Adding a halo to my oval solitaire?

[Heidibrooke]

I've posted here before about my search for the best value for my insurance money. I've seen so many diamonds (various jewelers and through James Allen), and I keep coming back to my original choice.

A .94, IF, G oval with ideal proportions (7.95x5.17x3.10). It's quite a bit smaller than the princess diamond I lost (1.21 @6.06x5.45x4.17) but I wanted something a little different. I've always loved solitaires, simple and classic with a high setting. So, even considering a halo is a big leap for me. I had the oval set in a shared prong, .38, 30 stone eternity semi mount (1.9mm).

Now, I'm considering switching the simple white gold peghead out for a delicate halo. I have zero knowledge of halos and the different styles. I don't know if my oval should be slightly higher than the halo or flush or if it would even look right at all? My oval is only 3.10 deep, so would it look odd (empty) from beneath?

I feel like my oval needs just a little something extra, maybe because it's smaller than what I'm used to. Here is how it looks now? I plan to go to Jared to order the halo head, but what size stones would look best, etc.?

 

[WillyDiamond]

I did not vote because it is a personal thing.

Some thoughts:

Are you wedded to that "IF" stone, if you drop the clarity, you could get a bigger stone for the same money?

Since you are not sure what halo to get and how it will sit, there are a few thread, probably many threads on PS to help you.

1. There is a thread called "Show me your ring with halos, and one that shows before and after, so you can get some ideas. Check out the threads in "Show Me the Bling" on this forum.

2. Individuals on this forum have posted their projects like mine, sox fan, momhappy, and many many more

3. There is also another thread, and I could not find it so someone may be able to post the link to it, I think its by Charmypoo, not 100% sure of that, and that thread is like the "bible" on how to go about getting a halo.

4. You can get in touch with vendors like VC, SK or ERD for ideas and look at their websites.

Best of luck.

edit: I think the oval is very pretty

 

[Acinom]

I love your ring as is
But I am sure it will also look marvelous with a halo. And this is the reason I did not vote either.

Soxfan posted Kate Beckinsale's ring in of her thread and I post it here as this very delicate and elegant look might work for you too. You could perhaps try some band in your local jewelry store.

 

[junebug17]

I voted halo - I reset into a halo recently and am really happy with it - added some hand presence and just gave me a more substantial look. The diamonds in my halo are a little under a point and show up nicely. I guess I just like halos.

I do like Acinom's idea of trying on some stacking bands with your ring - it might give you the added coverage you're looking for, and is a beautiful look as well!

 

[msop04]

I voted halo because I'm a big fan of them. I think ovals are especially gorgeous in halos.

 

[Niel]

It just seems to me like you're trying to love something that I'm not sure you do.

I've been there. I had a pear that I wanted to love. I looked at all sorts of settings to try and love it and they didn't work.

You're looking at other stones and your posts are always about how its too small. I'm concerned a reset won't fix your issue.

I'd do an e/w bezel halo though. If you're keeping that beauty.

 

[lambskin]

Save the halo for a RHR.

 

[soxfan]

I love your ring as is
But I am sure it will also look marvelous with a halo. And this is the reason I did not vote either.

Soxfan posted Kate Beckinsale's ring in of her thread and I post it here as this very delicate and elegant look might work for you too. You could perhaps try some band in your local jewelry store.

This might give you what you are looking for....Someone on here has this exact (close to it) set. Search Kate Beckinsale and see if you can dig it up. I wouldn't add a halo AFTER the fact. I think if you wanted one, you should have done it the first time. I think this stone is exceptional and a stack would really flatter it.

 

[luvsdmb]

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/thanks-to-quest-for-adding-halo-to-my-oval-setting.187833/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/thanks-to-quest-for-adding-halo-to-my-oval-setting.187833/[/URL]

Here is a link I thought you might like. Personally I would contact Quest to see about adding a halo.

 

[heididdl]

I voted halo because the stone looked lonely and wanted some additional dressing......It is beautiful alone but will be spectacular with halo

 

[kmarla]

I voted to add a halo as well. I think your oval is stunning and looks perfect as is, but a very delicate halo will give you both additional sparkle and additional presence on your finger, which is what I think might be the underlying issue, since your replacement diamond is slightly smaller....but beyond gorgeous Down the road adding some beautiful stackers a la Kate Beckinsale will look just as lovely with a delicate halo ring.

 

[dk168]

I voted for halo, as I believe the stone would look even more stunning in a halo setting.

DK

 

[Heidibrooke]

I did not vote because it is a personal thing.

Some thoughts:

Are you wedded to that "IF" stone, if you drop the clarity, you could get a bigger stone for the same money?

Since you are not sure what halo to get and how it will sit, there are a few thread, probably many threads on PS to help you.

