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3-Stone Setting Recommendations, And Other Questions

C

crr243

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 2, 2014
Messages
63
Hey all!

I'm in the process of shopping for an e-ring. I've been mulling it over for 6 months, looking for a couple months, and looking heavily for the last 3-4 weeks.

My girlfriend is pretty modest and fairly traditional. She very rarely wears necklaces or earrings. She wears two pieces of jewelry regularly: a gold-colored watch and a 14k yellow gold 3-stone daughter's pride ring with emerald cut gemstones (amethyst in the middle, and an emerald and ruby for side stones). I don't know what size the gems are, but they're pretty small. The setting is very low profile and she had trouble getting used to that.

While her ring and her more dressy watch are gold in color, I know that she favors a white setting; I'm leaning towards Platinum. Because she's more traditional, I've been focusing on round brilliant. I also know that she favors a 3-stone ring over a solitaire.

Through subtle questioning (i.e. talking about other friends who were recently engaged), she does not want to shop for her own ring.

Her ring size is 5.75.
Her fingers are pretty short - maybe 60 mm long. (Note, my pinky is size 6 and <60mm long, so her ring finger is almost the exact same size as my pinky).
My budget is in the 7,500-10,000 CAD (7,000-9,000 USD) range.

What I'm thinking at this point is:
- 3-stone setting with a low to medium height profile
- Platinum
- RB center of ~0.8ct, VS2 or better, HCA < 2, H-J
- RB side stones of ~0.2-0.25 ct, matched to the center

I've been mulling over adding ~5 accent stones down either side of the shank, but I'm worried that might be too much bling.

I kind of like the elegance of the profile on the Vatche 3-stone Royal X-prong. I have a quote from a local jeweler who will custom make a similar setting in platinum, with 5 accent stones down either side of the shank, for ~3,600 CAD (~3,300 USD). This includes everything except the center diamond (i.e. it includes the side stones and the accent diamond), tcw exclusive of the center diamond ~0.7ct. This seems reasonable compared to some of the settings I've seen on Whiteflash, James Allen, etc. Adding in the center diamond at ~5,500 CAD (as a high estimate) would keep me under budget.

I guess my questions come down to:
1. Does anyone have images, preferably on-finger, of a similar setting (3 stone with accent diamonds down the shank)?
2. Any setting recommendations, with or without the accent diamonds?
3. Does the diamond size seem reasonable proportionate to finger size? I'm starting to think it might be a bit big - that's ~14 mm total (6mm centre and 4mm sides), which is wider than my pinky finger. This seems large for a modest person.
4. Expanding on #3, would the accent diamonds down the shank cause discomfort? Would they even be really visible once the ring is on her finger?
5. ...I've probably missed some questions, so feel free to answer anything I didn't ask!
 
You don't need diamonds on the shank when you are making a three stone ring. Three stone rings are blingy enough without adding extra, especially since you say she is not used to wearing a lot of jewelry. I think you need to go a little larger on the side stones with a .80 center stone, though. I like three stone rings cover the top of the finger, and I think it would look better with at least .30 stones on either side of the .80. That would make a beautiful ring but not over the top at all.

I like Vatche settings a lot. I have one and my daughter has one and the quality is excellent. Both Good Old Gold and WhiteFlash sell Vatche, so those would be great places to look for your diamonds. They would both have other 3 stone setting options for you as well. I also like platinum, and Vatche will make the ring in the harder alloy of either 90%plat/10%iridium or 95%plat/5%ruthenium if you request it. I personally favor the 314-three stone classic.
 
Hi OP, I did a quick search under Show me the Bling and found a 3 stone thread to see the proportions you are looking at. I found one:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/3-stone-ring-girls-are-you-out-there.75486/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/3-stone-ring-girls-are-you-out-there.75486/[/URL]
about half way down the page from Logan Sapphire. Her ring is about 0.41/.78/.41 or thereabouts. It looks quite substantial and blingy without being too big. But, I feel safe to say that you could go a wee bit smaller even 0.3/.65/0.3 if you find just the right stones and save a little money and still have that beautiful look in platinum. Hope that helps and let us know if you want more specific help. I love the trellis style for 3 stones. Think about what you want for a wedding band because this setting could be trickily to match something up after market. Might as well get the matching band or go without all together and do a more substantial (heavier) setting.
 
Thanks luvdajules! That picture helps out a lot. It's hard to tell from that picture, but on first glance her hands are a bit bigger than my girlfriend's. I'd definitely prefer smaller side stones to accentuate the center stone, so .3/.8/.3 maximum (though may consider dropping to something like .25/.7/.25).

