best setting to make the diamond look larger

[rosy]

Does anyone have any ideas on what types of settings make a diamond look larger than it''s actual size? I caught the shrinking diamond syndrome & would like to set my diamond so that it looks bigger than it really is. I would like to do this since buying a new larger diamond is not an option. It is a round brilliant 1.40 carat solitaire. For starters it''s currently set low, should I set it higher? Would diamonds in the band create an illusion of a bigger diamond? If so which ones? If anyone has pictures to post I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks.

 

[valeria101]

There are those called "ilussion settings" - and not just one kind. The general idea seems to be to construct some sort of model around and slightly below the stone, so that the edge of the diamond does not show immediately. Here's what one 0.96 round looks like in one (ring size, 7.25):

(source)



And then, there are these diamond bezels that seem to do a spectacular job at making a large ring:

(these "before & after bezel" pictures have their story on Pricescope HERE)

Just some 0.2 worth. There is much more out there

 

[reena]

i totally second what ana just said about bezel settings. here are some pics of my 2.07 carat cushion in a pave bezel setting. although i didn''t choose the design for this reason, the bezel really does make the stone look MUCH bigger than it is. people often think it''s a 3+ carat stone. so if you like the look, that could be a good option for you.

 

[fire&ice]

Illusion settings will make the diamond look significantly larger. And, yes, setting your stone higher typically makes the stone appear larger.

 

[luvmysparklies]

I have read that the illusion settings work well to make your diamond appear larger - when they are new. After the ring gets some wear, the "illusion" is very discernible from the diamond. In other words, you can tell where the illusion ends and the diamond begins.

One of my favorite "tricks" to make a diamond look bigger is to have a very thin shank. A 2mm should do it. There is a poster on this board, I think, AGBF? that has an 8* diamond. I think she had tradeshop custom make her solitaire setting with a very, very thin shank so that all you see is diamond. The shank's stablility comes from the fact that its like a knife edge. The "meat" of the shank is because the metal is higher in height than it is wide. But to look at the shank face on, it is very thin.

Luv

Edited to add: the ring I am referring to is on page 6 of the "show me the ring" thread.