Need help with this diamond urgently!

[rockysalamander]

Is this setting in budget. Its very pretty in person.
https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...fany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-3581.htm

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...-setting-from-whiteflash.242608/#post-4386564

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...-setting-from-whiteflash.242608/#post-4386729

 

[rockysalamander]

WF can likely get settings from Unique setting, who cast in palladium. You could ask the price.
https://uniquesettings.com/shopexd.asp?id=30930&product=ENR8065&sku=ENR8065-14KW&cat=3059

David Klass is LA a custom vendor, but he might have a pre-made design for a simple 6 prong soli. He uses a palladium white gold (@sledge that is what you got, right?).

I love Elle at The Gemstone Project, and she has a few nice settings in budget. These can be made in a palladium alloy, but I'm not sure of impact on price. She's a doll, so ask questions.
https://thegemstoneproject.com/the-papillon/
https://thegemstoneproject.com/the-provocant/ {love this one!}
https://thegemstoneproject.com/the-resistance/ {love this one more}

 

[1amaN00b]

It's very similar to the one I have chosen. The only 2 differences I saw are: 1) the contemporary one tapers more towards the diamond which is what SO likes and 2) the claws are sharp with the elegant setting. I'm trying to see if there's a real picture of the contemporary one.

Found a thread: https://www.pricescope.com/communit...y-six-prong-solitaire-tiffany-replica.205492/

Here's another question while I wait to hear back from more ppl on the different metal setting: which claws are more secured? sharp (sharp) or blunt (contemporary)?

https://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-jewelry/compare.aspx?idnos=1416,3581

Criteria: Tapers, no stones and no knife edge

 

[Weecam]

I have the Whiteflash’s platinum Elegant solitaire setting and love it.
Here’s a picture...
Very reasonably priced and comfortable! Great for someone that doesn’t like a knife edge.

 

[rockysalamander]

What is your actual budget for the setting? You are really describing the Legato Sleek, customized with 6 prongs (which has been done for a poster). I can't find the picture, but it was lovely.

The tips, provided they are well-done, make no significant difference in durability other than the basic mantra of "more metal good". WF is a good vendor, so I don't have worries about them forming the prongs.

 

[blueMA]

I have the Whiteflash’s platinum Elegant solitaire setting and love it.
Here’s a picture...
Very reasonably priced and comfortable! Great for someone that doesn’t like a knife edge.

looks perfect

 

[1amaN00b]

My budget is around $900. I took at look at the elegant solitaire and compared to the contemporary one SO wants.
https://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-jewelry/compare.aspx?idnos=728,3581,1416

The side view of the elegant looks better right?! I'm going to see if WF can customize the elegant to change the width from 1.6 to 2mm to 1.45 to 2mm (just like the contemporary setting).

The legato sleek is nice only if they can make a 6 prongs but because of the overall design. I asked about a similar setting with 4 prongs and it was no.

Again, decision decision decision!

 

[CHRISTY-DANIELLE]

+1 for platinum for such an important ring/ to be worn every day. Platinum has a heft to it that just feels special. I'm a total convert now, wouldn't want any other metal for wedding jewelry. It is worth the extra cost. Just my 2 cents.

 

[rockysalamander]

The legato sleek is nice only if they can make a 6 prongs but because of the overall design.

They have already done this for another poster. So, yes, it can be done..

These show the pave version, but they've done it with the plain shank.
https://www.whiteflash.com/photos/2...-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-2020.jpg?size=0
https://www.pricescope.com/communit...leek-line-pave-diamond-engagement-ring.73193/

This poster blended two setting, but the outcome might suit. WF has the CAD, so it should be straight forward.
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/help-with-cad-drawing.234451/page-3#post-4231112
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/help-with-cad-drawing.234451/page-3#post-4231147
CAD for this ring. https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/help-with-cad-drawing.234451/page-2#post-4225618

 

[sledge]

Sorry for the delayed response. Work has been a bit chaotic.

Yes, I opted for the WG/palladium alloy that DK offers. Really I preferred platinum as I love the patina (like the color and matte vs perfect shiny) as it ages but my girl wanted the shiny of WG. Cost between the two was within a few hundred bucks, which was a non factor. Because of the design, DK actually recommended the WG/palladium alloy over platinum also.

Generally speaking I dont care for YG. Never have and doubt I ever will. On rare occasions I see antique pieces or brushed YG I like. But not sure I could live with it daily. My fiancee feels the same. Additionally I understand that WG, while white & pretty at first, is normally rhodium plated and depending on the exact chemical composition of the individual wearer will wear away at different speeds and turn yellow. Many people get a year before replating is required. I'm lucky to get a few months.

Consequently I was worried my fiancee would have similar issues so I didn't really want WG for her even though her preference was WG because of aesthetics. When DK told me of their WG/palladium alloy it was a good solution because it's not plated and is never ever supposed to yellow, plus has the shiny look she likes. Thus far, its held up great.

After presenting to my fiancee, she made a comment about how great the platinum looked. I reminded her she liked WG and that's what she got, albeit a "special" alloy that took away my concerns. Now I smile when I hear her tell others about the custom process, diamond from Houston, setting from Los Angeles, surprise, special alloy, etc. She reignites as she shares the story to others and that is just cool.

PS -- listen to @rockysalamander. Many helped and was part of my journey, but she was very instrumental in helping me iron out many fine details. She is top shelf in my books.

 

[rockysalamander]

She is top shelf in my books.

Awww. The feeling is mutual.

 

[blueMA]

Gold-palladium alloys are soft and more pliable, good for intricate stone setting by a jeweler's bench, but it's less hard/strong than the typical nickel alloy.