1. There is a thread called "Show me your ring with halos, and one that shows before and after, so you can get some ideas. Check out the threads in "Show Me the Bling" on this forum.

2. Individuals on this forum have posted their projects like mine, sox fan, momhappy, and many many more

3. There is also another thread, and I could not find it so someone may be able to post the link to it, I think its by Charmypoo, not 100% sure of that, and that thread is like the "bible" on how to go about getting a halo.

4. You can get in touch with vendors like VC, SK or ERD for ideas and look at their websites.

Best of luck.

edit: I think the oval is very pretty

Thanks so much! I will definitely search those thread topics! I promise I'm not a clarity snob, as the ring I lost was a beautiful SI1. However, I can't deal with bowties and I've literally only found one other oval without a bowtie (in price range) and it was a 1.31, stunningly gorgeous but it was an I in color, and just a little too warm for me. I have a 1.2 here now that's D in color, with a faint bowtie but even faint, it's all I focus on. I'm terribly sensitive to them. I've considered rounds also, but I really like that ovals are a little more uncommon.

 

[Heidibrooke]

I love your ring as is
But I am sure it will also look marvelous with a halo. And this is the reason I did not vote either.

Soxfan posted Kate Beckinsale's ring in of her thread and I post it here as this very delicate and elegant look might work for you too. You could perhaps try some band in your local jewelry store.

Thanks so much!! I truly love that look, simple, yet stunning!

 

[Heidibrooke]

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/thanks-to-quest-for-adding-halo-to-my-oval-setting.187833/

Here is a link I thought you might like. Personally I would contact Quest to see about adding a halo.

Thanks so much! That's a gorgeous ring, really awesome oval!

 

[Heidibrooke]

It just seems to me like you're trying to love something that I'm not sure you do.

I've been there. I had a pear that I wanted to love. I looked at all sorts of settings to try and love it and they didn't work.

You're looking at other stones and your posts are always about how its too small. I'm concerned a reset won't fix your issue.

I'd do an e/w bezel halo though. If you're keeping that beauty.

I guess I may be trying to love it, since it's replacing something I did love. However, no matter what diamond I see, it has something that does not compare to the first one. The I color 1.31 was amazing, no bowtie, but it was too warm for my setting. The D color 1.2 would have been spot on perfect, but it had a faint bowtie. Even faint bowties really distract me. I've emailed GOG, but nothing yet and I'm out of time. I would have to return this oval by 11/11. I think I questioned it so much because it's the very first diamond I ordered. I didn't expect the first to be "the one." Honestly, I am loving it more and more, as I see other ovals with bowties...and I have looked at a lot of ovals (and good amount of rounds too). I think I may have a rare one, and maybe a halo will add just one I'm missing size wise. . Here's a pic I snapped today.

 

[doubledouble]

I think it would be absolutely stunning with a halo.

 

[Jereni]

I voted halo too - I think it looks lovely as is, but I love halos on ovals, they look wonderfully classic. Good luck!

 

[braga123]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE your ring as it is! In fact, it even makes me contemplate getting an oval and set exactly like yours! It looks elegant, delicate and beautiful.
I want to add that it is also unique, at least to me. Around here, I do not see many oval solitaires and yours would really turn my head. On the other hand, halos are so common, that I rarely turn to look at them these days.

 

[Niel]

ok, so forgive me

but as you still have a few days before you have to return that stone. And i still think that it just might not be the one for you. I might take this into consideration.

No bowtie, high color, shallow, and bigger than your stone (5.3x10.3 ish? )

a marquise i know, but just might be whats missing from your oval.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/1.07-carat-f-color-si2-clarity-sku-244215

 

[BlingObsession]

I absolutely adore it as it is. Halos have been done to death - it's refreshing to see such a gorgeous stone as a solitaire. And, it is a truly gorgeous oval - it deserves to be front and centre of attention. A halo would take away from that IMO.

 

[UberClaire]

I think it would look great in a halo, but I know the delicate, well-made halos can be expensive.

I guess I'm confused as to why you think the oval is "quite a bit" smaller than the princess cut you lost? It's smaller in weight only -- it actually faces up bigger than the princess cut. If you just want to have a bigger number or better stats, I can understand that, but in terms of what you visually see, it's even better than the finger coverage from your previous ring.

I'll repeat what I said on your thread on another forum -- I think ovals are great, and even though a good oval is harder to find than a good round, it can be done. I know you feel tied to James Allen after all the time you've spent with them, but I really think it's worth your while to try a company that can search for/source stones for you. I'm not crazy about the oval you have now. I think you're paying for clarity you can't appreciate, and I don't find the facet pattern as pleasing as some other ovals I've seen. You're obviously not in love with it either, and I think you're going to feel that no matter how you try and set it.

