3 Stone Reset: Pear side stones vs Rounds

[recordaras]

Im so glad you got to see it in person. Its so much better to be able to KNOW you made the right decision vs hoping you did

Yeah, it's definitely quite a relief - and I'm learning more and more that pictures really aren't a great way of judging what you'll like IRL. I LOVE the way pear sides look in pictures, but on my hand definitely prefer the rounds!

Now if only I could fast forward a couple of weeks (and paychecks) - can't wait to get the ring.

 

[recordaras]

Wow, I'm surprised, esp since they are uncerted stones. But yes, we are lucky to have awesome PS vendors at our fingertips!

I don't know if it's the area (we're in MA), but I've found b&m prices to be much higher on average than BGD, with obviously much lower quality.

Not to mention the "fun experience" of walking into the stuffy, windowless store full of equally stuffy SAs in their 50's who look down on you like you were lowly scum... The lady actually rolled her eyes at me when I said we bought my ring online. For a brief moment I considered telling her that it was an AGS000 hearts&arrows, but that quickly passed.

 

[Tekate]

I cannot WAIT to see this ring. .it's gonna be a congratulations.. it's so nice to see young women take their rings in their own hands! and decide what they want.. !!!

congratulations and one of the great things about Pricescope is it's knowledge shared.. !!! I'm always in awe..

!!!!

kate


quote="recordaras|1390407843|3598555"]So, I've been speaking with Jamie the last couple of days and here is what we have: the .241 that I was initially looking at doesn't have a pair and it looks like it won't have a pair for a while (they contacted the factory in Antwerp to see if they had anything on hand that could be brought in for me, but alas). But Brian looked up the stats of my stone and recommended this pair to go with it:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.278-j-si1-round-diamond-ags-c-104068589144
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.271-j-si1-round-diamond-ags-c-104068589145

The stones are a little larger than what I was initially looking at, but I'm sure Brian wouldn't recommend anything out of proportion. I'll probably also ask them to set the center stone a little higher to make up for that as well.

So it looks like I'm about to pull the trigger! The setting will have to wait till after the tax return, though, so still a while till I get to see them.

This is both nerve wracking and incredibly exciting, and I just wanted to thank everyone who chimed in in this thread for your help, support and advice. [/quote]

 

[recordaras]

I cannot WAIT to see this ring. .it's gonna be a congratulations.. it's so nice to see young women take their rings in their own hands! and decide what they want.. !!!

congratulations and one of the great things about Pricescope is it's knowledge shared.. !!! I'm always in awe..

!!!!

kate

Thanks so much, Kate! I can't wait either - but I definitely want to wait till the St.Valentine's Day craziness settles down before I place my order.

And I'm also super happy that I now have the chance to reset! It was a good idea to get the temp setting initially and take some time to figure out what exactly I want (which is where PS and PSers have been invaluable - I must have read every single thread on 3 stones on PS that google could find me), but at this point I'm oh so ready to get rid of it.

 

[mrs-b]

Hi recordaras

Not to throw a spanner in the works at this point or anything, but I've always LOVED *this* ring:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/3-stone-trois-brillant-diamond-engagement-ring-1426.htm

I think it would be very elegant for a stone of your size, and i believe the price, with ACA side stones, is $2695. Given your budget, you could do one of two things:

a) you could ask them to drop the color of the sides, since i suspect they're F/G color, and so bring it under budget, or

b) you could get the setting ($1795 in platinum) and get the side stones yourself.

Personally, I'd go with option a) and tell them your budget so they can choose side stones that bring it in at $2400. You then have a classic WF platinum 3 stone with ACA sides that would look great with your center stone. And, frankly, why you'd ever change or trade that up would be beyond me!

Also, does WF have a wire or PS discount? you might save a little more there also.

Just a thought, as I've always thought this ring was very beautiful and elegant. If you look around on their site, you'll find a few shots of rings that people have done using this style. One of my favorites is, as I recall, your size center stone.

 

[recordaras]

Thanks, mrs-blop!

And no worries, all suggestions are welcome - brainstorming is part of the fun.
I did look at some Whiteflash settings, but between there being a WF setting fee for outside stones and BGD having a $100 repeat customer discount, I found that BGD ends up being a better deal in this case.

They do have a very similar setting, this one: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/open-gallery-accented-platinum-5448p that was recommended by Gypsy, but in the end I think I slightly prefer the trellis profile over the standard basket one.