I'm certainly concerned about matching a wedding band. I think something plain and made to fit around the 3 stone setting and butt up right against the ring would be fantastic, but it doesn't look like Vatche has something specifically designed to pair up with their 3-stone -ring settings.
 
Actually, LoganSapphire's ring size was a 4 when she got her engagement ring, so her finger size is smaller than your girlfriend's. I wear a 5.5 to 5.75 and .80 with .30 sides absolutely is not too wide. I could easily do 1-1.25 cts in the center with half carat sides and still have room.

I was looking at settings for someone else and ran across some three stone rings. Good Old Gold carries this brand. It is probably a step below Vatche in quality, but it also is probably more reasonably priced. I just wanted to give you more options.

Here is one with the extra diamonds:

http://www.uniquesettings.com/products/show/1396

Many different styles:

http://www.uniquesettings.com/products/three_stone_rings?ref=59

One thing I forgot to say was that I recommend sticking with H or maybe I color for your diamonds. Tint can start being more apparent in J color.
 
My old ring was mentioned earlier (thanks!) but I've since upgraded my center stone to a 1.20 and still have room on my 3.5 finger (3.75 ring). Mine has a span of 16.4 and there's still more real estate available! My new center stone might be more to the proportions you're looking for. I'll also attach a pic of two types of wedding rings, both of which fit flush on me.

Yssie's finger size is the same as mine and she fits more diamonds!

ETA: it looks like I have no more room but i do!

_18834.jpg

_18835.jpg
 
I love the simplicity of a 3 stone, & recently had mine ering reset into a trellis platinum setting from Whiteflash which I love.

Logan, I've always loved your 3 stone, your setting & proportions are perfect! :love: :wavey:

OP, I found a few images to be helpful in my search & trying to figure out the over-all proportions, I've attached one in particular below

I'd also have to agree with DS, in that the smaller stones going down the shank may detract, I'd think about it. Maybe use that budget to increase the diameter size of your side stones as well, see what you think.

My own ring has a 1.61 Center w/ .80 per side:

Proportions of the center vs the sides is relative but of importance to the overall presentation. I used this diagram to reference different options:


Then I pored over the various 3 stone threads for inspirations--so many gorgeous rings!! Also, go to the WF web site & look at their galleries for other 3 stone rings they've made for other options.

What fun you'll have, please come back & give us your progress updates!!
sarahb

_18837.jpg

_18839.jpg
 
Thanks for the inspiration and thoughts, everyone! I've definitely steered away from diamonds down the shank now.

sarahb, that proportions image is very helpful. In looking at other rings for inspiration, I think I'm in the ~70% ratio camp (i.e. ~0.3:1.0:0.3 )

I took a ruler to my girlfriend's daughter's pride ring last night. It spans ~10mm. The centre emerald cut amethyst is ~5mm x 3mm, so around the size of a 0.3-0.4ct emerald cut diamond.It could most definitely be much bigger as an e-ring!

diamondseeker, you mentioned Unique Settings of New York. Does anyone have any experience with them? How is the quality of their settings?

I've been speaking with a local shop that purchases diamonds direct from a couple hundred cutting factories. Their price model is pretty open; they add 15% to the cost to purchase from the factory, with an overall price very close to BlueNile or Whiteflash. My only concern is being able to get ASET or IdealScope images to verify eye cleanliness, so I may not go with them for this reason. They work with goldsmiths and platinumsmiths for custom design, but one of their settings suppliers for off-the-shelf settings is Unique Settings of New York, as well as Stuller and Casting House.
 
crr243--glad it was helpful, the number of decisions can be overwhelming in this process!

You also may find this other chart useful, it shows finger coverage relative to stone size:


& then another misc image may help as well:

_18844.jpg

_18845.jpg
 
I like that setting and noted it on WF, but unfortunately it would likely push the entire ring outside of my budget given the stone sizes required.
 
 
Yes, I remember that thread and tried to find it cause the proportions seemed very similar to what you were thinking. Given your intended's modesty and not wanting anything too big, I thought this ring looked so classy and sophisticated while having a more delicate, feminine flair with still plenty of bling to enjoy. Great job finding it as an inspiration look. :appl:
 
I lack time to read this whole thread. But with short fingers, keep the shank narrow rather than bulky, thick, or "bold." Short fingers don't leave much distance between where the ring(s) sits and the knuckle of the pinky finger. I found that if a ring is too thick, too wide, or worn with a wide wedding band, then it pushes the e-ring shank up so that it's constantly banging into that knuckle of the pinky. So, if she wants a 3 stone to wear with a wedding band, then neither ring can be too massive. The Brian Gavin rings look like they'd work for me. That Vatche 3-stone Royal X-prong would be too wide of a shank.

wide = how wide is the shank
thick = how much dome / bulge / bulk, etc. does it have, i.e. how much far does it protrude from the finger

eta: I concur with the post that says that for that ring size, stones down the shank are not needed. If you have sz 4.5 and three sizable rounds or a round and two pears, then that covers the top of the finger and you don't really see the shank.
 
