report :eek2:. I will also be getting it inscribed to help insure a little protection on it. My husband might not agree with having it graded but after seeing such a large disparity between the gemologist and the jeweler I think an official report is needed.

Appraisal (in setting)
Size: 4.45
Color: O-P
Cut: Brilliant
Clarity: VS2

David Klass (out of setting)
Size: 4.68
Color: Q-R
Cut: ?
Clarity: SI1
 

whitewave

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I think it's worth the money to get it GIA appraised. Please keep us updated on the results!!
 

SimoneDi

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This is an exciting update! Sending it to GIA will definitely be beneficial, even if only for your peace of mind. It is still an absolutely gorgeous diamond regardless of what color it is graded.
Looking forward to seeing the end design!
 

KKJohnson

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So I have been thinking a lot about using platinum for the new setting but after reading about how gold has come along way as far as being mixed with other metals causing a nice study metal for jewelry I'm starting to lean switching to white gold. Also in switching to white gold this might give my budget room to turn the old side stones into a new setting to be used as a stacking band....

I haven't gotten a quote yet if I switch the metal and do a second ring using the small round diamonds but what do y'all think about the difference of platinum vs white gold? My main issue is I don't want to spend thousands on a setting that will start to warp in a year. I've just seen several modern platinum ring (not your 80-100 year old ring) getting bent or the fit just warping from moral daily wear.
 

SimoneDi

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So I have been thinking a lot about using platinum for the new setting but after reading about how gold has come along way as far as being mixed with other metals causing a nice study metal for jewelry I'm starting to lean switching to white gold. Also in switching to white gold this might give my budget room to turn the old side stones into a new setting to be used as a stacking band....

I haven't gotten a quote yet if I switch the metal and do a second ring using the small round diamonds but what do y'all think about the difference of platinum vs white gold? My main issue is I don't want to spend thousands on a setting that will start to warp in a year. I've just seen several modern platinum ring (not your 80-100 year old ring) getting bent or the fit just warping from moral daily wear.

I just went through a very similar dilemma..I like platinum, but yes, it is more expensive and it does patina (which I won't love) and depending on the alloy, it can be soft/malleable. I started my latest e-ring project with a 14kt WG in mind because of its shine, strenght and because none of my WG rings need to be replated often. However, in the process, I ended up changing my diamond to a higher color and going with a design that simply works better with platinum. With that said..because of the warm color of your marquise, have you considered 18kt unplated white gold? It has a very nice, warm/buttery color that just works so well with warm diamonds. Here is an old thread as an example: https://www.pricescope.com/communit...wd-yssie-2-62ctw-oec-3-stone-goodness.184650/

Perhaps that may be a good compromise between WG and plat. I know that DJ has access to some nice WG alloys, have you asked him for his input?
 
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naivemelody

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I wouldn't be worried about platinum's durability compared to white gold. Go with the look you love because both metals are plenty strong enough.

I really wanted a high-shine and light-colored (not greyish) metal so I went with a white gold alloy that doesn't need plating. If you do white gold, definitely look into an unplated variety for ease of maintenance.
 

KKJohnson

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I am open to to all colors....strangely I really like the green gold. I guess I will ask which metal would be recommended to compliment the stone, I'm just not set on any metal since I wore it for about 6 months with yellow gold it got me use to it lol

I think that platinum has been that metal you use for high end settings but after seeing several threads about people having problems this idea is changing (st least in my head). I will definitely look into the unplated metals
 

naivemelody

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Yeah I think green gold would be beautiful, and possibly make the stone look a tad whiter by contrast. Here's an old thread with a green gold ring - it's an uncommon alloy, I seldom see it except in settings for green stones, but it's really not that weird-looking - I think it'd read similar to yellow gold unless it was right next to actual yellow gold.

I think 18kt unplated white, like in the thread SimoneDi linked, would also be beautiful! Comes down to personal taste which color you prefer - either would complement the stone nicely I think!
 

valeria101

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I will ask which metal would be recommended to compliment the stone

It would be interesting to match the colour of the diamond with a gold alloy WWW. There are plenty of much more outrageous choices of colored metals & enamel done WWW ...

I am quite looking forward to hearing from GIA - if you choose to have their services.

The '?' about the marquize's cut is intriguing - not least because cut has something to do with colour WWW. Off the cuff, I recall that GIA colour grades are not affected by cut until the 'Fancy' range, but, the visible colour would change substantially with rather obscure cut technicals that fancy-colour cutters need to know & I am only curious about ...
 

KKJohnson

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Yeah I think green gold would be beautiful, and possibly make the stone look a tad whiter by contrast. Here's an old thread with a green gold ring - it's an uncommon alloy, I seldom see it except in settings for green stones, but it's really not that weird-looking - I think it'd read similar to yellow gold unless it was right next to actual yellow gold.

I think 18kt unplated white, like in the thread SimoneDi linked, would also be beautiful! Comes down to personal taste which color you prefer - either would complement the stone nicely I think!


I feel like the stone has undertones of green to it but after sleeping on it, I think I would rather play up the yellow tones or just have contrast to make it appear whiter. So I guess it's down to either yellow gold, unplated gold, plated white gold, or platinum. On e the ring is back I'm going to see if he has different settings to place it in so I can see the color contrast
 

naivemelody

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I feel like the stone has undertones of green to it but after sleeping on it, I think I would rather play up the yellow tones or just have contrast to make it appear whiter. So I guess it's down to either yellow gold, unplated gold, plated white gold, or platinum. On e the ring is back I'm going to see if he has different settings to place it in so I can see the color contrast

I agree about the yellow tones. Only reason I brought up green gold is because I thought the warm yellow gold could be making the stone appear greener by contrast - but you've been wearing it so you'd know if that were the case! Great idea to get it placed in different colors and choose that way - if you do that I'd love to see pics!

Also, just a heads up if you're leaning toward plated white gold, there are alloys like Stuller X1 that are bright white, similar to platinum or plated wg, if you like that look but want to avoid the maintenance of plating. (That's what my ring is made of - I was going to do platinum until my jeweler told me about that option.) I'm betting the warmer-color unplated white gold (like SimoneDi linked) might look even better though!
 

KKJohnson

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I asked to see if he had any other type of side cut stones other than Trapezoids but if we had to go with them due to the color restrictions then I have asked to change the design to a 5 stone graduating trapezoid shoulders to give it a more elongated appearance. I have also asked for longer tipped end prongs to give it an appearance of “hugging” the stone. Also I found out my ring size is a 4.5 but I am also conformable with a size 5.

Please let me know if you have any suggestions!
40575 QUAD.JPG
 
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