I've also purchased two BGD Signature J SI1 stones - a .27 and .28 that Brian selected for me and that ended up coming to much less than the .40ctw I-J/SI melee that I was initially quoted (go figure...), so now it's a matter of saving up and finally placing the order in the next month or so.

 

[Sweetpeas]

Coming out of lurkdom to let you know I am excited to see how your ring turns out. I am planning a very similar reset. I've narrowed down the setting choices to Whiteflash 3-stone trellis and the BGD crossed trellis. I would want to make modifications to both, though. If I go with Whiteflash I want 3 prong sides, and if I go with BGD, I would want the sides to angle in a bit. Are you leaning towards the crossed trellis? I also debated between pear vs. round sides, but decided to go with rounds and 3 prong sides to give a more "pearish" look.

Good luck with the project and congrats on the new job!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I am so glad you went with the larger sides, because if you later want to upgrade your center stone, you likely can still use these!

 

[recordaras]

Coming out of lurkdom to let you know I am excited to see how your ring turns out. I am planning a very similar reset. I've narrowed down the setting choices to Whiteflash 3-stone trellis and the BGD crossed trellis. I would want to make modifications to both, though. If I go with Whiteflash I want 3 prong sides, and if I go with BGD, I would want the sides to angle in a bit. Are you leaning towards the crossed trellis? I also debated between pear vs. round sides, but decided to go with rounds and 3 prong sides to give a more "pearish" look.

Good luck with the project and congrats on the new job!

Thanks so much, Sweetpeas! I'm very excited for you as well - it's such a fun project to have.

I am definitely going for the crossed trellis. I love the 3 prong look, and Jamie said it was actually her favorite setting. I also asked about angling the side stones, but she said in my case with smaller stones it won't really be necessary. And in this picture the sides seem to be angled a tiny bit already, so I think I'll just let go and let them figure out the perfect geometry for my particular stones:


Once again, thanks so much, and I will definitely keep updating the thread as I go forward!

 

[recordaras]

I am so glad you went with the larger sides, because if you later want to upgrade your center stone, you likely can still use these!

Thanks so much, DS! I tried on a bunch of similar ratios at the b&m jeweler yesterday with 0.5-0.7 center stones and really liked the look. They are small enough to let the center stand out, but at the same time substantial enough to add to the coverage. And since they are Signature stones, they are also fully upgradeable in case I decide to do something else (I'm still set on this being a "forever" ring, but you can never really know for sure)!

 

[Sweetpeas]

I am definitely going for the crossed trellis. I love the 3 prong look, and Jamie said it was actually her favorite setting. I also asked about angling the side stones, but she said in my case with smaller stones it won't really be necessary. And in this picture the sides seem to be angled a tiny bit already, so I think I'll just let go and let them figure out the perfect geometry for my particular stones:


Once again, thanks so much, and I will definitely keep updating the thread as I go forward!

Thanks for posting that photo. I love the way the sides are angled. It looks perfect. My stones aren't very large either (.32/.78/.32) so maybe it wouldn't require modification after all. I can't wait to see your ring. I'm sure it will be gorgeous.

 

[recordaras]

Thanks for posting that photo. I love the way the sides are angled. It looks perfect. My stones aren't very large either (.32/.78/.32) so maybe it wouldn't require modification after all. I can't wait to see your ring. I'm sure it will be gorgeous.

It does look great, doesn't it? I asked Jamie and she said that since they make the settings, they always try to make sure that it's a balanced fit for the stones they are working with. Same thing with the shank width - she said on average it's around 2.5mm, but it will also vary slightly depending on the size of the stones.
I'll definitely keep you updated and will post plenty of pictures once my ring is ready!

 

[recordaras]

Just an update: waiting for the RMA# from Jamie, and once I have that the ring will be packed up and shipped to BGD. I am both excited and nervous, since this is my first ever big jewelry purchase/decision, and several times I was on the verge of chickening out of the whole thing. It's actually almost a blessing that my current setting is so uncomfortable - definitely a good motivator to keep this project going.

I've also asked Jamie to do a slight angle on the side stones like in the picture I posted above. It seems that that would be a little more fluid than with the three stones being on one plane, right?

