A cushion setting conundrum... what would you choose?

[carbonfan]

I am deliberating between a few setting options for a 2+ct antique cushion and I would love to get some advice, particularly as this is my first cushion! This will be a RHR and the cushion is slightly elongated, so my original idea was to create a three-stone ring with all antique cushions in Victor Canera's Vine Trilogy setting. However, I am also considering two other settings, his Vintage French Cut Halo setting and his much-celebrated Anne Marie with split shank halo. Obviously these are very different looks from my original three-stone concept, but I love all three settings so I chalk this up as the best possible conundrum to be in! I am also wondering if it would be preferable to put the three-stone idea on hold for a few years and eventually create one with rounds instead of cushions. That said, I am open to any and all ideas at this point, so don't hold back!

FWIW, I have never had either a cushion OR a three-stone ring, so please feel free to weigh in on all of this! I have too many thoughts and ideas swirling in my mind right now (mostly non-jewelry related thoughts, but I always seem to find space for jewelry-related thoughts as well, LOL!), so I figured that tossing this quandary out to my PS peeps for ideas might provide me with some needed clarity. I am grateful for all of the knowledge and wisdom on this board (you guys are the best!), so all advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you all in advance!

 

[Matthews1127]

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/4-80ct...gia-i-si2-anne-marie-setting-by-victor-canera

 

[Matthews1127]

*Sigh*...I HAD to change my vote; VC's French Cut Halo is just too beautiful to pass on...lol!!!

 

[carbonfan]

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/4-80ct...gia-i-si2-anne-marie-setting-by-victor-canera

I did see this most drool-worthy listing. It is a stunning ring, and I bet it will sell very quickly!!

 

[carbonfan]

*Sigh*...I HAD to change my vote; VC's French Cut Halo is just too beautiful to pass on...lol!!!

No worries; I completely understand! This is likely the way I am leaning, too... after all, it is simply divine. *Sigh.* I just want to ensure that I am thinking this through the best I can!

 

[Matthews1127]

No worries; I completely understand! This is likely the way I am leaning, too... it is simply divine. *Sigh.*

I totally agree. I actually have this setting saved in my favorites on Instagram...lol!!

 

[Octo2005]

They are all stunning and I am sure that you would be happy with any of them, but I feel like the french cut halo lends itself better to a RHR. The three stone would as well but since your preference would be to have on made with round stones, it doesn't make sense to do one with your cushion. I have also seen a 3 stone with a center cushion flanked by traps or half moons that looks amazing. However, thinking that would be to similar to the 3 stone round.

 

[Ally T]

French cut halo for me too. It's just down right bloody beautiful

 

[LLJsmom]

The french cut halo is the other setting he was considering for his wife. With that said, I hate to be the voice of doom, but....
you will probably end up with all three. Just sayin'. Because you have a solitaire now, an F, ACA in a VC solitaire setting. That's a forever piece. If I had that, you would have to pry it out of my cold dead hands. I probably would want to be buried with it. Ok, maybe I would give it to my DD on my death bed.

A three stone is a classic. And ***sigh*** not only have I always wanted one, I wanted them to cushions. That cushion three stone is exactly what I would get, except I may do colored side stones. But I WANT it in that setting. I am obsessed with his tri-wires. There is a picture of a cushion three stone with red side stones but I can't find it. I will say that if I get an additional ring someday, it WILL be a three stone cushion in a VC setting. There, I've said it. Darn, another thing to add to my growing list.

