Bezel or no bezel. Can’t decide

[Big Fat Facets]

Beautiful ring however I feel this is more of a halo rather than a cluster. Surrounding stones would be larger

this is EXACTLY what got me confused. And as a result, i started/opened that thread

 

[Yelena]

Having a cluster ring made with an OMC center. Vendor working on sourcing surrounding old cuts. I’m not sure if I should have a bezel around the center stone or not? I would appreciate your thoughts

I like this ring with the tiny claws around the center stone. However, I'm not sure if it defines the center stone enough?

I like this ring where the center stone is more defined with a bezel.

Which would you chose?

I would chose the bezel because:
1. I prefer the way it looks,
2. it secures the stone better than claws,
3. it won’t require as much maintenance as claws require, and
3. it won’t catch on clothing the way that claws can.

However I am very fond of bezels so I am biased. If the claws make your heart sing then go for them

 

[Austina]

Another vote for bezel, it’s going to be stunning.

This was my great aunt’s engagement ring, bought for her in 1927, just to give you an idea of what a full bezel cluster looks like.

 

[Tartansparkles]

The second ring with the bezel, bezels are my favourite though. I love the simplicity and elegance with which they define the stone.

 

[MamaBear]

Im no help here, I love them both!!

 

[dk168]

I would bezel everything if I can!

This is the ring I am having made for my 7mm neon pink Sapphire from Jeff White eventually, with no millgrain and a thicker shank at the top:



Personal preferences and all that.

DK

 

[jaaron]

I love both, but the bezel really stands out for me as spectacular.

I wonder if, with a yellow cushion centre surrounded by rounds, where you're already introducing a shape and colour difference, prongs might be adding one too many visual factors? I feel like the simplicity of a bezel would allow the stones and romantic shape of the ring to be the stars.

If it's any help, I have an antique cluster with a cushion shaped centre- hardly ever wear it, but that's another story. Please excuse the gross background - it's in the ring box from the antique store and for some reason, the lighting really showed up how grubby the velvet is.

ETA: I was gaping at your stone on Instagram the other day. The sparkle is spectacular. It's going to be gorgeous no matter what you decide!

 

[Yelena]

Another vote for bezel, it’s going to be stunning.

This was my great aunt’s engagement ring, bought for her in 1927, just to give you an idea of what a full bezel cluster looks like.

What a beautiful ring.

 

[tyty333]

Is the stone in your possession? Can you use tin foil to do a tiny bezel around it? I bezeled an OEC once and it darkened up. If I'd of known I would
have had it prong set.

Also, do you have anything yellow gold that you can cup it with to see how it performs?

 

[Ladygrey]

Bezel, bezel, bezel! I have an antique daisy cluster that I happen to be wearing right now, and my favourite thing is the way that the bezels define the shapes of the stones. It's hard to capture in a photo but my centre stone is a light yellow, like yours, and if I had made this from scratch I'd have used a yellow gold inner bezel to bring out the colour even more.

 

[Big Fat Facets]

Is the stone in your possession? Can you use tin foil to do a tiny bezel around it? I bezeled an OEC once and it darkened up. If I'd of known I would
have had it prong set.

Also, do you have anything yellow gold that you can cup it with to see how it performs?

that's a REALLY good point

 

[Queenie60]

Is the stone in your possession? Can you use tin foil to do a tiny bezel around it? I bezeled an OEC once and it darkened up. If I'd of known I would
have had it prong set.

Also, do you have anything yellow gold that you can cup it with to see how it performs?

very good point @tyty333 - Dolly at Xothejiouxbox will have the stone tomorrow. She's quite good at showing different examples and offering up ideas. I'll have her foil something around the stone. She's quite easy to work with and very responsive. I would also love some input from @Niel as her beautiful brown Old cut cluster ring is an inspiration for me and her ring has claws around the center as well as the surrounding stones. Niels cluster is the most beautiful I've seen yet.

 

[NicoleNeedsHelp]

I agree with all— you’re lucky to have this choice because it is going to be amazing. However, when I re-read your first post, you loved the small claws. Stick with what you like and please provide pics of this beauty when you’re done.

 

[Gussie]

I'm in the minority- I like the prongs or bezel the center and prong the cluster stones. My eyes are drawn to the metal instead of the diamonds if all of the stones are bezels. But they are both beautiful and this will be stunning!!

 

[Queenie60]

I'm in the minority- I like the prongs or bezel the center and prong the cluster stones. My eyes are drawn to the metal instead of the diamonds if all of the stones are bezels. But they are both beautiful and this will be stunning!!

Yes, this is what I am leaning towards. Very thin bezel around the center stone and claws around the surrounding stones.

 

[Ally T]

I think in this case I would bezel the centre stone. Which is stunning by the way!

 

[KristinTech]

I absolutely love all versions, so I will be rooting for you, whatever you choose! I hope to have antique cluster someday.

 

[Niel]

very good point @tyty333 - Dolly at Xothejiouxbox will have the stone tomorrow. She's quite good at showing different examples and offering up ideas. I'll have her foil something around the stone. She's quite easy to work with and very responsive. I would also love some input from @Niel as her beautiful brown Old cut cluster ring is an inspiration for me and her ring has claws around the center as well as the surrounding stones. Niels cluster is the most beautiful I've seen yet.

Well shucks. Thanks.
I was looking at this thread and I couldn’t decide how I felt. I like bezels on stones that color range but for clusters I prefer prongs.
so what do I think?!
the reason I prefer a non bezeled cluster is because the bezel ends up looking like a flower. Though I might like it to look like a flower most of the time I don’t think I would all the time.
Are the side stones going to be very white for contrast or similar to the center ?

 

[Queenie60]

Well shucks. Thanks.
I was looking at this thread and I couldn’t decide how I felt. I like bezels on stones that color range but for clusters I prefer prongs.
so what do I think?!
the reason I prefer a non bezeled cluster is because the bezel ends up looking like a flower. Though I might like it to look like a flower most of the time I don’t think I would all the time.
Are the side stones going to be very white for contrast or similar to the center ?

The cluster stones are going to be white for contrast. Wish I could have found something more brown - your ring is spectacular, I look at it daily as I have your thread under "watch" so it's easy for me to find! I must say, I do like the claws around the center as yours is.

 

[Niel]

The cluster stones are going to be white for contrast. Wish I could have found something more brown - your ring is spectacular, I look at it daily as I have your thread under "watch" so it's easy for me to find! I must say, I do like the claws around the center as yours is.

yes it’s hard to find a brown old cut
I think it would look nice with claws and I have seen plenty of lower color clusters like you’re describing

 

[ForteKitty]

I originally thought claw, until I saw the cushion diamond. Seeing the shape and cut, I'm voting bezel! I would love to see the shape defined.

 

[MizNina]

another vote for Bezel it will be gorgeous!