 

[hathalove]

Yay!!! Congratulations. I think this ring is going to amazing! I have been considering the very same actually. JuneRoses ring is so beautiful and I think yours will be as well. I am curious about the angle of the side stones too. juneRose made it sound like she definitely requested a stronger angle and that made it a special order. I feel like the pic you posted above is less angled in the stock setting. Does it seem that way to you? I trust BGD to make a beautiful ring regardless. Seeing this thread makes me so impatient. I wasn't planning on buy new stones but now feel motivated to squeeze it out. I thought you liked the "temp" setting. I'm surprised it was uncomfortable. If I can't afford the extra stones and setting now would you then say avoid that temp setting? PS makes me crazy! I technically have not ordered the eternity yet. Which do I want more right now is the question. Lol. Ignore my last typed thoughts. Just typing out loud. Crazy I say! cray cray!

 

[recordaras]

Aw, thank you hathalove!

So, if I understand correctly from JuneRose's thread, she had some other changes too - a thinner shank, and the side stones not just angled, but also "tucked" under the center, which altogether came to a custom order. The slight angle photo is on their product info page, so I'm thinking that's something that you can request without actually going full-blown custom (which for me isn't in the budget at all!).
Jamie said she'd inquire with the design team on whether that would be a good idea in my case, but didn't see any reason for it not to be. She also said they tweaked the setting slightly for every individual set of stones to make them look their best (which is why it doesn't state a fixed shank width etc. in the description), so even though it's a "stock" setting, there's still some flexibility.

As for the temp setting, well I have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, if I had to do it all over again, I'd still do the exact same thing, only maybe 4 prongs and not 6 (and please keep in mind that I had them special order a thinner Stuller shank, so I don't have experience with the regular 2.9mm one they offer). Having a relatively inexpensive setting helped me explore other options, figure out what I really want and don't want in a ring (no more non-comfort fit rings EVER ), and also let me have the solitaire experience and not feel guilty about switching so soon. Also, I was very impressed with how delicate the prongs were face up!
So if my fiance had spent over $1K on one of the BGD solitaire settings, I am 99.9% sure it would have taken me FOREVER to get a reset. Not only because of the cost, but also because I probably wouldn't hate it as much as my current one, lol.

On the other hand, I really can't wait to get rid of it! I was initially going to pop a cz or colored stone in there, but right now I dislike it so much I don't even want to spend the money on doing that. I'll probably come around, but at this point I just see it as a small torture machine. Maybe I'm super sensitive, but that thing really, really hurts when it digs into your finger.

So overall if you came to me for advice on it, I wouldn't know what to say! As I mentioned, I'd do it all over again, unless it meant having to wait for several years for a reset, in which case I'd find something slightly nicer that would be more comfortable and not break the bank, even if it meant buying the setting from an outside vendor.

And please don't apologize - this whole thing has been quite crazy and emotional for me, and it's awesome to be able to talk these things out with a crowd that totally gets it.

 

[hathalove]

Thank you! I am really happy for you. Feels so good making decisions and then moving forward. So exciting.

I remember you trying to figure out your wedding band. What did you end up going with? I don't remember an outcome or I missed it.

 

[Tekate]

the picture(s) are so awesome (you know I say awesome to the point of ad nauseum here but it's true.. the pix are AWESOME)... I also sound like an old woman (I am ) but I truly think what you are having made is gorgeous... one of the aspects of this setting you choose is how 'fluid' it is.. can I say again, I love the setting and I can't wait for you to post pix.. I wish there was a way to point me to the pix when it comes in.. topics move so fast on the pricescope contents screen.. it's going to be a knockout.. I am very very happy for you.. (my first BIG, on my own jewelry purchasing decision was when I was 52! and I've not stopped since



kind regards your way,


kate

Just an update: waiting for the RMA# from Jamie, and once I have that the ring will be packed up and shipped to BGD. I am both excited and nervous, since this is my first ever big jewelry purchase/decision, and several times I was on the verge of chickening out of the whole thing. It's actually almost a blessing that my current setting is so uncomfortable - definitely a good motivator to keep this project going.

I've also asked Jamie to do a slight angle on the side stones like in the picture I posted above. It seems that that would be a little more fluid than with the three stones being on one plane, right?