And lastly, that halo. I am not a halo person, but I love his vintage halo, AND with an airline. When I was at his office, I kept trying on another french cut halo with a round. The first thing I thought when I put it on was, "OMG. It's so light!" Swear that was the first thing that popped into my head. Then I thought, "OMG, it's so sparkly!!" Deep thoughts, right? I really, really liked it. It is so surprising because I have never been a halo girl, no matter how gorgeous they look on other people. I'll post pics of the one I tried on. I did really appreciate the bling factor, but I loved how easy it felt. I swear if you didn't remind me to take it off, I would have worn that sucker right out of the building. I will say I like the one you like even better because I love the cushion shape, and I love the airline. I bezel around the center stone helps guide my attention to the center stone, and it doesn't blend with the halo. I will post some pics. And lastly, i love a beautiful gallery. The one I tried on had a plain gallery, and I just need more under there...KWIM?

So, my conclusion is, you will eventually have all three. It's just a matter of figuring out which comes first.

 

[LLJsmom]

Round halo with French cuts

 

[rockysalamander]

I vote three-stone, but with trap sides like @LLJsmom suggested. I love this ring that JBG sold with its lovely side view. There is something so pretty about mixing brilliant and step-cuts.

https://jewelsbygrace.smugmug.com/Estate-Rings/153ctw-August-Vintage-Cushion/



Maybe this is the red-side stone mentioned above...with spinels. I'd have to go with blue-green spinels or montana sapphires.

 

[LLJsmom]

I vote three-stone, but with trap sides like @LLJsmom suggested. I love this ring that JBG sold with its lovely side view. There is something so pretty about mixing brilliant and step-cuts.

https://jewelsbygrace.smugmug.com/Estate-Rings/153ctw-August-Vintage-Cushion/



Maybe this is the red-side stone mentioned above...with spinels. I'd have to go with blue-green spinels or montana sapphires.

@rockysalamander Thank you!!! I think that's the one!! I love that ring. Ugh. Soooo pretty!!! So feminine, yet unfussy. UGH!! Perfect three stone! Love the chunky cushion shapes. I would alternate that with my OEC.

 

[tyty333]

French cut halo...be still my heart!

 

[rockysalamander]

@rockysalamander Thank you!!! I think that's the one!! I love that ring. Ugh. Soooo pretty!!! So feminine, yet unfussy. UGH!! Perfect three stone! Love the chunky cushion shapes. I would alternate that with my OEC.

I too love it. Something so classy about both rings!

 

[carbonfan]

They are all stunning and I am sure that you would be happy with any of them, but I feel like the french cut halo lends itself better to a RHR. The three stone would as well but since your preference would be to have on made with round stones, it doesn't make sense to do one with your cushion. I have also seen a 3 stone with a center cushion flanked by traps or half moons that looks amazing. However, thinking that would be to similar to the 3 stone round.

Thank you for the input, and yes, I would certainly be over the moon with any one of them! Years ago I dreamed of a three-stone with round stones but lately I find that I am at least as fascinated by antique cushions. I hope this means that I am becoming more enlightened about the array of options and which ones speak to me. I am really not a fickle person in general, but with jewelry sometimes there are too many options... but then again, I guess that is part of the fun!

 

[junebug17]

French cut halo gets my vote - drop-dead gorgeous!!! One of the prettiest settings I have ever seen.

 

[carbonfan]

French cut halo for me too. It's just down right bloody beautiful

French cut halo...be still my heart!

French cut halo gets my vote - drop-dead gorgeous!!! One of the prettiest settings I have ever seen.

I know, right? I couldn't agree more. Victor just keeps hitting it out of the park, which makes it difficult to choose just one!

 

[totallyfree]

Love a three stone with cushions!!!

My preference would be the halo as my e-ring because I am a sucker for finger coverage, but it would also make a gorgeous RHR!

 

[carbonfan]

The french cut halo is the other setting he was considering for his wife. With that said, I hate to be the voice of doom, but....
you will probably end up with all three. Just sayin'. Because you have a solitaire now, an F, ACA in a VC solitaire setting. That's a forever piece. If I had that, you would have to pry it out of my cold dead hands. I probably would want to be buried with it. Ok, maybe I would give it to my DD on my death bed.

