Advice on upgrade, pave solitaire or three stone

[GoldenGateGirl]

Hi everyone! I've been stalking posts on PriceScope for a month or so now and finally decided to join! So, my husband and I are going to upgrade my wedding set soon My engagement ring has a 1.06ct ideal (triple ex) H VS1 center stone with small channel set side stones. My wedding band is a matching channel set band.

I'd love help deciding between these upgrade options:

1) Pave solitaire with matching band. I'd get a new set entirely (wear wedding band on right hand and make engagement ring into pendant). The center diamond would be about 1.90-2.05 ct triple ex G-H VS1-VS2. I would get a simple pave setting, probably around 2.2 mm, similar to the attached image but with slightly more narrow bands or this link. I'll also post a link to Julileu's ring, which I love (hope you don't mind)!
http://www.bluenile.com/scalloped-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-platinum_33601
https://www.pricescope.com/blog/jewel-week-hearts-and-arrows-diamond-engagement-ring


Advantages: I'm kind of starting to dislike like the spaces between my current round channel set diamonds...the pave set will sparkle more. This is such a great classic look. This is what I've had my mind on for a year or two.
Disadvantages: New wedding band needed.

2) Get a three stone upgrade/anniversary ring and wear it with my current channel set band and make my current e-ring into a pendant. I'd probably go with a center diamond of ~1.75 and side stones of ~0.6 each, ideal, G-H, VS. I tried on a similar slightly larger combination (2.0ct center, sides 0.7ct each) at a local jewelry store. It's on my size 6.5 middle finger with a channel set band just a tad wider than mine, so I assume that the sizes that I'm thinking about will look similar on my size 4.5 ring finger.


Advantages: Get to keep current wedding band. More bling for our buck with the three stone. I love the way is sparkles even from afar and love the way the similar rings from the jewelry store look!
Disadvantages: I feel like this look isn't as traditional and I tend to like to keep things classic. Gap between rings.

Sorry this is such a long post! I'm so lucky to have an amazing husband and these choices and would really appreciate any help in making this decision

 

[pyramid]

There is a big price difference between the two I would think with a 2 carat in that clarity and color compared with the three stone. This really is personal preference and only you will know what you would be happy with in the long term unless you intend to upgrade again.

 

[heididdl]

I'd prefer a large solitarie to a three stone and why do you need to get new band....Just wear it

 

[Fancygems]

Reading your post it sounds as though you lean towards the solitaire calling it classic, although I feel both options are classic. Also, with the three stone you keep your wedding band, but your tiring of the small gaps within the setting so I say option one for you. For myself I would go three stone versus solitaire with pave.

 

[tweeter8177]

As an owner of a 3 stone (avatar), I actually voted pave solitaire. I think you will enjoy the size jump at 2ct and it will really pop with a thin band. They are very different looks and it definitely comes down to what you are trying to achieve with the upgrade. A 3 stone will be way more blingy, but you need to make sure you have the proportions right so the side stones won't swallow the center diamond. In my opinion, I think a 3 stone falls under the very traditional and classic category, so I wouldn't let that deter you.

 

[Harpertoo]

I think either one will be fabulous and classic.
I own a pave solitaire, albeit with a AVC and an OEC 3 stone I inherited. I love them both, but the 3 has a great heft, strength and presence that I tend to prefer. Just a slight preference though because I adore both styles!
Good luck with your decision!

 

[m-2-b]

I also voted pave solitaire. I personally went from a blingy 3 stone back to a larger solitaire. I love the classic elegance of a solitaire for the LH. Maybe you can get a 3 stone later on as a RHR!

 

[Acinom]

Both are beautiful and classic options. You seems to lean towards the solitaire so I would follow your heart.

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

I personally prefer the finger coverage of a three stone ring. I currently have a pave halo and I know that if I were to ever upgrade in the future it would be to a three stone or even a five stone.

ETA: With a nice size round center I actually prefer pears as sidestones over more rounds, super classic and special.

 

[braga123]

I vote solitaire! But I also agree that it will be more expensive than the 3-stone.

 

[Gypsy]

Three stone.

 

[GoldenGateGirl]

Thanks so much for the advice everyone! This is very helpful. It looks like the three stone is winning by a narrow margin (60/40). Taking all of your feedback into consideration, I'll ponder for a few more months before pulling the trigger.

 

[GoldenGateGirl]

As an owner of a 3 stone (avatar), I actually voted pave solitaire. I think you will enjoy the size jump at 2ct and it will really pop with a thin band. They are very different looks and it definitely comes down to what you are trying to achieve with the upgrade. A 3 stone will be way more blingy, but you need to make sure you have the proportions right so the side stones won't swallow the center diamond. In my opinion, I think a 3 stone falls under the very traditional and classic category, so I wouldn't let that deter you.

tweeter8177, I love the three stone in your avatar!

 

[GoldenGateGirl]

I also voted pave solitaire. I personally went from a blingy 3 stone back to a larger solitaire. I love the classic elegance of a solitaire for the LH. Maybe you can get a 3 stone later on as a RHR!

