A. Link reset? Would appreciate your opinions!!

[LLJsmom]

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to share with you wonderful PSer's that I think I've found my reset. I've tried to feel committed to a VC setting, but something kept holding me back. Then I stumbled across this A. Link setting at a local jewelry store, which just spoke to me. I tried it on, and left, hoping that I would forget about it. I went back several weeks ago to look again, still loved it. Darn!! It was super pricey, and not even for a hand made piece, so I really struggled. Still could not get it out of my head. I looked at everything. I even went into an antique jewelry store this week, tried on all kinds of VC / Single Stone style vintage pieces, halos, bezels with french sides, pave shanks, and as delicate and lovely as they all were, I found that I still preferred the A. Link to all of these. So today I finally brought the DH in to look at it, and take pics.

They put in a 3 carat center, which is a little bigger than my 2.59. The side stones are 30 points each. Their center is a G.





On pic I took with my stone in the solitaire setting, just to try to get a comparison of the size of my stone with the side stones. I love the blinginess of the big side stones, and may go up to 40 points each. I am going to source my own side stones, and will probably go with G to make sure the color of the side stones does exceed my center stone, which is an F.



The link below is to the website. It's like the engagement ring, but with just two stones on each side of the center stone, not all the way around.
http://www.alinkandco.com/designs/by_piece/rings/engagement/63-194/

I am slowly reconciling myself to the fact that I am choosing a stock piece over VC, but I just love this super blingy, simple U-prong setting. It feels like if I get my stone into this setting, it will be "home". Strange huh? As a side note, my husband got a new watch today at that same jeweler, so I will have to hold off on my reset a little longer.

 

[junebug17]

Well, it sounds like you adore this setting, and took the time to check out lots of other styles, so it sounds like this is the one for you! I know I've been saying this a lot lately here on PS, but all that really matters is that you love it - and I remember from your other thread that you are a lover of big bling, and this ring will do the trick for sure. I think it's beautiful and it seems perfect for you!

 

[Luxie]

I love it! Love the way the basket echoes the "u" prongs. Blingtastic!

I was actually thinking of a setting like this (still am!) except with .25 pointers to match my 7 stone. I think this setting will give you the best of both worlds...a large five stone/large center stone all in one! In my humble opinion though, I think the .30 pointers are large enough, although I am not sure how much larger .40 pointers will look with your stone? What are the dimensions of your stone?

Keep us updated!

 

[LLJsmom]

Junebug17, I think you are TOTALLY right. And I think you already told me that back when I wanted to get a five stone to satiate the bling monster in me. Words of wisdom. Sounds easy, but has been so hard!! First of all, b/c the PSers here have such BEAUTIFUL rings that I love them ALL. They take such care and thoughtfulness to selecting and setting their jewelry that every piece seems like the perfect piece. And b/c the look and style now is very delicate, antique-y and pave. I have been so conflicted in this process. The pictures of so many of these VC, Mege, Single Stone settings literally make my jaw drop. I couldn't even figure out what I loved. I love it ALL.

So when I saw this setting, it just called to me. I kept hoping I would stop liking it and forget about it. I really wanted everyone to love what I love, especially when I'm spending so much money. I don't want to feel like I made a huge mistake. I have tendency to think that the majority opinion is the "right" one. And I knew that this is definitely NOT the style now. But I know that if I don't get what I love, I will just keep obsessing over it, feel unsettled, and just generally unsatisfied until I got it. (God, it feels like being in a relationship!!)

Junebug, thank you so much for reminding me. I know it might not be your style, but thank you for being so supportive. (They need a hug icon!)

I love this simple, chunky, flashy setting. I can't wait, but it will be at least another 2-3 months!!

Well, it sounds like you adore this setting, and took the time to check out lots of other styles, so it sounds like this is the one for you! I know I've been saying this a lot lately here on PS, but all that really matters is that you love it - and I remember from your other thread that you are a lover of big bling, and this ring will do the trick for sure. I think it's beautiful and it seems perfect for you!

 

[EHR2009]

I really like it, especially with your plain band. Would you keep the plain band to wear with the new setting? I love the contrast of the two!