 

[LaraOnline]

The size and extra blingage from a halo seems almost to be addictive.... but to this day I remain a solitaire girl.
The quality of the stone is enhanced by the purity of the solitaire setting in my view. But I would say that... I'm a solitaire girl lol.
Also the IF aspect of the stone is much better enjoyed in an open solitaire setting...

 

[kalomeli]

I voted for halo, because I love haloed oval stones even though halos in general are not my cup of tea. It's such a classic look to my eye! I hope you feel this is a stone good enough to replace the princess you loved, and it should have a setting that pleases you.

 

[Heidibrooke]

ok, so forgive me

but as you still have a few days before you have to return that stone. And i still think that it just might not be the one for you. I might take this into consideration.

No bowtie, high color, shallow, and bigger than your stone (5.3x10.3 ish? )

a marquise i know, but just might be whats missing from your oval.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/1.07-carat-f-color-si2-clarity-sku-244215

That's a unique marquise, it's chubby and lemon like, really nice. My husband doesn't like the marquise shape though at all. Wow, though, talk about finger coverage for the money! Maybe a ps'er will buy that! I'd love to see a hand shot!!

Thank you very much for your help along the way, you've been awesome!

 

[Acinom]

Just for inspiration: PS member Nymphettamine has a beautiful oval in a halo. She will receive her ring from Victor Canera in the coming days, but she posted a teaser. Hers is a 1.5 ct oval.

 

[Heidibrooke]

I think it would look great in a halo, but I know the delicate, well-made halos can be expensive.

I guess I'm confused as to why you think the oval is "quite a bit" smaller than the princess cut you lost? It's smaller in weight only -- it actually faces up bigger than the princess cut. If you just want to have a bigger number or better stats, I can understand that, but in terms of what you visually see, it's even better than the finger coverage from your previous ring.

I'll repeat what I said on your thread on another forum -- I think ovals are great, and even though a good oval is harder to find than a good round, it can be done. I know you feel tied to James Allen after all the time you've spent with them, but I really think it's worth your while to try a company that can search for/source stones for you. I'm not crazy about the oval you have now. I think you're paying for clarity you can't appreciate, and I don't find the facet pattern as pleasing as some other ovals I've seen. You're obviously not in love with it either, and I think you're going to feel that no matter how you try and set it.

You're right, it faces up somewhat bigger, but given its shape, there is a gradual narrowing and with rectangular shapes (like mine was), the lines were constant, no narrowing. Plus, the depth was so much more, and with a high setting. I feel that loss.

However, I love the faceting pattern, and the only other oval I've found with this pattern is a little over $7600 but its ratio is too much of a stretch for me. This oval has a lot of fire and brilliance. The GIA appraiser commented that she thinks all ovals should be cut this way to get rid of bowties. . However, some people prefer a light bowtie with the more traditional faceting.

The only thing I would change about this oval is the width. It's just a little narrow, as my preferred ratio is 1:5 and this one is 1:54. I don't like rovals. I have a 1:33 ratio here and my kids think its round. So, it's not easily distinguishable as an oval. So, that is where the halo thought is coming in. I've tried on round diamonds with halos and several jewelery stores and I really like them. On the other hand, I love to be able to see my whole diamond. I wish there was a way to try on a halo,

Thanks for your reply! I value the knowledge of the ps'er s!

 

[Heidibrooke]

If I do a halo, it will be a halo peg head, meaning I can always switch back to a solitaire. I don't want to be locked in with a new, expensive halo setting. I love my setting.

I'm thinking I will face a problem though, as my oval is 7.95 x 5.17. I think most halo heads come as 7 x 5 or 8 x 6. The 8x6 will leave small gaps on the sides and the 7 x 5 will be covered a the top and bottom more than the sides.

Also, do I have the diamond set completely flush, or slightly raised? I like being able to see my diamond but I'm not sure what would look best.

The halo will have to be delicate, like 1 pointers.

 

[Heidibrooke]

The size and extra blingage from a halo seems almost to be addictive.... but to this day I remain a solitaire girl.
The quality of the stone is enhanced by the purity of the solitaire setting in my view. But I would say that... I'm a solitaire girl lol.
Also the IF aspect of the stone is much better enjoyed in an open solitaire setting...

I've always been a solitaire girl! Love them! However, I think ovals are made for halos. I think it may be related to the fact that so many gemstones are oval and set in halos.

 

[Heidibrooke]

I absolutely adore it as it is. Halos have been done to death - it's refreshing to see such a gorgeous stone as a solitaire. And, it is a truly gorgeous oval - it deserves to be front and centre of attention. A halo would take away from that IMO.

Thank you for the kind compliment! I've always loved solitaires, but I feel like ovals belong in halos, for some reason. I think it is from seeing so many oval shaped colored gemstones in halos through the years.