3 Stone Ring with Pave, need opinion on diamond size

[jellybellies]

I have been looking for a 3 stone ring with pave diamonds on the band and think I found what I like but my concern was that the sidestones were too big. It is hard to imagine what the ring will look like with the diamonds I will be getting. Thats why I am asking you guys!

The Ring: http://www.bluenile.com/product_details.asp?oid=5923&page=1&col=3&row=4&pos=12&set_shape=

I will be putting a 1.5 carat H color, VS2, ideal cut diamond in the center with similar quality diamonds on the side stones with total weight (for side stones) at about 1.12 carats (.56 carats per side stone). In the picture (round diamonds by the way) blue nile has, it looks like the side stones are huge. I want it to be a natural progression from the pave diamonds, on up to the side stones, on up to the center stone (like step ups).

Any input would be appreciated.

Also did consider this one:
http://www.bluenile.com/product_details.asp?oid=6460&page=1&col=3&row=5&pos=15&set_shape=

And that one did seem better but I am worried that the 1.5 Carat diamond (I think which is bigger than what they show in the picture) is going to be so outsized compared to the rest of the ring (the side stones are only ~.18 carats each).

Thanks!
Any other elegant simple 3 stone rings with diamonds in band (pave or channel set) I would also love to see.

thanks!

 

[onedrop]

You might want to check out this thread with regard to the size of sidestones in relation to the center stone. I am curious to see what you think and what others say because I am thinking of upgrading to a three stone with pave myself.

ETA: Perhaps you could go down to .35 or even .30 sidestones. What really is going to make the difference is the measurement of the side stones. And also...do you want an anniversary look or enagement ring look for your three stone ring? If you are going for a more anniversary look, then maybe you could consider keeping the sidestones larger and more close to the measurements of the center stone. If you want the ring to still look like an engagement ring, then definitely consider sidestones with smaller measurements, and consider settings where the sidestones are set a bit more lower than the center stone. I find it's difficult to determine just how a three-stone setting will look until you've tried a few IRL.

 

[MustangGal]

Didn''t the Debeers website have a tool where you could choose the side diamond size and the center diamond? That might help to get an idea as well.

 

[angeline]

Hey check this out.

3-stone comparison

Should give you a good idea.

I don''t think those styles are meant to look like a gradual progression, but more a true 3-stone with pave added as an extra. To me anyway.

a

 

[jellybellies]

Date: 10/2/2007 6:03:53 PM
Author: onedrop
You might want to check out this thread with regard to the size of sidestones in relation to the center stone. I am curious to see what you think and what others say because I am thinking of upgrading to a three stone with pave myself.

ETA: Perhaps you could go down to .35 or even .30 sidestones. What really is going to make the difference is the measurement of the side stones. And also...do you want an anniversary look or enagement ring look for your three stone ring? If you are going for a more anniversary look, then maybe you could consider keeping the sidestones larger and more close to the measurements of the center stone. If you want the ring to still look like an engagement ring, then definitely consider sidestones with smaller measurements, and consider settings where the sidestones are set a bit more lower than the center stone. I find it''s difficult to determine just how a three-stone setting will look until you''ve tried a few IRL.

I agree, but that particular setting, the minimum side stone that blue nile allows you to pick is 1.12 carats total for both sidestones...

 

[jellybellies]

What do people think about the second ring? The one with the sidestones selected and set by blue nile at .18 carats each?

I am also worried about the quality compared to the rest of the diamonds since I can''t pick them. Anyone know where I can see a picture with .18 or .2 carat sidestones with 1.5 carat center? Checked debeers, couldnt find the referenced tool or picture.

 

[onedrop]

I like the second setting you posted, especially the profile because the center stone and side stones are positioned such that the center is very prominent. My concern is that the sidestones might be *too* small when set alongside a 1.5 carat center stone. I just can''t tell from the picture. The same reasons that you are having difficulty deciding, are why I personally wouldn''t buy a 3-stone sight unseen online. Of course there is the possibility of returning it, but I''d try some at a B&M before I made my purchase. In addition, I''d want to decide which sidestones are used and from what you said BN doesn''t allow that for the setting you like. Have you thought about custom?

 

[jellybellies]

Date: 10/3/2007 1:02:12 PM
Author: onedrop
I like the second setting you posted, especially the profile because the center stone and side stones are positioned such that the center is very prominent. My concern is that the sidestones might be *too* small when set alongside a 1.5 carat center stone. I just can''t tell from the picture. The same reasons that you are having difficulty deciding, are why I personally wouldn''t buy a 3-stone sight unseen online. Of course there is the possibility of returning it, but I''d try some at a B&M before I made my purchase. In addition, I''d want to decide which sidestones are used and from what you said BN doesn''t allow that for the setting you like. Have you thought about custom?

Blue Nile allows you to customize the first one but the minimum size is .56 per side.

I have just begun working with someone from whiteflash on a custom design as well.

Thanks!

 

[onedrop]

Glad to help! Would love to see pics once you are done!

 

[Cleopatra]

I really like the setting with the smaller sidestones. My friend recently got engaged about a month ago and her ring is very similar to the second one you posted.

Her center stone is 1.5 cts and the sidestones are a lot smaller (don''t know exact size) then there is tapered pave down the band (starts off skinnier closer to the diamonds, then widens out into the band)....it''s a lovely look - you still get the look of a 3-stone ring, but the center stone POPS because of the size compared to the side diamonds!

Let us know which you choose!