 

[Rosebloom]

I think it looks awesome! And my goodness after looking at so many options, if this is the one that makes your heart sing it's definitely "the one"!

I love the look with the 30 pointers. I think with the slight smaller center it will be the perfect proportion. Would 40 pointers make your huge honking stone look a touch smaller than it should? Whichever you choose it'll be blingy and awesome and gorgeous!

 

[LLJsmom]

Hi Luxie!

Thanks Luxie!! Crazy huh? Total blingfest. I know this setting is not for everyone. Only the major bling-zillas out there are gonna gravitate toward this one. (Guilty!! )) I did not take a pic of the profile, but the u-prong work of an A. Link is unbelievable. U-prongs let in so much light. The stones set super low, and I love the difference in the height of the center stone and the super low set side stones. It makes the center stone pop!! And, you still get the bling of the side stones. But strangely enough, b/c of the u-prong setting of the center, it sits even lower than my solitaire. (I compared it to my current solitaire setting.)

Based on the pics, the 30 point sidestones look pretty good. The 40 point side stones are about 4.74-4.78 mm, and 35 points are about 4.45-4.6mm. My center stone is 8.75ish mm. I think I'll end up anywhere between 35 and 40, just depending on what stones are going to be the same size. I am sourcing my own stones, and the trick will be matching them up in size.

So cause I am crazy and obsessive, I looked around at a bunch of internet retailers to find something similar at a lower price point, and I only found one that was similar. Check out Pearlmans. It's a new setting for them. Bridal collection. I also asked for some custom made quotes. Let me know if you want to know how much I was quoted, although I am very apprehensive of doing a custom piece b/c I am worried that it will not be exactly right. Very hard to find one but let me know if you do!

Keep me updated if you decide on something similar. I would love to have a ring twin!!

I love it! Love the way the basket echoes the "u" prongs. Blingtastic!

I was actually thinking of a setting like this (still am!) except with .25 pointers to match my 7 stone. I think this setting will give you the best of both worlds...a large five stone/large center stone all in one! In my humble opinion though, I think the .30 pointers are large enough, although I am not sure how much larger .40 pointers will look with your stone? What are the dimensions of your stone?

Keep us updated!

 

[LLJsmom]

Rosebloom, you were the one that said that! "make your heart sing". I have gone back to that advice many times, when I was looking at a bezeled center stone with french cut sides, when I was looking at the halos and everything else. I thought they were all beautiful, but this was the only setting that called to me. I wondered for a while. Am I allowed to let my heart sing?? What does that feel like? I think when I saw this setting, I liked it so much I was kinda scared. Omg, what if this is the one? Let me just say for the record that choosing a husband wasn't this hard!!

I am thinking I will go around 35 points-ish. It will be trying to find stones with the same dimensions, so the carats may actual vary a little bit.

I'm so excited!! I can't wait to start, but I have to get through tax season. And darn that husband. When I showed him the ring yesterday, he also found himself a Rolex, which means my reset has to wait a little bit. Really?? I have been shopping for months, and he stops in and finds something the same day?? I'm actually really happy for him cause he has been looking too. I've waited so long, what's another couple of months??

I think it looks awesome! And my goodness after looking at so many options, if this is the one that makes your heart sing it's definitely "the one"!

I love the look with the 30 pointers. I think with the slight smaller center it will be the perfect proportion. Would 40 pointers make your huge honking stone look a touch smaller than it should? Whichever you choose it'll be blingy and awesome and gorgeous!

 

[LLJsmom]

Hi EHR, I would probably wear it with my plain band. It feels very normal with it. My plain band is really fat, but I'm used to it. It's not at all fashionable, but I feel more "married" with it on.

Btw, I must tell you that your stack pics have inspired me. I REALLY love your stack. It is just such a throw-away, movie-star casual fabulous look. For the past month, I've been wearing my solitaire with a ton of fake-y stacking rings. It's satisfying the bling need until I get my reset. I think that if I didn't get a reset, I would just stack. I LOVE the feel of bling all around my finger. They make good CZ's these days! LOL!!

I really like it, especially with your plain band. Would you keep the plain band to wear with the new setting? I love the contrast of the two!