 

[Tekate]

Sweetpeas: Please, when you get your ring, come out of lurkdom again and show pix.. these two rings you girls are having made are a dream ring for me. So very happy for both of you all.

kate

Coming out of lurkdom to let you know I am excited to see how your ring turns out. I am planning a very similar reset. I've narrowed down the setting choices to Whiteflash 3-stone trellis and the BGD crossed trellis. I would want to make modifications to both, though. If I go with Whiteflash I want 3 prong sides, and if I go with BGD, I would want the sides to angle in a bit. Are you leaning towards the crossed trellis? I also debated between pear vs. round sides, but decided to go with rounds and 3 prong sides to give a more "pearish" look.

Good luck with the project and congrats on the new job!

 

[recordaras]

Thank you! I am really happy for you. Feels so good making decisions and then moving forward. So exciting.

I remember you trying to figure out your wedding band. What did you end up going with? I don't remember an outcome or I missed it.

It's not only exciting, it's also completely nerve wracking! I literally felt nauseous when I was packing the ring up today, but it's now on its way and there's no turning back.

As for the band, I'm planning on getting a BGD bezel eternity like yours - I can't count the number of times I visited your posts to look at the pictures. And also a plain 3mm band, maybe with a milgrain edge (the 2mm options don't really look substantial enough on their own, and I need something to wear while hiking/traveling that would look good solo), still undecided on that one!

 

[recordaras]

the picture(s) are so awesome (you know I say awesome to the point of ad nauseum here but it's true.. the pix are AWESOME)... I also sound like an old woman (I am ) but I truly think what you are having made is gorgeous... one of the aspects of this setting you choose is how 'fluid' it is.. can I say again, I love the setting and I can't wait for you to post pix.. I wish there was a way to point me to the pix when it comes in.. topics move so fast on the pricescope contents screen.. it's going to be a knockout.. I am very very happy for you.. (my first BIG, on my own jewelry purchasing decision was when I was 52! and I've not stopped since



kind regards your way,


kate

Thank you SO much for all the support and kind words, Kate! I will certainly invite you back into this thread when I get the ring back. I can't wait to see it and to share.
And it actually was a bit of an internal struggle for me - I'm pretty practical and frugal, so the "are you sure you really *need* this - imagine all the other things you could do with that sum" voices made plenty of appearances, but in the end I decided to shake them off with a big fat I DESERVE THIS.

And I'm definitely with you on inviting Sweetpeas to come back and share!

 

[recordaras]

After six very long weeks the ring is finally ready!!! Gah it better be good.
Just got the heads up from Jamie and hopefully will have the glamour shots soon! Picking it up first thing tomorrow morning - CAN'T WAIT.

 

[hathalove]

After six very long weeks the ring is finally ready!!! Gah it better be good.
Just got the heads up from Jamie and hopefully will have the glamour shots soon! Picking it up first thing tomorrow morning - CAN'T WAIT.

I have been waiting for this!!! I almost called for you on SMTB but figured you hadn't posted because you didn't get the ring yet. Make sure you create a new thread there when pics start to come in. So everyone can see and appreciate your new beauty. 6 weeks is a long wait. Is that what you were quoted initially? Woah! It will be good it will be wonderful and I have a feeling it will push me in the same direction. Lol. Good luck sleeping tonight!

 

[recordaras]

I have been waiting for this!!! I almost called for you on SMTB but figured you hadn't posted because you didn't get the ring yet. Make sure you create a new thread there when pics start to come in. So everyone can see and appreciate your new beauty. 6 weeks is a long wait. Is that what you were quoted initially? Woah! It will be good it will be wonderful and I have a feeling it will push me in the same direction. Lol. Good luck sleeping tonight!

I am planning to get out my dusty dslr and take pictures once it comes in! Right now I just. can't. wait. to see the glamour shots - this will be a very, very long day lol.
There was definitely a delay - the initial quote was 14 business days, but it ended up taking almost twice as long. Jamie said that it was due to them trying to get the angles of the side stones just right (I asked to angle them a bit), so as I said it better turn out good. I have to admit that I did get a touch annoyed at some point, but then again I'd much rather they take all the time they need to get things right instead of sending out something less than perfect but within the 14 business day window.

Thank you so much for the support, hatha!

 

[recordaras]

...and the glamour shots are in! (off to SMTB: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-bgd-3-stone-crossed-trellis-reset.200365/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-bgd-3-stone-crossed-trellis-reset.200365/[/URL])