Decisions, decisions!

I've seen some really nice 3-stones with pear sides that I like in pictures here on PS. I think the way the pears taper the diamond to the sides of the finger is extremely elegant. It also adds a bit of contemporary flare to the classic.

That said, I'm not seeing any 3-stone settings with pear sides that really speak to me.

For background, what sparked my girflriend's comment on liking the look of 3-stone engagement rings over a solitaire was Disney's Belle inspired engagement ring: http://www.disneydreaming.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Disney-Princess-Engagement-Rings.jpg
 
You could easily have something made using that setting you posted as inspiration, I can't quite tell, but it looks like 3 prongs on the sides. & your comment re recordaras ring, I have to agree, it is a beautiful setting, & her proportions are perfect!

I would try on the pear sides vs round sides, as the look differed greatly when I did the same, just my 2 cents! The pictures look great, on me, meh--not so much.
 
We were at a friend's wedding yesterday, which afforded some opportunity to discreetly quiz my girlfriend. It also confirmed that she's suffering from wedding fever and expecting a ring sooner rather than later...

As I mentioned, she wears a daughter's pride ring on her left ring finger. It spans ~10mm with an emerald cut center (~3mm x 5mm) and heart side stones (~3mm). Last night she said "I wouldn't want anything much bigger. I find this manageable and I have a hard time getting used to rings".

I also got confirmation that she prefers 3-stones over a solitaire and would like something fairly simple.

TC1987 brought up a good point about the width of the shank. For those who have 3-stone rings, how do they feel? Are they really noticeable? I know this is very subjective and I'm not sure I know exactly what I'm asking...
 
Mine feels just fine.

The width of the shank is under 3mm. But I do notice that the ring is top-heavy--ie the weight is on top, & as a result it does roll easily to the right or left. Not a detraction, just an observation.

Best of luck with your decisions!!
 
I've been emailing back and forth a bit with Catherine at BGD since yesterday. She has been very quick to respond.

I'm hoping for an e-ring that sits flush with a wedding band but with diamonds set fairly low. I like that the Truth X3 sits flush with bands, but really like the profile of the crossed trellis. Catherine is thinking it might be a good idea to pursue something custom.

I will update as we work through this!
 
Hi crr243--

I just went & look at BGD, & couldn't find the Truthx3 setting--or am I looking at the wrong place? :read:

Maybe if you have a second, could you provide a link to the 2 settings you're considering? It'd be fun to take a peek, & you'd probably get more comments & input! :appl:

I do love the trellis, :love: :love: although mine is from WF, BGD's is beautiful as well!
 
Crazy, why could I not see it? Thank you--now I know what you are talking about--to me, the most important view is from the top rather than side, just my two cents. You can't go wrong wrong with any of those choices, get the one that is pleasing to your eye, all beautiful!
 
I am someone who prefers low profile rings, however I also find that rings that gradually get higher are easier for me to manage than ones, like Tiffany style solitaires, that jut out from the finger suddenly. (I also have a three-stone ring. I don't find that it rolls much - with any ring with a center stone the weight will be on top, and I find that my three-stones roll far less than my solitaires.) I think a .8ish center with .15 to .25 sides would be perfectly sized.

Of the three you are considering, the Truth x3 looks would be most comfortable TO ME by far because of how the side diamonds meet the cathedral shank. Honestly, I wouldn't waste money going custom, I'd just get that one. It'll look great with smaller stones, and the profile is really pretty.
 
Today we booked our vacation for September. Australia, here we come! Now I need to make an actual decision on the ring to get it in time for our departure!

I really like the "roundness" (for the sake of a better word) of the band on the Truth x3, and the swooshes of the trellis. I've asked Catherine if it's even possible to meld these styles, though I can't picture anything at the moment.
 
I think I've settled on the BGD Crossed Trellis. Catherine spoke to Brian and it's the setting he recommends given my discussions of requirements with Catherine.

I also spoke with my gf's father, who knows of the pending engagement (I asked her parents' blessing back in April when they were in town for Easter). He knows her style really well. When given the option of 3 different 3-stone settings (the Truth x3, the Crossed Trellis, and a 3-stone Tiffany basket), he gravitated straight to the Crossed Trellis. Both he and her mother don't think a small gap would bother her.

Now I just have to get BGD going on this and start selecting diamonds...
 
The crossed trellis is my favorite too. The single prong on the outside stones gives it a more soft feminine look. Very pretty!
You're in good hands with BGD.
 
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