A three stone is a classic. And ***sigh*** not only have I always wanted one, I wanted them to cushions. That cushion three stone is exactly what I would get, except I may do colored side stones. But I WANT it in that setting. I am obsessed with his tri-wires. There is a picture of a cushion three stone with red side stones but I can't find it. I will say that if I get an additional ring someday, it WILL be a three stone cushion in a VC setting. There, I've said it. Darn, another thing to add to my growing list.

And lastly, that halo. I am not a halo person, but I love his vintage halo, AND with an airline. When I was at his office, I kept trying on another french cut halo with a round. The first thing I thought when I put it on was, "OMG. It's so light!" Swear that was the first thing that popped into my head. Then I thought, "OMG, it's so sparkly!!" Deep thoughts, right? I really, really liked it. It is so surprising because I have never been a halo girl, no matter how gorgeous they look on other people. I'll post pics of the one I tried on. I did really appreciate the bling factor, but I loved how easy it felt. I swear if you didn't remind me to take it off, I would have worn that sucker right out of the building. I will say I like the one you like even better because I love the cushion shape, and I love the airline. I bezel around the center stone helps guide my attention to the center stone, and it doesn't blend with the halo. I will post some pics. And lastly, i love a beautiful gallery. The one I tried on had a plain gallery, and I just need more under there...KWIM?

So, my conclusion is, you will eventually have all three. It's just a matter of figuring out which comes first.

Thank you for sharing all of these insights, LLJsmom! I really feel like we are "jewelry sisters" at times because our preferences are so similar and we both like to analyze the details of each option (which I really consider to be a good thing!). Like you, I have ogled three stone rings for as long as I can remember, and I am more drawn to those with cushions (or perhaps cushion/traps). And I have never been a halo girl either (although I adore them on other people, but just not on myself!), but Victor outdid himself with that vintage halo and I can't stop thinking about it! (Well, that and your incomparable octagonal bezel, which I am still dreaming about as a potential reset someday... it is AMAZING!) In the vintage halo I love the combination of the milgrain accents, the delicate airline, and the cushion center. So I am glad to know how much you loved the one you tried on (which is gorgeous as well!) and how light and comfortable it was.

So it is easy to make an argument for either one of these beauties! Perhaps at some point I will be able to swing having both, but at this juncture I need to choose... decisions, decisions! And I totally get what you mean about a beautiful gallery... I really crave ornate detail in the side view because I spend so much time on my computer. So yes, I am with you on all of that!

Thank you for your kind words about my ACA as well... funny that you mention that, as I may be changing things up... I had the opportunity to see a CER in person and I am not sure I will ever be the same! I love my MRB but the splintery flashes don't speak to me the same way those floral facets did. And I figure that MRBs will be easy to find in the years ahead were I really to miss having one. So let's just say that I have a lot to think about...

Regardless, thank you again for sharing so many insights... they help more than you know!!

 

[carbonfan]

I vote three-stone, but with trap sides like @LLJsmom suggested. I love this ring that JBG sold with its lovely side view. There is something so pretty about mixing brilliant and step-cuts.

https://jewelsbygrace.smugmug.com/Estate-Rings/153ctw-August-Vintage-Cushion/



Maybe this is the red-side stone mentioned above...with spinels. I'd have to go with blue-green spinels or montana sapphires.

Oh my, rockysalamander, that is gorgeous!! If I go the three-stone route I think trap sides are the way to go. That really is a classy, unfussy look. Thank you for sharing these photos!!

 

[carbonfan]

Love a three stone with cushions!!!

My preference would be the halo as my e-ring because I am a sucker for finger coverage, but it would also make a gorgeous RHR!

Thanks, totally free! Gosh, I hadn't even thought about the halo as an e-ring! It seems I have options galore, but what incredible options they are! I am usually more of a purist for the e-ring, but I could certainly envision the halo as a RHR. Will have to think some more...