Great idea for the RHR three stone. Maybe if I go for option 1, maybe I'll make my 1ct diamond a center stone for a RHR

 

[GoldenGateGirl]

I personally prefer the finger coverage of a three stone ring. I currently have a pave halo and I know that if I were to ever upgrade in the future it would be to a three stone or even a five stone.

ETA: With a nice size round center I actually prefer pears as sidestones over more rounds, super classic and special.

Hmmm, your advice and Tweeter's avatar is making me start to consider pear sides

 

[tweeter8177]

GoldenGateGirl – Thank you! I did a lot of research on PS before I ended up going with the pear side stones. Just search on pear side stones and you will find a bunch of threads. I absolutely love my ring, but I do always wonder what it would be like to have a simple solitaire. It could be a case of the grass always looks greener on the other side (setting)!!! Regardless of setting, you will have a great time looking at rings and of course upgrading!!

To get you started, I will attach my thread with hand shots and a couple three stone threads that will have a bunch of both rounds and pears side stone rings. I would suggest trying on a bunch of ring styles before you make your choice!

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...ch-3-stone-ring-with-pear-side-stones.189157/

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/three-stone-rings.29445/

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/3-stone-ring-girls-are-you-out-there.75486/

 

[GoldenGateGirl]

GoldenGateGirl – Thank you! I did a lot of research on PS before I ended up going with the pear side stones. Just search on pear side stones and you will find a bunch of threads. I absolutely love my ring, but I do always wonder what it would be like to have a simple solitaire. It could be a case of the grass always looks greener on the other side (setting)!!! Regardless of setting, you will have a great time looking at rings and of course upgrading!!

To get you started, I will attach my thread with hand shots and a couple three stone threads that will have a bunch of both rounds and pears side stone rings. I would suggest trying on a bunch of ring styles before you make your choice!

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...ch-3-stone-ring-with-pear-side-stones.189157/

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/three-stone-rings.29445/

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/3-stone-ring-girls-are-you-out-there.75486/

Thanks for the links tweeter!

 

[Bonfire]

When you were trying on rings, which one made your heart happy ? It's such a personal thing. The solitaire would be a big jump up in size from what you have. However, DSS may set in again later? Nothing beats a 3-stone for horizontal real estate
I vote 3- stone

 

[LLJsmom]

I vote for larger solitaire with pave band. I have a five stone, and I want to see more of my center stone. I'm considering a reset. But I must admit, I do really appreciate the blinginess of the five stone too. I sometimes am afraid I will miss it if I get something different. However, I do think both your options are classic.

 

[GoldenGateGirl]

When you were trying on rings, which one made your heart happy ? It's such a personal thing. The solitaire would be a big jump up in size from what you have. However, DSS may set in again later? Nothing beats a 3-stone for horizontal real estate
I vote 3- stone

Good point about "making my heart happy"...I would have to admit that the pave solitaire does that a little bit more Beautiful ring in your avatar picture btw!

 

[GoldenGateGirl]

I vote for larger solitaire with pave band. I have a five stone, and I want to see more of my center stone. I'm considering a reset. But I must admit, I do really appreciate the blinginess of the five stone too. I sometimes am afraid I will miss it if I get something different. However, I do think both your options are classic.

Thanks for the advice! Beautiful 5-stone ring in your avatar pic. In fact, all of you with rings in your pictures who have relied to my post have such gorgeous rings

 

[Roxy]

When you were trying on rings, which one made your heart happy ? It's such a personal thing. The solitaire would be a big jump up in size from what you have. However, DSS may set in again later? Nothing beats a 3-stone for horizontal real estate
I vote 3- stone

Good point about "making my heart happy"...I would have to admit that the pave solitaire does that a little bit more Beautiful ring in your avatar picture btw!

I voted for the solitaire w/ pave as well. I know I'm biased, but I love the look of a diamond w/ sidestones along the bands. You can take your current center stone and make a 3-stone RHR or a pendant (I'm leaning towards a RHR for my original center stone, but can't decide).

 

[iota15]

I think both will look great although I voted for the three stone. Maybe the actual stones in the picture caught my attention more because I personally have a solitaire in a pave band. Haha. Also, that's a great looking, large set of three stones.

I went through lots of setting options too, and there's no harm in trying and playing with a bunch. I think though, you prefer the solitaire. I think that's what you should get.

 

[Bonfire]

When you were trying on rings, which one made your heart happy ? It's such a personal thing. The solitaire would be a big jump up in size from what you have. However, DSS may set in again later? Nothing beats a 3-stone for horizontal real estate
I vote 3- stone

Good point about "making my heart happy"...I would have to admit that the pave solitaire does that a little bit more Beautiful ring in your avatar picture btw!

Thanks GoldenGateGirl. Try not to be swayed too much by the poll. As helpful as it is to get other's opinions, they are just that-opinions.
Follow your joy and enjoy the process!

 

[junebug17]

Good point about "making my heart happy"…I would have to admit that the pave solitaire does that a little bit more

Ah, I think you might have your answer! As Bonfire said, opinions can be helpful but in the end this boils down to personal preference and what would make you happy.