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another 5-stone ring question

katiedid

katiedid

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 9, 2007
Messages
2,264
I'm getting quotes from several vendors on a five stone to wear as a standalone wedding band. I'm trying to figure out the differences between the various vendor's u-prong settings.

The BGD version says it's 3.2mm and the WF version is 4mm. What differences do you all notice - prongs, the height of the diamonds once set, the ring shank, any tapering, etc.? I'm being picky but want to get it right!

For those of you who considered both, please let me know which you chose and why. Thank you!

BGD: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/wedding-and-anniversary-bands/eternity-bands/classic-5-stone-u-prong-platinum-5446p
WF: http://www.whiteflash.com/right-hand-rings/skye-five-stone-u-prong-diamond-right-hand-ring-572.htm
 
Those settings are very, very similar. I like the stones set lower like they are in the WF one, but you'd need to specify that whichever you choose. The shank of the WF one also has slightly rounded edges on the shank and the BG has more of a flat sided shank and I like the more rounded edges better. If I were going with BG, I much prefer their Nightingale and Sally settings over their plain u-prong.
 
Thanks diamondseeker! Great observations. I don't care for the knife edge on the Sally and don't really want the melee that's on the Sally and the Nightingale so I guess those are out. In photos, it looks like the standard u-prong does have slightly rounded edges. Hmmm. Also, with the BGD version, I'd get their signature H&A stones. With WF, I'd be getting Expert Selection.
 
I am sure you can have the Nightingale made without the extra stone if you liked the setting otherwise. I take it WF just doesn't have ACA's in the specs you want?
 
That's a thought...

No WF doesn't have the color grade ACAs I want but are willing to work with me on one color grade higher, so I am keeping them in the running! I've never seen the Nightingale without the side stones. The difference is the little split shank there right?
 
Anything can be customized. I would think they could easily fill in that whole area if you didn't like the gap.

I see, regarding the stones. Hard decision to choose between H&A stone versus higher color grade of ideal cut. But the color would make a difference to me if we were talking lower colors. What colors are they?
 
It's between BGD's stones which are Gs, all signature H&A and WF's Fs, which are ACAs or WF's Gs, which are not ACAs, but are expert selections. Not much size difference or price difference.
 
Hi diamondseeker - just an update since you are being so very helpful in throwing these options around with me! I am considering 3 options.

1) The original BGD set of all G color, all SI1, all signature H&A. CTW of 1.617

2) WF set of G color stones with one F, all SI1, all ACA. CTW of 1.54

3) WF set of all F color stones, 1 SI1, 1 VS1, 3 VS2, all ACA. CTW of 1.646

In summary, looks like the stones are set a little lower and "hug" the finger maybe a little more on the WF ring.
The WF ring also has slightly more rounded edges on the shank.
But the BGD ring is a little tapered and "delicate" at 3.2 mm vs the WF 4 mm.

The price difference between all sets is minimal. Ugghh decisions, decisions.
 
I like the BGD U-Prong setting better. I like the way the shank meets the "U's" if that makes sense...
 
Thanks stargurl - it does make sense - I know exactly what you're talking about! My problem is I like both vendor's versions!
 
Gosh, if the price difference is minimal, I'd surely go with the #3 set of F ACA diamonds!
 
diamondseeker, that's what I keep thinking! That's what my husband says too. That would mean the WF setting, and I'd have to stop obsessing over the minor differences in the two... he he

I still think the WF looks like it sits a little lower. Guess there's no way to know unless you had both of them on at the same time!

Thank you for weighing in!
 
You're welcome! I'd ask either one of them to not set the stones high. I think they'd be in danger of hitting things more and maybe coming lose or getting chipped. I think it will be a beautiful ring and can't wait to see it!
 
Would you possibly share what price range they have quoted. sorry if its an intrusive question..
 
diamondseeker, that's a great point. I will definitely do that.

Hi 2023, the ring itself in size 5, in platinum is $1995 on the WF site (I think that's right). Then you figure in your stones, a wire discount if you plan to wire the money, and a customer loyalty discount if you've bought from them before. The price of this ring can fluctuate hugely, based on the stones you choose.
 
After a month of researching options on settings and different combinations of stones, debating stone sizes by trying stuff on locally, getting quotes from 5 vendors, running a bunch of stone stats through the HCA, and being totally wishy washy about what to get... I'm so excited to say that I ordered my new wedding band today! I had a really hard time deciding between the u-prong and the trellis settings, and between the 1.25 ctw and 1.5 ctw size of stones. Then, to further complicate my decision, I threw the possibility of AVRs into the mix...

In the end, I went with WF because they are wonderful and accomodating and patient and helpful - and I know I won't be disappointed with the finished product. Not sure how long it'll take to get it, but I went with the Skye in platinum (90/10 iridium alloy mix) and total carat weight at just over 1.5 (all certed ACAs, F and G in color, VS1 and SI1 in clarity). I also asked them to set the stones low and make the prongs as dainty as possible while making them secure. I can't wait to see how it turns out! I'll be sure to post photos ASAP. :love:
 
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