 

[totallyfree]

@carbonfan I have a gorgeous solitaire for my e-ring, and it's delicate and beautiful but it was also a compromise between myself and my partner: he wanted sleek and minimal, and was resistant to a stone larger than one carat. (Eventually I just purchased the ring myself and gave it to him to propose, but that's another story!!)

I was looking at halos for my e-ring, a found a few that I loved. But ultimately the decision for us needed to be a joint one

 

[carbonfan]

@carbonfan I have a gorgeous solitaire for my e-ring, and it's delicate and beautiful but it was also a compromise between myself and my partner: he wanted sleek and minimal, and was resistant to a stone larger than one carat. (Eventually I just purchased the ring myself and gave it to him to propose, but that's another story!!)

I was looking at halos for my e-ring, a found a few that I loved. But ultimately the decision for us needed to be a joint one

I totally understand all of that, and you are to be commended for finding such a wonderful compromise! My husband isn't into jewelry, and these days he prefers to let me choose things myself, but I am super sentimental about the pieces that he chose for me in years past. So I know what you mean; it is important to have a balance. I have always had a solitaire as my e-ring and I suspect that I always will... I recently did a reset from pave shank to a simpler setting, and I am continually impressed with the versatility that a solitaire offers! So a solitaire will probably always win me over as an e-ring. I have never thought about having an "alternate" e-ring, but if I were ever to seriously consider that, the vintage halo would be amazing... you make a good point about the finger coverage! At this point I am strictly thinking RHR, though.

 

[PattyCo]

I voted for the French Cut Halo because I thought colored stones could be used at the NSEW positions and make it look less engagement ring and more RHR. If you chose colors that were birthstones of your husband and kids it would be quite a lovely family heirloom.

 

[m-2-b]

I Victor's french cut halo--that's what I would choose for an antique cushion. I prefer the look of EC's or MRB's for 3 stone rings.

 

[Bonfire]

All three are beautiful choices. Does one style particularly speak to you over the others? It's fun to hear what others think, but unless you are really really confused listen to your own heart. I know I can be easily swayed sometimes and wish I had stuck to my gut. Can't wait to see what you decide!
@LLJsmom you have some swoon worthy photos! Such gorgeous rings that were posted.

 

[Acinom]

Such wonderful choice options! I voted for the French cut halo for your right hand ring. With Victor you cannot go wrong, so please follow your hart.

 

[carbonfan]

I voted for the French Cut Halo because I thought colored stones could be used at the NSEW positions and make it look less engagement ring and more RHR. If you chose colors that were birthstones of your husband and kids it would be quite a lovely family heirloom.

This is such a wonderful idea; thank you for sharing it! I love the symbolism of this!

 

[carbonfan]

I Victor's french cut halo--that's what I would choose for an antique cushion. I prefer the look of EC's or MRB's for 3 stone rings.

Such wonderful choice options! I voted for the French cut halo for your right hand ring. With Victor you cannot go wrong, so please follow your hart.

Thank you for chiming in, m-2-b and Acinom! I agree, you really can't go wrong with Victor, and I do love his French cut halo. His artistry is just incredible. It makes me happy to know that others love this setting as much as I do! And although it often gives me clarity to hear others' insights, I promise that ultimately I will follow my heart. Thank you for the encouragement!

 

[carbonfan]

All three are beautiful choices. Does one style particularly speak to you over the others? It's fun to hear what others think, but unless you are really really confused listen to your own heart. I know I can be easily swayed sometimes and wish I had stuck to my gut. Can't wait to see what you decide!
@LLJsmom you have some swoon worthy photos! Such gorgeous rings that were posted.

Thanks, Bonfire! Hearing from everyone has been immensely helpful. I had initially gravitated toward a three-stone RHR, and although I may want to pursue that at some point, more recently I have found myself gravitating toward the French cut halo. So it really helps to know that others love this choice as well! I am still weighing things, but feeling better and better by the minute, so thank you to everyone who has contributed to this thread!