If you're primarily going for a solitaire setting, I can't commend platinum highly enough, or simply go with a 14k. Spend a bit extra now and avoid having to visit a jeweler with a loose prong few months down or having to replate for many decades to come.

 

[1amaN00b]

Thank you everyone! I am going to give platinum some real thought. SO does like the setting to be shiny so will need to decide what metal to get. You guys have great points. I have sent my WF rep a slew of questions on the settings.

With platinum, is the weight significantly more than 14k or 18k?

I also read on PS forum that the AGS and GIA color grading is slightly off (AGS more loose) so hopefully the stone I picked is a true "G" color.

More to come.....

 

[blueMA]

Thank you everyone! I am going to give platinum some real thought. SO does like the setting to be shiny so will need to decide what metal to get. You guys have great points. I have sent my WF rep a slew of questions on the settings.

I also read on PS forum that the AGS and GIA color grading is slightly off (AGS more loose) so hopefully the stone I picked is a true "G" color.

More to come.....

If you want shiny, you can always plate a platinum.
I like how platinum looks on its own as it develops a lovely patina over time, but some choose to polish it out and/or plate it regularly just as in gold. This is up to you.

Though I highly recommend you don't plate a platinum and give it a try for a while without plating it first. Most don't want the beautiful prestigious metal looking exactly the same as in random gold or silver covered in rhodium.

 

[blueMA]

With platinum, is the weight significantly more than 14k or 18k?

And yes, platinum feels very substantial. You'll definitely notice the hefty weight.

 

[Wewechew]

And yes, platinum feels very substantial. You'll definitely notice the hefty weight.

Another one who loves the heft of platinum

 

[1amaN00b]

While I'm waiting for my WF rep to get back to me, here is the wedding band SO likes... hopefully it'll pair nicely with whatever setting she chooses!

https://www.whiteflash.com/right-ha...-bezel-diamond-right-hand-ring-175.htm#size=6

She originally was thinking the JA version (bigger diamonds) but think it may take away from the engagement diamond.

https://www.jamesallen.com/wedding-...-white-gold-bezel-set-diamond-ring-item-62155

 

[kal2021]

While I'm waiting for my WF rep to get back to me, here is the wedding band SO likes... hopefully it'll pair nicely with whatever setting she chooses!

https://www.whiteflash.com/right-ha...-bezel-diamond-right-hand-ring-175.htm#size=6

She originally was thinking the JA version (bigger diamonds) but think it may take away from the engagement diamond.

https://www.jamesallen.com/wedding-...-white-gold-bezel-set-diamond-ring-item-62155

Platinum is very shiny to start with and when you get it polished it will look brand new again!

 

[kmoro]

I’m another vote for platinum! And the shine doesn’t go away overnight .. plus, it won’t loose weight if you polish it I love the extra weight, and it really complements diamonds. White gold will also carry the risk of nickel allergy unless it is nickel-free, but I believe almost all white gold in the USA is made with some nickel.

 

[Ss52]

Sledge No. 2! The best of all worlds. Fire, baby.

If you’d enjoy seeing refracted light, like from a prism or rainbow, versus brightness as from a flashlight, No. 2 will do that for you.

IMHO plain white light return (brilliance) is highly overrated. Opinion only.

 

[1amaN00b]

Ok think it's btw platinum vs palladium now.

Now my question is with the 6 prongs on the setting... round or clawed? I think clawed looks better but which one is more secure?

What do you guys prefer and why?

 

[lovedogs]

Ok think it's btw platinum vs palladium now.

Now my question is with the 6 prongs on the setting... round or clawed? I think clawed looks better but which one is more secure?

What do you guys prefer and why?

I love claw prongs and much prefer them. I don't think either one is more or less secure, it's about what your preferences are in terms of the look.

 

[Gussie]

Love talon claws, fierce ones!

 

[1amaN00b]

Cool that's what I'm thinking too...

 

[sledge]

Ok think it's btw platinum vs palladium now.

Now my question is with the 6 prongs on the setting... round or clawed? I think clawed looks better but which one is more secure?

What do you guys prefer and why?

Platinum and claw.

Had a buddy do a pure palladium ring from Vatche several years back. They constantly had issues with the ring. Not sure why. Maybe just a fluke. But very, very few local jewelers had the ability to work with palladium metal.

Also, not sure what your price quote difference is but when I was shopping for my fiancee I didn't find there to be much difference between platinum and palladium.

As far as the prongs, both round & claw will be equally strong. It's just a preference on looks. IMO, the smaller the better as the diamond is supposed to be the star of the show, not your prongs.

 

[rockysalamander]

Platinum and claw prongs!

While palladium is gaining popularity, it is still hard to find people that can work with it for simple repairs. Most folks can work with platinum as its a much older alloy.

 

[kal2021]

Platinum without a doubt and you can’t go wrong with claw prongs!

 

[blueMA]

Some love the timeless classic look of tab prongs as in Tiffany's, but the recent trend has been claw prongs, which I admit I love. Prongs are completely personal preference.

 

[737liz]

Can I just chime in and say that there are a LOT of Tiffany style settings on WF. They are all so similar.

The elegant has slightly raised shoulders (meeting the head) AND is pinched as it meets the head.

The exquisite is the same thickness throughout, rising slightly to meet the head.

So from profile these two are the same, but top down, elegant pinches in, and exquisite stays the same until it reaches the head.

 

[1amaN00b]

Thanks! Yea I also read that not a lot of places know how to repair palladium. You guys have been great! Platinum all the way now. Low maintenance and no need for re-plating!

I was curious and started looking at men's wedding band. I was floored how much more expensive it is compared to women's with no diamonds! Not that I want diamonds but seriously it's only a band!

 

[ringo865]

Keep it at 1.65 - 2 mm, but you might need to stack ‘em